In order to better manage docketing and case management in the 506th District Court, an uncontested docket is provided for divorce and related family law cases. This endeavor is made in cooperation with the Grimes County District Clerk. Using a dedicated uncontested docket achieves a more timely disposition of uncontested divorce proceedings, uncontested adoptions, name changes and other simple Family Code matters. This tends to simplify the setting procedures and reduce the waiting time for counsel and pro se parties in uncontested matters.

Parties and counsel may use this docket for uncontested name changes, adoptions or other very simple uncontested matters. The key is that the matter must be uncontested and capable of being handled very quickly with a minimal impact on the District Clerk and Court staff. The Judge of the 12th District Court has agreed that the 506th District Court may hear those types of matters pending in his court as well.

The Uncontested Docket will begin at 9:00 a..m. and will usually be held in the Commissioners’ Court Room in the Annex adjacent to the District Clerk’s Office. In order to be heard on that day, between 8:30 and 8:50, pro se parties or counsel will go to the District Clerk’s office to have your file pulled. Requests to pull files will not be made after 8:55 in order to give the Clerk time to assemble the files for court. Cases will be called in the order pulled, first pulled, first served.

Do not set uncontested matters with the Court Coordinator.

Parties and counsel will insure that all waivers have been timely filed before the Uncontested Docket day. Filings for uncontested hearings will not be made on the day of the Uncontested Docket. Also, be sure to have all orders and BVS forms in hand and filled out prior to 9:00 a.m. Your case will not be heard unless those forms have been completed.

Pro se parties are advised that the Final Decree of Divorce is a formal court document. Fill it out completely and legibly. The Court and the court staff will not fill out the forms for you. Further, you must be prepared to provide your sworn testimony. It is best if you write it down and read it.

See the Local Rules for all other matters and additional information.