Andrews County Family District Court Information
| Info | Details (Andrews County, Texas) |
|---|---|
| Visit Location | Andrews County District Clerk’s Office, Andrews County Courthouse, 201 N. Main St, Room 102, Andrews, TX 79714 |
| Mailing Address | 201 N. Main St, Room 102, Andrews, TX 79714 |
| Contact Information | Phone: (432) 524-1417 |
| Office Hours | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Security Checkpoints | Security screening is required upon entering the courthouse. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for check-in. |
| Parking | Public parking lots and street parking are available around the courthouse in downtown Andrews. |
| Prepare for Paperwork | Confirm required family law forms and exact filing fees with the District Clerk before submitting via eFileTexas.gov or in person. |
Eligibility and Andrews County Requirements
To file for divorce in Andrews County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Andrews County for at least 90 days prior to filing. The county uses a no-fault divorce standard, so no one has to prove the other at fault. Texas is a no-fault divorce state, allowing couples to file under the grounds of “insupportability” (Texas Family Code § 6.001), which indicates the marriage can no longer be preserved due to discord or conflict. This approach is popular as it maintains privacy and avoids unnecessary drama.
How to File for Divorce in Andrews County: Step-by-Step
Filing for divorce in Andrews County involves legal steps designed to ensure a fair dissolution. Start by preparing, gathering documents, and understanding your rights and obligations. Then, move to the formal filing, submitting documents either in person at the court clerk or online.
Step 1: Preparing the Original Petition for Divorce
To prepare the Original Petition for Divorce in Andrews, Texas, gather key details about your marriage, including marriage date and place, full legal names and addresses of both parties, and information about any children involved. Specify your grounds for divorce according to Texas law and outline any requests for child custody, support, property division, or spousal support. Prepare additional required forms like the Civil Case Information Sheet, or a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs if seeking a fee waiver.Once all documents are ready, file them with the district clerk’s office in the appropriate county.
Step 2: Filing Fees and E-Filing via the District Clerk
Standard initial filing fees in Andrews County start at $350 for divorces without children and $408 for divorces with children (subject to change or additional fees for issuance/service). Start the process by registering at eFileTexas.gov. Log in, upload your divorce documents like the Original Petition for Divorce, choose the filing type, and pay online.
Step 3: Service of Process and Waivers of Service
Once divorce papers are filed, the responding spouse must be formally notified through legal service of process. Alternatively, an agreeing spouse can sign a Waiver of Service before a notary to acknowledge receipt without formal service. Under Texas law, the Waiver of Service must be signed and notarized strictly after the Original Petition has been officially filed with the court clerk. If formal service occurs, the respondent generally has until 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days to file an Answer.
Requirements for Parents: The Parent Stabilization Class
For divorces involving minor children, the court may require both parents to complete an approved 4-hour Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course. The course focuses on practical co-parenting skills and supporting children’s emotional health during family transitions. Parents must choose a state-approved class to meet county standards.
The 60-Day Waiting Period and Finalizing Your Case in Andrews County
In Andrews County, uncontested divorce cases require a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing the initial petition, allowing for reflection and potential reconciliation. If both parties reach a full agreement on all property, debt, and child custody matters, a Final Decree of Divorce can be drafted, signed by both parties, and presented to the court for approval after the 60-day period expires. For contested cases with ongoing disputes, court-ordered mediation may be necessary, offering a neutral mediator to facilitate negotiations.
Erin Bensen is a paralegal with experience helping people prepare Texas divorce paperwork and understand the divorce filing process. She helps people complete divorce petitions, understand court requirements, and identify the forms they may need for their county.
Erin provides document-preparation assistance and procedural guidance, not legal advice. Her goal is to make the divorce paperwork and filing process easier to understand for people who are filing on their own.