Appeal from a justice court judgment (not eviction)
To appeal a justice court judgment in a small claims or debt claim case, file a bond, cash deposit or Statement of Inability within 21 days. Enter the date the judgment was signed, or the date your post-judgment motion was denied.
- TRCP 506.1
- TRCP Part V
Find your appeal deadline
Small claims and debt claim cases in justice court.
The date the judgment was signed, or the date the motion was denied.
Holidays and court closures
The national holidays in Texas Government Code 662.003(a) are always skipped.
Off by default. Only turn this on if your court was closed that day.
For weather or emergency closures. Check the court's notice to confirm it extends deadlines.
How the deadline is counted
- Find the start date. It is the date the judgment was signed or, if you filed a motion to reinstate, to set aside or for a new trial, the date that motion was denied.
- Count 21 days. Under the Part V computation rule, the start day is not counted and every day counts, including weekends.
- Move past closed days. If day 21 is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the next day the court is open.
- File with the justice court. The appeal is perfected by filing the bond, cash deposit or Statement of Inability with the justice court, not the county court.
Worked examples
| Example | Start date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Judgment signed on a Thursday | Thu, Nov 5, 2026 | Fri, Nov 27, 2026 |
| Judgment signed on a Monday | Mon, Oct 26, 2026 | Mon, Nov 16, 2026 |
After you file
The appellant must serve written notice of the appeal on all other parties within 7 days of filing (Rule 506.1(e)). A plaintiff's appeal bond is $500. A defendant's bond is twice the amount of the judgment. The case is then tried again from the start in county court (Rule 506.3).
Eviction cases are different. An eviction appeal must be filed within 5 days after the judgment is signed under Rule 510.9. Do not use this calculator for evictions.
Common questions
How long do I have to appeal a Texas justice court judgment?
21 days after the judgment is signed, or 21 days after a motion to reinstate, to set aside or for new trial is denied.
Can the judge give me more time?
No. Justice court judges may extend most deadlines, but not those for new trial and appeal.
Where do I file the appeal?
With the justice court that decided the case, by filing a bond, cash deposit or Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
Sources
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 506.1
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Part V, computation of time
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 510.9 (evictions)
Rules last checked October 2026. This calculator does not give legal advice. Confirm the date against the rule and any order in your case.