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Small claims cases in Bexar County go to one of four justice of the peace courts, one per precinct, for claims of up to $20,000 [1][2]. The county posts one fee schedule for all four courts [3]. Here’s how a case works in Bexar County, from where to file to collecting what you win.
At a glance
- Courts
- 4 justice of the peace courts, Precincts 1 to 4 [1]
- Limit
- $20,000, plus statutory interest and court costs [2]
- Filing fee (2026)
- $54 [3]
- Constable service
- $92 per person or party served [3]
- New fees
- New civil process fees start Jan. 1, 2027 [3]
- Defendant's answer
- By the end of the 14th day after service [4]
- Appeal
- Within 21 days; $64 fee [3][4]
What you can file in justice court
Bexar County’s justice courts hear four kinds of civil cases: evictions, small claims, debt claims and repair and remedy cases [2].
- A small claims case asks for money, civil penalties, personal property or other relief allowed by law, up to $20,000. Attorney fees count toward the limit; statutory interest and court costs don’t [2].
- A debt claim is the same-sized case brought by a lender, debt collector, debt buyer or collection agency, with extra rules [2].
- A repair and remedy case lets a residential tenant ask the court to make a landlord fix a condition that materially affects health or safety, for relief up to $20,000 [2].
Each type has its own petition form on the county’s Civil Cases page [2]. You can represent yourself; a business can be represented by an owner, officer, partner or employee who isn’t a lawyer [4].
Which court to file in
Generally, you sue in the county and precinct where the defendant lives, where the incident (or most of them) happened, where a contract was to be performed, or where the property is if you’re suing to get it back [4]. If the defendant lives outside Texas or you can’t find out where, you can file where you live [4]. The county’s Justice of the Peace page has a Find Your Precinct tool [1].
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Precinct 1, Place 1 | 3505 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio, TX 78221 | 210-335-4500 |
| Precinct 2, Place 1 | 7723 Guilbeau Rd., Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78250 | 210-335-4800 |
| Precinct 3, Place 1 | 320 Interpark Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78216 | 210-335-4700 |
| Precinct 4, Place 1 | 8794 E. Loop 1604 N., #2, Converse, TX 78109 | 210-335-4900 |
If you file in the wrong precinct, the defendant can ask to move the case, but must do it before trial and within 21 days after filing an answer [4].
What it costs
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small claim petition, filing | $54.00 |
| Service by a Bexar County constable, each person or party | $92.00 |
| Jury trial demand | $22.00 |
| Motion for new trial | $54.00 |
| Appeal (including transcript) | $64.00 |
| Abstract of judgment | $5.00 |
| Writ of execution (filing plus constable service) | $5.00 + $282.00 |
Suing two people and having a constable serve both costs $54 + $92 + $92 = $238 under the 2026 schedule (our math) [3]. If you can’t afford the fees, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs; the clerk must give you the form for free [4].
How to file
- Gather your proof: the contract or receipt, photos, texts, estimates and anything showing what you’re owed.
- Fill out the Small Claims Petition from the county’s Civil Cases page [2], naming everyone you’re suing and the amount.
- File it with the justice court for the right precinct, and pay the filing fee and service fee for each defendant, or file a Statement of Inability [3][4].
- Go to every hearing on time, with your documents and any witnesses.
If you’re the one being sued
File a written answer by the end of the 14th day after you were served. If that day is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it’s due the next business day [4]. An answer that simply denies everything counts, and you can still raise any defense at trial [4]. Send the plaintiff a copy [4].
Trial, jury and appeal
- Jury: either side can have one by filing a written demand at least 14 days before trial and paying $22, or filing a Statement of Inability [3][4].
- Dismissed? A plaintiff can ask to reinstate the case within 14 days [4].
- New trial: either side can ask within 14 days after judgment; Bexar County charges $54 [3][4].
- Appeal: file a bond, a cash deposit or a Statement of Inability within 21 days after the judgment is signed (or after a motion is denied). A plaintiff’s bond is $500; a defendant’s is twice the judgment [4]. The case is tried all over again in county court [4]. Bexar County’s appeal fee is $64 [3].
Collecting what you win
A judgment doesn’t pay itself. If the other side won’t pay, you can get an abstract of judgment ($5) or a writ of execution ($5 to file plus $282 for constable service) [3]. For the statewide basics, see BestTexas’s Texas small claims court guide.
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
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How much does it cost to file small claims in Bexar County?
On the Bexar County justice courts' 2026 fee schedule, filing a small claim petition is $54, and service by a Bexar County constable is $92 for each person or party served. New civil process fees take effect January 1, 2027. If you can't afford the fees, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
How many justice of the peace courts does Bexar County have?
Four, one in each precinct: Precinct 1 on Pleasanton Road, Precinct 2 on Guilbeau Road, Precinct 3 on Interpark Boulevard, and Precinct 4 on East Loop 1604 North in Converse.
What is the small claims limit in Bexar County?
$20,000, not counting statutory interest and court costs, but counting attorney fees, if any. That's the statewide limit for justice court small claims.
How long do I have to answer a small claims suit in Texas?
By the end of the 14th day after you were served. If that day is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the answer is due the next business day. If you don't answer and service was proper, the judge must enter a default judgment.