Fort Bend County District Court

The Fort Bend County District Courts handle civil, criminal, and specialized cases for the county, serving residents, attorneys, and litigants with a structured legal process. This page provides a complete reference to court types, case categories, judge assignments, courthouse location, record access, and scheduling information. It also highlights how cases progress through the system and what resources are available for parties involved. This ensures anyone interacting with the courts can plan effectively and stay informed.

Fort Bend County has eight District Courts along with specialized courts for family and other matters, all located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469. Knowing how these courts operate helps the public and legal professionals efficiently manage filings, attend hearings, and access important court information without confusion. The page also summarizes key court functions and provides quick reference details for each division, making it easier to understand court responsibilities. This clarity supports timely decision-making and smoother legal processes.

What is Fort Bend County District Court?

Fort Bend County District Court is a trial court with general jurisdiction that handles serious civil and criminal cases in the county. These courts hear felony criminal cases, civil disputes involving larger sums, family law matters such as divorce and custody, and land or title disputes. As part of Texas’s judicial system, district courts ensure cases are processed according to state laws and rules, maintaining fairness and order.

In Fort Bend County, there are 8 district courts according to the District Clerk’s Office. They manage trials, maintain official records, oversee legal procedures, and issue judgments for complex cases. The courts handle a high volume of criminal and civil matters, including property disputes, family law, and felony offenses, while coordinating with attorneys, law enforcement, and county officials to ensure justice is served.

Key Functions of Fort Bend County District Courts:

• Criminal Cases: Felonies, including theft, assault, and other serious offenses.
• Civil Cases: Large financial disputes, personal injury claims, and property disagreements.
• Family Law: Divorce, child custody, adoption, and protective orders.
• Property and Title Issues: Disputes over land ownership and real estate transactions.
• Court Records: Maintaining accurate files for all proceedings and judgments.

The district courts work closely with county officials, attorneys, and law enforcement to ensure that trials are conducted professionally and according to state laws. Their role is central to maintaining justice in Fort Bend County, providing residents with a structured and reliable legal system.

Case Records & How to Search Cases

Searching for Fort Bend County District Court case records is straightforward. Users can search by case number, party name, or date filed to view court records and request certified copies when needed.

How to Search Cases

To begin, decide whether you want to search for a civil case or a criminal case. The steps are:

• Search by Case Number: The fastest and most accurate method if you know the case number.
• Search by Party Name: Find cases linked to an individual or business.
• Search by Date Filed: Review cases filed within a specific date or date range.

Search Tips:

• Use full names for precise results.
• Place quotation marks around exact phrases for accuracy.
• Try spelling variations if initial results are limited.

Where to Search

Fort Bend County District Court records are available online through official portals. You can use:

Certified Copies & Fees

For official certified copies, a visit to the District Clerk’s office may be required. Some documents can also be requested online.

Types of Cases Heard — Civil vs Criminal vs Others

The Fort Bend County District Court handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal, and specialized matters. Civil cases often involve disputes between individuals or organizations, while criminal cases address offenses against the law.

Civil Cases

Civil cases in Fort Bend County District Court typically involve private disputes between parties seeking remedies or compensation. Family law matters are a major part of the court’s civil docket. These include:

• Divorce and legal separation – resolving property division, spousal support, and related issues
• Child custody and visitation – determining parenting plans and visitation schedules
• Child support enforcement – often handled through specialized IV-D Child Support Courts

Other civil disputes can involve:

• Land or title disputes – cases where property ownership or boundaries are contested
• Breach of contract – when one party fails to fulfill contractual obligations
• Damages exceeding $200 – typically large financial claims between individuals or businesses

Civil proceedings generally require parties to present evidence, file motions, and may result in judgments, settlements, or court-ordered remedies. The court often refers litigants to TexasLawHelp.org for guidance on filing procedures and legal resources.

