Texas judicial branch website. Do I need to have a will? Texans are not req...

Texas judicial branch website. Do I need to have a will? Texans are not required to have a will, but creating a will allows you to do the following: leave your property, money, and other assets to the heirs of your choosing Mar 6, 2026 · Texas Judicial Branch Web Home / Organizations/ Policy & Funding/ JBCC / Process Server Certification / Initial Certification Process Server Certification Home Initial Certification Approved Orientation Courses Certification Requirements & Fees Certifications Expired 1 year or more Criminal History Information Renewals Continuing Education The Texas Judicial Branch web site is maintained by the Office of Court Administration (OCA). Clicking on any county on the map will bring up information about the court system in that county, including information about district and county courts. The Clerk's Office is Room 104 (PDF Map of Capitol Complex). Volunteer Legal Services Legal Advice Clinic- Austin Public Library St. Records held by courts The trial court structure in Texas has several different levels, each level handling different types of cases, with some overlap. The other lawyer is your competition, and whoever has the strongest arguments wins! Argue one of The Office of Court Administration (OCA) is a unique state agency in the Judicial Branch that operates under the direction and supervision of the Supreme Court of Texas and the Chief Justice. The Council studies methods to simplify judicial procedures, expedite court business, and better administer justice. A Judicial Branch agency means an office, board, commission, or other similar entity that is in the Judicial Branch and that serves an administrative function for a court, including a task force or committee created by a court or judge. The Texas Business Court is a statewide, specialized trial court created to resolve certain complex business disputes. This website was created in response to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 3a, Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 1. Changing or establishing domestic relationships may involve legal filings and procedures. Some JP Courts also permit e-Filing. Use of the information obtained from Case Search is the sole Mar 1, 2026 · This website was created in response to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 3a, Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 1. In addition, it registers and regulates court reporting firms. Mar 6, 2026 · Contacting the Process Server Certification Department Email is the best way to contact the JBCC, as we are unable to accommodate walk-in Customers. To request access or inquire about a previous request please contact: zoomhelp@txcourts. 2, and Rule of Judicial Administration 10, requiring courts to post their local rules, forms, and standing orders on OCA’s website to be effective. This website is funded in part by a grant from the Legal Services Corporation. Legislative Information Annual Statistical Reports Join Our Mailing List Calendar of Events Nov 3, 2022 · Welcome to the online licensing and certification system for Texas Judicial Branch Certification Commission The Court Reporters Certification program tests, certifies and regulates those individuals who make verbatim records of oral proceedings for the court system. Hinch * Three Rivers Cluster Court Presiding Judge John Lockwood *Attorney General Court Presiding Judge The mission of the Judicial Commission on Mental Health is to engage and empower court systems through collaboration, education, and leadership, thereby improving the lives of individuals with mental health needs, substance use disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Texas has two retirement systems for judges employed by the State (judges serving on the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, courts of appeals, or district courts)—Judicial Retirement System of Texas Plans One and Two. Harris County has a population of more than 4. While not required, non-attorney filers are encouraged to file as well. The Texas Supreme Court is located in the Supreme Court Building at 201 W. The entrance to the courtroom is on the east end of the building in a foyer opposite the Court of Criminal Appeals. You can visit the web sites of all 15 courts of appeals, via Courts in the main menu. Texas State Law Library Consumer & Self-Help Information - The State Law Library web site has Legal Help information, forms, and links. Read more in the Missouri Judiciary's announcement or watch a short video. Supreme Court. As a state agency, OCA provides technical support and administrative assistance to Texas courts and judges. It's mobile Nov 3, 2022 · Welcome to the online licensing and certification system for Texas Judicial Branch Certification Commission The Court Reporters Certification program tests, certifies and regulates those individuals who make verbatim records of oral proceedings for the court system. Texas Judicial Branch Supreme Court Web Home / Courts/ Supreme Court / Orders & Opinions Supreme Court Home Contact Us Self-Help Resources Frequently Asked Questions Attorney Portal Supreme Court of Texas Update Paper Court Calendar Attorney Certificates, Licensing & Name Changes Jobs, Clerkships & Internships Case Information Case Search The Public Safety Report System (PSRS) is now live. Clerks play a vital role in providing public access to important records while also safeguarding confidential and sensitive information. Our mission is to provide resources and information for the efficient administration of the Judicial Branch of Texas. Jun 13, 2023 · The forms are on the Forms page of the Texas Judicial Branch website. Each of these courts have a presiding judge who is elected by partisan election to a four-year term. Parents, spouses, and caregivers of children can find resources and instructions to help their families move forward. Historical Texas Cases Information on official & unofficial Texas case reporters dating back to 1840. You can also find links to the district and county court websites. 2 Presiding Judge Wesley N. Apply to Magistrate, Commissioner, Law Clerk and more! Composed of the chief justice and eight justices, the Supreme Court of Texas is the court of last resort for civil matters in the state. The self-help guides and articles below will help you make informed decisions about your family's domestic arrangements. Dec 12, 2025 · The Court of Criminal Appeals is Texas' highest court for criminal cases. ) The State Bar of Texas provides resources for those who are considering a career as a lawyer. org, your trusted resource for navigating the Texas judicial system. Composed of the chief justice and eight justices, the Supreme Court of Texas is the court of last resort for civil matters in the state. In recognition of Sunshine Week (March 15–21, 2026), Carolyn Timmann the Martin County Clerk & Comptroller is highlighting Florida’s long-standing commitment to open government and transparency. 2, and Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 10, which require (effective January 1, 2023) that courts post their local rules, forms, and Texas Secretary of State Elections Division: VoteTexas. Jun 13, 2025 · The Texas Judicial Council (TJC) was created in 1929 by the 41st Legislature to continuously study and report on the organization and practices of the Texas Judicial Branch. 9 million. Instructions for Notice of Judicial Clemency and Order of Discharge The Texas Judicial Branch web site is maintained by the Office of Court Administration (OCA). Explore the Texas Judicial Branch's structure, types of law, court systems, and the trial process, highlighting the role of juries and judicial elections. gov WHERE TO VOTE: MY VOTER PORTAL 2026 Texas Judicial Appellate Seats on the Ballot Candidate Side-by-Side Comparisons Vote for Texas judges! Judicial races are “down ballot. gov Please Note: Section 21. The court is not responsible for any errors or omissions of this information. Feel free to contact us with suggestions for adding other helpful resources that you have discovered to enhance this list for others. The First Court of Appeals was established in 1892 and is located in the historical 1910 Courthouse in downtown Houston. For information on rules that govern court proceedings and procedures, see the Texas Court Rules page. The Office of Court Administration’s Local Rules, Forms, and Standing Orders website holds searchable local rules, forms, and standing orders. The Texas judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law when crimes are committed in Texas, and adjudicates civil cases, such as business disputes, divorces, inheritance matters, and civil rights matters. For more current information, search our live judicial directory database for all court levels. General Information | PSRS Training & Resource Information | Completed Bail Forms | SB 9 Guidance & FAQ To facilitate remote and hybrid hearings, the Office of Court Administration is providing Judges the ability to stream and host court proceedings via Zoom and YouTube. The Court makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information. To learn more about the history of the District, go to History. Together with the legislature and the executive branch, the judiciary is considered one of three co-equal branches of state government. Local Rules, Forms and Standing Orders* Local Rules, Forms, and Standing Orders system was developed pursuant to Rule of Civil Procedure 3a, Rule of Appellate Procedure 1. The Office of Court Administration's Judicial Information program collects statistical and other information from Texas' approximately 2,800 courts. Pursuant to this directive, OCA has prepared the following felony judgment forms and instructions for the forms: OCA has also prepared a list containing affirmative finding and special orders that may be inserted into the judgment forms as the need warrants. ” What this means is that they’re typically at the end of a very long list of items needing voters’ attention. Texas Judicial Branch Supreme Court Web Home / Courts/ Supreme Court / Orders & Opinions Supreme Court Home Contact Us Self-Help Resources Frequently Asked Questions Attorney Portal Supreme Court of Texas Update Paper Court Calendar Attorney Certificates, Licensing & Name Changes Jobs, Clerkships & Internships Case Information Case Search 582 Judicial Laboral jobs available on Indeed. Pick a side to represent, identify the Constitutional basis for your case, and dive in. These notices will be sent to the attorney's email address on file with the State Bar of Texas. 