Texas Law
Texas has a bifurcated system at the top of its court structure: the Texas Supreme Court handles civil and juvenile appeals, while a separate court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, handles criminal appeals. Below these two highest courts sit 14 regional courts of appeals, then trial-level district, county, and specialty courts that handle cases first. All licensed attorneys in Texas must belong to the State Bar of Texas, a mandatory bar operating under the administrative oversight of the Texas Supreme Court, which also handles attorney licensing and discipline.
Official Texas resources
Read the official Texas statutes and track pending legislation.
Court locations, self-help forms, and how the Texas court system is organized.
Lawyer-referral service and attorney directory. (License and discipline are handled by the state courts or attorney regulator.)
Free or low-cost legal help for people who qualify, plus self-help court resources.
Common legal topics in Texas
These guides cover the general rules. The details that vary by state, like deadlines and dollar limits, are noted on each page.
How divorce works, what it costs, and the difference between contested and uncontested cases.
Recovering compensation after an accident — negligence, damages, and how settlements work.
Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13, what bankruptcy discharges, and the effect on your credit.
How criminal cases move through the system, from charges to sentencing.
Leases, security deposits, evictions, and the rights of renters and landlords.
Benefits for on-the-job injuries and how to file a workers' comp claim.
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney — planning for incapacity and inheritance.
How to get legal help in Texas
Start with the Texas Judicial Branch if you're representing yourself — most state court sites publish forms and step-by-step instructions for common filings. If you need an attorney, the Texas Bar Association above runs a lawyer-referral or directory search; to confirm a lawyer's license is active, check the state's attorney-licensing authority (usually the state courts). If cost is the barrier, legal-aid organizations offer free help to people who qualify, typically based on income — and many county courthouses have a self-help center that can point you toward one even if you don't qualify for full representation.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I find Texas statutes?
- Texas's laws are published by the Texas Constitution and Statutes. Their site is the official, up-to-date source for state statutes — always check the current version rather than relying on a summary, since laws change from year to year.
- How do I find a lawyer in Texas?
- The Texas Bar Association typically offers a lawyer-referral service or directory you can search by practice area and location. To confirm that an attorney is currently licensed and in good standing, use the state's attorney-licensing authority (often the state supreme court or a separate attorney-regulation office), since the bar association is not always the licensing body. Our "Find a Lawyer" page explains how to evaluate and hire one.
- What court handles my case in Texas?
- That depends on the type of case and how much money is involved. The Texas Judicial Branch website publishes court locations, self-help forms, and guidance on which court has jurisdiction over a given matter.
- Is there free legal help in Texas?
- Yes. Legal-aid organizations offer free or low-cost help to people who qualify, usually based on income. Start with the resource linked on this page, or ask the Texas Judicial Branch self-help center for a referral.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and isn't a substitute for talking to a licensed attorney about your specific situation. Read our full disclaimer.