Do I need A Lawyer?
Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. The reasoning behind this is because the amount is $10,000 or less, hiring an attorney becomes cost prohibitive. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.
Are there appeals in small claims court?
A party can appeal a ruling if the amount of the judge’s award is in excess of $250.00.
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).
Small Claims Court Jurisdiction
The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. You cannot seek injunctive relief. Say your landscaper breaks a sprinkler head. You can ask the court for money to replace the sprinkler head, but you cannot ask the court for an order requiring the landscaper to physically replace the sprinkler head. This would be called injunctive relief. Small Claims actions are heard in 2 courthouses throughout Runnels County. 
Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Runnels County
A Justice of the Peace for Runnels County hears small claims court cases for Runnels County.
Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions
We recommend contacting the Runnels County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Runnels County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.
Types of Small Claims Cases
A variety of cases are handled in small claims court. From a security deposit on a rental to a motor vehicle 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.
What can I expect at trial?
Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil trial. This allows the trials to be conducted in a much more informal fashion. Furthermore, the judge is allowed and often ask questions of witnesses and parties to help understand the facts of a case. A small claims court trial is much quicker, often lasting between 15-20 minutes. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Runnels County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Ballinger
This courthouse is located at:
613 Hutchings Ave, Rm 303 Ballinger, TX 76821-5727This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (325)365-2137. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Winters
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 657 Winters, TX 79567This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (325)754-4270. And you can email the court by clicking here.