Sedgwick County District Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- For cases on the preliminary-hearing, bench-trial, or pretrial-motion docket, the Court must receive a continuance request by 4:00 p.m. the day before docket call.
Communication
Phone
Phone
Clerk
Fax
Phone
Chambers
Document Format Requirements32 rules
Use of any other form must substantially conform with the material in the published form from the website.
Requests (with the exception of requests to cover 1st appearances) must be in writing.
Text must be double-spaced, with single spacing permitted for specified subsidiary portions; the spacing requirement does not apply to the listed exceptions.
- Line spacing
- Double
Court's wording
d. Spacing. Text must be double-spaced, except that single spacing may be used for a subparagraph, legal description of real estate, itemization, quotation, headers and footers, and similar subsidiary portions of the document. f. Exceptions. The requirements in this rule specifying type size, margins, and spacing do not apply to: 1. a form approved by the Supreme Court or the Kansas Judicial Council; 2. a form required by a governmental agency, such as a form prepared by the Kansas Sentencing Commission; 3. a document prepared in accordance with the requirements in a statute or other Supreme Court rule, such as preparation of a transcript; or 5. a document submitted by a self-represented litigant.
Documents must meet the stated typeface, legibility, ink, paper, and one-sided-page requirements; the type-size requirement does not apply to the listed exceptions.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Paper size
- Letter
Court's wording
b. Typeface. The document must be: 1. in a dark ink on light colored paper; 2. in a conventional style font not smaller than 12-point with no more than 12 characters per inch; 3. legible upon scanning and copying; and 4. on only one side of an 8½" x 11" sheet. f. Exceptions. The requirements in this rule specifying type size, margins, and spacing do not apply to: 1. a form approved by the Supreme Court or the Kansas Judicial Council; 2. a form required by a governmental agency, such as a form prepared by the Kansas Sentencing Commission; 3. a document prepared in accordance with the requirements in a statute or other Supreme Court rule, such as preparation of a transcript; or 5. a document submitted by a self-represented litigant.
Documents must have a top margin of at least 1½ inches and bottom and side margins of at least 1 inch, subject to the listed exceptions.
- Margins
- Top 1.5 inches; Bottom 1 inch; Left 1 inch; Right 1 inch
Court's wording
c. Margins. The margin on the top of a document must be at least 1½ inches. Margins on the bottom and sides of the document must be at least 1 inch. f. Exceptions. The requirements in this rule specifying type size, margins, and spacing do not apply to: 1. a form approved by the Supreme Court or the Kansas Judicial Council; 2. a form required by a governmental agency, such as a form prepared by the Kansas Sentencing Commission; 3. a document prepared in accordance with the requirements in a statute or other Supreme Court rule, such as preparation of a transcript; or 5. a document submitted by a self-represented litigant.
Discovery objections and motions concerning the listed requests or applications must be in writing.
Court's wording
All objections to interrogatories, depositions, requests or applications under K.S.A. 60-226 through 60-237, as well as all motions thereto concerning discovery matters, shall be in writing and forwarded to the requesting party.
The "Pretrial Statement" shall be submitted on a form approved by the said Judge.
- Pretrial statement
Formatting
- •Submit the Pretrial Statement on a form approved by the assigned judge
Such motions must be in writing and include a notice of the hearing date and certificate of service.
Formatting
- •Must be in writing
Temporary orders must use the specified form as modified for the case, and clearly inapplicable sections should be omitted.
Court's wording
Temporary orders shall be in the following form as modified to fit the facts of each particular case. Sections clearly inapplicable should be omitted. Standard temporary orders shall follow the form set forth below:
Commencing December 1, 2006 all Orders Withdrawing Bench Warrants issued in the Eighteenth Judicial District shall be on a form. This form can be found under the category of Forms linked here.
Formatting
- •Must be on the form found under the Forms category
Any deviated provisions shall be conspicuously marked in the document by highlights, arrows, initial line, or other marking.