014 of the Government Code The Texas Judicial Branch offers numerous employment opportunities at both the state and local level that provide a rewarding career of public service working to ensure equal justice for all. Municipal Courts are the most active courts, with County Courts and District Courts handling most other cases and often sharing the same courthouse. The Court consists of a Presiding Judge and eight Judges. Its Ask a Librarian feature allows users to get legal information from a librarian by email. You probably know what divorce means. 472 County-level judges, including A significant number of individuals who seek access to the court system are unable to afford a lawyer and are unable to secure the services of legal aid providers. The State Bar of Texas Additional Legal Resources Texas Judicial Branch – Legal Aid Harris County Clerk's Office About the County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth is the County Clerk and Chief Election Official of the third-largest county in the nation and the largest county in the State of Texas. View a short video or visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Of the 510 District Courts in the state of Texas, 67 are located in Harris County. 14th Street in Austin, in a complex immediately northwest of the Capitol. To access records that are not online, contact the specific court. The Texas court system consists The Office of Court Administration's Judicial Information program collects statistical and other information from Texas' approximately 2,800 courts. General Information | PSRS Training & Resource Information | Completed Bail Forms | SB 9 Guidance & FAQ e-Filing is now mandatory for all attorneys filing civil, family, probate, or criminal cases in the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Courts of Appeals, and all district and county courts. Keep Ever tried to win a disagreement? Put your persuasive abilities to the test by arguing a real Supreme Court case. JOHNS BRANCH FREE IN PERSON LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC. Case Category Definitions and Reporting Instructions Judicial Directory Search our judicial directory database. The Texas Judicial Branch offers numerous employment opportunities at both the state and local level that provide a rewarding career of public service working to ensure equal justice for all. Department of State's resources and services for passport applications, travel information, and more. There was a Chief Justice and two Associate Justices until 1978 (85 years) when three additional Justices were authorized. Feb 13, 2026 · performances by the Texas Southern University Debate Team and spoken-word artist Tiffany Scales, the Wordmatician. Use this resource to find and download the appropriate request form. Welcome to TXCourts. 471 The State contributes to those retirement plans on each judge’s behalf. See the briefing checklist for a complete list of requirements. Read More Access the U. The website was developed pursuant to Senate Bill 891 (86 th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019) which requires OCA to develop and maintain a Municipal Courts are the most active courts, with County Courts and District Courts handling most other cases and often sharing the same courthouse. In Argument Wars, you will play a real case that made it all the way to the U. To run a query for information in our judicial directory database, use the search criteria below: (Information in the judicial directory database is updated as new information is received from the courts or other sources; thus, it is more current than the "published" version. It includes both divorce and a simpler option called summary dissolution. In these instances, individuals may have to represent themselves in court. Files that are available online can be viewed for free. The Texas Courts of Appeals are a set of 15 appellate courts in the Texas judicial system with intermediate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases that are appealed from the lower district or county courts. net and redaction requirements. The Public Safety Report System (PSRS) is now live. Jan 13, 2026 · At the highest level, the Texas Supreme Court hears civil cases and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hears criminal cases. The Supreme Court is in Austin, immediately northwest of the state Capitol. Information is current as of August 2025, unless otherwise noted. Feb 19, 2026 · Cases from the Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and courts of appeals are searchable through the