Small Claims Petition - Texas

SMALL CLAIMS PETITION

JUSTICE COURT — STATE OF TEXAS

FILING INSTRUCTIONS AND OVERVIEW

Court: Justice Court (also called Justice of the Peace Court or "JP Court")
Governing Rules: Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510 (Part V — Rules of Practice in Justice Courts)
Jurisdictional Limit: $20,000 (exclusive of statutory interest and court costs, but inclusive of attorney's fees if recoverable)
Attorney Representation: Permitted — any party may appear with or without an attorney
Appeal: To County Court at Law (trial de novo) within 21 days
Discovery: Generally not available in small claims cases (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.9)

KEY TEXAS DISTINCTIONS:
- $20,000 limit — highest small claims limit in the nation, making Texas Justice Court useful for substantial consumer claims
- No formal discovery — no depositions, interrogatories, or requests for production in small claims (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.9)
- DTPA claims — Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act claims can be filed in small claims court, but require a mandatory 60-day pre-suit notice (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505)
- Trial de novo on appeal — completely new trial in County Court
- Jury trial available — either party may demand a jury trial in Justice Court ($22 fee)

PART I — COURT IDENTIFICATION AND CAPTION

IN THE JUSTICE COURT

PRECINCT [____], PLACE [____]

[________________________________] COUNTY, TEXAS

PLAINTIFF INFORMATION

Note: Texas Rule 500.3(b) requires petitions to include the last three digits of the Plaintiff's driver's license number or, if no driver's license, the last three digits of their Social Security number.

If Plaintiff is a business entity:

DEFENDANT INFORMATION

Defendant #1:

Defendant #2 (if applicable):

Note: For business entities, verify the correct legal name and registered agent through the Texas Secretary of State: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml

AMOUNT CLAIMED: $[________________________________] (not to exceed $20,000 exclusive of statutory interest and court costs)

PART II — JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT

1. This Court has jurisdiction over this action pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1) because the amount in controversy, exclusive of statutory interest and court costs, does not exceed $20,000.

2. This is a small claims case as defined by Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.3 — a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief allowed by law.

3. The Plaintiff has the legal capacity to bring this action.

4. The Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court.

5. The total amount in controversy is $[________________________________], exclusive of statutory interest and court costs.

PART III — VENUE

Venue is proper in Precinct [____] of [________________________________] County, Texas, pursuant to Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.4 and Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 15 because (check all that apply):

☐ The Defendant resides in this county (general venue — § 15.002)
☐ All or a substantial part of the events giving rise to the claim occurred in this county (§ 15.002(a)(1))
☐ The contract was to be performed in this county
☐ The Defendant has a principal office in this state in this county (§ 15.002(a)(3))
☐ The property that is the subject of this suit is located in this county
☐ The Defendant operates, conducts, engages in, or carries on a business or venture in this county
☐ The obligation arose in this county

Specific venue basis within the precinct:
☐ The Defendant resides in this precinct
☐ The obligation was to be performed in this precinct
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Note: Texas Justice Courts are divided into precincts. You generally must file in the correct precinct within the county. Check the county's Justice Court website for precinct boundaries.

PART IV — NATURE OF CLAIM

Select the type(s) of claim (check all that apply):