Counsel shall exchange Exhibit Notebooks no later than noon Thursday the week prior to trial, in the same form that will be presented to the court, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Documents must be in pdf format. Individual documents should be page numbered and either saved as separate files or “bookmarked” so they can be accessed easily.
- File type
Temporary Orders issued in cases in which one or both parties contemplate that their case will be handled in a CFL format shall follow the form set forth below:
Discovery objections and motions must be in writing, but the court may waive the written-motion requirement when time does not permit it.
- Discovery objection
- Discovery motion
Formatting
- •Objections and motions concerning discovery matters must be in writing
Court's wording
All objections to interrogatories, depositions, requests or applications under K.S.A. 60-226 through 60-237, as well as all motions thereto concerning discovery matters, shall be in writing and forwarded to the requesting party. If time does not permit the filing of a written motion, the Court may, in its discretion, waive this requirement; (e.g., disputes arising during the taking of depositions), in which event attorneys are encouraged to call the assigned judge for a ruling thereon.
All answers must be typed except those of pro se litigants which may be legibly hand written as an alternative.
Do not include a judge’s or clerk’s signature block on covered documents; remove it before e-filing if necessary.
Court's wording
Signature Blocks Are Not To Be Included on any journal entries, writs, orders or other documents requiring the signature of a judge or clerk. A signature block for the judge or clerk on the last or signature page of the document shall not be included, or, if necessary, shall be removed prior to electronic filing.
Effective Date Language Is Not To Be Included on documents electronically filed with the. court.
- Electronically filed document
Formatting
- •Do not include effective-date language
Text must be double-spaced, but single spacing is permitted for specified subsidiary portions of a document.
- Line spacing
- Double
Formatting
- •The spacing requirement is subject to the exceptions in Rule 111(f)
Court's wording
d. Spacing. Text must be double-spaced, except that single spacing may be used for a subparagraph, legal description of real estate, itemization, quotation, headers and footers, and similar subsidiary portions of the document.
Documents must use dark ink on light paper, a legible conventional font of at least 12 points with no more than 12 characters per inch, and one side of an 8½-by-11-inch sheet.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Paper size
- Letter
Court's wording
b. Typeface. The document must be: 1. in a dark ink on light colored paper; 2. in a conventional style font not smaller than 12-point with no more than 12 characters per inch; 3. legible upon scanning and copying; and 4. on only one side of an 8½" x 11" sheet.
c. Margins. The margin on the top of a document must be at least 1½ inches. Margins on the bottom and sides of the document must be at least 1 inch.
- Margins
- Top 1.5 inches; Bottom 1 inch; Left 1 inch; Right 1 inch
Formatting
- •The margin requirements are subject to the exceptions in Rule 111(f)
Requests (with the exception of requests to cover 1st appearances) must be in writing.
b. Counsel shall exchange Exhibit Notebooks no later than noon Thursday the week prior to trial, in the same form that will be presented to the court, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
If the space provided is not sufficient for your answers, you may type your own questionnaire and answers in accordance with this format.
(1) Proposed jury instructions will be submitted to the Court, both electronically (in word format) and in hard copy, and to the opposing counsel at least ___ days before trial.
- Proposed jury instructions
Formatting
- •Electronic copy in Word format
- •Hard copy
All exhibits will be marked and exchanged by the parties 7 days before trial.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Exhibits must be marked
To the extent possible, electronically filed documents with referenced exhibits should file the exhibits as a part of the original document.
If the document is too large to file with the exhibits attached, the exhibits should be separately filed and should be clearly labeled or titled as attachments to the relevant pleading or document.
The rule's type-size, margin, and spacing requirements do not apply to specified approved or required forms, documents prepared under a statute or other Supreme Court rule, or documents submitted by self-represented litigants.
