CPS/Juvenile Day: Thursday – no regular docket

Additional Docket for Uncontested Divorces – Monday & Wednesday
afternoons at 2:00 p.m., by appointment only

Scheduling Procedures:

Uncontested Divorces: (waivers, defaults or agreeds) These are done every morning at 9:00 a.m. Please select the day you want the case set. We need to know the cause number, the last name on the case, the type (i.e., waiver, default or agreed) and the day you would like it set. You may contact the court via email, fax or telephone message. If you are selecting Monday or Wednesday, please be sure to specify a.m. or p.m. If there is a problem with your choice of day, Susie will contact you; otherwise, your case will be set as you asked. You will not receive a confirmation that your communication was received. Do not leave a number and request a return call for an uncontested divorce. Please do not select a Thursday as the 317th does not have a regular docket on Thursdays.

Temporary Hearings: a “walk-through” is usually best, especially if you have an emergency situation or pleadings outside the norm. Otherwise, place a post-it or other type of note on your pleadings or in your cover letter, which indicates 2 or 3 days on which you would like the temporary hearing set. This should not be sooner than 7 days from the filing day or later than 14 days from the filing day. The Court will schedule the hearing on one of the days you request and notify you by email or phone message of the day selected. Please do not select a Thursday as the 317th does not have a regular docket on Thursdays.

Contested Final Trial Settings: Please send a letter requesting a final contested trial setting, indicating jury or non-jury and the length of time you anticipate needing. You will be contacted by Susie to schedule the trial. Do not call the court to schedule a final contested setting, or to check on the status of your written request. We are working diligently to set final hearings in the order in which they are received.

Please advise your staff: The Court does not have information regarding filing and service fees. We do not have information on service, citations or returns of citations. Please call Domestic Relations for that information at 835-8654.

Family Group Conference

A Family Group Conference (FGC) is a formal meeting where members of the child’s immediate family come together with extended kin and members of the child’s community who are, or might become, involved to develop a plan to keep the child safe. The conference is arranged by a FGC coordinator and Facilitated by trained facilitators. The role of professionals at a FGC is to provide information and offer consultation to family members rather than to influence or make decisions.

The Jefferson County FGC Project accepts referrals from Child Protective Services and Juvenile Probation.

FGC helps to promote and develop the capacity of families and communities to care for and protect children and supports child and family development. The FGC process is intended to use the strengths and resources of the family to take ownership of the problem and how it is best managed within their capabilities and culture.

Jefferson County Family Treatment Drug Court

Family Treatment Drug Court is a long-term, judicially-supervised program designed to assist substance abusing parents, involved with Child Protective Services, in recovery from addiction. Family Treatment Drug Court uses a case management process that promotes positive social change and accountability.
Family drug court meets twice a month on Thursday afternoons prior to the CPS docket.

For more information on either program you may contact:

Judy Paasch
215 Franklin St Suite 157
Beaumont Texas
409 – 835 – 8671