59 District Courts serving Harris County's civil, family, and probate dockets. These courts handle all civil matters exceeding $200,000, all family law cases (divorce, custody, child support), CPS/termination of parental rights matters, and probate/estate administration. Each court has a specific number and division — return of service must reference the exact court designation. Filing location: 201 Caroline Street, Houston.
All civil matters involving claims exceeding $200,000. Commercial disputes, business litigation, personal injury cases above threshold, and collection matters. TRCP Rule 103 applies — non-party adult 18+ may serve under court authorization.
All family law matters: divorce, property division, custody, child support, spousal support, adoption, and modification proceedings. Personal service required for respondent — substitute service under TRCP Rule 106 requires court order after documented failure.
All probate matters including wills, estate administration, guardianship, mental competency, and trust disputes. Service requirements vary by matter type — proper court identification and service method critical for filing validity.
District Courts are numbered sequentially from 59th through 645th District Court of Harris County, Texas. Not all numbers 59-645 are active — check Harris County District Clerk's office for current court assignments. Return must state exact court number and judge name when available.
District Courts are organized by division: Civil Division (general civil litigation), Family Law Division (all family matters), Probate Division (estate and guardianship), and Criminal Division (felony cases). Filing location and clerk assignment vary by division — wrong division causes return rejection or filing delays.
Must include: Specific court number (e.g., "201st District Court"), division, server's Rule 103 authority, date/time served, identity of person served, relationship to defendant, and manner of service. File with District Clerk before your hearing date. Returns filed after hearing are rejected.
Court Identification
Claim type and amount determine District Court assignment. Legal matter type (civil, family, probate) determines division. Confirm exact court number with District Clerk or attorney.
Venue Verification
Service location must be within Harris County boundaries. If defendant resides outside Harris County but case filed there, service may still file in Harris County District Court if venue is proper.
Rule 103 Authority
Server must be non-party adult 18+ (or constable/sheriff). Rule 103 authority must be stated in return. Some District Judges restrict service methods — check local rules if available.
Personal Service Attempts
At least 3 attempts at different times/days before Rule 106 escalation. Document every attempt with time, address, and contact outcome. Build diligence record from first attempt.
Rule 106 Motion (if needed)
After documented personal service failures, file TRCP Rule 106(b) motion with diligence affidavit, attempt log, and proposed alternative service order. District Court grants when diligence shown.
Return Filed
Return of service formatted for specific District Court, signed, and filed with District Clerk before hearing. Missing or improper returns cause case delay or dismissal.
Court-matched execution. TRCP Rule 103/106 compliant returns formatted for your specific District Court.
Call: (602) 675-8633