6. Final hearing: prove-up or trial

Uncontested (agreed or default): after the waiting periods, request a prove-up setting from the court coordinator. Bring the signed decree, the possession order, the income withholding order, the VS-165 "Austin" form, and your sample testimony. For defaults, also bring the military status declaration and the certificate of last known address. Ask whether the judge accepts a prove-up affidavit.

Contested: set the case for trial with at least 45 days' notice of the first setting (Tex. R. Civ. P. 245). Comply with any scheduling order (witness and exhibit lists, pretrial). Subpoena witnesses (Tex. R. Civ. P. 176). Prepare exhibits with foundations (see Evidence basics). A jury may be demanded on some issues (for example, conservatorship, Tex. Fam. Code § 105.002).

Practice in the Virtual Courtroom and review courtroom etiquette.