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Shemesh Family Law | Law Offices of Amber Shemesh, P.C.
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An Ally In All Your Family Law Matters

Tarrant County Family Court

Dear Tarrant County Family Court Client:

Attending court can be a stressful experience but knowing what to expect can ease your concerns. This letter will provide you with important information about the Tarrant County Courthouse, including its location, security measures, courtroom procedures, and the judges who may hear your case.

Location and Parking

The address of the Tarrant County Family Law Center is 200 East Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196. If you are driving to the Family Law Center, there is no free parking available. The most convenient is the Tarrant County Calhoun Street Parking Garage. It is located on the corner of Weatherford and Calhoun. The garage entrance is on Calhoun across from the side entrance of the Family Law Center. Be prepared to pay $2.50 for the first 30 minutes up to a maximum of $10 to park. The parking garage accepts all major credit/debit cards.

Additionally, there are also meters surrounding the courthouse. Most of the meters have a two-hour time limit. These are strictly enforced so you must move your car when the time expires. If you have handicap plates or a placard, parking at the meters is free but time limits still apply.

Tarrant County Family Law Center
200 East Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196

Security and Prohibited Items

When you enter the courthouse, you will be required to pass through security screening. The security checkpoint includes metal detectors and x-ray machines for bags. Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited, including firearms, knives, pepper spray, and any other potential weapons. To avoid any issues, make sure you check your belongings before entering the building.

Courtrooms and Floor Locations

There are six District Judges in Tarrant County, Texas that handle divorce cases. Their names are: Judge Jesus Nevarez, Jr. (231st District Court), Judge Kenneth Newell (233rd District Court), Judge James Munford (322nd District Court), Judge Beth Poulos (324th District Court), Judge Cynthia Terry (325th District Court), and Judge Patricia Baca Bennett (360th District Court).

Judge Nevarez, Judge Newell, and Judge Terry are on the 5th floor of the Family Law Center. Judge Munford, Judge Poulos, and Judge Bennett are on the 4th floor of the Family Law Center. The clerk’s office and the records department are located on the 3rd floor.

The Judges and Their Orders

Tarrant County does not have any standing orders that are put into place once a petition is filed. This means that once a petition is filed, there is no order either prohibiting a party from doing a certain thing, or requiring a party to do a certain thing in order to maintain the status quo until a judge can hear the issues and make a ruling.

Mediation

In the 231st District Court, unless there are allegations of abuse towards a spouse or child, most cases will be ordered to mediation. It is likely that this will be ordered at the pretrial conference. If a hearing is set for less than two hours, it will be up to the Court’s discretion if mediation will be ordered.

In the 325th District Court, unless there are allegations of abuse toward a spouse or child, most cases are referred to mediation. The court will attempt to reach a consensus as to the selection of the mediator. Depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, a case may be referred to ADR before temporary orders upon request of either of the parties or upon the motion of the court.

What to Expect in the Courtroom

When you enter the courtroom, we will check in with the court clerk or bailiff. Here are some important courtroom etiquette rules:

  • Dress appropriately. Business or business-casual attire is recommended. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, anything too casual.
  • Be respectful. Address the judge as “Your Honor,” and do not interrupt anyone while they are speaking.
  • Remain calm. Even if you disagree with something said in court, stay composed. Your attorney will advocate on your behalf.
  • No cell phones. Phones must be turned off or silenced before entering the courtroom.
  • No food, drinks, or gum. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the courtroom.

I appreciate your cooperation in following court procedures and look forward to assisting you in your legal matter.

Respectfully,

Amber K. Shemesh, Esq.