Board Certified in Family Law
Dallas Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Attorney
Dallas County runs a dedicated family bench. Knowing how it works before you file saves money and avoids early mistakes.
Seven Courts, One Building
Dallas County has seven family district courts: the 254th, 255th, 256th, 301st, 302nd, 303rd and 330th. They sit in the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building at 600 Commerce Street downtown. Unlike many smaller counties, these courts are dedicated to family cases and do not share a docket with civil lawsuits.
You do not pick your court. Your case is assigned to one, and that court then controls hearing settings and day-to-day procedure. Each court publishes its own contact details and practices, so the first useful step after filing is to read the page for the court you drew.
The Standing Order Applies Early
The Dallas County family courts have a standing order regarding children, pets, property and the conduct of the parties. Standing orders of this kind set ground rules for a case without either side asking a judge for them. The title names pets, which matters if the family dog is already a point of conflict.
Read the current order on the county's site before you move money, change where the children live, or relocate an animal. Doing any of those things after the order applies can make your first hearing about your own conduct rather than your spouse's.
Dallas Does Not Stop at the County Line
The City of Dallas reaches into Collin, Denton, Kaufman and Rockwall counties. A Dallas mailing address does not prove a Dallas County case. Texas Family Code § 6.301 requires that one spouse has lived in Texas for the preceding six months and in the county of filing for the preceding 90 days, so check the county on your property record before anyone drafts a petition.
This matters most for a family that moved recently. If you moved from Plano to Dallas last month, Dallas County may not be available yet, even if you are sure you will never go back.
Where the Firm Fits
The firm's Dallas office is at 14160 Dallas Parkway, Suite 870, in far North Dallas. It is a separate location from the downtown courthouse, which is where hearings happen. Lisa G. Garza has practiced Texas family law for more than 30 years and is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Common Questions
Can I choose which Dallas family court hears my case?
No. The case is assigned to one of the seven family district courts, and that court handles it from then on unless it is transferred.
Does the Dallas County standing order cover pets?
Yes. Its title covers children, pets, property and the conduct of the parties. Read the current text on the Dallas County family courts page, because it controls over any summary.
I live in Dallas but my home is in Collin County. Where do I file?
Generally in a county where you or your spouse has lived for the preceding 90 days, under Texas Family Code section 6.301. Your property record shows which county your home is in.