Stephens County Small Claims Court, Texas

Can I file my small claims case in Stephens County?

The action is generally filed in the County and Precinct where the defendants reside (where they live) or where location where the Defendants contracted themselves to perform. (Texas Government Code Section 28.011). Stephens County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 1 courthouses in Stephens County.

Stephens County Small Claims Court
Stephens County Small Claims Court

Can I file my case in small claims court?

The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Another restriction of small claims court is that a plaintiff can only seek monetary relief (an award of money). You are unable to seek injunctive or equitable relief. 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.

What is the trial like?

Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. This allows the trials to be conducted in a much more informal fashion. 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. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Stephens County

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

Do I need to 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).

Are there appeals in small claims court?

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

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their 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.

Small Claims Court Case Types

Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard in small claims court. Cases include damages from an automobile accident, a security deposit from a landlord, or breach of a contract. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.

Stephens County Court Locations

Countywide Courthouse in the City of Breckenridge

This courthouse is located at:

200 W Walker, 3rd Fl
Breckenridge, TX 76424-3554

This courthouse handles cases for Countywide. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (254)559-5322. And you can email the court by clicking here.

1 thought on “Stephens County Small Claims Court, Texas”

  1. I talked to you about 3mth ago pertaining my suit against Aaron’s rental..I initially went into the store to lease a Living room suit an a bedroom suit…The manager at the time from wat I hear around town beat slot people out there money. In my case most all my payments that the old manager had me pay is not in the system an he got fired because he was stealing money (different peoples payments…) so now the store is trying to pick my things up for no payment…I have all my recits an payments that I made to the store an to (javiair).THE MANANGER TOLD ME THAT HE WOULD BE COMMING BY AFTER HRS TO PICK MY PAYMENT UP BEING I WAS WORKING OUTTA TOWN AT THE TIME…NONE OF THOES PAYMENTS ARE NOT IN THE BOOKS AS WELL.

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