Justice of the Peace Courts

The Justice of the Peace Courts in Tarrant County handle many everyday court matters, including civil cases, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic-related matters, administrative hearings, and other proceedings assigned by law. This article explains how the courts work, which services they provide, how to locate the correct precinct court, how to access official case and payment systems, and what information may be needed when filing or responding to a court matter.

Justice Court Responsibilities

The Justice of the Peace Courts are trial courts that serve eight precincts throughout Tarrant County. These courts handle civil cases with a jurisdictional limit of $20,000 and many different types of misdemeanor criminal cases. A Justice of the Peace also serves as an Administrative Hearing Judge.

Each Justice Court is assigned to a specific precinct, and residents generally need to work with the court connected to the matter, filing location, or precinct involved. The county provides information about the courts and their locations so users can identify the appropriate office before submitting documents, making payments, or requesting court services.

Cases Handled by Justice Courts

Justice Courts process several categories of civil and legal matters. The type of case determines which forms, procedures, and filing requirements apply.

Civil Case Types

Justice Courts handle civil matters where the amount involved is within the court’s jurisdictional limit. Common civil case categories include:

Eviction cases involving recovery of possession of real property.

Small claims cases involving recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property, or other relief allowed by law.

Debt claim cases brought to recover certain debts.

Repair and remedy cases filed by residential tenants regarding conditions affecting physical health or safety.

The county’s Justice Court forms page provides information about these case types and includes forms that may be used for different court filings. Forms may need to be printed, completed, and submitted by mail or delivered in person to the appropriate Justice Court. Some forms must be sworn, which may require verification before a notary or a Justice Court Clerk.

Criminal Matters

Justice Courts also handle many misdemeanor criminal cases, including certain Class C misdemeanor matters. Traffic-related cases and citations are among the types of matters that may be handled by these courts.

When searching for criminal or citation information, users should make sure they are using the correct court record system and providing accurate case details. Different court systems may contain different types of records, so selecting the correct search option helps avoid confusion.

Court Locations by Precinct

Tarrant County has eight Justice Court precincts. Each precinct has its own judge and office location. Choosing the correct precinct is an important step because court services, filings, payments, and case information are organized by individual Justice Courts.

Precinct Assignments

The Justice of the Peace Courts are organized as follows:

Precinct 1 serves through the 1895 Courthouse location in Fort Worth.
Precinct 2 operates from the Southeast Subcourthouse in Arlington.
Precinct 3 has locations at the Northeast Courthouse in Hurst and Southlake Town Hall.
Precinct 4 operates from the Northwest Subcourthouse in Lake Worth.
Precinct 5 operates from the Tarrant County Criminal Justice Annex in Fort Worth.
Precinct 6 operates from the Southwest Subcourthouse in Fort Worth.
Precinct 7 operates from the Mansfield Subcourthouse.
Precinct 8 operates from the Poly Subcourthouse in Fort Worth.

The official Justice Court pages provide individual information for each precinct, including court-specific services, filing options, forms, and contact details.

Finding Court Records

Official court record searches are available through county-operated systems. The Tarrant County Court Records Search system allows users to search available case records and court calendar information.

The court records system includes options such as case records search and location selection. Users should select the appropriate location and search category when looking for information. A search result may depend on entering accurate information, including the correct case details or identifying information.

For Class C traffic-related searches, the county also provides the County Clerk Class C Traffic search system. This system allows searches by name, docket number, or setting date for available traffic records.

Filing Court Documents

Many Justice Courts provide electronic filing options for eligible cases. The specific filing process may vary by precinct and case type. Electronic filing systems allow users to submit documents online instead of delivering paper documents directly to the court.

Online Filing Options

Justice Courts may use eFile Texas options for submitting cases and documents. Some filing systems guide users through preparing forms, while other systems allow users to upload completed documents.

Before filing, users should make sure documents are prepared according to the requirements for the specific case. Some forms require signatures, notarization, or multiple copies depending on the filing situation.

The county’s Justice Court pages provide information about available filing methods and related procedures for different precinct courts.

Forms and Document Requirements

Justice Court forms vary depending on the type of case. The county provides general forms and specific forms for certain proceedings.

