County Clerk E-Filing

Orange County Clerk's E-Filing Business Processes 

Last updated 01/04/2019 - Download Copy
If you are in doubt about how to file something, please contact our office before submitting it.  We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.  You can reach us at (409) 882-7055 or countyclerk@co.orange.tx.us.

Please make sure the attorney’s email address is on all pleadings.

• Searching E-Filed Cases
  The State of Texas now has a single location where you can search and obtain copies from all e-filed cases.  Please go to https://research.txcourts.gov/ for more information.

• E-Filing Integration
  Our case management software is not integrated with the E-File Texas system.  If you need to file a document in an existing case, you may receive a message that you are attempting to e-file into a case that has yet to receive an electronic submission.  You will need to click "File into an existing case", select the case category and case type, then enter the parties before proceeding.  This is a one-time process.

• Filing Multiple Documents
  You may file multiple documents in a single envelope, but each new document must be a lead document (click "Add Another Filing").  The only documents that should be submitted as attachments should be exhibits to the lead document.

• Proposed Order
  sAll proposed orders must be filed in a separate envelope so they can be forwarded to the court.  It will be necessary to have a lead document - your proposed order will be filed as an attachment.  You can use a cover letter as your lead document.  If the order is to be signed at a hearing, please reference the hearing date on your cover letter.  Do not submit your proposed orders more than 72 hours before the hearing date.  The envelope containing the proposed order will be forwarded directly to the court for the judge's review and signature.  Once the court has completed processing the envelope, it will be returned to the County Clerk for acceptance.  Upon acceptance, you will receive a receipt with a file marked copy of the order.

• Pleadings that need a hearing date and time entered
  Your Notice of Hearing/Setting (or any type of pleading that requires the judge or court coordinator's signature) will need to be filed as a separate submission.  You will follow the same procedure as submitting proposed orders.

• Applications that require a posted citation
  When you file a new probate case, the initial $10.00 posting fee is included in the filing fee.  If you file any other documents that require a posted citation (i.e. Application to Determine Heirship) you will need to select a posting fee to cover the extra posted citation.  This is under Optional Services and is called "Service - Sheriff - Posting ($10.00)".

• Probate Hearings

• Please bring the Proof of Death, Order Probating Will, Oath and Bond with you to the hearing.  Do not e-file these documents.

• Attorney Ad Litem Fee
  If you are filing a Determination of Heirship, Guardianship, or Sale of Property of a Minor/Ward, you will need to select the filing code "Application with Ad Litem ($500)".  Per Administrative Order, the Court requires the payment of attorney ad litem fees up front as a cost of court.

• Order to Report Authorization of Court-Appointed FeesPer
   Administrative Order, County Court at Law requires an Order to Report Authorization of Court-Appointed Fees to be filed along with any order which authorizes the payment of fees to a court-appointed Attorney Ad Litem, Guardian Ad Litem, Guardian, Mediator, or Competency Evaluator.  This applies to all case types.  You can find the Order on the Forms page of our website.

• Occupational Driver's License
  You will need to e-file all paperwork for an Occupational Driver's License, including the Order.  The Order must contain a line for the DA's office to sign.  Do not put the DA's signature line anywhere but on the Order.  Our office will first send the Order to the DA's office for approval.  Once approved, we will then forward it to the Judge for approval.  Once the Judge has approved the Order, we will furnish you with a certified copy.