Small claims court in McLennan County, Texas
In McLennan County, small claims cases up to $20,000 are heard by more than one court: 5 Justice of the Peace precincts (6 justices of the peace). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 254-757-5040 (Justice Court, Precinct 1, McLennan County) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in McLennan County
One of several courts in McLennan County: 5 Justice of the Peace precincts (6 justices of the peace). Find the right one: Official court directory.
Justice Court, Precinct 1, McLennan County
Address: 501 Washington Ave, Rm 104D, Waco, TX 76701-1300 · Map
Phone: 254-757-5040
5 Justice of the Peace precincts (6 justices of the peace); file in the precinct where the defendant lives, where the problem happened, or where the contract was to be performed
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
File in the county and precinct where the defendant lives, where the problem happened, or where the contract was to be carried out. If the defendant lives out of state or can't be found, you can file where you live.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Texas counties.
How to file in McLennan County
Ask for payment in writing
The small claims rules don't require a demand before filing, but some claims do: consumer (DTPA) claims need written notice 60 days before suing, and to recover attorney fees on a contract you must present the claim and wait 30 days. Make a free demand letter.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$54 to file in every county. Service by a sheriff or constable costs extra, usually about $65 to $90 per defendant, set by each county. Fee waiver: Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
Have the papers served
A sheriff, constable, certified process server, or the clerk by certified mail serves the defendant. You can't serve them yourself, and service isn't allowed on Sundays.
Go to the hearing
Usually about 2 to 3 months; the court gives at least 45 days' notice of the trial date. If the defendant doesn't answer, you can ask for a default judgment sooner. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Texas filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in McLennan County?
McLennan County has more than one small claims court (5 Justice of the Peace precincts (6 justices of the peace)). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Justice Court, Precinct 1, McLennan County, 501 Washington Ave, Rm 104D, Waco, TX 76701-1300. Phone: 254-757-5040. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://card.txcourts.gov/DirectorySearch.aspx
How much can I sue for in McLennan County small claims court?
Up to $20,000. You can ask for up to $20,000 including any attorney fees; interest and court costs don't count. Businesses have the same limit. Justice courts can't hear libel or slander, divorce, or disputes over title to land.
How much does it cost to file in McLennan County?
$54 to file in every county. Service by a sheriff or constable costs extra, usually about $65 to $90 per defendant, set by each county. Fee waiver: Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.