Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Filing information for Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 in Zapata, TX. Part of the Zapata County small claims court system.
Small claims in Texas — the numbers that apply at this court
$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.
Courthouse Details
Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
301 E. 17th Avenue
Zapata, TX 78076
Mailing Address
200 E. 7th Ave., Ste. 205
Zapata, TX 78076
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Area Served
No specific geographic area information found.
How to File at Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee 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 guideWrong court? Zapata County has 4 courts.
See all 4 courts in Zapata County →Small 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 at Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4?
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 Zapata County?
Small claims cases in Zapata 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 at Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Zapata County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, and when is it open?
Zapata County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 is at 301 E. 17th Avenue, Zapata, TX 78076. Posted hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Phone: (956) 765-6655. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Zapata?
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.