Walker County Small Claims Court, Texas

Are Appeals Allowed?

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

Limit (or Jurisdiction) of 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, you could sue a dry cleaner for ruining your clothes and ask for money to replace the clothes, but you cannot ask the judge for an order for the dry cleaner to repair your clothes. You could only ask the court for an award of money.

Types of Cases

Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard 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.

Do I need A Lawyer?

In Texas, small claims parties generally represent themselves without an attorney. The reasoning behind this is because the amount is $10,000 or less, hiring an attorney becomes cost prohibitive. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).

Small Claims Court Venue

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). Walker County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 4 courthouses in Walker County.

Walker County Small Claims Court
Walker County Small Claims Court

How are trials conducted?

Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. 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 Clerk

The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their case. This will ensure the courthouse is open and someone is available to assist with the filing of your claim. While the clerk can help you with procedural issues, the clerk is not able to give legal advice. They will direct you to an attorney if answering your question would require that.

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Walker County

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

Walker County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Huntsville

This courthouse is located at:

717 FM 2821 W, Ste 300
Huntsville, TX 77320

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)436-4966. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Huntsville

This courthouse is located at:

102 Tam Rd, Ste A
Huntsville, TX 77320

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)436-4977. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Huntsville

This courthouse is located at:

2986A SH 19
Huntsville, TX 77320-0450

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)436-4988.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of New Waverly

This courthouse is located at:

9360 SH 75 S
New Waverly, TX 77358-4224

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)435-8750. And you can email the court by clicking here.

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

  1. To file on an automobile accident that occurred at 169 IH45S, which precinct would I file in? Also, do I have to have my car repaired and paid for, or can I submit legitimate repair estimates and file for the estimated amount?

    Reply

Leave a Comment