How do I submit the Defendant’s Answer - Small Claims?

Send the answer to the court and serve the other parties in the case. The certificate of service lists personal delivery, mail, fax, email when both parties have agreed in writing, or another court-approved method.

Can I request a jury trial on this form?

Yes. The form includes an option to request a jury trial. It states that the fee is $22 and must be paid at least 14 days before trial, unless you file a qualifying Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.

Does choosing remote participation guarantee a remote hearing?

No. The form says your responses about phone or video participation help the court know how you are able to participate, but do not guarantee that hearings will be held remotely.

Gillespie County, TX · Gillespie County

No notary required

Defendant’s Answer - Small Claims

This form lets a defendant respond to a small-claims case, state defenses, choose hearing participation options, and request relief from the court.

At a glance

Issued by: City of Gillespie County · Gillespie County, Gillespie County, Texas
Notarization: Not required: file this form without a notary.
Official source: gillespiecounty.gov
Blank form: Download the PDF
Catalogued: Oct 5, 2026
Machine-readable: JSON record · about the forms index

What this form is

A defendant uses this answer to respond to claims in a small-claims petition and may list reasons for disputing the claims or any defenses. The form also lets the defendant request a jury trial, indicate preferences for email and remote hearings, and request relief. It states that the answer must be sent to the court and served on the other parties in the case.

Who needs it

A person named as the defendant in a small-claims case can use this form to answer the plaintiff’s claims and provide requested case information.

How to submit it

Send the answer to the court and serve the other parties in the case as directed by the certificate of service, using a listed method.

About notarization

This document is signed without a notary; the defendant signs and dates the certificate of service, with no notarized or sworn attachment indicated.

How to submit this form

1
Download the Form
Download the Defendant’s Answer - Small Claims form for Gillespie County.
2
Complete the Answer
Enter case and contact information, respond to the claims, and indicate your jury, email, and remote-participation preferences.
3
Sign and Date
Sign the answer and complete the certificate of service with the date and method used to serve the plaintiff.
4
Send and Serve
Send the answer to the court and serve the other parties using a method listed on the certificate of service.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary for the Defendant’s Answer - Small Claims?: No. This document is signed without a notary; the defendant signs and dates the certificate of service. No notarized or sworn attachment is indicated.
How do I submit the Defendant’s Answer - Small Claims?: Send the answer to the court and serve the other parties in the case. The certificate of service lists personal delivery, mail, fax, email when both parties have agreed in writing, or another court-approved method.
Can I request a jury trial on this form?: Yes. The form includes an option to request a jury trial. It states that the fee is $22 and must be paid at least 14 days before trial, unless you file a qualifying Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
Does choosing remote participation guarantee a remote hearing?: No. The form says your responses about phone or video participation help the court know how you are able to participate, but do not guarantee that hearings will be held remotely.

Need something notarized?

This Defendant’s Answer - Small Claims doesn’t need a notary, but Texas residents can notarize other documents online with a commissioned online notary.