Sherman County Small Claims Court, Texas

What can I expect at trial?

The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. 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. 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.

Can I appeal my case?

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

Types of Small Claims Cases

Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. From a security deposit on a rental to a motor vehicle accident. 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.

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Sherman County

A Justice of the Peace for Sherman County hears small claims court cases for Sherman County.

Do I need A Lawyer?

In Texas, small claims parties generally 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).

Can I file my case in small claims court?

The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. You are unable to seek injunctive or equitable 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. You could only ask the court for an award of money. Small Claims actions are heard in 1 courthouses throughout Sherman County.

Small Claims Court Clerk

We recommend contacting the Sherman County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. 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. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.

Can I file my small claims case in Sherman 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).

Sherman County Court Locations

Countywide Courthouse in the City of Stratford

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 342

Stratford, TX 79084

This courthouse handles cases for Countywide. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)366-5645. And you can email the court by clicking here.