Criminal Cases

The Fort Bend County District Court has original jurisdiction over felony criminal cases in Texas. These are serious offenses that may carry substantial penalties, including prison time. Common criminal matters include:

• Violent felonies – such as assault, robbery, or homicide
• Property crimes – burglary, theft, or fraud cases
• Drug-related offenses – large-scale possession, trafficking, or distribution charges

District courts handle these cases from the initial arraignment to trial, including pre-trial motions, hearings, and sentencing. The court ensures the defendant’s constitutional rights are protected while pursuing justice on behalf of the state.

Specialized Courts and Other Functions

Fort Bend County District Court also works closely with specialized courts to handle specific legal areas more efficiently:

• IV-D Child Support Court – dedicated to enforcing and establishing child support orders
• Family Law Court – focused on divorces, custody, and family disputes
• Child Protective Services (CPS) cases – involving child neglect or abuse
• Land and property dispute cases – resolving contested titles and property claims

In addition, the district court hears appeals from lower courts, ensuring legal decisions comply with Texas law. While civil and criminal cases form the majority, these additional functions ensure the court meets diverse legal needs within Fort Bend County.

Court Schedule & Case Hearings / Trials

The schedule for hearings and trials in Fort Bend County district courts depends on the type of case and the court. Most trial and hearing dates must be arranged through the Court Coordinator.

How Trials and Hearings Are Scheduled

For the 400th District Court, the court maintains a calendar for criminal and civil jury trials, pre-trial motions, and docket calls. A typical schedule may include:

To schedule a hearing, trial, or motion, parties must contact the Court Coordinator at 281‑341‑4422. Coordinating with opposing counsel and providing the required notice ensures smooth scheduling. Each district court may have slight variations in the calendar, so confirming with the specific court handling the case is essential.

Case Deadlines & Local-Rule Expectations

Fort Bend County district courts follow local rules that set general timelines for cases. Examples include:

• Criminal cases: Brought to trial within 12 months of arrest or indictment.
• Civil jury cases: Expected to go to trial within 18 months of filing.
• Non-jury civil cases: Typically resolved within 12 months.

Trials follow standard courtroom procedures, with jury selection starting in the morning and trial sessions running until mid-afternoon with a lunch break. Counsel should submit jury questionnaires and pre-trial materials in advance according to the court’s deadlines.

Practical Steps for Litigants and Attorneys

To work efficiently with the court calendar, parties should:

• Contact the Court Coordinator to schedule any hearing, trial, or motion.
• Give at least 10 days’ notice for submission dockets in the 400th District Court.
• E-file motions or pleadings as required by the District Clerk.
• Schedule civil jury trials during the 3rd week of the month when possible.
• Attend docket calls and pre-trial conferences at the assigned time.

Following these steps reduces scheduling conflicts, ensures compliance with court rules, and helps cases proceed smoothly.

Special / Additional Courts & Services

Fort Bend County District Courts handle major civil and criminal cases, but some legal matters are directed to specialized courts or other local courts. One example is the Child Support IV‑D Court, which focuses specifically on cases involving child support enforcement and modifications.

These specialized courts exist to address certain types of cases efficiently. The Child Support IV‑D Court works closely with the Texas Office of the Attorney General to ensure that child support orders are properly established, modified, and enforced, and Case Lookup allows individuals to search for active and past court cases using names, case numbers, or other identifying information, providing access to case details, hearing dates, and case statuses so parties can stay informed; by handling these matters separately, the district court system can focus on felony criminal cases, larger civil disputes, and other high-stakes proceedings.

Other Courts in Fort Bend County

While this page focuses on District Courts, Fort Bend County also has several other courts serving different purposes:

• County Courts at Law: Handle misdemeanors, probate matters, and civil cases with lower monetary limits.
• Justice of the Peace (JP) Courts: Address small claims, traffic violations, and minor criminal offenses.
• Magistrate Courts: Deal with initial hearings, bail settings, and certain pretrial matters.

