Tarrant County Small Claims Court: Filing Fees, Steps, and What to Expect

Where to File in Tarrant County

Small claims cases in Tarrant County are handled by the Justice of the Peace Courts. There is no separate small claims courthouse — JP courts hear small claims, debt claims, and eviction cases in the same building.

Tarrant County has multiple precincts. Venue generally lies in the precinct where the defendant resides, where a tort occurred or contract was breached, or as otherwise allowed under CPRC Chapter 15 and TRCP 502.4. The county website lists each precinct's address and jurisdiction boundaries. Filing in the wrong precinct gives the defendant grounds to challenge venue, so double-check the address before you submit.

Current Fee Schedule (2026)

Tarrant County updated its fee schedule effective January 1, 2026:

The constable service fee in Tarrant County runs higher than Harris County ($65–$80) and Dallas County ($80). Budget for $234 if you're suing two defendants.

E-filing through eFileTexas adds roughly $5 in portal fees plus credit card processing (2.25–3.5%). Paper filing at the clerk's window avoids the portal fee.

Filing Step by Step

1. Send a demand letter to the other side. Not required for most claims, but it shows the judge you tried to resolve the dispute first. For a security deposit claim, the landlord's 30-day return period begins after surrender and written forwarding-address notice; a 10-day demand is standard practice, not a statutory prerequisite. Consumer suits seeking DTPA damages generally require 60 days' written notice under Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 17.505(a), except when notice is impracticable because suit must be filed to prevent the limitations period from expiring or the claim is asserted as a counterclaim.

2. Get the right form. Use the Small Claims Petition for an ordinary unpaid invoice owed directly to an original service provider. Rule 508's Debt Claim track covers claims by assignees and debt collectors as well as financial institutions and entities whose business involves extending credit. The TJCTC (Texas Justice Court Training Center) publishes standardized forms accepted in every Texas county, including Tarrant.

3. Fill it out. Include the defendant's full legal name (check with the Secretary of State's SOSDirect portal if you're suing a business), the precinct number, the facts, the dollar amount (up to $20,000), and a military status statement.

4. File online or in person. eFileTexas is available for all Tarrant County JP courts. Self-represented filers can also walk in. Bring the original petition plus two copies per defendant if you go in person.

5. Pay the filing fee and constable service fee. Both are due at filing. The clerk issues a citation, and the constable delivers it to the defendant.

After Filing

The defendant has 14 calendar days from the day they're served to file a written answer with the court. If they don't respond, you can move for a default judgment once the return of service has been on file for at least 6 calendar days, excluding the day it is filed and the day judgment is signed.

If the defendant does answer, the court sets a hearing date. Tarrant County JP hearings are informal — the formal Texas Rules of Evidence don't apply. Bring printed copies of all evidence (contract, invoices, photos, texts). Three copies: for you, the judge, and the other side.

Either party can request a jury trial by filing a written demand at least 14 days before the trial date and paying the $22 jury fee.

Filing Your Tarrant County Claim

The Texas Small Claims Filing Guide covers the full process from demand letter through the hearing, with a deadline calendar, service tracking log, and evidence organizer that works for every Tarrant County precinct.

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