Rule 131.Successful Party to Recover
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 131 lets the successful party recover all of its costs from the adversary, except where another law or rule provides otherwise.
Full Text of Rule 131
The successful party to a suit shall recover of his adversary all costs incurred therein, except where otherwise provided.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 131 sets the default on who pays. The successful party to a suit recovers from its adversary all the costs it incurred, unless a law or another rule provides otherwise. Costs follow the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays court costs after winning a case in Texas?
Under Rule 131, the losing adversary pays the successful party's costs, except where a law or rule provides otherwise.
Can a law or another rule override Rule 131's default on costs?
Yes. Rule 131 applies except where otherwise provided, so a more specific statute or rule can change who bears the costs.
Does "successful party" under Rule 131 mean only the plaintiff?
No. Rule 131 awards costs to whichever side prevails, plaintiff or defendant — it does not favor either side by name.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 131), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: successful party to recoverprevailing party costscosts follow the eventTRCP 131