How to Dismiss a Case You Filed

You may dismiss a case you filed at any time before you have introduced all your evidence, or take a non-suit by filing a Notice of Nonsuit with the court. 

In Texas civil cases, one way a case gets dismissed is with something called a "nonsuit." A nonsuit occurs when the plaintiff or petitioner files a notice with the court and other parties to the lawsuit that they no longer wish to pursue the case. 

It depends. If the other party filed a claim against you in the same case (a counterpetition, counterclaim, or if for example, asked the court for sanctions, attorney’s fees or other costs) your Notice of Nonsuit will not dismiss the other party’s claims and end the entire case. 

You may still file a notice to dismiss your claims even if the other parties filed a claim against you. To dismiss the case in its entirety all parties must agree. 

Yes. If all parties agree to dismiss the case, you should file an Agreed Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice instead of a Notice of Nonsuit. 

No. If you dismiss or nonsuit your case, you will not get the filing fee back. 

It depends. Usually, you will be able to file your lawsuit at a later time if your case is dismissed without prejudice. 

It depends. Legal deadlines, such as statute of limitations, and other laws may stop you from filing your lawsuit again—even if your case is dismissed “without prejudice.” If you have questions, talk with a lawyer before dismissing your case. 

If your case is dismissed “without prejudice,” you can file it again (as long as there are no legal deadlines or other laws that stop you). 

If your case is dismissed “with prejudice,” you cannot file it again. 

Yes. If you refile a case, you will have to pay court fees again. 

Yes. There are other ways that a case can be dismissed in specific situations. For example, the Court can dismiss a case for "want of prosecution." Learn more at How to Retain or Reinstate a Case Dismissed by the Court.

Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 91a offers a way to ask the court to dismiss a frivolous lawsuit. Also, defendants who are being sued for exercising their First Amendment rights can file anti-SLAPP motions to dismiss.