Being sued over a debt is serious, and the deadline to respond is short. This guide summarizes what TexasLawHelp and the Texas statutes say. It is general information, not legal advice.
By the Exsura Team · October 17, 2026
Court deadlines depend on the court and how you were served, so always follow the dates on your own court papers. For help with your case, contact a legal aid organization or a lawyer. TexasLawHelp.org offers free guides and forms. The Texas State Law Library notes that “The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.”
TexasLawHelp says what to do if you are sued: “File a written answer before the deadline (answer date).” Read the papers to see who is suing and how much they claim, then respond in writing on time.
TexasLawHelp says that if you do not file an answer or file it too late, “the creditor wins by default” and can get a court judgment against you for the amount you owe. The CFPB adds that not responding to a properly served lawsuit can result in a judgment, “which could limit your ability to dispute the debt, even if it’s already been paid or you don’t owe it.”
Texas law sets a deadline for suing on a debt. The Civil Practice and Remedies Code says: “A person must bring suit on the following actions not later than four years after the day the cause of action accrues,” and the list includes “debt.” The statute counts from when the claim accrues, and when that happens can depend on the facts of your case, so ask a lawyer or legal aid organization about your own dates.
A separate Texas law covers debt buyers, which the Finance Code defines as a person who purchases or otherwise acquires a consumer debt from a creditor or other subsequent owner, with some exclusions listed in the statute. It says a debt buyer “may not, directly or indirectly, commence an action against or initiate arbitration with a consumer” to collect a consumer debt after the limitations period ends. It adds that such a claim “is not revived” by a payment, an oral or written reaffirmation, or any other activity on the debt.
TexasLawHelp says: “By law, your homestead and certain kinds of property and income are exempt.” Some assets and earnings are protected from being taken to satisfy a judgment. A legal aid organization can tell you which apply to you. For protected federal benefits, see the first-steps guide.
Start with TexasLawHelp’s debt collection guide and its free forms. Free financial coaching is available through the City of Dallas, which lists eliminating debt among the topics: see how to request a session.
TexasLawHelp says county and district court answers are due on the Monday following 20 days from when you are served, and Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 99(b), the citation must tell you to file your answer by 10:00 a.m. on that Monday. TexasLawHelp says justice court answers are due 14 days from when you are served. Check your court papers for your own date and time.
TexasLawHelp says that if you miss the answer deadline, the creditor wins by default and can get a court judgment against you for the amount you owe.
The Civil Practice and Remedies Code sets a four-year period for suits on debt. Debt buyers are also barred from suing after the limitations period ends, and payments do not revive the claim, under Finance Code section 392.307. Ask a lawyer about your own dates.
No. TexasLawHelp says your homestead and certain kinds of property and income are exempt by law.
Sources last checked October 17, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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