Some cases, such as minor criminal offenses, small civil disputes, or juvenile matters, may be directed to these courts instead of the district courts.

Why Specialized Courts Matter

Specialized courts like the Child Support IV‑D Court allow the legal system to operate more efficiently.

They provide:

• Faster resolution for specific case types
• Dedicated staff and judges familiar with the subject matter
• Streamlined procedures for enforcement and compliance

By clearly distinguishing between district courts and other local courts, residents can better identify where their case belongs and avoid unnecessary delays. This clarity supports smoother legal processes and helps residents manage expectations when filing or responding to legal matters in Fort Bend County.

How to Access Court — Location, Hours, Language & Public Access

The Fort Bend County District Court is located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Texas. The District Clerk’s Office operates Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and provides public access, language assistance, and jury service support.

Location & Office Hours

Address: Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469
The District Clerk’s Office handles filings, record requests, and general inquiries during standard business hours.

Public Access & Language Assistance

The court offers free interpreter and translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency. Requests should be submitted at least 72 hours in advance for common languages or 14 days for less common languages.
Supported languages include Spanish, Urdu, Gujarati, Vietnamese, Malayalam, Hindi, Chinese, Tagalog, and Arabic.

Jury Service & Juror Summons

Jury duty is coordinated by the District Clerk’s Office. If summoned, individuals report to the Jury Assembly Room at the Justice Center.
Steps:

• Complete the juror questionnaire online or by mail/fax.
• Check the status the evening before the scheduled date.
• Request postponement or exemption if eligible (one postponement allowed).

(FAQ’s) – About District Court

Fort Bend County District Court handles a wide range of civil, criminal, and family cases. The following questions address common concerns about case assignments, court schedules, records, and resources for litigants.

Which district court handles my case?

Cases in Fort Bend County District Court are assigned randomly by the District Clerk. You can check your case assignment using your case number or through the court’s online case search. Fort Bend County assigns cases to judges through a random docket assignment system, ensuring fairness and compliance with local rules. To identify your court, enter your case number in the District Clerk’s online portal or contact the clerk’s office directly. This assignment covers civil, criminal, and family law cases, providing transparency in court scheduling.

How do I find my court date or hearing schedule?

Court dates are available online or by contacting the court coordinator. Checking early helps avoid missed hearings. The District Clerk’s online case search displays the most up-to-date hearing schedules. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney name. If online access is limited, contacting the court coordinator by phone or email provides confirmation. Scheduling information typically includes trial dates, pre-trial hearings, and motion deadlines, helping parties stay informed.

Can I access court records online?

Yes, many Fort Bend County District Court records are accessible online, but certified copies require visiting the Clerk’s office. The District Clerk’s website offers a searchable database for case information, including filings, motions, and judgments. For official certified copies, individuals must request them in person or by mail. This system allows attorneys, researchers, and the public to monitor case progress and obtain necessary documents while following proper public records procedures.

What kinds of cases go to the district court vs the county court at law?

District courts handle serious criminal cases, high-value civil matters, and family law, while county courts at law manage misdemeanors, small claims, and probate.

Fort Bend County District Courts oversee:

• Felonies (serious criminal offenses)
• High-value civil disputes (typically over $200,000)
• Family law cases (divorce, custody, protective orders)

County Courts at Law handle:

• Misdemeanors (less severe crimes)
• Small claims (monetary disputes under $20,000)
• Probate and guardianship matters

This division ensures cases are processed efficiently according to their complexity and value.

How long until my case goes to trial?

The timeline varies depending on case type, but most cases follow Texas state standards for scheduling. Criminal cases often have statutory deadlines, with preliminary hearings set within weeks and trials scheduled months later, depending on the docket load. Civil cases may take longer, especially if motions, discovery, or pretrial conferences are involved. The court maintains average case processing times to ensure timely resolution while accommodating necessary legal procedures.