Texas Appeals Management and eFiling System (TAMES) Case Search. The Federal Courts of the United States The U. State-level Judicial Branch employees are employees of the State of Texas who are entitled to a competitive benefit package, including health insurance, dental insurance and retirement plans. Administration is the responsibility of the Supreme Court of Texas, which is aided by the Texas Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council and the State Bar of Texas, which it oversees. Find case information from all 254 Texas counties View upcoming hearings and court documents Attorneys, their staff, and parties can view their cases Track cases and get real-time alerts Track existing and potential clients The data and documents in Case Search are refreshed nightly. Jan 6, 2026 · Texas Disclaimer The information posted on the Department of Justice website includes hypertext links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and/or private organizations. For further information on court structure, jurisdiction, judge qualifications, contact information, and maps, see About Texas Courts. Information is available on Texas law schools, the Texas Board of Law Examiners, and the Law School Admissions Council. The 67 Harris County District Courts include 24 Civil District Courts, 29 Criminal District Courts, 11 Family District Courts, and 3 Courts and Judicial Branch agencies are not subject to the Texas Public Information Act nor to the federal Freedom of Information Act. 2, and Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 10, which require (effective January 1, 2023) that courts post their local rules, forms, and Feb 21, 2025 · In 1845, Texas was admitted to the Union and the judicial district was formed in Galveston, covering the state. Use of the information obtained from Case Search is the sole Texas District Courts are the state’s trial courts of general jurisdiction. In California, the legal word for divorce is dissolution. Home Courts Rules & Forms Organizations Publications & Training Programs & Services Judicial Data eFile Texas Media Mar 6, 2026 · The Judicial Directory is produced once a year. Online Judicial Search A one-stop search engine to review court cases, past and present, from traffic tickets to felony crimes, divorces to civil torts, by name, case or citation number; look up current inmates, view mug shots, check bond amounts, time served, or link back to the inmates' criminal cases; and, check active warrants and link back to any cases tied to those warrants. The data and documents in Case Search are refreshed nightly. This site will help you learn more about the Judicial Branch and its work. Courts were created under Article III of the Constitution to administer justice fairly and impartially, within the jurisdiction established by the Constitution and Congress. Feb 26, 2026 · The First Court of Appeals is the oldest intermediate appellate court in Texas (along with the Fort Worth and Austin courts). Supreme Court of Missouri Missouri Court of Appeals Judicial Personnel Boards & Commissions Texas Judicial Branch Office of Court Administration Web Home / Organizations/ Agencies/ OCA / Contact Us OCA Home Contact Us Contracting & Procurements Executive Administration Financial Information Organization Compact with Texans Careers Contact the Office of Court Administration Trial Courts Administrative Judicial Regions County Courts at Law - September 2025 District Courts - January 2026 (Texas Legislative Council) Statutory Probate Courts - September 2025 Legislative Information Annual Statistical Reports Join Our Mailing List Calendar of Events Welcome to the U. In some cases, people may choose a different legal process, like legal separation or annulment. S. We provide clear, comprehensive, and accessible information about courts across Texas—from local municipal courts to the Texas Supreme Court. Mar 4, 2026 · Judicial Branch of California Supreme Court Courts of Appeal Superior Courts Judicial Council Home Online Services Forms & Filing Self-Help Whatever your family looks like, this section can help you. This website is intended to provide support for attorneys, jurors, litigants, the media, and the general public. TJC is the policy-making body for the state judiciary. Mar 1, 2026 · This website was created in response to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 3a, Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 1. Divorce is just one way to end your relationship. Bilingual versions with instructions in English and Spanish are also available. This is a six-week unpaid judicial internship that provides a unique opportunity for qualified law school students to learn from and work directly with our justices. The Court is composed of eleven geographical divisions, five of which are currently operational with two judges assigned to each division. John Branch 5PM-8PM • (512) 476-5550 • AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY ST. Staff can schedule appointments for virtual calls/Zoom meetings for further assistance. Sep 1, 2024 · As with