Tarrant County Overview

County Seat: Fort Worth
Population: 2.1 million (third largest county in Texas)
District Clerk Location: Fort Worth

Tarrant County serves residents in Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Euless, Bedford, Hurst, Keller, and surrounding communities. This guide provides specific information for filing family law cases (divorce, annulment) in Tarrant County.

District Clerk’s Office

Main Office Location

Tarrant County District Clerk Tom Wilder, District Clerk

Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center 401 W. Belknap Street, Suite 213 Fort Worth, Texas 76196

Phone: (817) 884-1265
Fax: (817) 884-1167
Website: www.tarrantcounty.com/en/district-clerk

Department Contact Information

Civil Filing Division: 401 W. Belknap, 2nd Floor
Phone: (817) 884-1342

Family Law Division: 401 W. Belknap, 2nd Floor
Phone: (817) 884-1230

E-Filing Support: efiling@tarrantcounty.com
Records Requests: (817) 884-1265

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.

Additional Locations

Northeast Tarrant County Subcourthouse 645 Grapevine Highway, Suite 200 Hurst, TX 76054 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services: Limited filing services, records access

Southeast Tarrant County Subcourthouse 700 Main Street Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Services: Limited filing services, records access

Courts Handling Family Law Cases

Family District Courts

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

141st District Court

  • Location: Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth
  • Court Coordinator: (817) 884-1141
  • Handles: Family law cases

236th District Court

  • Location: Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth
  • Court Coordinator: (817) 884-1236
  • Handles: Family law cases

Court Assignment

  • Cases are assigned randomly by rotation when petition is filed
  • Assignment occurs automatically upon filing
  • Your cause number will indicate assigned court
  • Cannot request specific court assignment

Filing Your Case

E-Filing

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

E-Filing Portal: eFileTexas.gov

Steps:

  1. Create free account at eFileTexas.gov
  2. Select “Tarrant County” and “District Court”
  3. Upload your Original Petition (PDF format)
  4. Upload Civil Case Information Sheet
  5. Pay filing fees online with credit/debit card
  6. Receive electronic confirmation and cause number

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

Support: Contact Tarrant County District Clerk e-filing support at efiling@tarrantcounty.com

In-Person Filing

Location: District Clerk’s office, 401 W. Belknap Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Worth

What to Bring:

  • Original signed petition
  • Civil Case Information Sheet
  • 2-3 copies of all documents
  • Payment for filing fees
  • Valid photo ID

Process:

  1. Go to Family Law Division filing counter (2nd Floor)
  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 randomly

Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: $318.00 (includes $45 records management fee)
Annulment Petition: $318.00 (includes $45 records management fee)
Fee Waiver (Indigency Affidavit): No fee if approved

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash
  • Check or money order (payable to “Tarrant County District Clerk”)
  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover - 2.75% convenience fee)
  • No personal checks over $500

Fee Waiver: If you cannot afford filing fees, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (Form DC-052) 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 within 10 days recommended

2. Sheriff Service

  • Fee: $75.00
  • Request issuance of citation from clerk
  • Tarrant County Sheriff Civil Division serves papers
  • Return of service filed with court

3. Constable Service

  • Fee: $75.00 - $85.00 (varies by precinct)
  • Request issuance of citation from clerk
  • Constable serves papers
  • Return of service filed with court

4. Private Process Server

  • Fee: $50.00 - $150.00 (varies by company)
  • Hire certified private process server
  • Must file return of service with clerk

Contact Information:

Scheduling Your Hearing

Uncontested Divorce Docket

Tarrant County courts have special uncontested divorce prove-up 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 (see court list above)
  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 hold prove-up dockets in afternoons
  • Duration: Usually 10-20 minutes
  • Courts may have specific days dedicated to prove-ups (varies by court)

Notice Requirements:

  • 10 days notice to respondent if they didn’t waive notice
  • Most courts require you to mail notice even if waiver signed - confirm with coordinator

What to Bring to Hearing

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

Local Rules and Procedures

Standing Orders

Tarrant County has automatic standing orders that apply to all family law cases upon filing.

Tarrant County Local Rules for Family Cases require:

  • Review of Local Rules before filing
  • Compliance with case management procedures
  • Specific formatting for documents

Standing Order Document: Tarrant County Local Rules

Local Forms

Tarrant County-specific forms:

  • Available on District Clerk website
  • BVS forms (required for divorce)
  • Most standard Texas Supreme Court forms accepted

Where to obtain: www.tarrantcounty.com/en/district-clerk/helpful-links/forms

Document Format Requirements

  • 8.5 x 11 inch paper
  • 12-point font minimum
  • Double-spaced text (pleadings)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Page numbers on all pages after first
  • Caption must include cause number, court number, county

Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigant Information

Self-Help Resources in Tarrant County

Tarrant County Law Library

  • Location: Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap St., 3rd Floor, Fort Worth
  • Phone: (817) 884-1445
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Services: Legal research materials, computers, forms, instructions
  • Website: www.tarrantcounty.com/en/law-library
  • Note: Cannot provide legal advice

Texas Law Help

Tips for Pro Se Litigants in Tarrant County

Before Filing:

  • Review Tarrant County Local Rules
  • Review all forms carefully for completeness
  • Make copies of everything (at least 3 copies)
  • Organize documents with tabs/labels
  • Confirm filing fees and payment methods

At the Courthouse:

  • Allow extra time for parking and security
  • Dress professionally (business attire recommended)
  • Be respectful to all court staff and judges
  • Speak clearly and listen carefully
  • Don’t interrupt the judge or court staff
  • Turn off cell phones completely

Court Etiquette:

  • Address judge as “Your Honor”
  • Stand when judge enters/exits
  • Stand when speaking to the judge
  • Wait to be called
  • Answer questions directly and honestly
  • Do not argue or become emotional

County-Specific FAQ

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

A: Typically 2-6 weeks from when you request it, depending on the court’s docket. Some courts have specific prove-up days scheduled monthly.

Q: Does Tarrant County require original marriage certificates?

A: Most courts accept certified copies. Some judges may want to see original at hearing. Bring both if you have them.

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

A: You can prepare it in advance, but file it separately closer to your hearing date. Check with 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 reschedule. You may need to file a motion to reinstate.

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

A: No. Tarrant County courts require live testimony at prove-up hearings. At least the petitioner must appear.

Q: Where do I park at the courthouse?

A: Public parking garage at 401 W. Belknap Street. Fee: approximately $1-2 per hour. Street parking available (metered). Some free parking nearby.

Q: Is there security screening at the courthouse?

A: Yes. Allow 15-30 minutes for security screening. Do not bring weapons, prohibited items, or large bags. No food or drinks allowed past security.

Important County Contacts

District Clerk’s Office

Court Administration

Tarrant County Law Library

  • Location: 401 W. Belknap St., 3rd Floor, Fort Worth
  • Phone: (817) 884-1445
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Legal Aid Organizations Serving Tarrant County

Additional Resources

Need Help with Your Tarrant County Case?

Texas Divorce Express provides professional document preparation for family law cases in Tarrant 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 Tarrant County District Clerk’s office. Information last updated: January 2026