Family Court in Houston, Texas

Houston sits in Harris County, Texas, so family court is handled at the county level. How and where to file family court papers from Houston: the right clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers if I live in Houston, Texas?

Houston sits in Harris County, Texas. Family court matters for Houston residents are filed with the clerk of court for the Harris county. Start with the Harris county court resources linked on this page to confirm the family division, courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Houston family court case online?

Texas uses eFileTexas.gov for electronic court filings. Whether self-represented filers in Houston can e-file depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file for divorce or custody in Houston?

Divorce filing fee: ~$250-$350 by county. The exact amount is set by the clerk and changes over time, so verify the current schedule before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Texas courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents near Houston?

Yes. Texas maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.

Which county court covers Houston?

Houston is served by the Harris county court in Texas. Divorce, custody, child support, and parenting-plan cases for Houston residents are heard in that court's family division.