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Justice of the Peace Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 1

 

Justice of the Peace Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 1

Presiding Judge: Honorable Kelly Crow
Address: 22333 Grand Corner Drive, Katy, Texas 77494


Overview of Justice of the Peace Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 1

The Justice of the Peace Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Place 1 court handles a variety of civil matters including evictions, small claims, and justice court suits. The court has jurisdiction over claims with amounts in controversy of up to $10,000, excluding interest. The rules and procedures for the court are governed by Rule 523, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and Texas Rules of Evidence.


How Do You Collect After Winning a Judgment?

If you’ve successfully obtained a judgment against a defendant, the next step is collections. The court provides tools and legal remedies for collecting debts, ensuring that judgment creditors have avenues to enforce their rights. Below are key methods:

1. Abstract of Judgment

An Abstract of Judgment is a critical step to secure your judgment lien. It:

  • Can be obtained 11 days after the date of judgment.
  • Costs $5 and should be filed with the County Recorder’s Office in the counties where the debtor may own real property.
  • Establishes a lien on the debtor’s non-exempt real estate, ensuring it cannot be sold without satisfying the lien.

2. Writ of Execution

A Writ of Execution allows you to enforce the judgment through the seizure and sale of the debtor’s non-exempt assets.

  • Can be requested 30 days after judgment.
  • Property seized (e.g., vehicles, tools, or inventory) is auctioned, and proceeds are applied toward the judgment.

3. Writ of Garnishment

A Writ of Garnishment targets the debtor’s financial accounts.

  • Available 7 days after judgment.
  • Bank accounts are garnished, but wages cannot be garnished in Texas.

4. Turnover Writ

For harder-to-reach assets such as cash, tax refunds, or other non-exempt property, a Turnover Writ can be sought through a court hearing.

5. Payment into the Court Registry

If the debtor cannot locate the creditor or refuses to pay, payments can be deposited into the registry of the court. The court holds the funds until the rightful creditor claims them.


Steps to File Small Claims or Justice Court Suits

Jurisdiction & Venue

  • Suits must be within the court’s jurisdiction, i.e., claims not exceeding $10,000 (excluding interest).
  • Claims can include monetary damages, possession of property, and lien enforcement.

Filing & Naming Parties

  • Identify the plaintiff and defendant accurately.
  • Provide complete details and documentation for your claim.

Trial & Discovery

  • Discovery can be permitted in justice court cases with judge approval.
  • Written questions (interrogatories) or document production (requests for production) may help build your case.

Appeals

  • Appeals must be filed within 10 days of judgment, including a surety bond for the appeal amount.

Collections Focus: Why You Need Legal Assistance

Navigating collection tools such as garnishments or executions requires legal precision. Partnering with experienced attorneys can:

  • Expedite your collection efforts.
  • Minimize delays caused by procedural errors.
  • Protect your rights if the debtor attempts to contest the judgment.
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Michael Busby is a Houston divorce lawyer who has been in practice for over 20 years and appears daily in the Family Law Courts of Harris County and Fort Bend County Texas

Busby & Associates , have two Houston Offices, one in Chinatown, Houston Texas and another in Independent Heights, Houston, Texas. Michael Busby is Board Certified in Family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.