The County Courts at Law are trial courts individually created by the Texas Legislature. County Court at Law No. 1 of Brazos County first convened in 1977, followed by County Court at Law No. 2 in 1986.
The jurisdiction of these courts varies by county, but in Brazos County the two County Courts at Law have broad, identical jurisdiction, including misdemeanor criminal, family, condemnation, and probate which includes estates, guardianship and mental health.
Civil trial jurisdiction is concurrent with the District Courts up to $250,000. The County Courts at Law also hear appeals from justice of the peace courts and municipal courts, and administrative appeals of driver’s license suspensions after hearings before the Department of Public Safety.
All criminal cases that are set for Jury Trial will also have a final pre-trial setting. All matters that the State or defendant request a pre-trial ruling on must be filed at least seven days prior to the final pre-trial hearing.
The Standing Order in Divorce and Family Cases applies in every divorce suit and in ever suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed in Brazos County. A copy of this order must be attached to the petition when it is filed. Copies will be available for your use in the District Clerk’s Office.
Where Do I File for Divorce or Name Change?
Filing for divorce or a name change happens in the District Clerk’s Office. Call (979) 361-4230 for more information.
The Probate and Guardianship sections of our Forms page have all kinds of information including Court instructions for guardians, annual reports that must be filed, the ward’s bill of rights, policies on Pro Se (self represented) applicants, and more.
Please consult the Indigent Defense Office page for information on the different ways to apply for a court appointed attorney.
This administrative order is in regard to the duty of criminal defense attorneys after the Padilla v. Kentucky U.S. Supreme Court decision.
E-Filing and Online Self Help
E-Filing is now mandatory for all attorneys filing civil, family, probate, or criminal cases in all district and county courts. While not required, non-attorney filers are encouraged to file as well.