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TX · Checked October 23, 2026

Collect a small claims judgment in Texas

General information, not legal advice. Ask a lawyer before you act on it.

Start after
30 days after the judgment is signed, for a writ of execution
Who takes the money
A sheriff or constable, with a court order
How long it lasts
10 years, and it can be renewed

Next: make the payment letter See the steps

The steps

  1. Know who collects.

    The justice court does not collect the money for you. It can issue the papers that let a sheriff or constable act. Source

  2. Find out what they own. Rule 500.8

    Post-judgment discovery asks the other side about their assets. It needs no approval from the court, they get at least 30 days to answer, and they can object in writing, which leads to a hearing. Source

  3. Get an Abstract of Judgment.

    The justice court issues this one-page summary of the judgment. Record it with the county clerk where they own real estate, or may own it later, and it becomes a lien there for 10 years. A homestead is generally exempt. Source

  4. Ask for a Writ of Execution.

    This court order lets a sheriff or constable seize and sell property that is not exempt, and the money goes toward your judgment. In Guadalupe County, for example, you can ask for one after the 30th day from the signed judgment, if there is no appeal, for $280 with service. Ask your court for its fee. Source

  5. Reach a bank account.

    A writ of garnishment reaches property a third party holds, such as a bank account. Wages are exempt from garnishment in Texas. Source

  6. Ask for a turnover order.

    When other steps can't reach their property, the court can order them to hand it over to a sheriff or constable, or appoint a receiver. Source

  7. Keep it alive.

    The judgment is generally good for 10 years and can be renewed. If it goes dormant, you generally have two years to revive it. Source

Only property that is not exempt can be taken, so a judgment against someone with only exempt property may never be paid. Free help and your court's own forms: start here. General information, not legal advice. Ask a lawyer before you act on it.

Ask once, in writing

Most winners start with a letter asking for payment by a date. Fill one in and print it; nothing you type leaves this page.

Make the payment letter

Sources

Every step above was checked on October 23, 2026 against these pages. Fees and forms change; your court's clerk has the current ones.

Guides for Texas

Writ of Execution After a Small Claims Judgment, by State Writ of Execution in Texas Justice Court Judgment Lien After Small Claims Abstract of Judgment in Texas Justice Court Judgment Debtor Examination After Small Claims How to Garnish Wages After a Small Claims Judgment Garnish a Bank Account With a Small Claims Judgment Renew a Small Claims Judgment Before It Expires, by State

Other states

California Florida New York Pennsylvania