Texas · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Texas: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Texas, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Texas

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$20,000
Court
Justice Court
Filing fee
$54
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Texas

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days
Security deposit limit
No statewide limit
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
3 days (lease can change it)
Notice before the landlord enters
No statute

Cities with their own rules: Austin

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Texas

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
Texas Workforce Commission
Minimum wage (2026)
$7.25
Final paycheck if fired
Within 6 days
Deadline to file a wage claim
180 days

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Texas

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
24 mo / 24,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
4 repairs · 2 if unsafe · 30 days
Covers used cars
Yes
Before you sue
State process (TxDMV)

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Texas

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
May 15 or 30 days after notice
Where you appeal first
Appraisal Review Board (ARB) protest
Median effective tax rate
1.49%
Median yearly tax on a home
$4,232

Closed for 2026Closed for 2026. The next protest window opens with appraisal notices in April 2027; protests are due May 15, 2027 or 30 days after your notice. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Texas

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
$140,000
Homestead deadline
April 30
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
Full exemption (100% rating)

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Texas

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
ClaimItTexas (Texas Unclaimed Property Program)
Held by the state
Over $9 billion (January 2025)
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Texas

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
6 months (with exceptions)
Waiting period
60 days after filing
Filing fee
Check with your court

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Texas

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Texas
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract4 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement4 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage2 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit30 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent3 days (lease can change it)Tenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim180 daysWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedWithin 6 daysWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period24 mo / 24,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineFile your TxDMV complaint within 6 months after the earliest of: the warranty's expiration, or 24 months or 24,000 miles from original delivery (Tex. Occ. Code § 2301.606(d)).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealMay 15 or 30 days after noticeTax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineApril 30Exemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file6 months (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting period60 days after filingDivorce Law Map

Several problems at once? Get one plan for Texas.

Open the finder

Other problems: free official help

RobinClaim doesn't cover debt collectors, scams, custody and child support, and other areas yet. These official and nonprofit services can help in every state:

Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

Nearby states

All states