Justice of the Peace Courts
Judge Ralph Swearingin Jr.
Judge Ralph Swearingin has a life dedicated to service to the community and serving the law. He has been Judge of the Tarrant County Precinct 1 Justice Court since January 2007.
Judge Swearingin brings years of law enforcement experience, legal knowledge and judicial experience to the Justice Court.
Prior to entering the judiciary, Judge Swearingin held a career in policing with more than 30 years of diverse law enforcement experience, including 19 years at the command level.
He is a recipient of the Fort Worth Police Department’s Medal of Valor, is a 1988 graduate of the 155th session of the FBI National Academy, holds a Master Police Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education and retired from the Fort Worth Police Department in December 2006.
**Important Notice**
Effective July 1, 2019
Justice Court, Pct.1 will no longer be accepting paper filings.
All Pro Se litigants (those not represented by attorney) will be required to submit the below cases via EFileTexas Self-Help
- Eviction
- Small Claims
- Debt Claims
- Eviction
- Small Claims
- Debt Claims
I Want To...
Office Info
1895 Courthouse
100 W. Weatherford St, Room 450
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: 817-884-1395
Fax: 817-850-2342
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
E-mail Us
New case filings accepted until 4 p.m. with the exception of appeals.
For your convenience we now offer two ways to eFile:
1. Use eFileTexas Self-help to file new cases for small claim and eviction cases. Simply answer a series of questions to help prepare and file your court forms online.
2. Use eFileTexas to file new cases and add additional documents to existing small claim, eviction or debt claim cases. This service does not provide a step-by-step guide as eFileTexas self-help. Documents have to be scanned into the program before filing.
Additional information on how to file your case online.
Appeals will not be accepted through eFile at this time.
Important Updates
Justice Court 1 follows the same Severe Weather Policy as the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD). If FWISD delays its opening or is closed, Justice Court 1 will do so as well. However, call our office to confirm closure or delay.
Accessibility Notice: Due to the complexity of the preceding documents, these documents are scanned images. If you require assistance in accessing the information, please contact Justice Court One at 817-884-1395.
