Houston Court Guide

Navigating the Houston Court System

A comprehensive guide to local courthouses, jurisdictions, and helpful information for residents attending court in Harris County.

Major Courthouses

Civil cases

Harris County Civil Courthouse

201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002

The primary courthouse for civil litigation in Harris County, including personal injury lawsuits and commercial disputes.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Civil cases, personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes
Directions
Criminal cases

Harris County Criminal Justice Center

1201 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77002

Handles all criminal cases in Harris County, from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Criminal cases, felonies, misdemeanors
Directions
Divorce

Harris County Family Law Center

1115 Congress Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Dedicated facility for family law matters including divorce, custody, adoption, and protective orders.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Divorce, custody, child support, protective orders
Directions
Small claims up to $20

Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts

Multiple locations across Harris County

Handle small claims disputes up to $20,000, landlord-tenant evictions, and minor traffic violations.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic violations
Directions
Federal civil and criminal cases

Southern District of Texas Federal Courthouse

515 Rusk Ave, Houston, TX 77002

Federal courthouse handling cases involving federal law, constitutional issues, and disputes between citizens of different states.

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Federal civil and criminal cases, constitutional matters
Directions
Appeals from Harris County trial courts

Texas 14th Court of Appeals

301 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002

Intermediate appellate court reviewing decisions from Harris County trial courts in both civil and criminal matters.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Appeals from Harris County trial courts
Directions

Which court is right?

Civil District Courts

Broad jurisdiction over diverse civil matters, from contract disputes to large-scale tort litigation.

Family Courts

Handles divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, adoptions, and protective orders.

Justice of the Peace

Small claims, evictions, and minor civil disputes within local precincts.

Important Note

Jurisdictional rules can be complex. Always confirm your court location with your attorney or the Harris County District Clerk's office. Allow ample time for security screening.

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