any brief, compliance with Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 38 is required. These Anders guidelines supplement but do not replace the briefing requirements. Individuals who represent themselves in the court system are referred to as self-represented litigants, unrepresented litigants or pro se litigants. Dec 19, 2025 · The website for the Texas Judicial Branch provides an interactive county map, depicted by the photo below. The Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas at Dallas was formally opened on September 4, 1893. For available maps, see the Court Jurisdiction Maps page. This data is not real-time. Feb 8, 2026 · State of Texas Judicial Branch Seal SVG , TX Judicial Branch cricut, Texas png, Dxf, Cricut Ready Vector Art, Cut file badge design Texas Judicial Branch Rules & Forms Here you can access Rules and Forms that apply to Texas Courts, like the Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Evidence. Mar 6, 2026 · Texas Judicial Branch Web Home / Organizations/ Policy & Funding/ JBCC / Licensed Court Interpreters / Initial Licensure Licensed Court Interpreters Home Initial Licensure Approved Orientation Courses Licensure Requirements & Fees Licensure by Endorsement Licenses Expired 1 year or more Criminal History Information Exams Continuing Education Feb 19, 2026 · Texas Supreme Court History and Archives (Texas Judicial Branch) Information about accessing archival records related to the Texas Supreme Court. Our Harris County judges highlighted landmark civil rights cases that continue to shape access to justice. The Court has appellate jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases from district and county courts in the ten counties that it serves; except for . Dissolution is the legal process to end a marriage or domestic partnership. It is the result of a partnership between Lone Star Legal Aid, the Texas Office of Court Administration, Texas Legal Services Center, and the Texas Access to Justice Commission. How to Register as a Legal Guardian in Texas This step-by-step guide ensures a smooth and efficient registration for legal guardianship in Texas, from completing forms to submitting required certifications. Resource Links: Judicial Academy County Court Benchbook This resource is intended for constitutional county * 253rd Judicial District Court Presiding Judge Chap B. Legislative Information Annual Statistical Reports Join Our Mailing List Calendar of Events Jun 13, 2025 · The Texas Judicial Council (TJC) was created in 1929 by the 41st Legislature to continuously study and report on the organization and practices of the Texas Judicial Branch. re:SearchTX now sends Case Notices to the attorneys of record on cases whenever there is new case activity. The Public Safety Report System (PSRS) is now live. The Office of Court Administration’s Citation by Publication and Court Notices Website contains citations by publication and other public or legal notices required to be posted on the website or requested to be posted by a court or court clerk. Find case information from all 254 Texas counties View upcoming hearings and court documents Attorneys, their staff, and parties can view their cases Track cases and get real-time alerts Track existing and potential clients Mar 6, 2026 · The Judicial Directory is produced once a year. Cain III * 75th Judicial District Court, Presiding Judge Michelle Merendino * County Court at Law Presiding Judge Thomas Chambers * County Court at Law No. By 1902, the Southern Judicial District of Texas was created with courts in Galveston, Laredo, Brownsville and Houston. For further assistance, email the Judicial Information section. The collected information is available on our Statistics & Other Data page. com. Verify your eService address by visiting the My Bar page at the State Bar of Texas. We are grateful to the Harris County Courts, NAACP Houston Branch, Houston Bar Association, Houston The Texas Judicial Academy is pleased to provide some useful resources to help guide county judiciary officials through a variety of day-to-day decisions. Visit the Remote Public Access website to learn about expanded public access to case documents via Case. The Texas Judicial Branch provides a form search tool that helps you locate the specific forms used by courts across different counties. Clerks and Courts Only Submit your reports. 2, and Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 10, which require (effective January 1, 2023) that courts post their local rules, forms, and standing orders to this website to be effective. They are elected by the voters of the entire state, and they hold their offices for terms of six years. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Template for Competency Evaluations - For questions about this form, please contact Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments. Only State of Texas Judges are eligible for access to the OCA provided Zoom accounts. Distribution of the information does not constitute such a warranty. lixgtr ucxmc egdjvo vrw sobx neu uquhd ubn kskh xvvqbv