Home Family Law Courts Waller County Courthouse

Waller County

Waller County Courthouse

Where Waller County family law cases are filed and heard.

Waller County’s court functions are spread across three buildings in Hempstead. Visitors attending divorce, child custody, child support, and other family law proceedings are heard in the county courtroom at the Joe Kuciemba Annex, while filings are handled by the District Clerk at the Waller County Justice Center. This page explains which building you need, how to file, who to contact, and what to expect on your court date.

Court at a Glance

Address

836 Austin St., Hempstead, TX 77445 Directions 🡢

Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Phone

(979) 826-7600

Official website

co.waller.tx.usv

What’s Heard Here

What this courthouse handles

Waller County hears family law matters including divorce, child custody and conservatorship, child support, modifications, enforcement actions, paternity suits, juvenile cases, child protection cases brought by CPS, and protective orders involving family violence for cases filed in Waller County.

Divorce

Child Custody (SAPCR)

Child Support

Modifications

Enforcement

Paternity

Juvenile

CPS / Child Protection

Protective Orders

Effective January 1, 2025, Waller County Court at Law No. 1 stopped being a general jurisdiction court and became a dedicated Family Law Court. It now handles all family law cases, juvenile cases, and child protection cases for the county. Judge Bennett Dodson presides. County Court at Law No. 2 hears criminal misdemeanors, non-family civil suits, and contested probate; the 506th District Court, presided over by Judge Gary W. Chaney, is the county’s district court and serves both Waller and Grimes counties. If your case is a family matter, your court is County Court at Law No. 1. Our family courts overview explains how Texas structures these courts.

Getting there

425 FM 1488, Hempstead, TX 77445 Filings: 400 Sheriff R. Glenn Smith Dr., Bldg. A, Hempstead, TX 77445

Hempstead sits at the junction of US 290 and State Highway 6, roughly an hour northwest of Houston. Getting to Hempstead is not the same as getting to the right building — the annex, the Justice Center, and the historic courthouse are all within about a mile of one another, so budget a few extra minutes to move between them if you need more than one. Parking is on site at the Justice Center and the annex. Allow extra time for traffic on 290, parking, and security so you arrive at least 30 minutes early. If you are driving in from Katy, Brookshire, Prairie View, or Waller, the morning commute into Hempstead can add significant time.

At the courthouse

Bring the documents, case number, and identification listed in your court notice.
Confirm your courtroom, floor, and court number before you arrive.
Entry and security procedures vary by courthouse. Check current requirements before your visit.
Silence your phone before entering the courtroom unless court staff instruct otherwise.
Follow the arrival time on your court notice and allow extra time for parking, check-in, or screening if applicable.

Before You Go

Courthouse visit tips

General guidance to help you prepare. Your court notice, local rules, and courthouse staff instructions always take priority.

Bring your court notice or hearing order, case number, and any documents you need to file or discuss. Bring photo identification if your notice or courthouse requires it. Check your court instructions before you go, as document and copy requirements vary.

Dress neatly and respectfully. Avoid clothing that may be distracting or inappropriate for court. Follow any dress-code instructions provided by your court or judge.

Review your court notice for the required arrival time. Parking, check-in, entrance, and security procedures vary by courthouse and may change. Contact the court or clerk before your visit if you need confirmation.

Silence your phone unless court staff instruct otherwise. Be respectful to court staff, the judge, and everyone involved in the case. Wait until you are called on to speak, and follow the courtroom’s instructions about standing and addressing the judge.

If possible, arrange childcare before attending court. If a child must attend, or your case involves a child, contact the court beforehand to confirm any attendance requirements or accommodations.

Review your court notice and local court rules first. The clerk’s office can answer many procedural questions but cannot give legal advice. If you need advice about your rights, options, or case, speak with an attorney.

General information, not legal advice. Procedures vary — confirm with the court.

Common Questions

Waller County family court FAQ

Official Resources

Official court & clerk links

These are third-party official resources. They open in a new tab.

Other Courts

Looking for a different courthouse?

Austin County

Montgomery County Courthouse

Need help with your case?

Knowing the courthouse is one thing — being ready for your case is another. Whether it’s divorce, custody, or child support, we can help.

Related Resources

Divorce 101

What the Texas divorce process actually looks like.

Custody 101

How Texas courts decide conservatorship and parenting time.

Child Support 101

How support is calculated, including medical premiums.

Family Law & Estate Planning Forms

Common forms you may need before your court date.

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice or affiliated with the court. Court locations, hours, and procedures change — always confirm with the official court website or your attorney.

Have a court date in Waller County?

A free consultation can help you understand your court, your case, and how to prepare.