Posts by LegalAtoms

Overview Winning or losing in Texas small claims court is not always the end of the story. If a party disagrees with the outcome—either because of a legal error, misunderstanding of facts, or procedural issue—Texas law provides a structured way to appeal. However, the appeal process is not simply a re-argument of the same points…

Overview Winning your small claims case in Texas is only half the battle—collecting the money awarded by the court can often take additional effort. A judgment from a Justice Court is a legally binding order requiring the losing party (the debtor) to pay a specific amount to the winning party (the creditor). Yet, the court…

Overview Small claims courts in Texas were designed to be fast, efficient, and accessible. Yet many people underestimate the number of procedural stages involved before a judgment is reached. In general, most small claims cases in Texas take between two to four months from the time of filing to the final hearing, though complex or…

Overview The Texas Small Claims Court offers an accessible and affordable way to resolve monetary disputes under $20,000 without the need for an attorney. As part of the Justice Court system, it is designed to be approachable for individuals and small business owners seeking quick remedies for everyday civil conflicts — such as unpaid debts,…

Overview The Texas Small Claims Court is designed to resolve common civil disputes efficiently, without requiring formal legal training or the expense of hiring an attorney. It is part of the Justice Court system and operates under the authority of Texas Government Code §27.031. These courts have jurisdiction over minor civil cases seeking monetary damages…

Overview In Texas, small claims cases are heard in the Justice Courts, presided over by elected Justices of the Peace. These courts were designed to provide fast, affordable, and accessible resolution for ordinary disputes involving limited sums of money. As of 2025, the monetary limit for a small claims case is $20,000, exclusive of statutory…

Overview In Texas, “small claims” are heard in the Justice Courts. These courts provide a streamlined forum to resolve money-only disputes up to the statutory cap. As of 2025, you can sue for up to $20,000 (excluding statutory interest and court costs, but including attorney’s fees if permitted). Justice Courts cannot force someone to do…

Overview If you plan to operate in Texas under a name different from your legal entity or personal name, you’ll likely file an Assumed Name Certificate (a “DBA”). The cost depends on who you are and where you file. Filing entities (LLC, corporation, LP/LLP, professional association, foreign filing entity) file Form 503 with the Texas Secretary…

Overview In Texas, filing an assumed business name—often called a DBA (“doing business as”) or assumed name—depends on your entity type and where you operate. If you’re a Texas or foreign filing entity (LLC, corporation, LP, LLP, professional association, etc.), you file an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS).…