Court's wording
f. Exceptions. The requirements in this rule specifying type size, margins, and spacing do not apply to: 1. a form approved by the Supreme Court or the Kansas Judicial Council; 2. a form required by a governmental agency, such as a form prepared by the Kansas Sentencing Commission; 3. a document prepared in accordance with the requirements in a statute or other Supreme Court rule, such as preparation of a transcript; or 5. a document submitted by a self-represented litigant.
A suggested form for the pre-trial questionnaire is attached to this rule. Its use is recommended to the bar.
A suggested form for the pre-trial order is attached to this rule. Its use is recommended to the bar.
A suggested form for the pre-trial questionnaire is attached to this rule. Its use is recommended to the bar.
Document Filing Requirements276 rules
All such letters of credit must be reviewed by the District Attorney and approved by the Chief Judge. Letters of Credit shall be retained by the Clerk of the District Court, following approval of the application.
Any supplemental Letter of Credit shall meet all requirements of this Rule and shall not expire until the next June 30th.
A property surety must pledge a qualifying Letter of Credit of at least $100,000; no other property is acceptable.
Court's wording
In the 18th Judicial District the only property that can be pledged to secure appearance bonds is a valid, current and enforceable irrevocable two year Letter of Credit starting July 1st in the year of the application in an amount not less than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) issued to the District Court, Eighteenth Judicial District, by a state or national banking institution authorized to and doing business in the State of Kansas, guaranteeing payment of any forfeited appearance bonds posted by the Property Surety
A compensated surety must submit an application to the chief judge or designee and file it with the District Court Clerk before acting as a surety in the district.
Court's wording
Every compensated surety shall submit an application to the chief judge of the judicial district, or the chief judge’s designee, in each judicial district where such surety seeks to act as a surety. A compensated surety shall not act as a surety in such judicial district prior to approval of such application. The application must be filed with the Clerk of the District Court of the 18th Judicial District.
Each application for an insurance agent surety, property surety, or bail agent must include the specified identification, statements, certificates, attestations, release, and bond-limit information; applicants must also provide fingerprints at the Sheriff’s Office.
Court's wording
1. The application shall include the following information for each insurance agent surety, property surety or bail agent: A. A copy of the applicant’s valid Kansas driver’s license or nondriver’s identification card; B. A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the applicant is a resident of this state and is not prohibited by K.S.A. 22-2809a(c), and amendments thereto, from acting as a surety; C. A certificate of continuing education compliance in accordance with Kansas law; D. An attestation the applicant: i. has never been convicted of a felony in Kansas or any other jurisdiction nor has any such charges pending, ii. has not in the preceding ten (10) years been convicted of any misdemeanor involving violence, dishonesty, deceit or moral turpitude, including violations of protective orders or Chapter 55 offenses (or comparable statutes/ordinances in other jurisdictions), nor has any such charges pending, iii. is qualified to act as a surety or bail agent under Kansas law, and iv. has read this rule and the Kansas statutes governing appearance bonds in their entirety and agrees to comply with any applicable rules or laws. E. A signed release from the applicant allowing the Court, or its designee, to conduct a state and national criminal history records investigation on the applicant, consistent with K.S.A. 22-2809b(b)(4). Applicants shall present themselves to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to provide fingerprints for submission to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and pay any fees associated with this process. F. A completed application, including the Authorization for Release of Records, a copy of a valid driver’s license or photo ID, and a statement of the maximum monetary limit authorized on any individual appearance bond.
A bonding agent transferring between sureties must submit a report of all pending appearance bonds, reviewed and confirmed by both sureties before submission.
Court's wording
G. In addition to the other requirements of this section, bonding agents seeking to transfer from one surety to another must provide a report to the Court of all their pending appearance bonds to document which bonds will remain with the current surety and which bonds, if any, to which the proposed new surety will be obligated. This report must also be reviewed and confirmed by the current and prospective sureties prior to its submission to the Court.
An insurance agent surety’s application must include qualifying powers of attorney and current, valid insurance-department license and authority certificates.
