Debt Claim and Small Claim Cases

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Where are you in the process?

I want to file a case - 1

Start here as a plaintiff

I want to file a case - 2

14-day deadline to respond

I want to file a case - 3

A pre-trial mediation hearing has been scheduled

I want to file a case - 4

A judgment has been entered

Debt Claim and Small Claim Cases

What is a Debt Claim?

A debt claim case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by an assignee of a claim, a debt collector or
collection agency, a financial institution, or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending
money at interest. Debt claim cases in justice court are governed by Rules 500-507 and 508 of Part V of
the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 508 and the rest of Part V, Rule
508 applies.

What is a Small Claim?

A small claims case is a lawsuit brought to recover money damages, civil penalties, personal property,
or other relief allowed by law. Small claims cases are governed by Rules 500-507 of Part V of the Rules of
Civil Procedure. 

Jurisdictional Limits in Justice Courts

  • Justice Courts have jurisdiction over civil matters in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $20,000.
    This limit excludes statutory interest and court costs but includes attorney fees, if applicable.
  • To determine the closest Justice Court Precinct for your case, please
    visit Tarrant County Comprehensive Address Information Directory.
  • For information on Justice Court Rules, forms, procedural standards, and each courts local rules,
    please visit the please visit Texas Judicial Branch Rules and Forms webpage.

Additional guidance, including filing procedures, case types commonly heard in Justice Courts, and court contact
information, may be found on the Tarrant County Justice Court website or by contacting your local precinct office.

Representing yourself?

If you are representing yourself and are not represented by an attorney, we have additional resources available to help you better understand the legal process.

Self-Represented Litigant Resources 

Justice Court Civil Case Process

Filing and Responding Petition and AnswerPre-Trial Mediation After Answer is filedTrial If Mediation does not resolve the disputePost-Judgment if judgement is unpaidReceivership Receiver may be appointed

 

I Want To File A Case

1. File your petition

  • To start a debt or small claim case, filers must submit a Petition along with a Military Affidavit and, when needed, a Certificate of Last Known Address. These documents ensure the court has the information required to open the case, verify whether the defendant is protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and confirm the correct address for legal notices. Filing all required documents at once prevents delays, ensures legal compliance, and allows the court to proceed properly with the claim.

2. Pay the filing fee

  • The filing fee covers the court’s administrative costs to open and process the case, while the service fee pays for the constable to deliver the citation and legal documents to the defendant, ensuring they receive official notice of the lawsuit.
    • $54 filing fee – Covers the court’s administrative cost to open and process your debt claim case.
    • $90 service fee (per defendant) – Pays the constable to serve the citation and officially notify the defendant of the lawsuit.

3. Important Information Regarding Exhibits

  • Although not required at the time of filing, it is encouraged that you include any exhibits you might have to prove your case with your initial filing.

 

 

 

A Case is Filed Against you

1. What is a Debt or Small Claim

  • If a debt claim case has been filed against you, it means a creditor or debt collector is suing you to recover an alleged debt. 
  • If a small claims case has been filed against you, it means someone is suing you to recover money or property in a simplified court process designed for minor civil disputes.

You will receive a citation from the court explaining the lawsuit and your answer due date. It’s important to review all documents carefully and respond on time. 

2. How to File your Answer with the Court

  • What an Answer Is: An Answer is a document you can file to let the court know you received the lawsuit and want to participate in the case by disagreeing with the claims and requiring the plaintiff to provide proof. It must be filed within 14 days of being served, or on the next business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday.

  • How to File an Answer:

    • Submit the Answer form to the same Justice Court listed on the paperwork you received. To file an answer with Justice Court, Pct. 1 click on File my Answer below.

3. What is next?

  • Justice Court, Pct. 1 believes mediation is a valuable opportunity for parties to resolve their case and therefore schedules Pre‑Trial Mediation once an Answer is received. After the court receives your Answer, the mediation date will be set, and a notice will be sent to the email you provided; if no email is on file, the notice will be mailed to your address.

Self-Represented Litigants (Helpful Information)

The Court provides self‑help packets to help you understand the process and prepare your defense, including what to expect at your hearing and how mediation may help resolve the matter.

When a Debt Claim Case Has Been Filed Against You
Filing a Small Claims Case
How to Better Prepare for Your Case (Pre-Trial Mediation for Debt Claims)
Un caso de reclamos menores ha sido presentado en su contra
Un caso de reclamación de deuda en su contra
Cómo presentar un caso de reclamos menores
Cómo prepararse para su caso (mediación previa al juicio)
When a Small Claims Case Has Been Filed Against You

What is mediation?

In Court Pre-Trial Mediation

 

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral attorney helps both parties communicate, explore options, and work toward a settlement that both sides find acceptable. It supports the state’s policy of encouraging peaceful dispute resolution and early settlement outside of court. Through mediation, parties can openly discuss all issues and create practical solutions—such as agreeing on the amount of a debt and setting up a workable payment plan, allowing them to maintain control over how their case is resolved.

This differs significantly from a trial, where a judge issues a ruling that may leave both parties dissatisfied and often provides less flexibility. In many cases, both sides walk away from a trial feeling like they’ve lost. Mediation avoids that outcome by giving parties the opportunity to reach mutually agreeable terms and settle their dispute in a way that fits their specific circumstances.

