Which Courts Handle Divorce Cases in Denton County?
Denton County divorces are heard in eight district courts, all located in the Denton County Courts Building at 1450 E. McKinney Street in Denton, Texas. The 362nd, 367th, 393rd, 431st, 442nd, 462nd, 467th, and 481st District Courts all regularly preside over divorce cases, custody disputes, modifications, and enforcement actions. While the 393rd District Court is statutorily required to give preference to family law matters, any of these courts may be assigned your case.
Understanding which judge will hear your divorce and how that court operates can significantly impact your experience. Each Denton County divorce court follows county-wide standing orders, but the judges bring different backgrounds, courtroom styles, and scheduling practices that experienced family law attorneys know to anticipate.
How Divorce Cases Are Assigned in Denton County
When you file for divorce in Denton County, your case is randomly assigned to one of the district courts with family law jurisdiction. You do not get to choose your judge. The assignment happens at the District Clerk’s office, and once made, your case will typically stay with that court unless transferred for administrative reasons.
A standing order automatically takes effect the moment your divorce or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) is filed. This standing order governs conduct regarding children and property, prohibiting actions like hiding assets, disparaging the other parent in front of children, or removing kids from the jurisdiction without court approval. Violating these orders can result in contempt findings and damage your credibility with the judge.
Several Denton County divorce courts also use standardized family law scheduling orders and discovery control plans. These documents set firm deadlines for financial disclosures, inventory and appraisement filings, expert designations, and trial preparation. Missing these deadlines can result in sanctions or exclusion of evidence, so treating them seriously from day one matters.
Denton County Courts Building: Location, Parking, and What to Expect
All eight district courts hearing Denton County divorces sit in the same building:
Denton County Courts Building
1450 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas 76209
The building operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though individual courts may schedule dockets earlier or later. Security screening occurs at the ground floor entrance. Leave phones, keys, and metal objects ready to place in bins to move through efficiently.
Free surface parking surrounds the Courts Building, with additional county lots nearby. Accessible parking spaces are located close to the main entrances. For overflow situations, free public lots and time-limited street parking exist within walking distance of the courthouse and downtown Denton square.
Plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing. This buffer accounts for parking, security, locating the correct courtroom, and checking in with the bailiff or your attorney. The District Clerk’s office on the lower floors handles filings and copies if you need last-minute documents. Electronic boards and posted dockets list each day’s courtroom assignments.
Denton County Divorce Judges
Knowing your judge’s background and preferences helps you and your attorney prepare effectively. Here is what experienced Denton County family law practitioners know about each bench.
362nd District Court: Judge Bruce McFarling
Judge Bruce McFarling presides over a general jurisdiction court handling felonies, civil disputes, and family law cases including divorces and custody matters. His years on the Denton County bench have given him deep familiarity with local practice.
Because his docket includes serious criminal trials and complex civil matters alongside family cases, Judge McFarling values concise, well-organized presentations that respect the court’s limited time. Show up punctual, prepared, and professional, and your case will move more smoothly.
The 362nd District Court is located on the 3rd floor of the Courts Building. The court coordinator can be reached at approximately 940-349-2340.
367th District Court: Judge Brent Hill
Judge Brent Hill leads the 367th District Court, which handles civil, criminal, and family matters including contested and uncontested divorces. The court publishes detailed practice tips reflecting a structured, procedure-oriented approach to docket management.
Judge Hill typically conducts docket call on Fridays at 8:30 a.m. before trial weeks. For uncontested divorces where paperwork and affidavits are complete, he may allow prove-ups by submission rather than requiring in-person appearances. However, he enforces scheduling orders strictly and expects attorneys to comply with deadlines and be ready to try cases when called.
The 367th District Court sits on the 3rd floor. Contact the court at 940-349-2350.
393rd District Court: Judge Karen Alexander
Judge Karen Alexander serves on the 393rd District Court, which by Texas statute must give preference to family law cases. This makes her court one of the primary venues for Denton County divorces and custody disputes.
Her court uses a detailed Family Law Scheduling Order and Discovery Control Plan, signaling strong emphasis on organization and early trial preparation. Judge Alexander’s substantial family law background before taking the bench, including extensive divorce and custody litigation experience, translates into close scrutiny of parenting plans, financial disclosures, and compliance with the Texas Family Code during contested trials.
The 393rd District Court is on the 4th floor. Reach the court at approximately 940-349-2360.
431st District Court: Judge Jim Johnson
Judge Jim Johnson presides over criminal, civil, and family law matters in the 431st District Court, including divorces and CPS-related cases. In public statements, he has emphasized broad trial experience and a judicial philosophy focused on following the law and protecting constitutional rights.
Judge Johnson has spoken about patience, courtesy, decisiveness, and integrity as core judicial traits. For family law litigants, this typically means a firm but respectful courtroom environment where parties can expect to be heard if they follow the rules and maintain decorum.
The 431st District Court is located on the 2nd floor. The main phone number is approximately 940-349-4370.
442nd District Court: Judge Tiffany Haertling
Judge Tiffany Haertling leads the 442nd District Court, which maintains a significant divorce and family law docket alongside other civil cases. Like the 393rd, this court uses a formal family law scheduling order and discovery control plan.
Historically, the 442nd has handled a large volume of family law matters including divorces, modifications, and SAPCRs. Attorneys should expect active case management, enforcement of scheduling deadlines, and clear expectations about preparation requirements.
The 442nd District Court sits on the 2nd floor. Contact the court at approximately 940-349-4380.
