Evidence and exhibits · Question 6 of 10

Can I use text messages as evidence?

Text messages can be evidence if authenticated—typically by a witness who participated in the thread—and relevant, subject to hearsay objections.… General legal information for self-represented litigants—not legal advice.

Short answer

Text messages can be evidence if authenticated—typically by a witness who participated in the thread—and relevant, subject to hearsay objections.

What the court expects

Screenshots alone may be insufficient without testimony about how they were captured and that they fairly reflect the conversation. Metadata and complete threads matter.

Practical steps

Export full threads, note phone numbers and dates, and prepare a witness who recognizes the messages.

Earlier in this series

If you are working through this topic step by step, review "What is a business records affidavit?" before moving to related deadlines and filings.

References and official sources

Cross-check every rule and deadline against current official publications. Links open external government and court resources.

Texas Judicial Branch

Evidence path

Progressive path: quick Q&A → deeper help → structured learning.

This Litigation Architect Q&A series provides general legal information for self-represented litigants. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee outcomes. Verify all deadlines, rules, and local requirements on your official court docket and with qualified counsel when needed.