Dallas County Overview

County Seat: Dallas
Population: 2.6 million
District Clerk Location: Dallas

Dallas County serves residents in Dallas, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Carrollton, Richardson, and surrounding communities. This guide provides specific information for filing family law cases (divorce, annulment) in Dallas County.

District Clerk’s Office

Main Office Location

Dallas County District Clerk Felicia Pitre, District Clerk

George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce Street, Suite 103 (First Floor West) Dallas, Texas 75202

Phone: (214) 653-7307
Fax: Contact main office for fax information
Email (District Clerk): fpitre@dallascounty.org
Website: www.dallascounty.org/government/district-clerk

Key Department Contacts

Chief Deputy: Nina Mountique

Child Support Office

Open Records: Gary Fitzsimmons

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 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

Dallas County has 7 family district courts that handle family law matters:

254th District Court

  • Judge: Kimberly Brown (Presiding Judge)
  • Associate Judge: Lorna Bedard
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

255th District Court

  • Judge: Vonda Bailey (Presiding Judge)
  • Associate Judge: Jean Lee
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

256th District Court

  • Judge: Sandre M. Streete (Presiding Judge)
  • Associate Judge: Regina Moore
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

301st District Court

  • Judge: Mary Brown (Presiding Judge)
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

302nd District Court

  • Judge: Sandra Jackson (Presiding Judge)
  • Associate Judge: Tamika Jones Abendroth
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

303rd District Court

  • Judge: LaDeitra Adkins (Presiding Judge)
  • Associate Judge: Scott Beauchamp
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

330th District Court

  • Judge: Andrea D. Plumlee (Presiding Judge)
  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 3rd or 4th Floor
  • Handles: Family law cases

Court Assignment

  • Cases are assigned when petition is filed
  • Your cause number will indicate assigned court
  • Contact the assigned court’s coordinator for scheduling hearings

Filing Your Case

E-Filing

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

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

E-Filing Portal: eFileTexas.gov

Steps:

  1. Create free account at eFileTexas.gov
  2. Select “Dallas 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)

Processing Time: Allow 3-5 business days for acceptance and processing of e-filed documents (some may take longer)

Technical Support:

  • Tyler Technologies: (800) 297-5377
  • Email: efiling.support@tylertech.com

In-Person Filing

Location: District Clerk’s Office, 600 Commerce St., Suite 103 (First Floor West)

What to Bring:

  • Original signed petition
  • Civil Case Information Sheet
  • Dallas County Standing Order (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 (First Floor West, Suite 103)
  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
  • Check or money order (payable to “Dallas County District Clerk”)
  • Credit/debit cards (processing fees may apply)

Fee Waiver: If you cannot afford filing fees, file an affidavit asking the judge to waive the fees. The court will review your financial information and approve/deny.

Official Fee Schedule: Dallas County Civil Filing Fees

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
  • Dallas County Sheriff or Constable serves papers
  • Return of service filed with court

3. Private Process Server

  • Fee: $100.00 - $175.00 (varies by company)
  • Hire certified private process server
  • Must file return of service with clerk

Contact Information:

  • Dallas County Sheriff: (214) 749-8641
  • Constable Precincts: Contact specific precinct based on spouse’s address

Scheduling Your Hearing

Uncontested Divorce Docket

Dallas 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. Contact court coordinator - Contact the coordinator for your assigned court
  4. Request prove-up setting - Ask for uncontested divorce prove-up docket
  5. Provide information:
    • Your cause number
    • Party names
    • State case is uncontested
    • Whether respondent will appear

Typical Hearing Times:

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

Notice Requirements:

  • Notice to respondent required unless properly waived
  • Check with your assigned 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

CRITICAL: Dallas County REQUIRES the Standing Order to be attached to all divorce petitions and suits affecting parent-child relationships.

Dallas County Family District Courts Standing Order Regarding Children, Pets, Property and Conduct of the Parties (F2023.08)

This standing order:

  • Applies automatically to ALL divorce suits and suits affecting parent-child relationships filed in Dallas County
  • Must be attached to the initial pleading when filing
  • Continues as a temporary injunction until further court order (if not contested)

Key Requirements:

Children (if applicable):

  • Restrictions on children’s activities and travel
  • Parental conduct requirements

Property:

  • Preservation of marital property
  • Prohibition on transferring, encumbering, or disposing of property except in usual course of business or for necessities of life
  • Retention of personal and business records

Conduct:

  • Respectful communication requirements
  • Prohibition on harassment or disturbing the peace

Pets:

  • Provisions regarding treatment of household pets

Download Standing Order: Dallas County Standing Order F2023.08

Local Rules

Local Rules of the Family Courts of Dallas County apply to all family law cases.

Other Important Guidelines:

  • Local Rules 15 & 16 - Specific procedural orders
  • Local Rules of Decorum (Appendix 2)
  • Local Lawyers Creed (Appendix 3)
  • Recording & Broadcasting Guidelines
  • Attorney Ad Litem and Guardian Ad Litem Appointment Instructions

Access Local Rules: Dallas County Civil/Family Guidelines

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 Dallas County

Dallas County Law Library

  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building
  • Services: Legal research materials, forms, computer access
  • Note: Cannot provide legal advice

Texas Law Help

Tips for Pro Se Litigants in Dallas 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 (business attire)
  • 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 Dallas County?

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

Q: Does Dallas County require original marriage certificates?

A: Not for filing the petition. 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 or as directed by your court coordinator.

Q: What happens if I miss my hearing date?

A: Your case may be dismissed for want of prosecution. Contact your assigned court coordinator immediately to explain and request a reset.

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

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

Q: Where do I park at the courthouse?

A: The George Allen Garage is located at 601 Commerce Street (enter from Commerce or Elm Street). Parking is $10.00 maximum per day, CASH ONLY. Parking is first-come, first-served with very limited availability. There is NO free parking at the courthouse. Plan to arrive early to find parking.

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: Which floor are the family courts on?

A: Most family law cases are heard on the 3rd or 4th floor of the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building. Check your court assignment for the specific floor.

Important County Contacts

District Clerk’s Office

Chief Deputy Clerk

Dallas County Law Library

  • Location: George L. Allen Courts Building, 600 Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75202

Legal Aid Organizations Serving Dallas County

Additional Resources

Need Help with Your Dallas County Case?

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