Amarillo is one city in two counties, so the first question in any Amarillo debt lawsuit is which county filed it. Texas Debt Law defends people sued by credit card companies, debt buyers and collection agencies in both Potter County and Randall County. We figure out where your case is, meet the deadline, and challenge the plaintiff's proof, all for a flat fee.

Free Case Evaluation(214) 945-0000

Potter County or Randall County?

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Amarillo had about 203,729 residents in 2024, and the split is close to even: about 52% live in Randall County and about 48% in Potter County. Randall County lies to the south of Potter, so the southern part of the city is in Randall and the northern part is in Potter. Amarillo is the Potter County seat; Canyon is the Randall County seat.

Where you live usually decides where you are sued, because justice court debt cases are generally filed in the county and precinct where the defendant lives. Look at the top of your petition. It will say "Potter County, Texas" or "Randall County, Texas," along with the court.

Potter County courts

Four justice of the peace precincts, each with its own court and posted forms, listed on the Potter County website.
County Court at Law No. 1 and No. 2.
District courts listed by the county: the 47th, 108th, 181st, 251st and 320th.

Randall County courts

Three justice courts listed on the county's Justices of the Peace page: Justice of the Peace No. 1, No. 4 and No. 4A. The Precinct 1 page posts a Randall County street index to help you find which precinct covers your address.
County Court at Law Number 1 and Number 2.
District courts listed by the county: the 47th, 181st and 251st. Those three appear on both counties' websites.

In either county, justice courts hear claims up to $20,000, which covers most credit card suits. Larger claims go to a County Court at Law or district court.

How Long You Have to Answer

The county doesn't change the deadline; the level of court does.

Justice court: by the end of the 14th day after you were served (Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.5).
County Court at Law or district court: by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days (Rule 99(b)).

Use our answer deadline calculator to estimate your date. Randall County's Justice of the Peace No. 1 even posts an "Answer Debt Claims" form, but a form answer won't raise the defenses a lawyer can. And if you're in county or district court and the plaintiff moves for summary judgment, your response is due 21 days after the motion is filed (Rule 166a, for motions filed on or after March 1, 2026).

Our Flat Fee

We charge one flat fee based on the amount of the lawsuit, from $400, with payment plans available.

Amount of the Lawsuit	Our Flat Legal Fee	Payment Plan
Less than $1,000	$400	Up to 2 months
$1,001 – $3,000	$500	Up to 2 months
$3,001 – $5,000	$750	Up to 3 months
$5,001 – $7,500	$1,000	Up to 4 months
$7,501 – $10,000	$1,250	Up to 6 months
$10,001 – $12,500	$1,500	Up to 6 months
$12,501 – $15,000	$1,750	Up to 6 months
$15,001 – $20,000	$2,000	Up to 6 months
Over $20,000	Call for Pricing

Building Your Defense

Whichever county your case is in, the plaintiff carries the burden of proof. We hold it to that:

Old debt

Texas sets a four-year limitations period for debt (Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004), and debt buyers may not sue on a time-barred consumer debt (Fin. Code § 392.307).

Missing paperwork

Debt buyers must show they own your specific account. We look for gaps in the chain of assignment and in the records the plaintiff relies on.

Wrong amounts

We compare the balance with the statements and challenge interest and fees the agreement doesn't support.

Settlement on your terms

If resolving the case is in your interest, we negotiate a written agreement you can afford that ends the lawsuit.

Free Legal Help in the Panhandle

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas has an Amarillo office whose service area includes both Potter and Randall counties. It provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income residents. It is independent of our firm.

After a Judgment

A creditor with a judgment can try to freeze non-exempt bank funds, but Texas law sets real limits. Current wages can't be garnished for consumer debt, your homestead is protected, and personal property is exempt up to $50,000 for a single adult or $100,000 for a family. We can review whether a default judgment can be challenged or negotiate a post-judgment settlement.

Collectors who threaten, deceive or harass you may be violating federal and Texas law. See our FDCPA attorneys page.

Amarillo Debt Lawsuit FAQs

I live in Amarillo. Why does my lawsuit say Randall County?

Because a little over half of Amarillo's residents live in Randall County. If your home is in the southern part of the city, a Randall County court is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong with the case.

I moved from one side of Amarillo to the other. Which county is right?

It depends on where you lived when the suit was filed and the venue rules for that court. If the case looks like it was filed in the wrong county or precinct, that can be raised. Send us your petition and both addresses.

I live in Canyon. Do you handle those cases?

Yes. Canyon is in Randall County, and we handle those cases too. See our Canyon debt defense page, or our Lubbock page if your case is farther south.

Do I have to go to the courthouse?

Usually not for routine steps. We file electronically and handle most negotiation by phone and email. For more general answers, see our debt lawsuit Q&A.

Free Case Review for Amarillo Residents

Call or text (214) 945-0000, or tell us about your case online. Se habla español.

Helpful guides

General information, not legal advice for your case.