Dallas County Justice of the Peace Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Document Format Requirements6 rules
Documents may not contain any security or feature restrictions, including sensitive data settings.
Multiple pleadings may not be combined into one document.
All documents must be in PDF format.
- File type
All documents must be signed electronically and include: a. A " Isl" and name typed in space where signature would otherwise appear OR b. an electronic image or scanned image of signature or a handwritten signature.
Separate pleadings (military affidavit, last known address, etc.) and ALL exhibits/appendices must be filed as separate lead documents from the main pleading.
Case information should be entered in all CAPITAL LETTERS on the eFile envelope.
Document Filing Requirements2 rules
Pleadings must include the filer's contact information, including an email address, in the signature block.
- Document
- Pleading
- Placement
- Signature block
A complete address is required for all parties to the case.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Cases not accepted by either e-filing system must be submitted in person.
Any cases not accepted by E-file Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas will have to be submitted in person.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Effective Thursday, June 1, 2023, Justice Court Precinct Four Place 1 will implement MANDATORY E-FILINGS of ALL cases. Paper case filings will no longer be accepted after May 31, 2023. All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys will be required to submit new Eviction, Small Claims, Debt Claims, any subsequent case filings and any other response via E-file Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas. Any litigant not having online computers capabilities will have access to the computer kiosk in the Justice Court office/lobby.
Effective Thursday, June 1, 2023, Justice Court Precinct Four Place 1 will implement MANDATORY E-FILINGS of ALL cases. Paper case filings will no longer be accepted after May 31, 2023. All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys will be required to submit new Eviction, Small Claims, Debt Claims, any subsequent case filings and any other response via E-file Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas. Any litigant not having online computers capabilities will have access to the computer kiosk in the Justice Court office/lobby.
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Filings of 5 or more must be filed electronically.
Filings of 5 or more must be filed electronically.
Civil cases
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Electronic filing is mandatory for all cases, with specified in-person filing exceptions and kiosk access for litigants without online computer capabilities.
Effective June 1, 2023, Justice Court Precinct Four Place One will implement MANDATORY E-FILINGS of ALL cases. Paper filings will no longer be accepted after May 31, 2023. All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys will be required to submit new Eviction, Small Claims, Debt Claims, and any subsequent case filings and any other responses via E-file Texas Self-Help or E-file Texas. Any litigant not having online computer capabilities will have access to the computer kiosk in the Justice Court office/lobby. Any filings not configured for e- filing in E-file Texas or E-file Texas Self-Help must be submitted in person. Effective March 4, 2026 - Exceptions to mandatory E-filing - Appeals for all cases, and Immediate Possession Bonds must be filed in person.
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Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Envelopes that do not adhere to the guidelines may be rejected.
ENVELOPES NOT ADHERING TO THESE GUIDELINES MAY BE REJECTED.
Civil cases
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Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Sensitive data as defined under Rule 21 c of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure must be redacted before filing.
Sensitive data as defined under Rule 21 c of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure must be redacted before documents are filed .
Civil cases
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Chambers Communication Rules
Litigants and attorneys must communicate with the Court electronically via E-File Texas, email, or fax, and communications must include a valid email address.
Effective Monday, May 1, 2023, Justice Court Precinct Four Place 1 will implement MANDATORY Electronic Communications for ALL cases. All communications between the Court and litigants MUST be sent to the Court via E-File Texas (preferred), Email, or Fax and MUST include a valid EMAIL address. All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys are required to communication with the Court electronically. Electronic communication must be conducted by E-File Texas (preferred), Email, or Fax. All litigants' communications MUST now include a valid Email address.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Litigants must immediately notify the Court of any change to their email address on file.
Litigants are responsible for immediately notifying the Court of any change to their Email address on file with the Court.
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Litigants are encouraged to add the Court’s listed email addresses to their contacts to prevent Court communications from going to Junk.
To prevent Court communication from being placed in their Junk folder, litigants are encouraged to add the above Email addresses listed above to their address book under contacts.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE