Harris County Overview

County Seat: Houston
Population: 4.7 million (largest county in Texas)
District Clerk Location: Houston

Harris County serves residents in Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Pearland, League City, and surrounding communities. This guide provides specific information for filing family law cases (divorce, annulment) in Harris County.

District Clerk’s Office

Main Office Location

Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess, District Clerk

Harris County Civil Courthouse 201 Caroline Street, Suite 420 Houston, Texas 77002

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4651 Houston, TX 77210-4651

Phone: (832) 927-5800
Website: www.hcdistrictclerk.com

Department Contact Information

Civil Intake: 201 Caroline, 1st Floor, Suite 110
Phone: (832) 927-5600

Family Intake: 201 Caroline, 2nd Floor, Suite 210
Phone: (832) 927-5700

E-Filing Support: eFiling@hcdistrictclerk.com
Billing Questions: Billing@hcdistrictclerk.com or (832) 927-5930

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.

Additional Locations

Records Center 5900 Canal Street Houston, TX 77011 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Services: Records research, certified copies

Courts Handling Family Law Cases

Family District Courts

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

245th District Court

  • Judge: Angela M. Lancelin
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 15th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-1245
  • Handles: Family law cases

246th District Court

  • Judge: Angela L. Graves-Harrington (Administrative Judge of Family)
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 16th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4500
  • Handles: Family law cases

247th District Court

  • Judge: Janice Berg
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 15th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-1247
  • Handles: Family law cases

257th District Court

  • Judge: Sandra Peake
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 16th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4560
  • Handles: Family law cases

308th District Court

  • Judge: Gloria E. López
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 8th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4600
  • Handles: Family law cases

309th District Court

  • Judge: Linda Marie Dunson
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 16th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4520
  • Handles: Family law cases

310th District Court

  • Judge: Sonya L. Heath
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 15th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-1310
  • Handles: Family law cases

311th District Court

  • Judge: Germaine J. Tanner
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 8th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4580
  • Handles: Family law cases

312th District Court

  • Judge: Teresa J. Waldrop
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 16th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4540
  • Handles: Family law cases

507th District Court

  • Judge: Lillian Alexander
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 15th Floor
  • Phone: (713) 274-4620
  • Handles: Family law cases

Court Assignment

  • Cases are assigned by rotation among the family district courts
  • Assignment occurs when petition is filed
  • Your cause number will indicate assigned court

Filing Your Case

E-Filing

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

E-Filing Portal: eFileTexas.gov

Steps:

  1. Create free account at eFileTexas.gov
  2. Use a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP)
  3. Select “Harris County” and appropriate court
  4. Upload your Original Petition (PDF format)
  5. Pay filing fees online with credit/debit card
  6. Receive electronic confirmation

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

E-Filing Support: eFiling@hcdistrictclerk.com

Important: All e-filings must be submitted through a certified EFSP. Direct filing to eFileTexas.gov is not permitted.

In-Person Filing

Location: Family Intake, 201 Caroline St., 2nd Floor, Suite 210

What to Bring:

  • Original signed petition
  • Civil Case Information Sheet
  • 2-3 copies of all documents
  • Payment for filing fees (check accepted payment methods below)
  • Valid photo ID

Process:

  1. Go to Family Intake counter (2nd floor, Suite 210)
  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: $350.00 (without children) / $365.00 (with children)
Annulment Petition: $350.00 (without children) / $365.00 (with children)
Fee Waiver (Indigency Affidavit): No fee if approved

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash
  • Cashier’s check or money order (payable to “Harris County District Clerk”) — personal checks are not accepted
  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • E-filing convenience fee: Typically $1-$5 per transaction

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

3. Private Process Server

  • Fee: $100.00 - $200.00 (varies by company)
  • Hire certified private process server
  • Must file return of service with clerk

Contact Information:

  • Harris County Sheriff: (713) 755-6044
  • Constables: Contact specific precinct based on spouse’s address

Scheduling Your Hearing

Uncontested Divorce Docket

Harris County courts have special 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 - Call 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

Court Coordinator Contact:

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

Typical Hearing Times:

  • Most courts have morning uncontested dockets
  • Duration: Usually 5-15 minutes

Notice Requirements:

  • 10 days notice to respondent (if they didn’t waive)
  • Some courts require notice even if waiver signed - check with coordinator

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

Harris County does not have automatic standing orders that apply to all family law cases upon filing.

Unlike some Texas counties, Harris County does not automatically impose standing orders when a family law petition is filed.

Local Rules

New Local Rules - Effective May 1, 2025

Harris County Family District Courts adopted comprehensive updates to their Local Rules in 2025—the first revision since 2003.

Key Features:

  • Enhanced transparency and consistency
  • Improved accessibility for self-represented litigants
  • Rule 14: Formally incorporates the District Courts’ Language Access Plan to ensure individuals with limited English proficiency can participate in proceedings

Access Local Rules:

Publication: All local rules are published to the Office of Court Administration’s Public Information System as required by law.

Document Format Requirements

  • Standard Texas court formatting applies
  • PDF format for e-filing
  • Text-searchable PDFs preferred
  • Maximum file size: 35-50 MB per document

Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigant Information

Self-Help Resources in Harris County

Harris County Law Library

  • Location: 1019 Congress Street, Houston, TX 77002
  • Phone: (832) 927-1500
  • Website: www.harriscountylawlibrary.org
  • Services: Legal research materials, computers, forms, reference assistance
  • Note: Cannot provide legal advice

Texas Law Help

Tips for Pro Se Litigants in Harris 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 Harris County?

A: Typically 2-6 weeks from when you request it, depending on the court’s docket. Some courts have specific uncontested docket days each week or month.

Q: Does Harris County require original marriage certificates?

A: Not typically for filing the petition. You’ll need information from the certificate, but most courts don’t require the original document. 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. You must wait until after service is complete and the 60-day waiting period has passed. File your decree 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 court coordinator immediately to explain and request a reset.

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

A: Yes. Harris County accepts affidavits for prove-up hearings in some uncontested cases, meaning you may be able to submit a sworn affidavit instead of appearing in person for the final hearing. Check with your assigned court’s coordinator to confirm whether your case qualifies for an affidavit prove-up.

Q: Where do I park at the courthouse?

A: The primary parking garage is at 1400 Congress Street (enter from Austin or LaBranch streets). There’s also a multi-story lot behind the courthouse with entrances at 701 Congress and 261 LaBranch. Parking rates vary, typically $8-$15 per day. Additional options include Christ Church Cathedral Garage (511 San Jacinto St.) and street meter parking.

Q: Is there security screening at the courthouse?

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

Q: Can I access the courthouse through the tunnel system?

A: Yes. The Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline is connected to Houston’s downtown tunnel system, accessible from the courthouse parking garages.

Important County Contacts

District Clerk’s Office

Family Intake

  • Phone: (832) 927-5700
  • Location: 201 Caroline St., 2nd Floor, Suite 210

Harris County Law Library

Legal Aid Organizations Serving Harris County

Additional Resources

Need Help with Your Harris County Case?

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