☐ Breach of Contract — Defendant failed to perform obligations under a written or oral agreement
☐ Defective Goods or Services — Goods or services provided were defective, substandard, or not as represented
☐ Security Deposit Dispute — Landlord failed to return security deposit within 30 days or wrongfully withheld deductions (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103)
☐ Property Damage — Defendant caused damage to Plaintiff's real or personal property
☐ Auto Repair Dispute — Vehicle repair was defective, unauthorized, or overcharged
☐ Lemon Law / Motor Vehicle — Vehicle qualifies under the Texas Lemon Law (Tex. Occ. Code § 2301.601 et seq.)
☐ Home Improvement / Construction Dispute — Contractor failed to perform, performed defectively, or abandoned project
☐ Deceptive Trade Practices (DTPA) — Defendant engaged in false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.46)
☐ DTPA Pre-Suit Notice Sent: Yes, on [__/__/____] ☐ No — WARNING: 60-day pre-suit notice is MANDATORY
☐ Debt Collection Violation — Defendant violated FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.) or Texas Debt Collection Act (Tex. Fin. Code § 392)
☐ Unpaid Wages — Employer failed to pay wages owed (Tex. Lab. Code § 61.011 et seq.)
☐ Return of Personal Property — Defendant wrongfully retains Plaintiff's personal property
☐ Bad Check — Defendant issued a check that was dishonored (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 3.506; Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33)
☐ Sworn Account — Claim on a sworn account for goods sold, services rendered, or labor performed (Tex. R. Civ. P. 185)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART V — DTPA PRE-SUIT NOTICE (IF APPLICABLE)

MANDATORY FOR DTPA CLAIMS: Under Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505, a consumer must give the defendant written notice of the claim at least 60 days before filing suit. Failure to provide proper notice can result in abatement of the lawsuit.

DTPA Pre-Suit Notice Details

☐ This claim includes a DTPA cause of action
☐ Written pre-suit notice was sent to the Defendant on [__/__/____]

Contents of the notice (required elements under § 17.505(a)):
☐ Specific complaint described in reasonable detail
☐ Amount of economic damages claimed: $[________________________________]
☐ Amount of attorney's fees claimed: $[________________________________]
☐ Amount of damages for mental anguish claimed (if any): $[________________________________]
☐ Factual basis for the claim

Method of delivery:
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested
☐ Personal delivery
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Defendant's response to the notice:
☐ No response within 60 days
☐ Defendant made a settlement offer of $[____] on [__/__/____], which was ☐ accepted ☐ rejected
☐ Defendant denied the claim
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Note: Under § 17.505(d), if the defendant makes a settlement offer that the consumer rejects and the court later awards damages equal to or less than the offer, the consumer cannot recover attorney's fees for work performed after the rejection.

PART VI — STATEMENT OF FACTS

A. Background and Relationship Between the Parties

On or about [__/__/____], the Plaintiff and Defendant entered into the following relationship or transaction:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

B. Detailed Description of Events

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

C. Defendant's Breach or Wrongful Conduct

The Defendant breached the agreement, violated applicable law, and/or engaged in wrongful conduct by:

1. [________________________________]
2. [________________________________]
3. [________________________________]
4. [________________________________]

D. Harm Suffered by Plaintiff

As a direct and proximate result of Defendant's conduct, Plaintiff suffered the following harm:

1. [________________________________]
2. [________________________________]
3. [________________________________]

PART VII — DAMAGES CALCULATION

A. Itemized Damages

LIMIT NOTE: The $20,000 jurisdictional limit is inclusive of attorney's fees (if recoverable) but exclusive of statutory interest and court costs. Include attorney's fees in the total claim amount.

B. Statutory Damages Available (Texas-Specific)

Note: DTPA treble damages can easily push a claim over $20,000. If your DTPA claim with treble damages exceeds $20,000, you must either waive the excess or file in County Court at Law or District Court.

C. Interest

Texas pre-judgment interest rate: 5% per annum on judgments (Tex. Fin. Code § 304.003), unless a different rate applies by contract. Post-judgment interest: 5% per annum or the rate specified in the contract, whichever is higher (Tex. Fin. Code § 304.003).

Interest accrues from:
☐ The date of breach: [__/__/____]
☐ The date of demand: [__/__/____]
☐ 180 days after the date the Defendant received written notice of the claim (Tex. Fin. Code § 304.104)
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART VIII — RELIEF REQUESTED

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court enter judgment in Plaintiff's favor and against Defendant as follows:

1. Actual/economic damages in the amount of $[________________________________]
2. Statutory/additional damages in the amount of $[________________________________] (if applicable)
3. Pre-judgment interest at the rate of [____]% per annum from [__/__/____]
4. Attorney's fees in the amount of $[________________________________] (if recoverable under statute or contract)
5. Court costs, including filing fees and service costs
6. Post-judgment interest at the applicable statutory rate
7. Such other and further relief as this Court deems just and equitable

