Montgomery County · Family Law Court
410th Judicial District Court
Family Law  ·  Conroe, Texas  ·  Montgomery County
Address 301 N. Main Street, Suite 210
Conroe, TX 77301
Phone (936) 539-7860
Hours Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hearings In-person · Remote by advance approval only

About the 410th Judicial District Court

The 410th Judicial District Court is one of three Montgomery County family courts located at 301 N. Main Street in Conroe. It handles family law matters including divorce, child custody and conservatorship, child support, property division, modification of existing orders, enforcement actions, and related proceedings.

All family law causes filed in the 410th are referred to the Associate Judge per a standing Order of Referral effective February 1, 2024. The Associate Judge holds all express, implied, and inherent powers of an Associate Judge under Chapter 201 of the Texas Family Code.

Cases are randomly assigned to one of the three Montgomery County family courts when filed with the District Clerk. If a prior case involving the same parties or children was heard in the 410th, any new filing must also be assigned to this court.

Fritz & Phillips Law is located at 141 N. San Jacinto Street in downtown Conroe — steps from the Montgomery County Courthouse. Our attorneys are familiar with the local rules, standing orders, and procedures of the 410th District Court and prepare clients thoroughly for every stage of their case.

Courtroom Rules of Conduct

🚫  Prohibited in the Courtroom
Gum, food, drinks, and tobacco products — water is permitted at counsel tables during hearings
Cameras, tape recorders, or recording devices without prior express approval from the Court
Weapons of any kind, unless you are a peace officer
Minor children in the courtroom without express permission from the Court
Audio recordings, video recordings, or photographs without express court approval
Inappropriate attire — no shorts, flip flops, revealing clothing, workout clothes, tank tops, hats, sunglasses, or clothing with obscenities
✅  Required of All Persons Appearing
Be present at the time specified by the Court
Attorneys scheduled in multiple courts must call 410th staff to provide notice and estimated arrival time
Silence all electronic devices before entering the courtroom
Remain silent while the Court is in session unless addressing the bench
Do not lean on the bench when speaking with the Court
Rise when being addressed by the Court or when addressing the Court
Be polite and respectful at all times

Standing Orders of the 410th District Court

📋 Order of Referral — Associate Judge Effective February 1, 2024

The Texas Family Code requires a Court to issue an Order of Referral when referring cases to an Associate Judge. Pursuant to Chapter 201 of the Texas Family Code (Tex. Fam. Code §201.001), the 410th District Court appointed an Associate Judge effective February 1, 2024.

All family law causes filed in the 410th Judicial District Court are referred to the Associate Judge (Tex. Fam. Code §201.006). The Associate Judge holds all express, implied, and inherent powers, duties, and authority of an Associate Judge under Chapter 201 of the Texas Family Code — including authority over temporary orders hearings, ancillary matters, and other referred proceedings.

⚖️ Standing Order on Motions and Hearings Effective January 1, 2023

Whether a motion is heard orally or by submission, all parties and attorneys must comply with the Local Rules of Practice Before the Family Courts in Montgomery County, Texas.

Motions Without Live Testimony Set by submission with at least 10 days notice. Obtain date from Court Coordinator. Include Notice of Submission and a proposed order filed as a separate instrument. Failure to file any of these = no action taken.
Motions Requiring Live Testimony Must be set for oral hearing on a date and time provided by the Court Coordinator or Court Administrator
Requesting an Oral Hearing Request in writing when filing the motion. Opposing party may request in writing with their response, plus a proposed order denying relief, filed at least 2 working days before the submission date. Failure to respond may be treated as no opposition.
Certificate of Conference Required for all motions set by submission. Exceptions: Summary Judgment, Default Judgment, Voluntary Dismissal/Nonsuit, New Trial, Instanter Motions, and Motions Involving Service of Citation
Cases Involving Children The Required Health and Dental Insurance Information form (TFC §154.181/§154.1815) must be completed at the time of filing the original petition or answer — or at the latest 24 hours before any hearing involving child support
Temporary Orders Time Limits 1 hour per side (2 hours total). An intervening party aligned with one side receives 1.5 hours total including cross-examination. An amicus attorney and assistant AG each receive 30 minutes including cross-examination.
📄 Standing Order Regarding Default Judgments Effective January 1, 2023

All requests for default judgments shall be made pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable case law.

No-Answer Default May be set for oral hearing without further notice to the defaulting party. Hearing date and time are given by the Court Coordinator.
Property Division Cases A sworn Inventory and Appraisement must be on file at the time of the hearing, marked as an exhibit, and offered into evidence. The matter will be reset until this requirement is satisfied.
Child Support Cases Required exhibits: proposed child support calculations, supporting documentation, and proof of the cost of insurance for the child or children, if available
All Default Hearings A proposed judgment must be prepared and on file among the cause records before the hearing date. All relief requested in the proposed order must be supported by the pleadings.
🤝 Standing Order Regarding Mediation Effective January 1, 2023

Prior to any evidentiary oral hearing (with exceptions listed below), all parties are ordered to attend mediation. Parties are also ordered to complete a separate mediation for final trial, no more than 90 days prior to the trial date. Mediation completed more than 90 days before trial will be considered too remote and will not satisfy this order.

