Travis County Overview

County Seat: Austin
Population: 1.3 million (state capital county)
District Clerk Location: Austin

Travis County serves residents in Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock (partial), Cedar Park (partial), Lakeway, West Lake Hills, and surrounding communities. This guide provides specific information for filing family law cases (divorce, annulment) in Travis County.

District Clerk’s Office

Main Office Location

Travis County District Clerk Velva L. Price, District Clerk

Travis County Courthouse 1000 Guadalupe Street, 2nd Floor Austin, Texas 78701

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 679003 Austin, TX 78767-9003

Phone: (512) 854-9457
Website: www.traviscountyclerk.org/eclerk/content/district-clerk

Department Contact Information

Civil Intake: 1000 Guadalupe St., 2nd Floor
Phone: (512) 854-9457

Family Law Intake: 1000 Guadalupe St., 2nd Floor
Phone: (512) 854-9457

E-Filing Support: efiling@traviscountytx.gov
Records Requests: (512) 854-4722

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 Services

Record Search Requests

  • Available online through District Clerk website
  • In-person requests at main office
  • Certified copies available

Courts Handling Family Law Cases

Family District Courts

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

250th District Court

  • Judge: Karin Crump
  • Location: 1000 Guadalupe St., 5th Floor
  • Court Coordinator: (512) 854-9364
  • Handles: Family law cases

261st District Court

  • Judge: Lora Livingston
  • Location: 1000 Guadalupe St., 6th Floor
  • Court Coordinator: (512) 854-9361
  • Handles: Family law cases

345th District Court

  • Judge: Stephen Yelenosky
  • Location: 1000 Guadalupe St., 6th Floor
  • Court Coordinator: (512) 854-9345
  • Handles: Family law cases

353rd District Court

  • Judge: Tameika Carter
  • Location: 1000 Guadalupe St., 5th Floor
  • Court Coordinator: (512) 854-9353
  • Handles: Family law cases

419th District Court

  • Judge: Orlinda Naranjo
  • Location: 1000 Guadalupe St., 6th Floor
  • Court Coordinator: (512) 854-9419
  • Handles: Family law cases

126th District Court

  • Judge: Darlene Byrne
  • Location: 1000 Guadalupe St., 4th Floor
  • Court Coordinator: (512) 854-9326
  • Handles: Family law cases (also handles civil)

Court Assignment

  • Cases are assigned randomly by computer when petition is filed
  • Assignment occurs automatically
  • Your cause number will indicate assigned court
  • Cannot request specific court assignment
  • Case stays with assigned court throughout proceedings

Filing Your Case

E-Filing

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

E-Filing Portal: eFileTexas.gov

Steps:

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

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

Support: Contact Travis County e-filing support at efiling@traviscountytx.gov or (512) 854-9457

Travis County E-Filing Requirements:

  • PDF format only
  • Maximum file size: 35 MB per document
  • No password-protected PDFs
  • Must include Civil Case Information Sheet with initial filing

In-Person Filing

Location: District Clerk’s office, 1000 Guadalupe Street, 2nd Floor, Austin

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 District Clerk filing window on 2nd Floor
  2. Present documents to clerk
  3. Pay filing fees
  4. Receive file-stamped copies and cause number
  5. Case is assigned to a court automatically

Parking: Limited street parking (metered). Public parking garages nearby on Guadalupe and Lavaca Streets. Typical rate: $1-2 per hour.

Filing Fees

Divorce Petition: $316.00 (includes statutory fees)
Annulment Petition: $316.00 (includes statutory fees)
Fee Waiver (Indigency Affidavit): No fee if approved

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Cash (exact change recommended)
  • Check or money order (payable to “Travis County District Clerk”)
  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express - convenience fee applies)
  • No personal checks accepted

Fee Waiver: If you cannot afford filing fees, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (Texas Supreme Court Form 145) with your petition. The court will review and issue order approving or denying waiver.

Service of Process

Serving Your Spouse

After filing, you must serve your spouse with citation and petition.

Options:

1. Waiver of Service (Recommended for Uncontested)

  • Free
  • Spouse signs waiver after petition is filed
  • Must be notarized or filed as sworn declaration
  • File executed waiver with District Clerk
  • Waiver valid if signed within 28 days of issuance of citation

2. Constable Service

  • Fee: $85.00 - $95.00 (varies by precinct)
  • Request issuance of citation from clerk
  • Constable serves papers in person
  • Return of service filed with court
  • Most common method for contested service

3. Sheriff Service

  • Fee: $85.00
  • Request issuance of citation from clerk
  • Travis County Sheriff serves papers
  • Return of service filed with court

4. Private Process Server

  • Fee: $75.00 - $150.00 (varies by company)
  • Must be certified process server in Texas
  • Request citation from clerk, provide to process server
  • Process server files return of service

Contact Information:

Scheduling Your Hearing

Uncontested Divorce Docket

Travis County family courts have designated prove-up dockets for uncontested divorces.