Common forms available through the Justice Court system include:

Justice Court Information Sheet.
Answer Form.
Dismissal Form.
Last Known Address Form.
Service Members Civil Relief Act Form.
Release of Judgment Form.
Eviction Complaint forms.
Towing or booted vehicle hearing request forms.

Some forms marked with an asterisk require three identical copies. Documents may be submitted by mail or delivered to the Justice Court handling the case.

Fines, Fees, and Payments

Justice Court fees are divided into filing fees and service fees. Filing fees are paid to bring a matter before the court, while service fees relate to services provided by sheriff or constable offices as part of legal action.

The county provides Justice Court fines and fees information, including filing fee schedules, sheriff and constable service fee schedules, and payment options by precinct.

Payment procedures may differ between precinct courts. Users should select the correct precinct payment option to ensure the payment is applied to the proper court matter.

Rules and Court Procedures

Justice Courts follow court rules established under Texas law and local court requirements. The county provides Justice Court rules and statutes information, including references to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Evidence, civil practice rules, and local Justice Court rules.

Understanding the applicable rules can help parties prepare documents, meet filing requirements, and follow court procedures related to their case.

Precinct Court Services

Individual Justice Courts may provide additional services based on the precinct and the matters assigned to that court. These services may include civil filings, traffic matters, administrative hearings, weddings, case searches, payment processing, and access to court forms.

Marriage Ceremonies

Justice of the Peace judges may perform marriage ceremonies. Individuals interested in scheduling a ceremony should contact the appropriate Justice Court for details and scheduling information.

Avoiding Common Filing Errors

Many court delays occur when documents are submitted to the wrong court, required information is incomplete, or filing requirements are not followed. Reviewing the court’s instructions before submitting documents can help prevent problems.

Confirm the correct Justice Court precinct before filing or making payments.
Use the correct case or citation information when searching records.
Review form requirements before submitting documents.
Check whether documents require signatures, notarization, or multiple copies.
Use the official county systems for court records and payments.

Justice of the Peace Offices

Justice of the Peace Court 1
100 W Weatherford Street Room 450, Fort Worth, Texas 76196-0242
817-884-1395

Justice of the Peace Court 2
700 East Abram Street, Suite 200, Arlington, Texas 76010
817-548-3925

Justice of the Peace Court 3
645 Grapevine Highway Suite 220, Hurst, Texas 76054
817-581-3625

Justice of the Peace Court 3
1400 Main Street, Suite 220, Southlake, Texas 76092
682-732-6589

Justice of the Peace Court 4
6713 Telephone Road, Suite 201, Lake Worth, Texas 76135
817-238-4425

Justice of the Peace Court 5
350 W. Belknap St – First Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-884-1438

Justice of the Peace Court 6
6551 Granbury Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76133
817-370-4525

Justice of the Peace Court 7
1100 E. Broad Street, Suite 202, Mansfield, Texas 76063
817-473-5101

Justice of the Peace Court 8
3500 Miller Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76119
817-531-5625

Justice of the Peace Courts FAQs

How do I find the right Justice Court for my case?

Tarrant County has multiple Justice Courts organized by precinct, so choosing the correct court depends on the precinct connected to your case. The county provides court location details and precinct information through the Justice of the Peace Courts page. Reviewing the precinct information before filing documents, checking records, or making payments can help ensure your request is handled by the correct court.

Where can I look up a Justice Court case or citation?

Users can search available court information through the county’s online systems. The Tarrant County Court Records Search allows users to select a location and search case records, court calendars, and Class C misdemeanor information. For certain traffic-related matters, the county also provides the County Clerk Class C Traffic search with options to search by name, docket number, or setting date.

What forms are available for Justice Court filings?

Required forms depend on the type of case being filed. The county provides online forms for matters such as answers, dismissals, eviction complaints, towing or booted vehicle hearings, and other Justice Court filings. Before submitting paperwork, users should review the Justice Court forms information to understand document requirements, including when copies or sworn signatures may be needed.

How can I check Justice Court fees before filing?

Justice Court charges may include filing fees and service fees related to court actions. The county provides current fee information and payment options through its Justice Court fines and fees page. Checking the applicable fees before submitting documents can help prevent delays caused by incomplete payments.