Each party has the duty to contact opposing counsel or the opposing party to schedule mediation before the hearing or trial date. If a party cannot obtain cooperation after reasonable effort, the complying party must file a motion to compel mediation at least 45 days before trial and set it on a submission docket.

Mediation NOT Required For Motions to compel discovery, summary judgment, default judgments, voluntary dismissal/nonsuit, service of citation, new trial motions, and TROs. After a TRO is set, the Court may or may not refer the matter to mediation depending on the case.
Final Trial Mediation Deadline Must occur no more than 90 days prior to the trial date. Mediation completed more than 90 days before trial does not comply with this order.
If Opposing Party Won't Cooperate File a motion to compel mediation at least 45 days before trial and set it on the submission docket
Confidentiality All mediation participants are governed by Tex. R. Evid. 408 and Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§154.054 and 154.073
Attorney Rights Each attorney has the right to participate in mediation and be present with their client at all times, regardless of whether all parties are represented
MSA & Additional Time If requesting more time beyond the Final Trial date to enter agreed orders pursuant to an MSA, submit that request via Joint Status Report at the Pretrial Conference. Failure to timely appear at the Pretrial Conference may result in dismissal even if an MSA exists.

Second Amended Standing Order — Montgomery County

📋
Second Amended Standing Order
Applies automatically to every divorce & SAPCR filed in Montgomery County · Effective January 1, 2023 · Enforceable by contempt including fines and imprisonment
What Is the Standing Order and Who Does It Apply To?

The Second Amended Standing Order is a court order that automatically takes effect the moment a divorce or SAPCR is filed in any Montgomery County family court — including the 410th District Court. It applies to both parties immediately upon filing, without any additional court action, and remains in effect until the case is resolved or the court modifies it.

It is enforceable by contempt of court, which can include fines and imprisonment. Both parties are bound by it regardless of whether they have been formally served with the petition.

No Disruption of the Child

Both parties are prohibited from:

  • Removing the child from Texas without written agreement of both parties or a court order
  • Hiding or secreting the child from the other party
  • Making any false statements to a government agency about the other party or the child
  • Making disparaging remarks about the other party in the presence or within earshot of the child
  • Causing the child to make disparaging remarks about the other party
  • Interfering with the child's current school placement or withdrawing the child from school without agreement or court order
  • Disturbing the peace of the child
Protection of Pets

Neither party may harm, remove from the county, hide, or dispose of any household pet owned by either party or the children during the pendency of the case.

Conduct of the Parties

Both parties are prohibited from:

  • Threatening the other party in person, by phone, in writing, or through a third party
  • Contacting the other party in a harassing or offensive manner
  • Using vulgar, profane, obscene, or indecent language to or about the other party in the presence of the child
  • Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to the other party or to any child
  • Threatening to cause bodily injury to the other party or any child
  • Destroying, removing, concealing, encumbering, transferring, or otherwise harming or reducing the value of any property of either party
Preservation of Property & Finances (Divorce Cases)

Both parties are prohibited from:

  • Selling, transferring, assigning, mortgaging, encumbering, or otherwise alienating any property — real or personal — except in the ordinary course of business
  • Withdrawing retirement funds except as authorized by plan documents
  • Incurring debt other than in the ordinary course of business or for reasonable and necessary living expenses
  • Making withdrawals from any bank or financial institution account in excess of ordinary living expenses
  • Spending, wasting, or dissipating any property — including cash on hand — except for reasonable and necessary living expenses
  • Liquidating, pledging, loaning, or otherwise alienating any stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other securities
  • Destroying, throwing away, or disposing of any financial records, documents, or communications
  • Cutting off or allowing to lapse any utilities serving the marital residence
  • Changing any payroll or income-tax withholding forms
  • Opening any new financial institution account without notifying the other party within 72 hours
  • Entering into any contract affecting the marital estate without the written agreement of the other party

Both parties are required to:

  • Maintain all existing insurance coverage in full force during the pendency of the case
  • Continue paying all existing obligations as they come due

Each party is authorized to:

  • Make purchases reasonably necessary for the support of themselves and any child in their care
  • Pay reasonable and necessary attorney's fees and expenses related to this lawsuit
  • Make purchases, sales, or other actions in the ordinary course of business
  • Use credit cards for ordinary and reasonable living expenses
Personal & Business Records (Divorce Cases)

Both parties are required to:

  • Maintain all personal and business financial records in their current form
  • Make available to the other party on request all financial records — including bank statements, credit card statements, retirement account statements, and tax returns — going back two years
  • Make available all documents related to the ownership or transfer of any real property

Neither party may destroy, conceal, or dispose of any personal or business records during the pendency of the case.