 



Pre-Trial Mediation FAQ

  1. Steps to take
  2. Understanding
  3. Costs and Payment
  4. Notice and Attendance
  5. How Mediation works
  6. Possible Outcomes
  7. What to bring
  8. Other Information

You received this notice because someone has filed a debt claim case against you, meaning someone is alleging that you owe them a debt and is asking the Court to order you to pay it. The party who files the debt claim suit is referred to as the Plaintiff, and the party they allege owes a debt is referred to as the Defendant.

This commonly occurs in debt claim cases. Often, the company listed as the Plaintiff is not the original company you did business with. Companies can sell or transfer the debt they are owed to another company, which gives the new company (the one suing you) the right to collect the debt.

First, you need to check to make sure that you were served properly. You should have received both a copy of the complaint and the court summons.

Second, you have fourteen (14) days to file a document called an “Answer,” which is the formal legal response that you, as the Defendant, must give to the Court. The Answer form you need can be found at the Tarrant County Justice Courts website found here.

An answer is a formal legal document where you either deny or admit to the claim(s) against you. It must be filed with the same court where the original case was filed. If you do not file an answer within fourteen (14) days, the Court may rule in favor of the person or company that sued you without hearing your side, and you could be ordered to pay the amount they are asking for.

The next step is to appear at the Pre-Trial Mediation. The date, time, and location are on your Notice to Appear for Pre-Trial Mediation. Pre-Trial Mediation gives both sides a chance to talk through the dispute with a neutral mediator and try to reach an agreement before a trial is held. Many cases are resolved at mediation, which can save time, money, and the stress of going to court.

No. Mediation is not a trial. No judge decides who wins or loses. Instead, a neutral mediator helps both sides talk through the dispute and explore possible agreements.

No. Attending mediation does not mean you admit that you owe the debt. You may disagree with the claim and still take part in mediation. Participating simply gives you a chance to discuss the case and explore possible solutions.

An independent mediator (usually an attorney) is assigned by the court on the day of mediation. The mediator is neutral, does not represent either party, and does not know the facts of your case in advance.

Yes. The mediation fee is $60 per side, payable directly to the mediator.

Payment methods may include cash, money order, electronic payment, or another method accepted by the mediator.

You should explain your financial hardship to the mediator at the mediation session. Fee issues may be discussed at that time.

After a defendant files an answer, the court may set the case for Pre-Trial Mediation instead of immediately setting a trial date. The notice informs you of the date, time, and location.

Yes. Attendance is mandatory. Please arrive 30 minutes early to check in with the court.

If the Plaintiff fails to appear, the court may dismiss the case.

If the Defendant fails to appear, the court may proceed without you. This can result in the Court hearing the Plaintiff’s evidence and entering a judgment against you, meaning you could lose the case without having your side heard.

Yes. Bring your case number and have it ready when you check in with the court clerk.

The judge will explain the mediation process then will go through the list of cases scheduled for that day and call each case name or number out loud. When your case is called, you will be asked to respond so the Court can confirm that you are present and ready to proceed. The judge will then ask whether the parties are willing to participate in mediation. If so, the case is then assigned to a mediator; if not, then a trial date is set.

Each party gives a brief explanation of their position. The mediator may meet with the parties together or separately and help the parties discuss possible settlement options.

Yes. Communications during mediation are confidential and generally cannot be used later in court if the case goes to trial, with limited exceptions such as threats of criminal conduct or evidence of abuse.

No. Mediation only results in a final decision if both sides agree in writing. If you and the other party sign a written agreement, it becomes binding and must be followed by both parties. Agreeing to participate in pre-trial mediation does not require the parties to come to an agreement; it only requires that both sides participate and try to work toward a possible solution.

Yes. Either party may be represented by an attorney, but an attorney is not required.

The mediator will put it in writing and have both parties sign a Settlement Agreement and a Form for Final Disposition, which are then filed with the Court.

If mediation is unsuccessful, the mediator will notify the Court, and the case will be set for trial.

For the mediation, bring every piece of evidence you believe necessary, such as, but not limited to:

  1. Contracts/account agreements;
  2. Documents showing how you calculated the amount owed;
  3. Printed emails, text messages, or other correspondence with the opposing party;
  4. Proof that you cannot afford to pay the amount claimed, if applicable; and
  5. Proof of any payments you have already made.

This FAQ applies to Pre‑Trial Mediation in Debt Claim cases filed in some Texas Justice Courts, including Ralph Swearingin, Jr. Justice Court, Precinct 1, Tarrant County, Texas.

Debt Claim cases are governed primarily by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 508, along with Rules 500–507, which can be found here. Additional resources are available through organizations like Texas Law Help, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas Appleseed’s Debt Collection Toolkit. Links to these resources can be found online and are also included in the Debt Claim and Pre-Trial Mediation Packet.

Important Communication

All court communications are conducted electronically. Notices, copies, judgments, and documents
from the Court will come from JP1court@tarrantcountytx.gov. Add this address to your contacts to
avoid missing important notices.

View and Read our Local Rules

Information provided here is intended to assist litigants in understanding and accessing the court
system. This material does not constitute legal advice, and the court does not guarantee the
accuracy, completeness, or current status of the information provided.

This page was last modified on November 03, 2026