Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Due to security screening requirements at the courthouse, it is recommended you arrive at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled start time of your hearing.  If you are running late, please call the Court at (281) 633-7415 to provide an estimated time of arrival. The Court will establish its own guidelines on wait times prior to passing a hearing or issuing a bond forfeiture/FTA.  

Generally yes.  However, in probate proceedings please see the County Courts at Law Policy for Pro Se Litigants as to your ability to represent yourself.  

Yes.  The Associate Judge for the County Courts at Law is the Hon. Lewis White.  His office and courtroom is located at the Legion Drive Annex, and you may contact his court coordinator, Eralyn Fisher via email at Eralyn.fisher@fortbendcountytx.gov.   

Currently, County Court at Law No. 1 does not have the technology to remotely stream live in-person hearings.  However, pursuant to the Texas Constitution that all hearings are open to the public (unless an exception exists under law), you are welcome to view the live hearing in the courtroom.  You may find all hearing times here.

You can view all Zoom hearings/proceedings on Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 1’s YouTube channel, or you may appear in County Court at Law No. 1’s courtroom at the time of the hearing to view the Zoom hearing on the large courtroom monitor.

Generally all communications with the Judge must be done in open court with all parties present. Please do not attempt to call Judge Morales directly or contact him by e-mail or any other method of communication outside of court.

No, the Court does not accept filings.

All civil court matters must be submitted electronically pursuant to the State of Texas Supreme Court Mandate ordered December 11, 2012 (Misc. Docket No. 12-9208). Please visit Electronic Filing to access information including the mandate order, the return for correction reasons and other related information.

Everyone appearing in court should be attired in an appropriate manner maintaining the dignity of the Court. The Court does not allow the following attire:

  • No hats, caps or other headwear
  • No shorts or tank tops
  • No bare mid-drifts
  • No sagging pants
  • No flip flops or open toe shoes
  • No sunglasses
  • No cameras, video or audio recording devices are allowed in the courtroom.
  • No beverages, food, or gum in the courtroom.
  • Cell phones must be placed on silent or off while in the courtroom. No cell phone use will be allowed in the courtroom without the prior permission of the Judge. If you must use, take, or make a telephone call, please step outside of the courtroom.
  • Failure to abide by the foregoing courtroom rules may result in your removal from the courtroom or punishment pursuant to the Texas Government Code.
Juvenile cases are confidential and on-line access and access to the entire docket would violate that confidentiality.
A written request must be filed with the County Clerk’s office. The request must be specific in stating what documents are needed and why they are being requested. When picking up the requested copies from the County Clerk’s office, valid identification will be required.