Justice of the Peace Colorado County Precinct 1: Understanding Collections and Bankruptcy Solutions
Justice of the Peace Colorado County Precinct 1 is presided over by the Honorable Judge Billy Hefner, located at 2215 Walnut, Columbus, Texas 78934, inside the Colorado County Detention Facility. This court serves as a critical venue for resolving civil disputes, including small claims, evictions, and lien enforcement, with a jurisdictional limit of $10,000.
But here’s the reality: getting a judgment is just the beginning. Collecting on that judgment is a whole other game. If you’re a debtor facing garnishments or struggling with financial recovery, bankruptcy could be your best option for a fresh start.
You Got Your Judgment – Now What?
Winning a judgment feels like a victory, but enforcement can be complicated. Colorado County Justice Court allows creditors to use tools like:
- Writs of Garnishment: Freeze and collect funds from the debtor’s bank accounts.
- Writs of Execution: Seize non-exempt property for auction.
- Turnover Orders: Recover property or tax refunds through court-ordered turnover.
But these legal tools come with Texas exemption protections that can leave creditors frustrated—and debtors scrambling.
Facing Collections? Understand Your Rights
For over 25 years, I’ve helped thousands of people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of Texas. Many were debtors under fire from aggressive collection tactics, including garnishments.
- Bankruptcy halts collections immediately through an automatic stay.
- Texas laws protect certain assets—like your home or retirement accounts—from creditors.
- Chapter 7 eliminates unsecured debt, while Chapter 13 offers a structured repayment plan.
How Justice Courts Work: A Quick Guide
Filing Your Case
To initiate a suit in Colorado County Precinct 1:
- File for money damages, property possession, or lien enforcement.
- Damages must not exceed $10,000.
Defendant Rights
- Defendants must respond within 10 days of receiving a citation.
- Cases involving military members require compliance with the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Post-Trial Options
- Appeals: Filed within 10 days of judgment.
- Collection Tools: Abstracts of judgment, garnishments, and writs of execution begin if debts remain unpaid.
