Legislation Details

File #: 25-5784    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Grant Status: Passed
File created: 9/4/2025 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 9/18/2025 Final action: 9/18/2025
Title: Request by Domestic Relations for approval to submit an application to the Houston Bar Foundation for grant funds in the amount of $10,000, with no required match, for the FY25-26 Family Courts Self Represented Services.
Attachments: 1. HBA_Backup.pdf
Primary Department: Domestic Relations
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: David W. Simpson, J. D., Executive Director

Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Grant - Application

Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Houston Bar Foundation

MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Domestic Relations for approval to submit an application to the Houston Bar Foundation for grant funds in the amount of $10,000, with no required match, for the FY25-26 Family Courts Self Represented Services.
end

Background and Discussion:
The Houston Bar Foundation (HBF) provides grants to support access to justice and community education. This includes funding to assist with legal representation for those in need. The HB grants help foster the fair administration of justice for all citizens.

Expected Impact:
Approval is requested to apply for a grant to provide additional funding for self-represented legal services. The grant will enhance existing services to parents navigating the Harris County Family District Court system as self-represented litigants. Parents are eager to move forward with their uncontested, family-related matter.

The service provides attorney-review of pleadings in uncontested family matters to ensure self-represented litigants are prepared prior to the court's docket. That in turn will assist progression of self-represented cases, access to justice and reduce docket delays because incorrect pleadings or paperwork were submitted.



Alternative Options:
No alternatives identified....

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