In Texas, small claims court can only hear issues involving claims of $10,000 or less. Since your home is in San Antonio and that is where the defendant resides, you will file your small claims case in Texas. Therefore, if you do decide to hire an attorney to represent you in this matter, only an attorney licensed to practice law in Texas will be able to assist you in a Texas court. If you have questions about where to file your small claims case see http://www.bexar.org/jp/jp2/Small_Claims/small_claims.htm. In addition, read http://www.freelegalaid.com/nav/texas/other/article/filing-small-claim-bexar-county for more information about filing a small claims case in San Antonio.