eFileTexas Post-Judgment Filing: How to Submit Writs and Motions Online

You've won your Texas Justice Court case and now need to file enforcement documents — a Writ of Execution request, a Writ of Garnishment application, or a Motion to Compel discovery responses. In many Texas counties, that means using eFileTexas.gov, and the interface isn't designed with self-represented filers in mind.

When eFileTexas Is Required vs. Optional

Whether you must e-file depends on your county. Licensed attorneys are required to e-file in all Texas courts. Pro se (self-represented) filers face a patchwork of local rules:

• Mandatory e-filing counties — Denton County JP Precinct 1 eliminated paper filings entirely as of December 1, 2025. Precinct 5 went mandatory on April 1, 2024. Harris County and Dallas County heavily encourage it.
• Optional e-filing counties — Many rural precincts still accept paper filings at the clerk's window.

Check your specific JP precinct's website or call the clerk's office. If e-filing isn't required, you can file in person — which lets the clerk catch obvious errors before accepting the documents.

eFileTexas vs. eFileTexas Self-Help (Guide & File)

eFileTexas offers two separate portals:

eFileTexas Self-Help (Guide & File) walks you through interview-style questions to generate documents automatically. It works well for initial small claims petitions. For post-judgment enforcement, it has significant gaps — it doesn't offer guided interviews for Writs of Garnishment, turnover motions, or post-judgment discovery requests.

The main eFileTexas portal is what you'll use for post-judgment filings. You prepare your own documents as PDFs, then upload them through the filing interface. This requires you to know the correct filing codes, document types, and security designations.

How to File a Post-Judgment Document

1. Prepare your document as a PDF. Type your motion, application, or affidavit using the format your Justice Court accepts. Some precincts provide downloadable form templates on their websites.

2. Log in to eFileTexas.gov. Create a free account if you don't have one. Select "File into Existing Case" and enter your case number.

3. Select the correct filing code. This is where most rejections happen. Common post-judgment filing codes include:

   • Application for Writ of Execution
   • Application for Writ of Garnishment
   • Motion to Compel Discovery
   • Affidavit (supporting a writ application)

   If you can't find an exact match, use the closest general category and add a description. The clerk reviews every filing and will contact you if the code is wrong.

4. Upload your PDF. Set the document lead type (usually "Lead Document") and check whether the filing requires confidential or sensitive data designation under TRCP Rule 21c.

5. Pay the filing fee. eFileTexas accepts credit and debit cards. Fees vary by document type and county.

6. Submit and track. The system sends you an email confirmation with a filing envelope number. The clerk reviews the filing and either accepts it (it's officially filed) or rejects it with a reason. Rejection means you need to fix the issue and re-submit — you're not charged again for the rejected filing.

Common Post-Judgment Filings

Request for Writ of Execution — Filed after 30 days have passed from judgment signing or denial of a post-judgment motion under TRCP Rule 627. Upload the application and pay the issuance fee ($5–$8). Once accepted, the clerk prepares the writ and delivers it to the Constable.

Application for Writ of Garnishment — Requires a sworn affidavit stating you hold a valid final judgment and that ordinary execution won't satisfy it. Upload both the application and the affidavit as separate documents in the same filing envelope.

Motion to Compel Discovery — When the debtor ignores your post-judgment interrogatories, file this motion with a copy of the original discovery requests and proof of service.

Abstract of Judgment request — Some counties let you request this through eFileTexas; others require an in-person visit to the clerk's window.

Avoiding Rejections

The most common rejection reasons for pro se post-judgment filings:

• Wrong filing code selected
• Missing sworn affidavit (required for garnishment applications)
• Sensitive data not redacted per TRCP Rule 21c (Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and birth dates must be masked)
• Filing into the wrong case number or precinct

The Collecting a Small Claims Judgment in Texas guide includes filing code references and document checklists for each enforcement tool so you can get the submission right the first time.

See more Texas guides →