Civil Cases
All civil cases filed in JP Courts now fall under Justice Court. The rules of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Part V, Rule 500 through 510 govern these cases.
There are four (4) types of civil cases that can be filed in Justice Court: Evictions, Small Claims, Debt Claims, and Repair and Remedy.
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Evictions
An eviction case is a lawsuit brought to recover possession of real property, often by a landlord against a tenant.
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Small Claims
A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief allowed by law.
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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.
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Repair and Remedy
A repair and remedy case is a lawsuit filed by a residential tenant under Chapter 92, Subchapter B of the Texas Property Code to enforce the landlord's duty to repair or remedy a condition materially affecting the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant.
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Self-Help Packets
Self-Help Legal Information Packets are provided for the benefit of justice courts and individuals seeking access to justice through the court system.
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Mediation
As a general policy, courts encourage the resolution of matters by means of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADR as a process can often save time and money as compared to the often lengthy and expensive court process.