Pro se in Texas
Representing yourself in a Texas court
Representing yourself is called going pro se. Texas law lets you do it: any party may appear in person instead of through a lawyer (Tex. R. Civ. P. 7). These free guides explain the rules in plain English and link to the official text, so you can read it yourself.
A good lawyer is worth every dollar. If you can hire one, do. If you can’t, start with the deadlines — they are the one thing that can end a case before anyone hears your side.
Court deadlines
How each Texas deadline is counted, with a worked example and the traps to watch.
- How long do I have to answer a lawsuit in Texas? Answer deadline — district or county court
- How long do I have to answer a small claims or debt claim case in Texas? Answer deadline — justice court (small claims / debt claim)
- What is the deadline for a motion for new trial in Texas? Motion for new trial
- How long do I have to file a notice of appeal in Texas? Notice of appeal — ordinary appeal
- How long do I have to request a de novo hearing after an associate judge rules in Texas? Request for de novo hearing before the referring judge
- All Texas court deadlines 33 deadlines: answers, motions, appeals, discovery, findings and de novo hearings.
Guides
- Texas small claims court, in plain English The $20,000 limit, filing, fees, venue, the 14-day answer, trial and appeal, plus free official forms.
- HB 1342: getting a Texas license with a criminal record What Occupations Code Chapter 53 requires before an agency can deny a license, and how to prepare.
- Free legal citation checker Check that every case exists, every quote matches and every statute is current before you file.
- Texas court rules library The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Appellate Procedure and Evidence, and the Texas codes, from official sources.
Free help from official and nonprofit sources
- TexasLawHelp.org Free legal information, guided forms and a directory of legal aid organizations.
- State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service Find a lawyer near you.
Your court may have local rules and standing orders on top of the statewide rules. Ask the clerk which ones apply, and confirm every deadline with the clerk.
Get organized for your case.
Deadlines with every step shown, a Filing Plan, a case timeline and Cite Check — in one private app on your phone.
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