Facing a divorce or custody case in Denton County
In Denton County, a standing order starts to apply the moment a divorce or custody case is filed, and in any case involving children, both parents are ordered to finish an approved parenting class within 60 days of filing or service. Cases are filed with the District Clerk at 1450 E. McKinney Street in Denton, and in contested divorces each side must exchange a sworn property inventory and financial records before the first hearing. Scott Rewak helps people across Denton County from his office in Dallas's Preston Center.
Where Denton County family cases are filed and heard
Denton County's district courts sit in the Denton County Courts Building, 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. The county has 12 district courts. Which one hears your case will appear on your papers once it is filed.
The District Clerk is on the first floor of the same building. Denton County's electronic filing is open to lawyers and to people filing without a lawyer.
The Denton County standing order
A standing order is a set of rules the courts put in place for certain kinds of cases without anyone having to ask. Denton County's is the "Denton County Standing Order Regarding Children, Property and Conduct of the Parties", dated February 27, 2025.
It applies to all divorce cases and all suits affecting the parent-child relationship, which is the legal name for custody, visitation and child-support cases. That includes cases asking to change or enforce an existing order. The person who files must attach a copy of the order to the petition.
How long it lasts
The order takes effect when the case is filed. For the first 14 days after service, it works as a temporary restraining order, a short-term court order. After that it continues as a temporary injunction, a longer-lasting order, until the court says otherwise. The whole order ends only when a final order is signed or the case is dismissed.
What it covers
- Children. No removing or hiding the children, and no speaking badly of the other parent. That expressly includes posts on social media or any website a child has, or may have, access to.
- Conduct. Harassment and threats are not allowed.
- Electronic records. Do not destroy or alter emails, text messages or other electronic information that relates to the divorce.
- Insurance. Do not cancel or change insurance policies.
- Records. Personal and business records must be protected.
Breaking the order can lead to contempt of court, with a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail. If you have just been served, read the order carefully before deleting anything from your phone. Scott's page on what to do after being served covers the first days.
The required parenting class
This is one of the clearest differences between Denton County and its neighbors. The standing order says that in any case affecting or seeking to change the parent-child relationship, "all parties are ORDERED to attend one of the following parent education and stabilization programs within sixty (60) days of the date of filing or service of the suit."
The county's parenting classes list names two approved providers: Children In The Middle and Divorce Sanity Co. That list is dated April 2023, so check it for current details before you sign up.
Sharing financial records before the first hearing
Denton County's Uniform Rules of Court, effective January 1, 2025, include Rule 3.3. In contested divorces, each side must exchange:
- a sworn inventory of property
- a financial information statement
- tax returns
- pay stubs
- insurance documents
The exchange is due no later than three days before the first hearing. Texas presumes that property either spouse has during the marriage is community property, and anyone claiming something as separate property must prove it by clear and convincing evidence (Tex. Fam. Code §3.003). A careful inventory is often where that proof starts. Scott's property division page explains the basics.
Mediation in Denton County
Mediation is a meeting with a neutral person who helps both sides try to reach an agreement. Policies can differ by court. For example, the 442nd District Court's family law scheduling order says mediation is required and must happen at least 30 days before trial, through the county's dispute resolution program. Scott's mediation page explains what the day looks like.
Protective orders in Denton County
If you are afraid for your safety, the Denton County Protective Order Unit is at 1450 E. McKinney Street. Its application forms are available in English and Spanish. Scott's protective orders page explains how these orders fit with a divorce or custody case.
Cities that cross county lines
Several cities near Denton County cross county lines, including Frisco, Carrollton, Southlake and Fort Worth. Your address decides your county. To file for divorce in a county, you or your spouse must have lived there for the 90 days before filing, and in Texas for six months (Tex. Fam. Code §6.301).
How Scott helps in Denton County
Scott Rewak is Board Certified, Family Law — Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His office is at 5950 Sherry Lane, Suite 800, in Preston Center, Dallas, and the first consultation is free and confidential.
Denton County front-loads a lot: the standing order on filing, a parenting class within 60 days, and a financial exchange before the first hearing. Scott studied accounting before law school, and he believes "there's no substitute for being prepared." He can help you meet each deadline and build an inventory you can stand behind.
The free Navigating Divorce workbook helps you gather the records Rule 3.3 asks for.
Questions people ask
Do I have to take a parenting class in Denton County?
If your case involves children, yes. The Denton County standing order requires all parties to attend an approved parent education program within 60 days of the date of filing or service.
When does the Denton County standing order start?
It takes effect when the petition is filed. It acts as a temporary restraining order for 14 days after service, then continues as a temporary injunction until a final order or dismissal.
Can I delete old texts during my divorce?
The standing order bars destroying or altering emails, text messages and other electronic information relevant to the divorce. Talk to a lawyer before deleting anything.
What financial documents do I need to share?
In a contested divorce, Rule 3.3 requires a sworn property inventory, a financial information statement, tax returns, pay stubs and insurance documents, exchanged at least three days before the first hearing.
