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                                                 COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 1

The County Court at Law No. 1 is a Family Law Court, handling all family law cases, juvenile cases, and child protection cases. 

Other civil, criminal, and probate matters may be heard by assignment. 

Beginning July 27, 2026, all matters will be heard in the Auxiliary Courtroom on the Third Floor at the new County Courthouse at 836 Austin St unless otherwise noticed. 

If you are reporting for Jury Duty, there are multiple county facilities used for Jury Selection; Please pay close attention to the address on your notice. Jury Selection may be held in Commissioner's Court or the County Court at Law No 2 Courtroom at the County Courthouse, or it may be held at the 506th District Court in the Courthouse Annex (next to the Sheriff's Office). 

Effective January 1, 2025, all criminal misdemeanor cases, all other civil suits, and contested probates are heard in the County Court at Law No 2.  Uncontested probate cases are heard in the Constitutional County Court. 

 

The Texas Lawyer's Creed

2026 Court Schedule

Dates may be subject to change. Settings must scheduled through the Court Coordinators.

Local Rules of The Court

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Standing Restraining Order

Standing Order of Referral

Attorney Appointment List for Ad Litems, Defense, and Mediators

Forms: * Setting Request

Docket Control Order

  Financial Information Statement  

Dress Code For All Court Settings

County Court at Law Virtual Hearings "Zoom" Protocol - All Court proceedings will be conducted in person. Remote zoom appearances will only be allowed in particular instances, and must be approved in advance by the Judge.

Media and Spectator Policy

Resources for Pro Se Litigants:

Divorce Checklist (with Children)

  • Your proposed decree must include child support and the required documentation for the Attorney General. If you deviate from "guideline" support (20% for the first child and 5% for every additional child) you must provide an explanation and supporting evidence. If your explanation is "we agreed not to pay child support" it will be rejected by the court. Failure to comply with this will result in rejection of your decree by the court. 

Divorce Checklist (without Children)

The Waller County Court at Law No. 1 is now soliciting applications for the 2026 Court Term for Court Appointed Indigent Defense Attorneys for Child Protection Court and Juvenile Appointments.  Please see information below:

NOTIFICATION OF OPPORTUNITY AND APPLICATION FOR CHILD PROTECTION COURT/JUVENILE APPOINTMENTS

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION FOR CONTRACT REGARDING INDIGENT DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR CHILD PROTECTION COURT/JUVENILE CASES IN WALLER COUNTY, TEXAS

  • 836 Austin St.

    Ste. 3214

    Hempstead, TX 77445

     

    Phone: 979-826-7762

     

     



    Hon. Bennett R. Dodson
    Judge Presiding

    Alma Hernandez, Court Coordinator
    Email:  alma.hernandez@wallercounty.us

    Katrina Gails, Asst. Court Coordinator
    Email:  k.gails@wallercounty.us

    Janine Waters, Official Court Reporter
    Email:  j.waters@wallercounty.us

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