309th Divorce Court Houston Texas is staffed with Judge Linda Marie Dunson who is the presiding Judge with Judge Jorge Lopez acting as her associate. The courts website may be found at here. You can check on your case at the district clerks website located at district clerk. This court is located at 201 Caroline Houston 16th floor, Texas, 77002.
Courtroom Procedure for the 309th
Judge Linda Marie Dunson took the bench in January of 2019. She succeeded Judge Sheri Dean. Her court coordinator is Molly Mai who had previously worked for Judge Millard in the 310th. Uncontested cases may be proven up via affidavit with contested docket at 9 a.m. in person. Cases are brought to trial within 8 months. Resets are not easy in this court. Molly Mai was very strict with Judge Millard’s calendar in the 310th and has carried over her policy to the 309th. Be ready with a good excuse if you get on a case late, or have not been diligent in the prosecution of your case. Mediation is required before a final trial and if you have not been to mediation this may be grounds to dismiss your case. Meditation is required before a temporary orders hearing, but maybe waived if one parent is denying another parent access to a child.
Judge Dunson’s associate Judge Jorge Lopez , replaced Judge Tracy Good, in January of 2023.
The parenting classes are required in compliance with the local rules if custody is an issue. Online classes are accepted by the Court. If custody is an issue, the court will appoint and amicus attorney or order a custody evaluation. Most of the custody evaluation in Harris County are done by the Harris County Domestic Relations Office.
There isn’t an explicit policy for the use of parental coordinator and facilitators. The Court will determine, after notice and hearing if there is a need for a parental coordinator. For children preferences and interviews, the Court will conduct the meeting in chambers, after notice and hearing. All conferences must be scheduled after school hours. The children are not supposed to be brought to the Court without an approval from the Court.
If you expect to be late for a docket call in this court, I suggest to email one of the clerks instead of calling in. I always email [email protected] when I have scheduling conflicts or I am stuck in traffic.
About the Author
Michael Busby Jr. is a divorce and family law attorney who practices in Harris County Texas and the counties that surround Harris County. He has been in practice for over 20 years and has tried over 200 cases. Mike, frequently appears in the 309th court at least once a week,. He is familiar with the policy and procedures of this Houston Texas Divorce Court 309th Harris County. Our office is open until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for working folks. Please call with your family law or divorce questions.
Michael Busby Jr.
6100 Corporate Dr. # 190
Houston, Texas 77036
(713) 974-1151
281-DIVORCE
Visit me on the web at www.busby-lee.com
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