PART IX — PRIOR DEMAND AND RESOLUTION ATTEMPTS

A. General Demand History

☐ Written demand letter sent to Defendant on [__/__/____] via:
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested
☐ Regular first-class mail
☐ Email to: [________________________________]
☐ Hand delivery

☐ Demand amount: $[________________________________]
☐ Response deadline given: [__/__/____]

☐ Defendant's response:
☐ No response received
☐ Defendant refused to pay
☐ Defendant disputed the claim — reason: [________________________________]
☐ Defendant offered partial payment of $[____] which was ☐ accepted ☐ rejected
☐ Other: [________________________________]

B. DTPA Pre-Suit Notice (if applicable — see Part V above)

☐ DTPA pre-suit notice sent on [__/__/____]
☐ 60-day waiting period has expired as of [__/__/____]

C. Other Resolution Attempts

☐ Telephone conversation(s) with Defendant on [__/__/____]
☐ In-person meeting on [__/__/____]
☐ Mediation attempted on [__/__/____] — result: [________________________________]
☐ Complaint filed with Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division on [__/__/____]
☐ Complaint filed with BBB on [__/__/____]
☐ Complaint filed with TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) on [__/__/____]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART X — EVIDENCE CHECKLIST

Contracts and Agreements

☐ Written contract(s) or agreement(s)
☐ Purchase orders, invoices, or receipts
☐ Warranty or guarantee documents
☐ Lease or rental agreement
☐ Work orders or service agreements
☐ Estimates, bids, or proposals
☐ DTPA pre-suit notice letter and proof of delivery

Communications

☐ Demand letter(s) and proof of mailing/delivery
☐ Email correspondence (printed with headers)
☐ Text messages (printed with dates)
☐ Letters or written communications
☐ Notes of telephone conversations

Financial Records

☐ Bank statements showing payments
☐ Canceled checks (front and back)
☐ Credit/debit card statements
☐ Repair estimates from multiple sources
☐ Receipts for replacement goods/services
☐ Payroll records (for wage claims)

Photographs and Physical Evidence

☐ Photographs of damaged property (dated)
☐ Photographs of defective goods
☐ Before/after photographs
☐ Video recordings
☐ Physical evidence (damaged items)

Third-Party Documentation

☐ Expert opinions or appraisals
☐ Inspection reports
☐ Police reports
☐ Government agency complaints (AG, TDLR)
☐ Texas SOS business entity search results
☐ Contractor license verification (TDLR)

Witness Information

☐ Witness #1: [________________________________] — Testimony: [________________________________]
☐ Witness #2: [________________________________] — Testimony: [________________________________]
☐ Witness #3: [________________________________] — Testimony: [________________________________]

Timeline

☐ Prepared chronological summary of all key events

PART XI — FILING INSTRUCTIONS — TEXAS JUSTICE COURT

Step 1: Determine the Correct Court

File in the Justice Court for the correct precinct within the correct county where venue is proper.

Finding Your Justice Court:

• Each Texas county is divided into precincts (typically 1-8), each with its own Justice of the Peace Court
• Check your county's website for precinct maps and Justice Court locations
• Texas Justice Court Training Center: https://www.tjctc.org

Step 2: Obtain the Petition Form

• Many Justice Courts provide their own small claims petition forms
• Texas Justice Court Training Center provides sample forms: https://www.tjctc.org/srl/
• You may use this template as your petition or as a supplement to the court's form
• The petition must comply with Tex. R. Civ. P. 502 (requirements for petitions)

Step 3: Filing Fees

• Filing fees are set by Tex. Local Gov't Code § 135.103 and § 133.151(a-1)
• Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (if accepted)
• If you cannot afford the fee, file an Affidavit of Indigency (Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.3(c))

Step 4: File the Petition

In-Person Filing:

