Lynn County Small Claims Court, Texas

Can I appeal my case?

Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.

Can I file my small claims case in Lynn County?

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).

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.

Judge

A Justice of the Peace for Lynn County hears small claims court cases for Lynn County. Small Claims Court cases for Lynn are heard in 2 LOCATIONS throughout Lynn County.

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. Additionally, the judge is allowed to ask questions of the parties and witnesses, and generally takes a more proactive role in determining the facts of a case. A small claims court trial is much quicker, often lasting between 15-20 minutes. A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.

Do I need A Lawyer?

Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. This is because cases involving $10,000 or less usually do not justify the cost of an attorney. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).

Lynn County Court Clerk

We recommend contacting the Lynn County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. This will ensure the courthouse is open and someone is available to assist with the filing of your claim. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.

Can I file my case in small claims court?

A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Another restriction of small claims court is that a plaintiff can only seek monetary relief (an award of money). The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. For example, if you pay a painter $1,000 to paint your house and the painter does not even begin, you cannot ask the court to issue an order for the painter to paint your house. This type of relief would be injunctive relief.

Lynn County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Tahoka

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 237

Tahoka, TX 79373-0237

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)561-4337. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of O’Donnell