Dallas County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Dallas County, TX. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Dallas area.
Small claims in Texas — the numbers for Dallas County courts
$20,000
maximum claim
from $54
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–4 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Texas small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Dallas County has 10 independent courts
How to choose: By defendant's residence or where the cause of action arose
All Courts in Dallas County
JP 1-1 — Judge Thomas G. Jones (South Dallas Government Center)
8301 S. Polk Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75232
JP 1-2 — Judge Valencia Nash (South Dallas Government Center)
8301 S. Polk Street, Suite 2200
Dallas, TX 75232
JP 2-1 — Judge Margaret O'Brien (Garland Office)
140 N. Garland Avenue
Garland, TX 75040
JP 2-2 — Judge Katina Whitfield (Mesquite Government Center)
500 S. Galloway Avenue, Suite P200
Mesquite, TX 75149
JP 3-1 — Judge Adam M. Swartz (North Dallas Government Center)
6820 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 3100
Dallas, TX 75240
JP 3-2 — Judge Steven Seider (North Dallas Government Center)
6820 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75240
JP 4-1 — Judge Michael Jones Jr (Grand Prairie Government Center)
106 W. Church Street, Suite 205
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
JP 4-2 — Judge Sasha Moreno (Grand Prairie Government Center)
106 W. Church Street, Suite 210
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
JP 5-1 — Judge Sara Martinez (East Dallas Government Center)
3443 St. Francis Avenue
Dallas, TX 75228
JP 5-2 — Judge Juan Jasso (Oak Cliff Government Center)
702 E. Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75203
How to File in Dallas County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Texas
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $20,000.
Limit raised to $20,000 effective October 2025. Filed in Justice of the Peace courts. Texas does not allow wage garnishment for most consumer debts.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
4 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 2 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Dallas County?
Filing fees in Texas are set by the state and run from $54 to $99, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Texas offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Dallas County?
Small claims cases in Dallas County are limited to $20,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Dallas County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Dallas County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Dallas County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.