Insurance (Divorce Cases)
  • Neither party may cancel, cause to be canceled, allow to lapse, or in any manner change any existing insurance coverage — including health, life, automobile, homeowner's, or renter's insurance — that names the other party or any child as a beneficiary or insured
  • Neither party may change beneficiary designations on any insurance policy or retirement account
  • Both parties are required to maintain all existing insurance coverage in full force throughout the pendency of the case

Frequently Asked Questions — 410th District Court

What types of cases does the 410th District Court handle?
The 410th handles family law matters — divorce, child custody and conservatorship, child support, property division, modification of existing orders, and enforcement actions. All family law causes are referred to the Associate Judge per the standing Order of Referral effective February 1, 2024. The Associate Judge has full authority under Chapter 201 of the Texas Family Code.
Where is the 410th District Court located?
The 410th Judicial District Court is at 301 N. Main Street, Suite 210, Conroe, TX 77301. Court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The court closes daily from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch. Fritz & Phillips Law is located at 141 N. San Jacinto Street — steps away in downtown Conroe.
How do I schedule a hearing in the 410th District Court?
Call or email the Court first. Do not e-file a Notice of Hearing or send one to opposing counsel without first receiving confirmation from Court staff on the hearing date and time. The court coordinator can be reached at (936) 539-7860. This applies to both ancillary matters and submission docket settings.
Does the 410th require mediation before trial?
Yes. The Standing Order Regarding Mediation requires all parties to attend mediation before any evidentiary oral hearing. A separate mediation for final trial must be completed no more than 90 days before the trial date — mediation conducted more than 90 days before trial does not satisfy the order. If the other party refuses to cooperate, you must file a motion to compel mediation at least 45 days before trial.
What are the time limits for temporary orders hearings?
Under the Standing Order on Motions and Hearings, temporary orders hearings are limited to 1 hour per side (2 hours total). An intervening party aligned with one side gets 1.5 hours total including cross-examination. An amicus attorney and an assistant AG each get 30 minutes including cross-examination.
What is the Second Amended Standing Order and does it apply to my case in the 410th?
Yes. The Second Amended Standing Order applies automatically the moment a divorce or SAPCR is filed in any Montgomery County family court — including the 410th. It takes effect immediately upon filing, before either party is served, and is enforceable by contempt including fines and imprisonment. It restricts both parties from removing children from Texas, dissipating assets, canceling insurance, and more. The full order is embedded on this page above.
What is required for a default judgment in the 410th?
A no-answer default may be set for oral hearing without notice to the defaulting party. In property division cases, a sworn Inventory and Appraisement must be on file, marked as an exhibit, and offered at the hearing. In child support cases, proposed calculations and proof of insurance cost are required as exhibits. In all default hearings, a proposed judgment must be on file before the hearing date.

Fritz & Phillips Law is located in downtown Conroe, steps from the Montgomery County Courthouse. Our attorneys are familiar with the local rules, standing orders, and procedures of the 410th District Court and prepare clients thoroughly for every stage of their case.

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Meet the Attorneys at Fritz & Phillips

Jessica Fritz — Family Law Attorney Conroe TX
JF
Jessica Fritz
Managing Attorney & Co-Founder
TX Bar 2008 Family Law Personal Injury
Jessica Fritz has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2008 and serves as managing attorney of Fritz and Phillips, PC. Her practice covers the full range of family law matters — divorce, child custody and conservatorship, child support, property division, spousal maintenance, prenuptial agreements, adoption, paternity, and grandparents' rights — as well as personal injury cases throughout Montgomery County and Greater Houston.

As a mother of many teenagers, Jessica understands firsthand the importance of family stability and what is truly at stake in the cases she handles. She approaches every matter with a focus on clear communication, practical strategy, and results that reflect the realities of her clients' lives. She is the co-founder of 2500Divorce.com, a flat-fee uncontested divorce service serving Texas families.
Licensed — State Bar of Texas since 2008
Montgomery County Bar Association
Co-Founder, 2500Divorce.com
Serving Greater Houston since 2008
Full Profile →
Keith Phillips — Family Law Attorney & Mediator Conroe TX
KP
Keith Phillips
Attorney, Mediator & Co-Founder
TX Bar 2016 Former CPS Family Law
Keith Phillips has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2016, focusing on family law and personal injury matters throughout Montgomery County and Greater Houston. Before private practice, Keith worked with Child Protective Services — giving him direct, firsthand insight into how Texas courts evaluate the best interests of children and how decisions affecting families are made at the institutional level.

Keith became a licensed mediator in 2020, and that perspective shapes how he approaches every case — focused on practical, efficient resolution while fully prepared to litigate when necessary. He is the co-founder of 2500Divorce.com and a father of five.
Licensed — State Bar of Texas since 2016
Licensed Mediator since 2020
Former Child Protective Services Caseworker
Co-Founder, 2500Divorce.com
Full Profile →
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Attorney advertising. Fritz and Phillips, PC is a Texas law firm. The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Jessica Fritz (TX Bar 2008) and Keith Phillips (TX Bar 2016) are the attorneys responsible for this content.