This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Small Claims Fee Limit in Texas

The small claims fee limit in Texas is $20,000. This ceiling is set by Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1), which defines the jurisdiction of justice courts, where small claims cases are heard under Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510. The $20,000 limit applies to the amount of damages a party may seek, exclusive of interest, court costs, and attorney's fees. Claims exceeding that amount must be filed in a higher court. The Texas Government Code and the Rules of Civil Procedure provide the full framework for this limit, including any exceptions. The worked example below shows how the $20,000 threshold applies in a typical calculation. For a personalized estimate of whether a claim falls within this limit, use the DocketMath calculator.

Governing authority

In Texas, the small claims fee limit rule is set by Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1); Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510 (justice court small-claims procedure post-2013 reform). The verified packet cites Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1); Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510 (justice court small-claims procedure post-2013 reform) (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.27.htm).

Texas small claims fee limit: the verified value is $20,000 under Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1); Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510 (justice court small-claims procedure post-2013 reform). The verified packet cites Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1); Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510 (justice court small-claims procedure post-2013 reform) (https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.27.htm).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the small claims fee limit calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.