462nd District Court: Judge Lee Ann Breading
Judge Lee Ann Breading serves on the 462nd District Court, a general jurisdiction court handling felony criminal cases, civil disputes, and family law matters. Judges of this court are elected countywide and serve four-year terms.
Because the 462nd regularly handles serious felony trials that share docket space with divorce and custody cases, family law litigants should plan for a schedule that must accommodate lengthy criminal proceedings. Come prepared to present your case clearly and efficiently when your time arrives.
The 462nd District Court is on the 4th floor. Reach the court at approximately 940-349-2110.
467th District Court: Judge Derbha Jones
Judge Derbha Jones presides over the 467th District Court, which carries a robust docket of family law, child welfare (CPS), and civil trial matters. Governor Greg Abbott appointed her effective January 1, 2021, and she was subsequently elected to continue in office.
Judge Jones brings particularly specialized credentials to the family law bench. She practiced law for approximately 18 years before her appointment and holds board certifications in both Family Law and Child Welfare Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Her active involvement in the State Bar’s Child Protection and Family Law Sections and the Texas Association of Family Law Specialists informs her handling of complex custody disputes, CPS cases, and high-conflict divorces.
The 467th District Court is on the 2nd floor. Contact the court at 940-349-4390 or through the online contact form.
481st District Court: Judge Crystal Edmonson Levonius
Judge Crystal Edmonson Levonius serves on the 481st District Court, one of Denton County’s newer district courts. Governor Abbott appointed her in late 2021 to begin serving January 1, 2022. Like other district courts, the 481st hears general civil, criminal, and family law cases.
Appellate records show her court handling significant child-related matters including support and contempt proceedings. The court’s public materials emphasize county standing orders and email communication with the coordinator, reflecting a modern, detail-oriented approach to case management in divorce and custody cases.
The 481st District Court is on the 4th floor. Reach the court at 940-349-2270.
Quick Reference: Denton County Divorce Courts
| Court |
Judge |
Floor |
Phone |
| 362nd District Court |
Bruce McFarling |
3rd |
940-349-2340 |
| 367th District Court |
Brent Hill |
3rd |
940-349-2350 |
| 393rd District Court |
Karen Alexander |
4th |
940-349-2360 |
| 431st District Court |
Jim Johnson |
2nd |
940-349-4370 |
| 442nd District Court |
Tiffany Haertling |
2nd |
940-349-4380 |
| 462nd District Court |
Lee Ann Breading |
4th |
940-349-2110 |
| 467th District Court |
Derbha Jones |
2nd |
940-349-4390 |
| 481st District Court |
Crystal Levonius |
4th |
940-349-2270 |
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Denton County Courts
How your Denton County divorce proceeds depends largely on whether you and your spouse agree on the terms.
An uncontested divorce means both parties have reached agreement on property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance (if applicable). These cases can often be finalized in a single court appearance called a prove-up, where one spouse testifies briefly that the agreement is fair and voluntary. Some Denton County judges, like Judge Hill in the 367th, may even allow prove-ups by submission when all paperwork is properly completed.
A contested divorce involves disputes that require judicial resolution. These cases proceed through discovery, temporary orders hearings, mediation (required in most Denton County family cases before trial), and potentially a final trial. Contested divorces take longer, cost more, and require careful attention to each court’s scheduling orders and procedural preferences.
Residency Requirements for Filing Divorce in Denton County
Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have been a Texas resident for six continuous months and a Denton County resident for 90 days immediately before filing. If you recently moved to Denton County from another Texas county, you may need to wait until you satisfy the 90-day requirement before filing here.
Military personnel stationed in Texas present special considerations. Federal law provides protections for deployed service members, and residency calculations can involve the state of legal domicile rather than current station location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Denton County Divorce Courts
Can I request a different judge for my Denton County divorce?
Texas law allows parties to file a motion to recuse a judge for cause (bias, conflict of interest) under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 18a. However, you cannot simply request a different judge because you prefer another court’s style or schedule. Random assignment is designed to ensure fairness.
How long does a divorce take in Denton County?
Texas imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized (Texas Family Code § 6.702). Uncontested divorces can be completed shortly after this period. Contested cases typically take 6 to 18 months depending on complexity, discovery needs, and court availability.
Do I have to go to court for my Denton County divorce?
For uncontested divorces, at least one spouse typically must appear for a brief prove-up hearing, though some courts allow submission without appearance when paperwork is complete. Contested divorces require court appearances for temporary orders, hearings, and trial.
What if my spouse lives in another county?
If you meet Denton County’s residency requirements, you can file here even if your spouse lives elsewhere in Texas or out of state. Your spouse will be served with citation and can participate in the proceedings. Venue challenges are possible but uncommon when residency requirements are clearly met.
Are Denton County divorce records public?
Yes. Divorce cases are public record in Texas. However, certain sensitive information (like social security numbers and financial account numbers) should be redacted from filings, and courts can seal specific documents in appropriate circumstances.
Talk to Our Denton County Divorce Attorney Today
Facing divorce in Denton County means your case will land before one of eight different judges, each with distinct expectations, schedules, and courtroom preferences. The attorneys at Varghese Summersett regularly appear in all of these courts and understand what each judge expects from litigants and counsel.
Whether you are pursuing an uncontested divorce or preparing for a contested trial involving complex property division or child custody disputes, having representation from attorneys who know Denton County’s courts makes a difference. Our team includes board-certified family law specialists with decades of combined experience protecting the interests of clients throughout North Texas.
Call Varghese Summersett today at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation. We will evaluate your situation, explain what to expect from your assigned court, and develop a strategy designed to protect your interests and your family’s future.