Bell County Overview

County Seat: Belton
Population: 380,000+
District Clerk Location: Belton

Bell County serves residents in Killeen, Temple, Belton, Harker Heights, and surrounding communities. This guide provides specific information for filing family law cases (divorce, annulment) in Bell County.

District Clerk’s Office

Main Office Location

Bell County District Clerk Shelley Cadena, District Clerk

Bell County Courthouse 1 Main Plaza, Suite 207 Belton, Texas 76513

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 909 Belton, TX 76513

Phone: (254) 933-5185
Fax: (254) 933-5534
Website: www.bellcountytx.com/districtclerk

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Weekends and county holidays

Note: Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing if filing in person to allow time for processing.

Courts Handling Family Law Cases

Family District Courts

Bell County family law cases (divorce, annulment) are filed in the following courts:

27th District Court

  • Judge: John Gauntt
  • Court Coordinator: (254) 933-5227
  • Handles: Family law cases

146th District Court

  • Judge: Jack Jones
  • Court Coordinator: (254) 933-5146
  • Handles: Family law cases

264th District Court

  • Judge: Martha Trudo
  • Court Coordinator: (254) 933-5264
  • Handles: Family law cases

426th District Court

  • Judge: Fancy Jezek
  • Court Coordinator: (254) 933-5426
  • Handles: Family law cases

Court Assignment

  • Cases are assigned by rotation when the petition is filed
  • Your cause number will indicate your assigned court
  • Contact the coordinator for your assigned court to schedule hearings

Filing Your Case

E-Filing

Bell County participates in the Texas statewide e-filing system.

E-Filing Portal: eFileTexas.gov

Steps:

  1. Create free account at eFileTexas.gov
  2. Select “Bell County” and appropriate court
  3. Upload your Original Petition (PDF format)
  4. Pay filing fees online with credit/debit card
  5. Receive electronic confirmation

E-Filing Hours: 24/7 (filings reviewed next business day)

In-Person Filing

Location: District Clerk’s office (address above)

What to Bring:

  • Original signed petition
  • Civil Case Information Sheet
  • 2-3 copies of all documents
  • Payment for filing fees (cash, check, or credit/debit card)
  • Valid photo ID

Process:

  1. Go to Suite 207, District Clerk’s office
  2. Submit original and copies to clerk
  3. Pay filing fees
  4. Receive file-stamped copies and cause number
  5. Case is assigned to a court

Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: $310.00
Annulment Petition: $310.00
Fee Waiver (Indigency Affidavit): No fee if approved

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash
  • Check or money order (payable to “Bell County District Clerk”)
  • Credit/debit cards (convenience fee applies)

Fee Waiver: If you cannot afford filing fees, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs with your petition. The court will review and approve/deny.

Service of Process

Serving Your Spouse

After filing, you must serve your spouse with the petition.

Options:

1. Waiver of Service (Recommended for Uncontested)

  • Free
  • Have spouse sign waiver after petition is filed
  • Must be notarized or sworn declaration
  • File executed waiver with clerk

2. Sheriff/Constable Service

  • Fee: $75.00 - $90.00
  • Request issuance of citation from clerk
  • Bell County Sheriff or Constable serves papers
  • Return of service filed with court

3. Private Process Server

  • Fee: $80.00 - $130.00 (varies by company)
  • Hire certified private process server
  • Must file return of service with clerk

Contact Information:

Scheduling Your Hearing

Uncontested Divorce Docket

Bell County courts have designated times for uncontested divorce hearings.

How to Schedule:

  1. Wait for service - Ensure waiver is filed or 20-day answer period has passed
  2. Wait 60 days - Cannot have hearing until day 61+ after filing
  3. Contact court coordinator - Call the coordinator for your assigned court
  4. Request prove-up setting - Ask for uncontested divorce prove-up hearing
  5. Provide information:
    • Your cause number
    • Party names
    • State case is uncontested
    • Whether respondent will appear

Court Coordinator Contact:

  • See “Courts Handling Family Law Cases” section above for your assigned court’s coordinator

Typical Hearing Times:

  • Usually scheduled in morning dockets
  • 5-15 minutes per case

Notice Requirements:

  • 10 days notice to respondent if they didn’t waive service
  • Check with your court coordinator for specific notice requirements

What to Bring to Hearing

  • Original Final Decree (for judge to sign)
  • Extra copies of decree (2-3)
  • Original petition (file-stamped copy)
  • Proof of service (waiver or return)
  • BVS form (Bureau of Vital Statistics)
  • Valid photo ID

Local Rules and Procedures

Standing Orders

Bell County does not have automatic standing orders that apply to all family law cases upon filing. Orders are case-specific as issued by the court.

Local Forms

Bell County uses statewide forms - no special local forms required for standard divorces and annulments.

Document Format Requirements

  • Standard Texas court formatting applies
  • 8.5” x 11” paper, double-spaced
  • 1-inch margins
  • 12-point font

Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigant Information

Self-Help Resources in Bell County

Bell County Law Library

  • Location: 1 Main Plaza, Belton, TX 76513
  • Phone: (254) 933-5190
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Services: Legal research materials, forms, computer access
  • Note: Cannot provide legal advice

Tips for Pro Se Litigants in Bell County

Before Filing:

  • Review all forms carefully for completeness
  • Make copies of everything
  • Organize documents with tabs/labels
  • Confirm filing fees and payment methods

At the Courthouse:

  • Dress professionally
  • Be respectful to all court staff
  • Speak clearly and listen carefully
  • Don’t interrupt the judge or court staff
  • Turn off cell phones

Court Etiquette:

  • Address judge as “Your Honor”
  • Stand when speaking
  • Wait to be called
  • Answer questions directly and honestly

County-Specific FAQ

Q: How long does it take to get a hearing date in Bell County?

A: Typically 3-6 weeks from when you request it, depending on the court’s docket.

Q: Does Bell County require original marriage certificates?

A: You should bring your original or certified copy of your marriage certificate to the final hearing. Check with your court coordinator for specific requirements.

Q: Can I file my Final Decree at the same time as my petition?

A: No. The Final Decree cannot be filed until after the 60-day waiting period and after your hearing. Bring it to your prove-up hearing for the judge to sign.

Q: What happens if I miss my hearing date?

A: Your case may be dismissed for want of prosecution. Contact your court coordinator immediately to reschedule if you cannot attend.

Q: Does Bell County allow prove-ups by affidavit instead of live testimony?

A: No. Bell County courts typically require live testimony at the final hearing. The petitioner must appear in person.

Q: Where do I park at the courthouse?

A: Free parking is available in lots around the courthouse in downtown Belton. Allow extra time for parking and security.

Q: Is there security screening at the courthouse?

A: Yes. Allow extra time for security. Do not bring weapons, prohibited items, or large bags. Prohibited items include pocket knives, scissors, and sharp objects.

Important County Contacts

District Clerk’s Office

Court Administration

Bell County Law Library

  • Location: 1 Main Plaza, Belton, TX 76513
  • Phone: (254) 933-5190
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Legal Aid Organizations Serving Bell County

Additional Resources

Need Help with Your Bell County Case?

Texas Divorce Express provides professional document preparation for family law cases in Bell County and all other Texas counties.

Contact Us for Assistance Back to County Directory

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures and requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Bell County District Clerk’s office. Information last updated: January 2026