Filing Family Law Cases in Texas

Texas Divorce Express serves all 254 Texas counties. Each county has its own district clerk, court procedures, and local rules. This directory provides county-specific information to help you file your divorce or annulment case successfully.

County-Specific Information

Each Texas county has unique procedures, court assignments, and local rules. Select your county below for detailed information about filing in that specific county.

20 Largest Texas Counties

These counties represent the highest population areas in Texas. County pages are being added progressively. Linked counties have detailed information available.

All Other Texas Counties (A-Z)

Note: Additional county pages are being added progressively. Check back for updates, or contact us for information about your county.

Need Help with Your County?

If you don’t see your county listed or need assistance understanding your county’s specific requirements, contact Texas Divorce Express:

Contact Us

Standing Orders Directory

Many Texas counties have standing orders that automatically apply to divorce and family law cases when filed. These orders typically address temporary restraints, property protection, and child-related matters.

View Standing Orders by County

Statewide E-Filing System

Texas E-Filing Overview

Texas uses a statewide electronic filing system that allows you to file documents with most Texas courts online, 24/7.

Primary E-Filing Portal:

  • eFileTexas.gov - The official statewide e-filing system
  • Available for most district and county courts
  • Requires free account registration
  • Accepts credit/debit cards for filing fees
  • Provides instant electronic confirmation

How E-Filing Works in Texas

Step 1: Create Account

  • Visit eFileTexas.gov
  • Click “Register” to create a free account
  • Provide your name, email, and create password
  • Verify your email address

Step 2: Prepare Documents

  • Documents must be in PDF format
  • Ensure all pages are included
  • Check that signatures are visible
  • Remove any password protection from PDFs

Step 3: Select Court

  • Choose your county
  • Select the appropriate court (District Court, County Court at Law)
  • For new cases, select “File into a new case”

Step 4: Add Case Information and Upload Documents

  • Add case information (party names, case type)
  • Upload your Original Petition and required forms
  • Review filing fees

Step 5: Pay Filing Fees

  • Pay with credit or debit card
  • Fees are the same as in-person filing
  • Receive electronic receipt

Step 6: Confirmation

  • Receive email confirmation with submission number
  • Court reviews and accepts filing (usually within 1 business day)
  • File-stamped documents returned electronically

E-Filing Requirements

Accepted File Formats:

  • PDF (Portable Document Format) only
  • Must be text-searchable (not scanned images when possible)
  • Maximum file size varies by court (typically 35-50 MB per document)

Technical Requirements:

  • Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • PDF reader software
  • Stable internet connection
  • Valid email address

Payment Methods:

  • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • Debit cards with credit card logo
  • E-filing convenience fee: Typically $1-$5 per transaction

Counties Not on E-Filing System

A small number of counties may not participate in e-filing or may have limited e-filing capabilities. Check your specific county page for local filing requirements.

Statewide Filing FAQ

General Filing Questions

Q: Do I have to e-file, or can I file in person?

A: You can file in person at the district clerk’s office during business hours. E-filing is optional but convenient. Some courts may eventually require e-filing for attorneys but typically allow self-represented litigants to file in person.

Q: What is a “cause number” and when do I get one?

A: A cause number is the unique identifier assigned to your case by the court. You receive it when your Original Petition is filed and accepted. It looks like “2025-12345” or similar format.

Q: How much are filing fees in Texas?

A: Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $250-$350 for a divorce petition. Check your specific county page for exact fees.

Q: Can I get a fee waiver if I can’t afford filing fees?

A: Yes. File a “Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs” (also called an indigency affidavit). The court will review your financial information and either grant the waiver, deny it, or defer fees to be paid later.

Q: What is the difference between district court and county court?

A: Divorces and annulments are filed in district courts (or designated family district courts in larger counties). County courts at law may handle some family matters but typically not divorce.

Q: Do I need an attorney to file for divorce in Texas?

A: No. Texas law allows you to represent yourself (“pro se”). However, having professional document preparation (like Texas Divorce Express provides) or full legal representation is advisable.

Q: What does “pro se” mean?

A: “Pro se” is Latin for “for oneself.” It means you are representing yourself in court without an attorney. You have the same rights and responsibilities as an attorney would.

Document Requirements

Q: Do I need to file original documents or copies?

A: For e-filing, you submit PDFs. For in-person filing, you typically file the original signed document, and the clerk keeps it. Bring copies for the clerk to file-stamp and return to you.

Q: How many copies should I bring to the clerk’s office?

A: Bring the original plus 2-3 copies. The clerk keeps the original and file-stamps your copies for your records.

Q: Do my documents need to be notarized?

A: Your petition does not require notarization. However, waivers of service typically require notarization or must be signed as an unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury.

Q: What if the clerk rejects my filing?

A: The clerk will provide a reason (missing signatures, wrong forms, insufficient fees, etc.). Correct the issue and refile promptly. Texas Divorce Express documents are prepared to meet court requirements and minimize rejections.

Service of Process

Q: What is “service of process”?

A: Service of process is legally notifying your spouse that you filed for divorce by delivering a copy of the petition and citation. Texas law requires proof that your spouse received notice.

Q: Can I serve the papers myself?

A: No. You cannot personally serve your spouse. Service must be done by a third party (sheriff, constable, private process server) or your spouse can sign a waiver of service.

Q: How much does a process server cost?

A: Sheriff or constable service: $50-$100. Private process server: $75-$150. Waiver of service is free if your spouse cooperates.

Q: What if I don’t know where my spouse lives?

A: You may need to pursue service by publication after showing you made a diligent search. This requires court permission and additional steps. Consult with an attorney for these cases.

Court Procedures

Q: Do I have to appear in court?

A: Yes, for the final hearing (also called a “prove-up”). At minimum, the petitioner must appear to provide brief testimony. Your spouse may not need to appear if they signed a waiver and the divorce is uncontested.

Q: How do I schedule a hearing?

A: Contact the court coordinator for your assigned court. Provide your cause number and request an uncontested/prove-up setting. Many courts have special uncontested dockets.

Q: What should I wear to court?

A: Business casual or better. Avoid shorts, tank tops, revealing clothing, and hats. Dress respectfully as you would for a job interview.

Q: Can I bring someone with me to court for support?

A: Yes, someone can sit in the courtroom gallery (audience seating), but they cannot sit with you at the counsel table or answer questions for you.

Q: How long does a hearing take?

A: Uncontested divorce prove-ups typically take 5-15 minutes. You’ll answer basic questions, the judge reviews your decree, and signs it if everything is in order.

After Filing

Q: How do I get a file-stamped copy of my filed documents?

A: For e-filing, you receive file-stamped PDFs electronically. For in-person filing, the clerk file-stamps copies you provide and returns them to you.

Q: How do I get certified copies of my divorce decree?

A: Request certified copies from the district clerk’s office. There’s a fee (typically $1-$5 per page). You can request in person or by mail.

Q: When is my divorce final?

A: Your divorce is final when the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. This can occur no earlier than the 61st day after filing (due to the 60-day waiting period).

Q: Can I remarry immediately after my divorce is final?

A: Yes. Once the judge signs your Final Decree, you are legally single and can remarry. However, under Texas Family Code Section 6.801, if you want to remarry within 30 days of the decree being signed, you may need to obtain a waiver from the court. After 30 days, no waiver is required.

Additional Statewide Resources

Texas Courts

E-Filing Help

  • eFileTexas Help: https://www.efiletexas.gov/help
  • eFileTexas Training Videos: Available on the eFileTexas website
  • Technical Support: Available through eFileTexas portal

Self-Help Resources

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures and requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with your specific county clerk’s office.