Court's wording
2. The application for each insurance agent surety also shall include: A. A copy of the qualifying power of attorney certificates issued to such surety by any insurance company; B. a current and valid certificate of license from the insurance department; and C. a current and valid certificate of authority from the insurance department.
A property surety’s application must include its authorized bail-agent list and compliance documentation, a property-and-liabilities affidavit with valuation and any required appraisal, and any letters of credit proposed as security.
Court's wording
3. The application for each property surety also shall include: A. A list of all bail agents authorized by such property surety to write appearance bonds on such property surety’s behalf and all documentation from such bail agents demonstrating compliance with this rule. B. An affidavit describing the property by which such property surety proposes to justify its obligations and the encumbrances thereon, and all such surety’s other liabilities. The description shall include a valuation of the property described therein. If the valuation is not readily evident, an appraisal of the property may be required and, if required, shall be incorporated into the affidavit. C. Any letter(s) of credit the surety proposed to use as security for appearance bonds.
Except for a suspension based on failure to pay a judgment within 30 days, written notice must be given and state the reason for the suspension or termination.
Court's wording
Written notice of suspension or termination of bonding privileges, except for a suspension due to failure to pay a judgment within 30 days of it being granted, shall be given to the surety or bail agent. Such notice of suspension or termination shall state the reason for the suspension or termination and be mailed by regular mail to the address on file with the Court as provided in the most current application.
As part of the approval process, the applicant shall submit the name(s) and requested information for all proposed Bail Agents of the applicant.
The surety’s written notice concerning a Bail Agent must be filed with the Clerk of the District Court.
Court's wording
In addition, when Bail Agents are no longer authorized to write bonds or are no longer employed by the Surety, the surety shall notify the Chief Judge, in writing, within three (3) business days, that said person is no longer authorized by the surety to write appearance bonds, or serve as their bail agent and the notice shall be filed with the Clerk of the District Court.
If, following approval, the applicant wants to add additional Bail Agents, the applicant must complete and submit a supplemental application that meets the requirements of this Rule to the Chief Judge and file it with the Clerk of the District Court.
The bail agent timely completes and returns the “Affidavit of Compensated Surety/Bail Agent for Appearance Bond” form for each bond written;
A bail agent who posts bonds for four or more individuals during an annual bonding privileges period must submit an application for authorization under the Rule.
Court's wording
A bail agent who posts appearance bonds for four (4) or more individuals in an annual bonding privileges period is deemed to be operating as a bail agent for the 18th Judicial District, and within 45 business days shall submit an application for authorization as detailed under this Rule.
If the forfeiture is not set aside, the Court shall request the District Attorney to prepare a Journal Entry of Bond Forfeiture of the appearance bond and file a Motion for Judgment on said bond forfeiture to be set for hearing not less than 60 days following the filing of the Motion for Judgment.
Said request for refunds must be made in writing and filed with the Clerk of the District Court with a copy served upon the District Attorney’s Office.
No refunds will be given for surrenders that occur in excess of 90 days after payment unless specifically ordered by the Chief Judge after the filing of a proper motion.
A surety may withdraw before its bonding authority expires, but the withdrawal is effective only when made in writing to the Chief Judge and filed with the Clerk; it does not terminate supporting letters of credit early.
Court's wording
A compensated surety may withdraw from writing bonds prior to expiration of the bonding authority granted under this rule. Any withdrawal from writing bonds prior to the expiration of the bonding authority granted under this rule is not effective until made in writing to the Chief Judge and filed with the Clerk of the District Court, and it shall not result in the early termination or withdrawal of any letter(s) of credit submitted in support of the application(s) submitted under this rule.
Every felony guilty or nolo contendere plea must include a fully executed approved acknowledgment form, which supplements rather than replaces K.S.A. 22-3210 requirements.
