Short answer
Not before you understand your defenses and your deadline is protected. A payment doesn't stop the lawsuit unless there's a written agreement. File your Answer first; you can still settle afterward.
Helpful next
Sources
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Texas Judicial Branch)
- Tex. Fin. Code ch. 392 (Texas Debt Collection Act), incl. § 392.307
Updated November 2026. General information about Texas law, not legal advice for your case. Laws and court rules change; we review these answers regularly.