How are trials conducted?
Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. There are no rules of evidence. 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. Small Claims Court cases for Parmer are heard in 3 LOCATIONS throughout Parmer County. 
Are there appeals in small claims court?
Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.
Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?
A Justice of the Peace for Parmer County hears small claims court cases for Parmer County.
Where do I file my small claims court case?
You should file your action in the County and specific Precinct where the defendants reside or where the defendant has contracted to perform. (Government Code Section 28.011).
Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court
You cannot demand or ask for more than $10,000 in a small claims court case. (Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. 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. You could only ask the court for an award of money.
Small Claims Court Case Types
Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. This could be an action to get your security deposit back, or an action to recover money for damage done to your vehicle after a car accident. The only types of cases that are prohibited are an assignment of a claim (whereby you transfer your interest in a case for someone else to collect), a divorce, or a case filed by a collection agency or agents.
Small Claims Court Clerk
The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is an excellent resource for the procedure for small claims court cases in Texas but also any procedures specific to that County or courthouse. It is recommended that you contact the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open during the hours you want to visit. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice.
Can I hire an attorney?
Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. This is largely because the amount at issue in the case is not large enough to justify the hiring of an attorney. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).
Parmer County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Friona
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 635 Friona, TX 79035-0635This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)250-2412. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Bovina
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 896 Bovina, TX 79009This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)251-1356. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Farwell
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 781 Farwell, TX 79325-0781This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)481-9964. And you can email the court by clicking here.