Court's wording
All felony pleas of guilty or nolo contendere shall be accompanied by a fully executed "Defendant's Acknowledgment of Rights and Entry of Plea" form. The form approved by the judges of the 18th Judicial District, as well as subsequent changes, will be published on the dc18.org/forms website. This form is intended to supplement not replace or be a substitute for any of the requirements of K.S.A. 22-3210.
Commencing December 1, 2006 all Orders Withdrawing Bench Warrants issued in the Eighteenth Judicial District shall be on a form. This form can be found under the O category at https://www.dc18.org/forms.
All pleadings shall have typed thereon, immediately below the signature line of the pleadings, the name of the attorney or person signing the pleading.
- Document
- Pleading
- Placement
- Signature block
The Clerk shall not close any civil or domestic case on the appearance docket until a Journal Entry of final disposition in the case is filed in the office of the Clerk.
All Journal Entries and Orders shall show the name of the Judge who heard the matter, unless it is an uncontested matter or it is an agreed order.
- Document
- Journal entry or order
Must include
- •Judge name
Requests must include the defendant’s full name, and the case number if available.
All District Court Administrative Orders will be filed with the Clerk of the District Court. Copies of such orders shall be furnished to the Sedgwick County Law Library.
Each document must include the court name, caption, applicable case number, filer contact and signature information, and the required attorney registration information.
Must include
- •Caption
- •Case number
Court's wording
e. Required Information. The document must include the following: 1. the name of the court in the center of the top of the first page; 2. the case caption and, if the document is filed in an existing case, the case number on the top of the first page below the name of the court; 3. the name, signature, address, telephone number, fax number if any, and e-mail address if any, of the person filing the document; and 4. the attorney's Kansas registration number after the attorney's name if the document is filed by a Kansas attorney or the attorney's state and registration number if the document is filed by an attorney not licensed in Kansas.
A transcript filed in Odyssey must be accompanied by an approved Certificate of Completion of Transcript.
Court's wording
The filing of a court transcript in Odyssey is prohibited. Only current or retired Official Court Reporters and transcriptionists may file transcripts in Odyssey, where the filing must be accompanied by an approved Certificate of Completion of Transcript.
All pre-trial motions shall contain a notice of the time and date of hearing, and a certificate of service upon the opposing party or counsel.
- Document
- Pretrial motion
Must include
- •Certificate of service
12. Journal Entry of Judgment --------------------- 12. Must to filed within 30 days following completion of trial
A Journal Entry of Judgment must be submitted in a case where the parties have announced settlement.
Court's wording
In all cases the parties have announced for settlement, a Journal Entry of Judgment shall be submitted within 21 days of the announced settlement. Any such case not journalized within 21 days shall be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
A Journal Entry of Judgment must be submitted when a default has occurred.
Court's wording
In cases where a default has occurred, a Journal Entry of Judgment shall be submitted within 21 days of the default. Any such case not journalized within 21 days shall be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
On the day of trial of any Chapter 61 case or any Chapter 60 case which has not been pre-tried, the attorneys or any party not represented by an attorney shall prepare, sign, and file a "Pretrial Statement" with the Judge to whom the case has been assigned.
Counsel for the moving party shall file a certificate of compliance with this rule with any motion filed under K.S.A. 60-237.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Local rule certificate
At least one (1) week before the pre-trial conference, counsel for each party shall complete a pre-trial questionnaire and mail a copy thereof to the Judge to whom the case is assigned and to all other counsel and pro se litigants.
All pre-trial orders shall be prepared by the attorney designated by the judge presiding at the pre-trial conference and shall be filed within the time specified by the Court.
A request for a medical malpractice screening panel must include a short statement identifying the alleged medical failures and injury; a general allegation of negligence is insufficient, and the statement does not limit later allegations.
