File Small Claims Online in Texas - Step by Step Process

Why use this platform to file? We are an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) for Texas, Illinois, California, Indiana, and Maryland . You can find us on EFILETEXAS.GOV, ILLINOISCOURTS.GOV, CALIFORNIACOURTS.GOV, and IN.GOV . Our platform allows you to file online and complete the entire process seamlessly.
The Process
1. File Petition directly to court in minutes (Realtime)
This step will get you started. Before you start, make sure you meet Small Claims Requirements
File Now
2. Service of Process
Serve the defendant with a legal notice, informing them they have been sued and must respond, typically within 14 days.
Option 1 - Court Service
If the defendant lives in the same county where you filed, the court will prepare a notice informing them about the lawsuit. It?s a good idea to check with the court to make sure the notice was sent.
Option 2 - Personal Service
If the defendant lives in a different county or the court doesn?t handle the service themselves, call the court and ask them to issue a citation. Once you have the citation and the stamped petition, you can arrange for someone, like a sheriff or process server, to deliver the court papers directly to the defendant.
3. Court Sets the Hearing Date
Once the defendant is served and responds (or not), the court sets a hearing date and notifies both parties.
4. Court Hearing
5. Writ
Writ of Execution Use this process to ask the court to order the defendant's property to be seized and sold to satisfy the judgment
File Now
Writ of Garnishment Use this process to ask the court to order a third party (like a bank) to hand over assets they hold for the defendant to satisfy the judgment.
File Now