Ellis County District Court

Ellis County District Court cases in Ellis County, Waxahachie, TX

The Ellis County 40th District Court in Waxahachie is a Texas state district court and a trial court of general jurisdiction serving Ellis County. It hears felony criminal cases; civil cases involving higher amounts in controversy and equitable relief; and family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support. It also handles matters like injunctions and cases involving title to land as authorized by law. Routine traffic infractions (Class C misdemeanors) are generally handled by municipal or justice courts, not this district court, though serious motor-vehicle-related felony cases fall within its jurisdiction.

Ellis County District Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Ellis County District Court

Ellis County's 40th District Court is a Texas trial court of general jurisdiction serving the public by:

- Criminal: Felony case filings, arraignments, pretrial motions, pleas, jury and bench trials, sentencing, and probation revocations.
- Civil: Disputes involving contracts, torts, property, injunctions, and declaratory relief; hearings on motions and temporary restraining orders.
- Family: Divorce, custody/visitation, child support, enforcement, and related orders; adoptions or other matters when assigned.
- Protective orders: Issuing orders for family violence, stalking, sexual assault, and trafficking cases.
- Jury services: Coordinating jury selection and conducting jury trials.
- Court operations: Setting dockets, holding hearings, managing orders and judgments, enforcing subpoenas and discovery, and referring cases to mediation when appropriate.
- Public access: Scheduling information, courtroom proceedings, and access to case filings and records through the Ellis County District Clerk.