Court's wording
Any party filing a request for medical malpractice screening panel shall file with the request: a. A short statement explaining the basic medical failures alleged and the nature of the alleged injury. (That defendant was negligent or deviated from care generally is not sufficient. There must be some identification of the claimed injury and some brief statement of the suspected departures from standard practice.) This statement shall not be binding or limit the plaintiff from other allegations which become known thereafter.
Any party filing a request for medical malpractice screening panel shall file with the request: b. An Order signed by counsel and ready for the Court's signature authorizing the release of medical records and X-rays, etc. to counsel for all named defendants. (The names of counsel need not be specified, as they will be unknown at that time.)
A medical malpractice screening panel request must include a list of all providers who treated the plaintiff in the preceding five years, including hospitals, with full names and addresses to the extent possible.
Court's wording
Any party filing a request for medical malpractice screening panel shall file with the request: c. A list of all health care providers who have rendered treatment to the plaintiff within the preceding five (5) years, including all hospitals where plaintiff received any treatment. To the extent possible, full names and addresses shall be provided.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys.
Mandatory Electronic filing for Attorneys
Page 1
The filing of a court transcript in Odyssey is prohibited. Only current or retired Official Court Reporters and transcriptionists may file transcripts in Odyssey, where the filing must be accompanied by an approved Certificate of Completion of Transcript.
The filing of a court transcript in Odyssey is prohibited. Only current or retired Official Court Reporters and transcriptionists may file transcripts in Odyssey, where the filing must be accompanied by an approved Certificate of Completion of Transcript.
Page 4 | Rule 113 — Court Transcript filings
Any order setting deadlines must be e-filed or hand-delivered to the judge’s aide.
Any order, agreed to or otherwise, which sets deadlines must be e-filed or hand-delivered to the judge's aide.
Page 48 | RULE 409 — DISCOVERY CONFERENCES
Any order setting deadlines must be e-filed or hand-delivered to the judge’s aide.
Any order, agreed to or otherwise, which sets deadlines must be e-filed or hand-delivered to the judge's aide.
Page 10 | RULE 409
(1) Proposed jury instructions will be submitted to the Court, both electronically (in word format) and in hard copy, and to the opposing counsel at least ___ days before trial.
(1) Proposed jury instructions will be submitted to the Court, both electronically (in word format) and in hard copy, and to the opposing counsel at least ___ days before trial.
Civil cases
Page 18 | 14. JURY INSTRUCTIONS
E-filing became mandatory on September 1, 2016, for papers filed under Chapter 60, except where the order provides a later schedule.
Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing: I. September 1, 2016 for all papers filed pursuant to Chapter 60 of Kansas Statutes except as otherwise scheduled below.
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
E-filing became mandatory on September 15, 2016, for papers filed under Chapter 61, except where the order provides a later schedule.
Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing: 2. September I 5, 2016 for all papers filed pursuant to Chapter 61 except as scheduled below.
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
Pleadings must be submitted electronically.
must submit such pleadings in electronic format
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
E-filing became mandatory on January 4, 2017, for other adult criminal cases, juvenile offender cases, and other juvenile matters.
Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing: 5. January 4, 2017 for all other adult criminal cases, juvenile offender cases and other juvenile matters.
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
E-filing became mandatory on October 3, 2016, for papers filed in the Probate Department and in traffic cases.
Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing: 4. October 3, 2016 all papers filed in the Probate Department and Traffic cases.
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
E-filing became mandatory on November 1, 2016, for domestic matters, except Protection From Abuse and Protection From Stalking cases.
Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing: 3. November I, 2016 for all papers filed in domestic matters except cases filed as Protection From Abuse or Protection From Stalking cases.
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
Exceptions or waivers from the e-filing schedule require good cause and a written order from the Chief Judge; waiver applicants must use the attached form.
Any exceptions or waivers to this schedule, either for types of filings or individuals may be granted only for good cause and by written order of the Chief Judge of the I 8th Judi~ial District. Individuals seeking a waiver from Electronic Filing by this order must use the attached form.
