Civil
Civil
Civil cases deal with disputes between private parties. By definition it is a "personal action instituted to compel payment or the doing of some other thing which is purely civil." In a civil case the purpose of the 'Plaintiff or `Petitioner' is to obtain a judgment for payment of money or for compelling or enjoining a specific action.
Jurisdiction
The County Courts at Law of Johnson County have jurisdiction in civil cases where the dollar amount in controversy exceeds $200 but is less than $250,000. The County Courts at Law also have jurisdiction in all eminent domain cases, and have appellate jurisdiction over civil causes originally heard in justice courts.
Procedure for Initial Filing
The initiation of a civil suit is always at the option of the plaintiff by filing an original petition with the clerk of the court. The petition sets out exactly who the defendant(s) is and what actions have allegedly been performed by the defendant(s) which caused damage to the plaintiff. The attorneys for the parties prepare all instruments in a civil case; except for the clerk's processes.
Eminent Domain
In Johnson County all 'Eminent Domain' cases are filed with the County Clerk and are heard by a board of special commissioners appointed by the presiding judge of the court in which the case is filed. Once the application is filed and the fees paid, the condemning party must contact the appropriate Civil Court Coordinator to get the board appointed and set a hearing date. After the special commission rules any party not satisfied with the award may file an 'Objection' to the award. Upon filing of the `Objection' the case will then be heard by the presiding judge for that court.
Nondisclosure
Pursuant to Government Code Chapter 411.0745(d), please click the following link for Nondisclosure Information and Model Petitions and Orders.
Fee Schedules - Effective January 1, 2024
ALL fees are due and payable at the time of filing. Personal checks are not accepted. Attorney's business checks are accepted. Visa and Master Cards accepted. Fees may be charged to a credit card via telephone or mail by supplying the account number, expiration date, and card holder's zip code.
Service of Process by Authorized Person other than Constable or Sheriff: Process may be served in many instances by a private citizen authorized by order of the court to provide this service. In order to qualify, the person must be 18 years of age or older, have no interest in the case, and have on file with the appropriate court an affidavit stating these facts; or be certified by the Texas Supreme Court. An 'Order for Rule 103' for the judge's signature must be presented with each request for such service.
Service of Process by Certified Mail by the Clerk: Upon request of the party requesting issuance of process, the clerk will serve the citation by mailing to the defendant by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a true copy of the citation with a copy of the application/motion attached. The fee for service by certified mail is $85.00.
For information concerning the status or disposition of specific civil cases, please call (817)556-6323, Ext. 1300.
Copy, Research & Public Information Requests MUST be sent to: ccresearch@johnsoncountytx.org.