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Austin Small Claims Court

Travis County Justice of the Peace Courts (Justice Court, small claims cases), Travis County.

Last checked November 1, 2026

Which court

Travis County has 5 Justice of the Peace precincts. Texas rules generally point to the precinct where the defendant lives, where the incident happened, or where a contract was to be performed. Use the county's JP precinct map to check.

Where and how to file

Limit$20,000
CourtTravis County Justice of the Peace Courts (Justice Court, small claims cases)
File onlineeFileTexas, https://www.efiletexas.gov
Fees$54 to file, plus $90 service for each party served in Travis County, for $144 with one defendant. Rates are as of January 1, 2026.
TimingCourts don't publish a usual wait. The defendant has 14 days after service to answer. Precinct 5 sets contested hearings once either side asks in writing, and default hearings also need a written request.
Serving papersA constable or sheriff serves the citation for $90 per party in Travis County. Citation service by mail is listed at $18.88. For service outside the county or by private process, the citation comes back to you to arrange.

Travis County Justice of the Peace Courts (Justice Court, small claims cases) small claims page

Good to know here

Hours, fees and locations change. Call the court or check its site before you go.

Keep going

State guideTexas small claimsLimits, deadlines and how the process works.ToolDemand Letter BuilderOften the step that settles it before court.

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General information to help you get organized, last checked November 1, 2026. It isn't legal advice, and SueYou isn't a law firm. Laws change and every case is different, so confirm anything important with a lawyer or the court. No lawyer has reviewed this page yet.