• Bring the petition to the Justice Court Clerk's office during business hours
• The Clerk assigns a cause number and hearing date
• Hearing is typically scheduled 30-45 days after filing
• Retain your file-stamped copy

E-Filing (where available):

• Some Texas counties require or permit e-filing for Justice Courts
• Check if your county's Justice Court participates in mandatory e-filing
• E-filing portal: https://efile.txcourts.gov

Step 5: Serve the Defendant

• See Part XII below for service requirements

PART XII — SERVICE OF PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

Methods of Service (Tex. R. Civ. P. 501.2)

Option 1: Service by Constable or Sheriff (Default Method)
☐ The county constable or sheriff serves the citation and petition on the Defendant
☐ Fee: approximately $75-$150 (varies by county)
☐ Pay the service fee at the time of filing
☐ The constable/sheriff attempts personal service at the Defendant's address
☐ A return of service is filed with the Court

Option 2: Service by Authorized Private Process Server
☐ A private process server authorized by Tex. R. Civ. P. 501.2 may serve the documents
☐ The process server must be certified under Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 156 or court order
☐ An affidavit of service must be filed with the Court

Option 3: Service by Certified Mail (Court Clerk)
☐ The Court Clerk sends the citation by certified mail, return receipt requested, with delivery restricted to the addressee
☐ Service is complete when the Defendant signs the return receipt
☐ If the mail is returned unclaimed or refused, service is NOT complete

Option 4: Alternative Service (Substitute or Posting)
☐ If personal service fails after diligent effort, file a Motion for Substituted Service (Tex. R. Civ. P. 501.3)
☐ The Court may authorize service by posting at the courthouse door, by publication, or other means
☐ Service by posting is available only as a last resort

Service on Business Entities

Service Deadlines

• The Defendant must be served at least 14 days before the hearing (Tex. R. Civ. P. 501.1(b) — answer date)
• The Defendant has until 14 days after service to file a written answer
• If service is not completed, notify the Court and request a continuance

Proof of Service (Return of Citation)

• The officer or process server files a return of citation with the Court
• The return must state the date and manner of service
• Verify that the return has been filed before the hearing date

PART XIII — HEARING PREPARATION GUIDE

Before the Hearing

1. No Discovery Available: Remember that formal discovery (interrogatories, depositions, requests for production) is not available in small claims cases under Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.9. You must gather your evidence independently before the hearing.

2. Organize Your Evidence: Arrange all documents chronologically. Make three sets: one for the judge, one for the Defendant, and one for yourself.

3. Prepare Your Presentation: Write a concise summary of your case. Practice presenting it in 5-10 minutes.

4. Subpoenas: If you need a witness who will not attend voluntarily, request a subpoena from the Clerk at least 7 days before the hearing (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.8).

5. Jury Demand: If you want a jury trial, file a written demand and pay the $22 jury fee at least 14 days before the trial date (Tex. R. Civ. P. 504.1(b)).

At the Hearing

1. Arrive Early — At least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Check in with the court clerk.

2. Courtroom Procedure:
   - The case is called by the judge (Justice of the Peace)
   - Plaintiff presents first
   - Present evidence, explain your claim, call witnesses
   - Defendant presents their case
   - Both sides may cross-examine witnesses
   - The judge may ask questions
   - Closing statements (brief)

3. Rules of Evidence:
   - Texas Justice Courts use relaxed rules of evidence (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.3(a))
   - The judge has broad discretion to admit or exclude evidence
   - Hearsay rules may be relaxed but the judge decides
   - Present original documents when possible

4. Key Tips:
   - Address the judge as "Your Honor" or "Judge [Name]"
   - Be concise, organized, and professional
   - Refer to specific dates, amounts, and documents
   - Do not interrupt the opposing party
   - Be truthful — credibility is critical in Texas Justice Courts

5. Settlement: The judge may encourage settlement before or during the hearing. If you reach an agreement, put it in writing and present it to the judge.

PART XIV — POST-JUDGMENT PROCEDURES

If You Win (Judgment in Your Favor)

Collecting the Judgment:

1. Voluntary Payment — The Defendant should pay promptly after the judgment is entered. Texas judgments accrue post-judgment interest from the date of judgment.

