The best magazine
- 1). Visit Denton County's website and search for the database of justices of the peace. Click on the jurisdiction map and identify the justice that presides over the area in which the defendant lives. Write down their office's address.
- 2). Use the Denton County website to locate the small claims complaint form. Print out the form and fill it out completely. Remember, small claims only handles financial complaints of $10,000 or less and filing a false claim is a crime.
- 3). Gather supporting evidence. Get signed affidavits from witnesses, take pictures of damages and collect any receipts.
- 4). Go to the office of the appropriate justice of the peace with your small claims complaint form and evidence. Speak with the clerk and tell them you are filing a small claims complaint. Give them your complaint form, copies of your evidence and pay the $31 filing fee.
- 5). Receive notification from the justice about a hearing. The justice will notify the defendant of the proceedings.
- 6). Go to the hearing and defend your small claims complaint. The defendant will have an opportunity to defend himself and the justice will rule on the claim.
- 7). Cooperate with the justice. He may rule in your favor, throw out the complaint or settle on a smaller sum.
Source: ...