File in JP Court.
Win Without a Lawyer.
Everything you need to file a small claims case in Texas Justice of the Peace Court — from petition forms to hearing prep. No attorney required.
One-time payment · No subscription · No hidden fees
Everything in the Court-Ready Packet
Includes everything in Standard Recovery — plus every document and guide you need to file and win in JP Court.
Full Case Audit + Demand Letter
Everything from Standard Recovery — case audit, violation analysis, professional demand letter, certified mail instructions, and 30-day follow-up checklist.
Small Claims Court Filing Forms
The actual forms you need to file in your county's JP Court — pre-filled with your case information. No hunting for forms or guessing what to write.
Pre-Filled Petition
Your case details, your landlord's information, the amount you're claiming — already filled in. Just review, sign, and file.
Claim Amount Calculator
Deposit + $100 statutory penalty + 3× bad faith multiplier + filing costs = your total claim. We calculate it for you and explain each component.
Evidence Organization Guide
How to organize your photos, texts, emails, and documents into a clear evidence package. What to bring, how many copies, how to label everything.
Hearing Preparation Script
A 2-3 minute opening statement framework tailored to your case. What to say, how to say it, and what to avoid. Walk in confident.
Witness Statement Templates
If you have witnesses (roommate, friend who helped you move), templates for their written statements that meet JP Court standards.
Priority Email Support
Faster response times for your questions throughout the process — from filing to the day of your hearing.
The Court Process — Demystified
JP Court is simpler than you think. Here's exactly what happens from filing to judgment.
File Your Petition
Use the pre-filled forms from your packet. File online (e-file) or in person at your county's JP Court.
Pay the filing fee (~$54) + constable service fee (~$80). Total out-of-pocket: ~$134 + $199 for the packet = ~$333. Filing fees are recoverable as part of your judgment if you win.
Landlord Gets Served
The constable serves your landlord with the petition. Landlord has a set number of days to respond.
Many landlords settle at this stage — being formally served signals you're serious. If they offer to settle, get it in writing before dismissing your case.
Attend the Hearing
Bring your evidence (organized per the guide). Read your opening statement (from the script).
No jury (unless requested). No complex rules. The judge asks questions and makes a decision. JP Court is designed for self-represented litigants — you don't need a lawyer.
Get Your Judgment
Judge may rule from the bench or mail the decision.
If you win, landlord has a set period to pay. If they don't pay, enforcement tools are available: abstract of judgment, writ of execution, and garnishment.
Why $199 Is Worth It
The math on a typical $1,200 deposit dispute with bad faith.
Your Investment
Potential Recovery (Bad Faith)
Return on investment
15:1
Based on $333 total investment vs. $5,034 potential recovery. Actual recovery depends on facts of each case.
One-time payment · No subscription · No hidden fees
Standard Recovery vs. Court-Ready Packet
Start with Standard Recovery if you haven't sent a demand letter yet. Upgrade to Court-Ready when you're ready to file.
| Standard Recovery $99 | Court-Ready Packet $199 | |
|---|---|---|
| Case audit & violation analysis | ||
| Professional demand letter | ||
| Certified mail instructions | ||
| 30-day follow-up checklist | ||
| Email support | Standard | Priority |
| Court filing forms | ||
| Pre-filled petition | ||
| Claim amount calculator | ||
| Evidence organization guide | ||
| Hearing prep script | ||
| Witness statement templates | ||
| Best for | Settling before court | Filing and winning in court |
Common Concerns — Addressed Directly
We hear these every day. Here's the honest answer to each one.
"I've never been to court."
JP Court is informal. No jury (unless requested), no complex rules. The judge asks questions and makes a decision. Most hearings last 15–30 minutes. The Court-Ready Packet prepares you for exactly what to expect.
"What if I lose?"
If the landlord missed the 30-day deadline or failed to itemize, the presumption of bad faith is on YOUR side. The landlord has to prove they acted in good faith — not the other way around.
"What if the landlord has a lawyer?"
JP Court is designed to be fair regardless. Many landlords don't bring a lawyer to JP Court. If they do, stay calm, present your facts, and let the evidence speak. The law is on your side.
"I can't afford $199 + filing fees."
Most counties offer fee waivers for financial hardship. And if you win, filing fees are recoverable as part of your judgment. The $199 packet is an investment — not an expense.
"What if the landlord settles after I file?"
Great — that means the letter and filing worked. You can settle at any time. Get it in writing before dismissing your case. Many landlords settle once they're formally served.
Who This Is For
This is for you if:
- You sent a demand letter and the landlord didn't respond or refused to pay
- It's been 30+ days and you've decided JP Court is your next step
- You want to file yourself but need guidance on forms, evidence, and the hearing
- You want to maximize your recovery (deposit + $100 + 3× + filing costs)
Consider Standard Recovery instead if:
- You haven't sent a demand letter yet — start with Standard Recovery ($99)
- Your dispute is small ($200–$300) and court may not be worth the filing fee
- You're not sure you want to go to court yet
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Court-Ready Today
One-time payment. No subscription. No hidden fees. Pursue up to 3× your deposit — without a lawyer.
One-time payment · No subscription · No hidden fees
Not ready for court yet? Start with the Standard Recovery Packet ($99). Most landlords settle after receiving a properly cited statutory demand. You can upgrade to Court-Ready for $100 more if needed.
Content Integrity
DepositRights provides legal information and self-help tools, not legal advice. This page does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Primary Statutes