The Texas Access to Justice Commission focuses on removing barriers to justice for low-income Texans. Advocating for systemic change is an important part of making justice more equitable for everyone.
The Commission works closely with the Texas legislature and the judiciary to formulate solutions to the problems Texans face when they can’t afford an attorney.
Here are a few highlights of our hard work:
Low-income Texans cannot afford to pay the filing fees and court cost needed to resolve their legal matters. These expenses can be waived under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. However, these expenses are often wrongly denied, effectively closing the courthouse doors to the poor. The Commission has proposed significant changes to Rule 145 which currently await action by the Texas Supreme Court. More »
Texas Transfer Toolkit. Plan Ahead. Pass It On. The Texas Transfer Toolkit contains all the forms and instructions needed for Texans to transfer these assets to another person (the beneficiary) upon their death outside the probate system, saving their loved ones significant time and money. More »
When the value of an intestate estate is worth $75,000 or less, a small estate affidavit can be filed if the estate has no debt. Instead of guessing, heirs can now get a court order directing a bank to disclose the decedent’s bank account balance to see if there are enough assets to cover the debts of the estate. More »
A key strategy for reducing barriers to justice is the creation of easy-to-use, Texas Supreme Court approved forms that allow low-income Texans to handle relatively simple legal matters by themselves. When people are not able to access the expertise and advice of an attorney, it is better for them – and the courts that serve them – to have good, legally sound forms that resolve their legal issue. More »
The Commission works in tandem with these Access to Justice Partners to ensure access to justice for all.