2. If Defendant Does Not Pay (after appeal period expires):
   ☐ Abstract of Judgment — File an abstract of judgment with the County Clerk of any county where the Defendant owns real property to create a judgment lien (Tex. Prop. Code § 52.001)
   ☐ Writ of Execution — File a writ of execution with the Justice Court to authorize the constable/sheriff to seize and sell the Defendant's non-exempt personal property (Tex. R. Civ. P. 505.1)
   ☐ Turnover Order — File a motion for turnover order requiring the Defendant to surrender non-exempt property (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 31.002)
   ☐ Wage Garnishment — Limited in Texas to child support, spousal maintenance, taxes, and student loans. General creditors cannot garnish wages in Texas.
   ☐ Bank Account Garnishment (Writ of Garnishment) — File a post-judgment writ of garnishment to reach the Defendant's bank accounts (subject to exemptions) (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 63.001)
   ☐ Post-Judgment Discovery — File a motion requesting information about the Defendant's assets (Tex. R. Civ. P. 621a)

3. Texas Exemptions (Key Provisions):
   - Homestead: Fully exempt from forced sale (Tex. Const. Art. XVI, § 50; Tex. Prop. Code § 41.001) — up to 10 acres urban, 100/200 acres rural
   - Personal property: $100,000 aggregate exemption for individuals ($200,000 for families) (Tex. Prop. Code § 42.001)
   - Wages: Cannot be garnished for consumer debts (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 63.004)
   - Retirement accounts: Fully exempt (Tex. Prop. Code § 42.0021)

4. Judgment Duration:
   - Texas judgments are enforceable for 10 years and may be renewed (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 34.001)
   - Post-judgment interest: 5% per annum or the rate specified in the contract (Tex. Fin. Code § 304.003)

If You Lose (Judgment Against You)

Appeal to County Court at Law — Trial De Novo:

• Deadline: File a Notice of Appeal and pay the filing fee or file an Affidavit of Indigency within 21 days of the date the judgment is signed (Tex. R. Civ. P. 506.1(b))
• Court: Appeal to the County Court at Law (or County Court if no Court at Law exists) in the same county
• Trial De Novo: The appeal results in a completely new trial — the case starts over as if no prior trial occurred
• Discovery Available: Full discovery is available in County Court on appeal
• Jury Trial: Either party may demand a jury trial in County Court
• Attorney Strongly Recommended: County Court proceedings follow formal rules of civil procedure

Appeal Bond/Cost Bond:

• An appeal bond or cash deposit may be required to perfect the appeal (Tex. R. Civ. P. 506.1(d))
• If filing a supersedeas bond to stay execution of the judgment, the bond must be at least the amount of the judgment plus costs and interest

PART XV — PRACTICE TIPS FOR TEXAS JUSTICE COURT

Texas-Specific Considerations

1. DTPA Pre-Suit Notice is Mandatory (§ 17.505): If your claim includes a DTPA cause of action, you must send written notice to the defendant at least 60 days before filing suit. Failure to do so will result in the lawsuit being abated (paused) until the notice requirement is satisfied. This is the most commonly missed requirement in Texas consumer cases.

2. No Discovery in Small Claims (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.9): Unlike regular civil cases, there is no right to discovery in Justice Court small claims cases. You cannot send interrogatories, requests for production, or take depositions. Gather all evidence before filing.

3. High Jurisdictional Limit ($20,000): Texas has the highest small claims limit in the country. This makes Justice Court a viable forum for substantial consumer claims, including DTPA claims, construction disputes, and significant contract breaches.

