Bexar County Overview

County Seat: San Antonio
Population: 2.0 million
District Clerk Location: San Antonio

Bexar County serves residents in San Antonio, Leon Valley, Converse, Universal City, and surrounding communities. This guide provides specific information for filing family law cases (divorce, annulment) in Bexar County.

District Clerk’s Office

Main Office Location

Bexar County District Clerk
Gloria A. Martinez, District Clerk

Paul Elizondo Tower
101 W Nueva Street, Suite 217
San Antonio, Texas 78205-3411

Phone: (210) 335-2011
Civil Filing/Presiding Clerk: (210) 335-2113
E-Filing Assistance: (855) 839-3453
Email: dcefiling@bexar.org
Website: www.bexar.org/3688/District-Clerk

Courthouse Location

Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa Street
San Antonio, Texas 78205

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

All Civil District Courts in Bexar County hear family law matters. Bexar County has 14 Civil District Courts that handle divorce, annulment, custody, and other family law cases:

37th Civil District Court

45th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Mary Lou Alvarez
  • Phone: (210) 335-2507
  • Handles: Family law cases

57th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Antonia Arteaga
  • Phone: (210) 335-2531
  • Handles: Family law cases

73rd Civil District Court

  • Judge: Elizabeth R. Martinez
  • Phone: (210) 335-2523
  • Handles: Family law cases

131st Civil District Court

  • Judge: Norma Gonzales
  • Phone: (210) 335-2521
  • Handles: Family law cases

150th Civil District Court

166th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Laura Salinas
  • Phone: (210) 335-2501
  • Handles: Family law cases

224th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Marisa Flores
  • Phone: (210) 335-2132
  • Handles: Family law cases

225th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Christine Vasquez-Hortick
  • Phone: (210) 335-2233
  • Handles: Family law cases

285th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Nadine Melissa Nieto
  • Phone: (210) 335-2086
  • Handles: Family law cases

288th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Cynthia Marie Chapa
  • Phone: (210) 335-2663
  • Handles: Family law cases

407th Civil District Court

408th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Angelica Jimenez
  • Phone: (210) 335-2831
  • Handles: Family law cases

438th Civil District Court

  • Judge: Rosie Alvarado
  • Phone: (210) 335-0448
  • Handles: Family law cases

Court Assignment

  • Cases are assigned when petition is filed
  • Assignment is handled by the Presiding Civil District Clerk
  • Your cause number will indicate assigned court
  • Contact Presiding Clerk for scheduling: (210) 335-2113

Filing Your Case

E-Filing

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

E-filing is MANDATORY for attorneys. Pro se (self-represented) litigants may file in person or by mail, but e-filing is recommended.

E-Filing Portal: eFileTexas.gov

Steps:

  1. Create free account at eFileTexas.gov
  2. Select “Bexar 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 (documents filed before midnight are deemed timely filed)

E-Filing Support:

In-Person Filing

Location: Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W Nueva St., Suite 217

What to Bring:

  • Original signed petition
  • Civil Case Information Sheet
  • Standing Order Regarding Children, Property and Conduct (REQUIRED - see Local Rules section)
  • 2-3 copies of all documents
  • Payment for filing fees (check accepted payment methods below)
  • Valid photo ID

Process:

  1. Go to District Clerk’s office (Suite 217)
  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:

  • Without children: $350.00
  • With children: $401.00

Annulment Petition:

  • Without children: $350.00
  • With children: $401.00

Fee Waiver (Indigency Affidavit): No fee if approved

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash
  • Cashier’s checks
  • Money orders
  • Discover, Visa, and Mastercard
  • NO personal checks accepted

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.

Official Fee Schedule: Bexar County Fee Schedule

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 - $100.00
  • Request issuance of citation from clerk
  • Bexar County Sheriff or Constable serves papers
  • Return of service filed with court

3. Private Process Server

  • Fee: $100.00 - $150.00 (varies by company)
  • Hire certified private process server
  • Must file return of service with clerk

Contact Information:

  • Bexar County Sheriff: (210) 335-6000
  • Constable Precincts: Contact specific precinct based on spouse’s address

Scheduling Your Hearing

Uncontested Divorce Docket

Bexar County courts have uncontested divorce dockets.

