Tag: Civil Procedure
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Tenant FAQ: When Can I Sue My Landlord in Texas?
In Texas, tenants can bring several kinds of lawsuits against landlords, including statutory claims for failure to repair dangerous conditions, retaliation, wrongful lockout or utility shutoff, and security-deposit violations, as well as certain common-law claims such as wrongful eviction and, in some situations, premises-liability claims. Tenants may also sue for housing discrimination, including disability-based discrimination Read more
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Texas Moves Closer to Federal Standard on Summary Judgment
In 2026, Texas implemented significant changes to its summary judgment procedures, most notably by imposing strict deadlines for scheduling hearings and issuing rulings on summary judgment motions, as well as introducing new reporting requirements for courts. Additionally, the Texas Supreme Court has further revised Rule 166a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, with a Read more
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Explaining the Texas Civil Courts
Texas has several different trial and appellate courts that can handle civil cases (lawsuits about money, property, contracts, injuries, family matters, and similar non-criminal disputes). Which court your case belongs in depends mainly on: Need legal advice? Having trouble finding answers to your legal questions? Amy can help! The Ladder: Trial courts vs. Appellate courts Read more
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The Texas Medical Liability Act
Texas law imposes unique procedural prerequisites for medical malpractice (health care liability) claims against doctors. Before filing suit, the claimant must send a written notice and a statutory medical authorization form to each defendant at least 60 days in advance; after suit is filed, the claimant must serve a detailed expert report on each defendant Read more
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What if I just don’t open the door?
When someone files a lawsuit against you in Texas, the law requires that you be officially notified—this is called “service of process.” Usually, this means a sheriff, constable, or process server hands you the legal papers in person. Some people try to avoid being served, thinking this will stop the lawsuit. However, Texas law has Read more
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Update to the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
In late 2025, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”) was updated through cross-referenced legislation to address the growing issue of AI-generated intimate visual material distributed online. The new provisions make it a deceptive trade practice, actionable under the DTPA, for owners of internet websites or applications to fail to promptly remove such material upon Read more
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Texas Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace courts are the lowest level of trial courts in Texas. They are sometimes called “JP courts.” Each county in Texas has at least one JP court, and larger counties have several. The judge in a JP court is called a Justice of the Peace. Need legal advice? Having trouble finding answers Read more
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Discovery in Texas
Discovery is the process in a lawsuit where each side can get information and evidence from the other side (and sometimes from third parties) before trial. The goal is to make sure both sides know the facts and can prepare their cases. Need legal advice? Having trouble finding answers to your legal questions? Amy can Read more
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When Your Lawsuit Needs More Support: Texas Certificates of Merit
The certificate of merit requirement under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 150 is a procedural mechanism designed to screen out unmeritorious claims against licensed or registered architects, engineers, landscape architects, and land surveyors (and their firms) at the outset of litigation. The statute mandates that a claimant file an affidavit from a third-party Read more
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Pre-Litigation Discovery: Texas Rule 202 Petitions
A Rule 202 petition under Texas law is a procedural tool that allows a person to request court permission to take a deposition before filing a lawsuit, either to investigate whether a claim exists or to preserve testimony for a suit that is anticipated. This mechanism is exceptional, subject to strict judicial oversight, and is Read more