Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions
The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Val Verde 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.
Can I appeal my case?
Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.
Do I need to hire an Attorney?
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. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.
Where do I file my small claims court case?
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).
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). Small claims parties can only recover money. You cannot seek injunctive 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. You could only ask the court for an award of money.
Judge
Small claims cases in Val Verde County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Val Verde County. Small Claims actions are heard in 4 courthouses throughout Val Verde County. 
What can I expect at trial?
The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal 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.
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.
Val Verde County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Del Rio
This courthouse is located at:
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)774-7545. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Del Rio
This courthouse is located at:
309 Mills St, 2nd Fl, Ste A Del Rio, TX 78840This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)774-7579. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Del Rio
This courthouse is located at:
309 Mills St, 2nd Fl, Ste B Del Rio, TX 78840This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)774-7511. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Del Rio
This courthouse is located at:
309 Mills St, 2nd Fl, Ste C Del Rio, TX 78840-5165This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)774-7581. And you can email the court by clicking here.