Lubbock County Small Claims Court, Texas

Are there appeals in small claims court?

Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.

Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court

The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. You cannot seek injunctive relief. For example, you could sue a dry cleaner for ruining your clothes and ask for money to replace the clothes, but you cannot ask the judge for an order for the dry cleaner to repair your clothes. You could only ask the court for an award of money.

Judge

Small claims cases in Lubbock County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Lubbock County.

Lubbock County Court Clerk

The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. This will ensure the courthouse is open and someone is available to assist with the filing of your claim. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice. Small Claims actions are heard in 4 courthouses throughout Lubbock County.

Do I need A Lawyer?

In Texas, small claims parties generally represent themselves without an attorney. The reasoning behind this is because the amount is $10,000 or less, hiring an attorney becomes cost prohibitive. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).

Types of Small Claims Cases

A variety of cases are handled in small claims court. Cases include damages from an automobile accident, a security deposit from a landlord, or breach of a contract. However, small claims court cannot handle assignments of claims (where one person transfers their interest in an action to another), a divorce proceedings, and cases filed by collection agencies or agents.

What is the trial like?

The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. Generally the judge will ask questions to help develop the facts and understand the context and circumstances surrounding the case. It will likely be pretty quick. However, if a party wishes for a jury trial, it will likely last a few hours.

Where do I file my small claims court case?

In order to follow correct procedure, a small claims case needs to be filed in the proper county and precinct. In Texas, the action is filed in the County and Precinct where the defendants reside or where a contract was to be performed. (Government Code Section 28.011).

Lubbock County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Lubbock

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 10536

Lubbock, TX 79408-3536

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)775-1547. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Lubbock

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 10536

Lubbock, TX 79408-3536

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)775-1556.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Lubbock

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 10536, Ste 111

Lubbock, TX 79408-3536

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)775-1326. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Lubbock

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 10536

Lubbock, TX 79408-3536

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)775-1540. And you can email the court by clicking here.