Short answer
No, you may represent yourself, and court self-help resources can help. But debt cases have traps, such as deadlines, sworn denials and requests for admissions, and a lawyer can often spot defenses that lead to dismissal or a better settlement.
Helpful next
Sources
- TexasLawHelp.org (free legal information for Texans)
- Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Texas Judicial Branch)
Updated November 2026. General information about Texas law, not legal advice for your case. Laws and court rules change; we review these answers regularly.