What To Do After Getting a Notice to Vacate

[Sepia1065]

This question is concerning an eviction notice I received in Texas. We just moved to this state and apt in Sept 2009. Our Sept & Oct rent was paid on time. Our Nov rent was late and we incurred a late fee that carried over into Dec rent due total. Our rent is due by the 3rd of the month. Yesterday we got the 3 day Notice to Vacate for Non-Payment of Rent. My boyfriend has had a really hard time finding a job and I am on SSDI. Like everyone else money is tight to non-existent and our eviction will mean we will be homeless. My questions are these:

• Is there anywhere in Texas (Dallas area) we can go for help? Financial or Legal?
• My boyfriend got a job painting someone’s house but will not get paid for this job before the 3 days are up. He spoke to the landlord and they said we must pay in three days no excuses. Do we have any leeway? If we pay in 7 days and the court papers are filed will a judge still allow them to evict us?
• Generally how long after the three day period is the Sheriff/Law enforcement officer dispatched to the house?
• Will the Sheriff lock us out of the apt?
• Generally how long after the Sheriff/Law enforcement officer is dispatched to the house will the court trial be?

Thanks I really appreciate any help that you can give us.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Contact your county about whether there's emergency housing aid available that can get you through this rough spot. Sources of possible legal aid are described here.

The eviction process is summarized here.

[mistfuzz]

In Dallas call 211 and ask for help. Yes, I didn't make a mistake dial 211.
This is how long you have. Once they go to court the clerk will give you about 10 days to show up in court. If you show in court ( please do ), explain the judge that you have the money ( please have it ). If they file on you for the money just pay and thats it. If they file in court for possesin of the apartment you are out of luck. After the court day you have about 5 days