How to Schedule:

  1. Wait for service - Ensure waiver is filed or 20-day answer period plus one day has passed
  2. Wait 60 days - Cannot have hearing until day 61+ after filing
  3. Prepare Final Decree - Have all final documents ready
  4. Contact court coordinator - Call the coordinator for your assigned court
  5. Request prove-up setting - Ask for next available prove-up docket
  6. Provide required information:
    • Your cause number
    • Party names
    • Confirm case is uncontested
    • State 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-ups on specific days (typically 1-2 days per month)
  • Morning dockets common (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
  • Duration: 10-15 minutes per case
  • Arrive 15 minutes early

Notice Requirements:

  • Must provide 10 days written notice to respondent (or their attorney)
  • Notice required even if respondent signed waiver
  • File notice of hearing with clerk
  • Some courts have specific notice forms - check with coordinator

What to Bring to Hearing

Required Documents:

  • Original Final Decree of Divorce (unsigned) - bring 3 copies
  • Prove-up testimony outline or script
  • File-stamped petition
  • Proof of service (waiver or return)
  • Bureau of Vital Statistics form (2 copies)
  • Valid photo ID
  • Notice of hearing (if served on respondent)

Optional but Helpful:

  • Marriage certificate (certified copy)
  • Any property settlement agreement
  • Testimony notes

Local Rules and Procedures

Standing Orders

Travis County does not have county-wide automatic standing orders for family cases. Individual courts may issue orders upon filing.

Check with your assigned court for:

  • Court-specific standing orders
  • Temporary restraining order requirements
  • Discovery deadlines
  • Case management procedures

Travis County Local Rules:

  • Available on District Clerk website
  • Govern formatting, filing procedures, hearings
  • Review before filing

Local Rules Document: Travis County Local Rules

Local Forms

Travis County accepts Texas Supreme Court approved forms:

  • No county-specific forms required for divorce/annulment
  • Standard Texas forms available at www.texaslawhelp.org
  • Civil Case Information Sheet required (standard form)
  • BVS form required for divorce (standard form)

Where to obtain forms:

  • Texas Law Help: www.texaslawhelp.org
  • Travis County Law Library (see below)
  • Texas Supreme Court website

Document Format Requirements

Travis County standard requirements:

  • 8.5 x 11 inch white paper
  • Black ink only
  • Minimum 12-point font
  • Double-spaced (except caption and signature block)
  • 1-inch margins minimum
  • Page numbers on all pages after page 1
  • Caption must include: cause number, court number, “In Re:” or “In the Matter of:”, county
  • Signature block required

Pro Se (Self-Represented) Litigant Information

Self-Help Resources in Travis County

Travis County Law Library

  • Location: Travis County Courthouse, 1000 Guadalupe St., 10th Floor, Austin
  • Phone: (512) 854-9189
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Services:
    • Legal research materials and computers
    • Form packets for divorce
    • Self-help instruction guides
    • Notary services available
    • Librarians to assist with research (cannot provide legal advice)
  • Website: www.traviscountytx.gov/law-library

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid - Austin Office

  • Location: 4800 Guadalupe St., Austin
  • Phone: (512) 374-2700
  • Services: Free legal assistance for low-income residents (income eligibility required)

Texas Law Help

  • Website: www.texaslawhelp.org
  • Free legal forms and DIY packets
  • Instructional videos
  • Legal aid referrals

Tips for Pro Se Litigants in Travis County

Before Filing:

  • Use Travis County Law Library resources
  • Review sample completed forms
  • Double-check all information for accuracy
  • Make 3 copies of everything
  • Review Travis County Local Rules
  • Confirm current filing fees

At the Courthouse:

  • Allow 30-45 minutes for parking and security
  • Business attire required (no shorts, tank tops, flip-flops)
  • Be respectful and patient with court staff
  • Turn off all electronic devices
  • Do not bring food or drinks into courtrooms
  • Speak clearly and listen carefully

Court Etiquate:

  • Address judge as “Your Honor”
  • Stand when judge enters or exits courtroom
  • Stand when addressing the court
  • Do not interrupt anyone speaking
  • Answer only the questions asked
  • Be honest and direct
  • Remain calm and professional

Security Note:

  • Metal detectors at all entrances
  • No weapons of any kind
  • No large bags or backpacks
  • Prohibited items will be confiscated

County-Specific FAQ

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

A: Typically 4-8 weeks from when you request it. Varies by court. Some courts have prove-up dockets only once or twice per month.

Q: Does Travis County require original marriage certificates?

A: Not required for filing. Some judges want to see certified copy at hearing. Bring certified copy if you have it.

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

A: No. You must file petition first, wait 60 days, and file Final Decree closer to your hearing date (typically 1-2 weeks before hearing).

Q: What happens if I miss my hearing date?

A: Your case may be dismissed or reset. Contact your court coordinator immediately. You may need to file a motion to continue or reset.

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

A: No. All Travis County family courts require live testimony from the petitioner. You must appear in person.

Q: Where do I park at the courthouse?

A: Limited street parking (metered, 2-hour limit). Public parking garages: Capitol Parking Garage (1201 San Jacinto), One Texas Center Garage (505 Barton Springs Rd), Market District Garage (222 W 2nd St). Typical rate: $1-2/hour. Some validation available at courthouse.

Q: Is there security screening at the courthouse?

A: Yes. All visitors go through metal detectors. Allow 15-30 minutes. Do not bring weapons, large bags, or prohibited items. Food and drinks not allowed past security.

Q: Can I bring my children to court?

A: Children are generally not allowed in courtrooms unless they are parties or witnesses. Arrange childcare. No childcare services at courthouse.

Important County Contacts

District Clerk’s Office

Court Administration

Travis County Law Library

Legal Aid Organizations Serving Travis County

Child Support Division

Additional Resources

Need Help with Your Travis County Case?

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