How to Respond to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Texas
The deadline to answer a debt lawsuit in Texas, where to file, and what happens if you don't respond.
Short answer: In justice court (debt claims), file a written answer and serve a copy on the plaintiff by the end of the 14th day after you were served; a general denial is enough. In county or district court, file a written answer by 10:00 a.m. Tex. R. Civ. P. 99(b), 502.5
| Answering a debt lawsuit | In justice court (debt claims), file a written answer and serve a copy on the plaintiff by the end of the 14th day after you were served; a general denial is enough. In county or district court, file a written answer by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days have passed since you were served. If you do not answer, a default judgment may be entered. Source: Tex. R. Civ. P. 99(b), 502.5 |
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| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 4 years. A suit on a debt must be brought within four years after the claim accrues; the residual period for claims with no other stated period is also four years. |
| How long a judgment lasts | A judgment becomes dormant if a writ of execution is not issued within 10 years after it is rendered, or if a later writ is not issued within 10 years after the previous one. A dormant judgment can be revived within 2 years after it becomes dormant. Revival: https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/CP/htm/CP.31.htm |
Where to get help in Texas
More Texas debt & collections
- Statute of Limitations on Debt in Texas
- Wage Garnishment in Texas
- What Creditors Can't Take in Texas
- Medical Debt Protections in Texas
- All Texas debt & collections rules
FAQ
How do I respond to a debt collection lawsuit in Texas?
In justice court (debt claims), file a written answer and serve a copy on the plaintiff by the end of the 14th day after you were served; a general denial is enough. In county or district court, file a written answer by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days have passed since you were served. If you do not answer, a default judgment may be entered.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Texas?
4 years. A suit on a debt must be brought within four years after the claim accrues; the residual period for claims with no other stated period is also four years.
How long does a court judgment last in Texas?
A judgment becomes dormant if a writ of execution is not issued within 10 years after it is rendered, or if a later writ is not issued within 10 years after the previous one. A dormant judgment can be revived within 2 years after it becomes dormant.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.