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. Complete parenting class - Required if you have children (see Local Rules)
  4. Contact Presiding Civil District Clerk - (210) 335-2113
  5. Request prove-up setting - Ask for uncontested divorce prove-up docket
  6. Provide information:
    • Your cause number
    • Party names
    • State case is uncontested
    • Whether respondent will appear
    • Confirmation of parenting class completion (if children involved)

Typical Hearing Times:

  • Varies by court
  • Duration: Usually 5-15 minutes

Notice Requirements:

  • Notice to respondent required unless waived
  • Check with your assigned court coordinator for specific 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
  • Proof of parenting class completion (if children involved)

Local Rules and Procedures

Standing Orders

CRITICAL: Bexar County REQUIRES a Standing Order to be attached to all new petitions for divorce and Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship.

Standing Order Regarding Children, Property, and Conduct of the Parties

This standing order:

  • Takes effect immediately when the petition is filed
  • Is enforceable by contempt (fines or jail)
  • Must be attached to your Original Petition

Key Requirements:

Children (if applicable):

  • Parents must attend a family stabilization program (“Helping Children Cope with Divorce” or similar) within 60 days of filing
  • Prohibition on overnight guests with whom a party is romantically involved while in possession of children (overnight defined as 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM)

Property:

  • Must preserve all marital property until parties agree in writing or court authorizes action
  • Must maintain and retain all personal and business records

Conduct:

  • Parties must be respectful and use common courtesy
  • No vulgar or obscene language when communicating with the other party

Parenting Education Requirement: All parties in divorces with minor children must complete “Helping Children Cope with Divorce,” “KIDS (Kids in Divorce Situations),” or similar approved education before divorce will be granted.

Download Standing Order: Civil District Judges Standing Order

Local Rules

Bexar County Civil District Court Local Rules 2024 apply to all family law cases.

Access Local Rules: Bexar County Local Rules 2024

Document Format Requirements

  • Standard Texas court formatting applies
  • PDF format for e-filing
  • Standing Order must be attached to Original Petition

Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigant Information

Self-Help Resources in Bexar County

Bexar County Law Library

  • Location: Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa St., San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Services: Legal research materials, forms, computer access
  • Note: Cannot provide legal advice

Texas Law Help

Tips for Pro Se Litigants in Bexar County

Before Filing:

  • Review all forms carefully for completeness
  • Download and attach the required Standing Order
  • 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 Bexar County?

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

Q: Does Bexar County require original marriage certificates?

A: Not for filing. You need information from the certificate for your petition. Bring a certified copy to your hearing if available.

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

A: No. File your decree after the 60-day waiting period and after scheduling your hearing.

Q: What happens if I miss my hearing date?

A: Your case may be dismissed. Contact the Presiding Civil District Clerk immediately at (210) 335-2113 to explain and request a reset.

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

A: No. Bexar County requires live testimony at the final hearing. The petitioner must appear in person.

Q: Where do I park at the courthouse?

A: The Bexar County Parking Garage is located at 211 S. Flores Street. Rates are $5-$12 for weekday parking (varies by length of stay). Additional surface lots are available on W. Nueva Street, and metered street parking is available on surrounding streets.

Q: Is there security screening at the courthouse?

A: Yes. All visitors must pass through security screening. Allow extra time (15-20 minutes). Do not bring weapons, prohibited items, or large bags.

Q: What is the “Helping Children Cope with Divorce” class?

A: It’s a required parenting education program for all parties in divorces involving minor children. The class must be completed before the judge will grant your divorce. Several providers offer the class in San Antonio. Check with the court coordinator for approved providers.

Important County Contacts

District Clerk’s Office

Presiding Civil District Clerk (Scheduling)

Bexar County Law Library

Legal Aid Organizations Serving Bexar County

Additional Resources

Need Help with Your Bexar County Case?

Texas Divorce Express provides professional document preparation for family law cases in Bexar 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 Bexar County District Clerk’s office. Information last updated: January 2025