This guide covers selected resources and general rules in Texas, not every exception. It has not been reviewed by an attorney. Court type, service method, debt type, and your circumstances matter. Verify the current rules and dates with the linked sources and qualified legal help.
Debt collection laws and official resources
Texas
The Texas Debt Collection Act prohibits abusive and fraudulent collection conduct, including threats of unlawful seizure and misrepresenting a debt. The Attorney General and State Law Library explain Texas protections alongside federal rules. State law can apply to original creditors as well as third-party collectors.
Sources: Texas Attorney General: Your Debt Collection Rights (opens in a new tab) · Texas State Law Library: Contact from a Debt Collector (opens in a new tab)
Federal context
The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act limits the conduct of covered debt collectors collecting consumer debts. It generally does not cover an original creditor collecting its own debt or business debts. State protections may be broader. CFPB: which laws apply (opens in a new tab)
Lawsuit response information
Texas
Texas Justice Court debt claims have their own Answer forms and procedures. TexasLawHelp's Justice Court guide explains responding, while the State Law Library links an Answer-and-defense tool from Lone Star Legal Aid. Identify the court on the citation first; district and county court procedures are different.
Sources: TexasLawHelp: Answer a Debt Collection Case in Justice Court (opens in a new tab) · Texas State Law Library: Debt Collection Forms (opens in a new tab)
Federal context
Check the summons, court rules, and any hearing date promptly. Missing the applicable response deadline can lead to a default judgment. A complaint to a consumer agency or a letter to the collector is not a court response. CFPB: if you are sued (opens in a new tab)
Wage garnishment rules and exemptions
Texas
Texas generally protects current wages from ordinary consumer-debt garnishment. The Attorney General identifies exceptions for support, taxes, and defaulted student loans. This wage rule does not mean all money deposited in a bank account or all property is immune; get advice about the particular garnishment or levy.
Sources: Texas Attorney General: Your Debt Collection Rights (opens in a new tab)
Federal context
For ordinary consumer debts, federal law generally limits weekly withholding to the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage. A more protective state rule controls where applicable. Support, taxes, and federal student loans have different rules. Read the federal guide
Debt validation information
Texas
Texas provides a written procedure to dispute incorrect items in a collector's file; the Attorney General explains the collector's investigation requirements. Separately, covered federal validation rights have a 30-day dispute period. A dispute sent to the collector does not answer a lawsuit or extend the citation's deadline.
Sources: Texas Attorney General: Your Debt Collection Rights (opens in a new tab) · FTC: Debt Collection FAQs (opens in a new tab)
Federal context
A covered debt collector generally must provide validation information, including the end date of the 30-day dispute period. A timely written dispute triggers verification protections. This collection-notice period is separate from any court response deadline. CFPB: validation information (opens in a new tab)
Court websites
Texas
The Texas State Law Library's debt collection guide links Justice Court Answer tools and other legal forms. Check whether the citation identifies Justice, county, or district court, and confirm filing and service instructions for that court. Choosing the correct case type matters more than using a generic debt letter.
Sources: Texas State Law Library: Debt Collection Forms (opens in a new tab)
Legal aid organizations
Texas
TexasLawHelp provides free information and a directory of legal aid resources. The State Bar's referral directory identifies programs serving low-income Texans, and the court forms guide includes a Lone Star Legal Aid debt Answer tool. Representation depends on income, service area, case priorities, conflicts, and capacity.
Sources: State Bar of Texas: Referral Directory (opens in a new tab) · Texas State Law Library: Legal Forms (opens in a new tab)
Consumer protection agencies
Texas
The Texas Attorney General receives consumer complaints concerning unlawful collection practices. Its debt collection rights page links the official complaint process. Include letters, collector details, disputed amounts, and relevant dates. A complaint does not represent you in court, cancel a debt, or extend a lawsuit deadline.
Sources: Texas Attorney General: Your Debt Collection Rights (opens in a new tab)
Attorney directory
Texas
The State Bar of Texas lists certified lawyer referral services by location. Ask for consumer debt defense experience and verify consultation and representation charges. Certified referral services are separate from legal aid and may charge fees. SI Filing does not endorse individual lawyers or guarantee an attorney-client relationship.
Sources: State Bar of Texas: Certified Lawyer Referral Services (opens in a new tab)
Practical next steps
Use these guides to organize your records and questions, then apply the Texas-specific resources above.