4. Security Deposit Claims (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109):
   - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after tenant surrenders premises
   - Must provide written description and itemization of deductions
   - Bad faith withholding: tenant may recover 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus $100 plus reasonable attorney's fees (§ 92.109)
   - Landlord's failure to provide itemized list creates a presumption of bad faith

5. DTPA Claims (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.41 et seq.):
   - Covers "false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices" in consumer transactions
   - Economic damages for non-knowing violations
   - Up to 3x economic damages for knowing or intentional violations
   - Attorney's fees to the prevailing consumer
   - Laundry list of specific deceptive practices (§ 17.46(b))
   - Remember the 60-day pre-suit notice requirement (§ 17.505)

6. No Wage Garnishment in Texas: Texas is one of the most debtor-friendly states. General creditors cannot garnish wages for consumer debts. This affects your ability to collect if you win. Focus on bank account garnishment, property liens, and turnover orders instead.

7. Sworn Account Claims: If you are suing on an open account (goods sold, services rendered, labor performed), consider filing a sworn account under Tex. R. Civ. P. 185. The Defendant must file a sworn denial or the account is deemed admitted.

8. Statute of Limitations:
   | Claim Type | Limitation Period |
   |---|---|
   | Written contract | 4 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004) |
   | Oral contract | 4 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004) |
   | Personal property damage | 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003) |
   | Fraud | 4 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004) |
   | DTPA | 2 years from date of act or discovery (§ 17.565) |
   | Security deposit | 4 years |
   | Unpaid wages | 180 days (complaint to TWC) or 2 years (suit) |

9. E-Filing: Some Texas Justice Courts now require e-filing. Check whether your court participates in mandatory e-filing. The statewide e-filing portal is: https://efile.txcourts.gov

10. Default Judgment: If the Defendant fails to file an answer within 14 days after service or fails to appear at trial, the Court may enter a default judgment. The Plaintiff must still present evidence of liability and damages.

11. Counterclaims: The Defendant may file a counterclaim. If the counterclaim exceeds $20,000, the case may be transferred to County Court at Law. The counterclaim must be filed at least 7 days before the trial date (Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.5).

12. Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act "Laundry List" (§ 17.46(b)) — Common Claims:
    - Misrepresenting the standard, quality, or grade of goods
    - Advertising goods with intent not to sell them as advertised
    - Failing to disclose known defects
    - Making false or misleading statements of fact about the need for parts, replacement, or repair
    - Using bait-and-switch tactics
    - Representing that a guarantee or warranty confers rights that it does not have

VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, the undersigned Plaintiff, declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Texas that the foregoing Plaintiff's Original Petition is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that a true copy of this Plaintiff's Original Petition was served on the Defendant by:

☐ Constable of Precinct [____], [________________________________] County, on [__/__/____]
☐ Sheriff of [________________________________] County on [__/__/____]
☐ Authorized private process server on [__/__/____]
☐ Court Clerk by certified mail on [__/__/____]
☐ Other authorized method: [________________________________]

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

1. Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-510 — Rules of Practice in Justice Courts: https://www.txcourts.gov/rules-forms/rules-standards/
2. Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031 — Justice Court jurisdiction
3. Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.41 et seq. — Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act: https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/business-and-commerce-code/bus-com-sect-17-505/
4. Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.505 — DTPA pre-suit notice requirement
5. Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109 — Security deposit provisions
6. Tex. Fin. Code § 304.003 — Interest rates
7. Texas Justice Court Training Center — https://www.tjctc.org
8. Texas State Law Library — Small Claims Guide — https://guides.sll.texas.gov/small-claims
9. Texas Law Help — How to Sue in Justice Court — https://texaslawhelp.org/article/how-to-sue-in-justice-court-small-claims-court
10. Texas Secretary of State — Business Search — https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
11. Texas e-Filing Portal — https://efile.txcourts.gov
12. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 15 — Venue provisions
13. Tex. Fin. Code § 392 — Texas Debt Collection Act
14. Nolo — Texas Small Claims Court — https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/texas-small-claims-court-32055.html

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Many Texas Justice Courts have their own petition forms — check with your local Justice Court Clerk for specific requirements. If your claim includes a DTPA cause of action, you MUST send a 60-day pre-suit notice before filing. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in Texas for advice specific to your situation. Laws and court rules may change; verify all citations and procedures before filing.