When you file a lawsuit, the law requires that the defendant be formally notified through a process called “service of process.” In most cases, this involves a professional process server or a constable physically handing the legal documents to the defendant. However, what happens when the defendant knows the lawsuit is coming and decides to […]
Category: Litigation
Should I Answer a Lawsuit If I Have Not Been Served?
Defendants commonly learn that they have been sued before receiving official service. You might have seen the filing on a public portal, or perhaps you’ve spotted a process server lingering near your driveway. The temptation to avoid service by dodging the process server can be strong. However, in the Texas legal system, hiding from a […]
What Happens If Your Tenant Owes Over $20,000 in Rent?
In Texas, the process for evicting a tenant can be distinct from the process for collecting unpaid rent. While most landlords prefer to handle both issues in one place, a unique legal wall exists when the back rent exceeds the jurisdictional limits of the local court. If your tenant owes more than $20,000, you are […]
How Trial Dockets Work
For most people, the word “trial” brings to mind a specific date and time perhaps a Tuesday at 9:00 AM when the judge bangs the gavel and the proceedings begin. While some courts do operate on a date certain basis, the reality in many Texas civil courts is much more fluid. Understanding the trial docket […]
How Small Claims Courts Work in Texas
One of the most frustrating hurdles in the legal system is the economic barrier to entry. If you are owed $5,000, paying a $5,000 retainer to an attorney to recover that debt simply doesn’t make sense. Fortunately, the Texas legal system provides a specific venue designed for these exact scenarios: the Justice of the Peace […]
How Receiverships Work in Texas
Obtaining a court judgment is often only the first half of a legal battle. As many creditors quickly discover, a piece of paper signed by a judge does not automatically result in money in the bank. When a debtor refuses to pay, Texas law provides a powerful enforcement mechanism known as a receivership to help […]
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
The contingency fee model is the primary way personal injury law operates in Texas. For many, it feels like a “no-win, no-fee” safety net; for others, it can look like an attorney taking a significant stake in a client’s misfortune. Understanding how these fees are structured—and the legal rules governing them—is essential for any potential […]
Can You File a Claim on Someone Else’s Insurance?
The moments following an auto accident are often a blur of exchanging insurance cards and taking photos of damage. Many Texans leave the scene under a common misconception: that they can simply call the other driver’s insurance company, open a claim, and expect a check. In reality, the legal and contractual structure of insurance in […]
Can You Sue a Seller for SQF Misrepresentation?
When a buyer discovers after closing that their new home has significantly less square footage than the appraisal district or the MLS listing indicated, the immediate reaction is often: “Can I sue?” This article discussed the legal realities of square footage discrepancies, exploring why these cases are often harder to win than they appear. The […]
The Truth About Recovering Attorney’s Fees in Texas
One of the most common misconceptions clients have when entering a legal battle is the belief that the “loser pays.” Many people who have been wrongfully sued or are facing what they call a “frivolous” lawsuit assume that once they win, the court will automatically order the other side to reimburse their legal expenses. In […]