Structured Settlement Laws in Texas

Harris County District Courts

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Harris County District Courts.

Table of Contents

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🏛️ Court
Harris County District Courts
1201 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77002
⏱️ Processing Time
45-90 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $350.00 (district court civil filing fee)
👥 Population
4,731,145 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Harris County District Courts
Address: 1201 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-7300
Clerk: Marilyn Burgess
Jurisdiction: Harris County
Established: Established 1836

Venue Overview

Harris County District Courts serve the Houston metropolitan area with over 4.7 million residents and handle the highest volume of structured settlement cases in Texas. The county operates 59 district courts with specialized civil divisions for financial matters. Harris County processes thousands of civil cases annually, including complex structured settlement transfers under Texas Property Code Chapter 141. The courts maintain specialized dockets for financial transactions and emphasize payee protection through independent advisor requirements.

Major Cities Served: Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Deer Park

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed electronically and assigned to district court within 24 hours
2.Court clerk issues citation and notice to all parties within 3-5 business days
3.20-day response period for interested parties (annuity companies, insurers)
4.Financial discovery and document exchange period (2-4 weeks)
5.Pre-hearing conference scheduled 10-14 days before final hearing
6.Final hearing includes sworn testimony from payee and independent advisor
7.Court issues detailed written findings of fact and conclusions of law
8.30-day appeal period begins upon entry of final order
⚖️ Local Rules
  • •Electronic filing mandatory through Harris County e-filing system
  • •Cases assigned to district courts based on civil division specialization
  • •Mandatory mediation available for contested transfers over $100,000
  • •Court requires independent verification of discount rates and calculations
  • •Publication notice required in Houston Chronicle if personal service not possible
  • •All transfer agreements must include clear disclosure of fees and effective rates

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • •All petitions must comply with Texas Property Code Sections 141.001-141.012
  • •Independent professional advice mandatory unless explicitly waived
  • •Comprehensive financial disclosure including income, expenses, and assets
  • •Court must make specific findings that transfer serves payee's best interest
  • •All interested parties must receive notice via certified mail
  • •Detailed explanation of transfer benefits and alternatives required
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$350.00 (district court civil filing fee)
Processing Time:45-90 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Sylvia A. Matthews
District Court Judge
Civil Division - 281st District Court
Specializes in complex civil litigation including structured settlement transfers
Former civil litigator with extensive financial and contract law background
Hon. Kristen Brauchle Hawkins
District Court Judge
Civil Division - 11th District Court
Handles financial transactions and settlement transfer cases
Background in commercial litigation and financial services regulation
Hon. Jason Luong
District Court Judge
Civil Division - 157th District Court
Experienced in civil financial matters and payee protection cases
Former attorney with focus on civil litigation and financial planning

Local Resources & Links

Harris County District Clerk Official Website
Harris County Courts E-Filing System
Texas Property Code Chapter 141
Houston Bar Association
Texas Department of Insurance
Harris County Law Library

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Texas Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Texas specific information. The information provided here is specific to Texas state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Harris County District Courts, Texas

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Harris County District Courts, Texas requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader Texas structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Harris County District Courts, Texas, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Harris County District Courts court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in Texas.

The Harris County District Courts court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in Harris County District Courts court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both Texas state laws and Harris County District Courts local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in Harris County District Courts or another jurisdiction in Texas, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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