Page 1 | Exceptions or waivers
When e-filing a petition to admit a will to probate, also e-file a copy of the will with the other pleadings.
When electronically filing a petition to admit a will to probate, a copy of the will shall also be electronically filed with other pleadings.
Page 2 | Filing of Original Wills in Probate
Transcript filings in Odyssey are prohibited except that current or retired Official Court Reporters and transcriptionists may file them, accompanied by an approved Certificate of Completion of Transcript.
The filing of a court transcript in Odyssey is prohibited. Only current or retired Official Court Reporters and transcriptionists may file transcripts in Odyssey, where the filing must be accompanied by an approved Certificate of Completion of Transcript.
Page 4 | Rule 113 — Court Transcript filings
Defendants may submit the information sheet electronically through the Court’s website by following the online form instructions.
Complete and submit the CV LM Defendant Information Sheet form on the Court's website at www.dc18.org and submit it electronically by following the instruction in the online form.
Page 5 | INSTRUCTIONS FOR CV LM DEFENDANT INFORMATION SHEET
Documents may be signed, filed, and verified electronically.
Documents may be Signed, Filed and Verified by Electronic Means
Page 1
When the action is e-filed, the temporary order may be e-filed at the same time.
If the action is e-filed, the temporary order may be e-filed simultaneously with the rest of the action.
Page 35 | Rule 402(a)(2)
Documents may be filed by fax directly with the Office of the Clerk of the District Court.
Consistent with Supreme Court Rule 119, documents may be filed by fax directly with the Office of the Clerk of the District Court.
Page 1 | Administrative Order 06-1
Documents may be signed, filed, and verified electronically if they conform to Supreme Court standards and Supreme Court Rule 119.
Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 122, documents maybe signed, filed and verified by electronic means, provided the same conform to Supreme Court standards pertaining to the same and are consistent with Supreme Court Rule 119 (regarding facsimile filing).
Page 1 | Administrative Order 06-1
A temporary order may be e-filed at the same time as the rest of an e-filed action.
If the action is e-filed, the temporary order may be e-filed simultaneously with the rest of the action.
Page 3 | Rule 402
Attorneys are advised to become familiar with Supreme Court Rule 268 and begin implementing e-filing as soon as possible.
attorneys are advised to become familiar with Supreme' co-u-rt_ _ _ __ Rule No. 268 and begin implementation of e-filing as soon as possible.
Page 1 | Effective mandatory dates for Electronic Filing
The original will may be filed or archived with the district court clerk as permitted by Kansas law.
The original may be filed or archived with the clerk of the district court pursuant to Kansas Statutes as amended.
Page 2 | Filing of Original Wills in Probate
The Defendant Information Sheet may be returned by mail or submitted electronically through the Court's online form.
2) Fill out and return the Defendant Information Sheet to the Court by mail (this form must be received by the Clerk prior to your hearing date) 3) Complete the CV LM Defendant Information Sheet form on the Court's website at www.dc18.org and submit electronically by following directions in the online form.
Page 3 | Limited Action case notice and CV LM Defendant Information Sheet instructions
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Upon publication of 2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 102, deadlines and time limits under K.S.A. 22-3402 for bringing a defendant to trial are suspended until further order of the Chief Justice.
Effective upon publication of 2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 102, this order suspends all deadlines and time limitations to bring a defendant to trial established by K.S.A. 22-3402 and its amendments, until further order of the Chief Justice.
Page 2 | Order Imposing Judiciary Restricted Operations Due to COVID-19 Emergency
Statutes of limitations and statutory time standards or deadlines for judicial proceedings are suspended until further order, effective upon publication of the specified bill.
Effective upon publication of 2020 House Substitute for Senate Bill No. 102, all statutes of limitations and statutory time standards or deadlines applying to the conduct or processing of judicial proceedings is suspended until further order.
Page 5 | Order Imposing Judiciary Restricted Operations Due to COVID-19 Emergency
If a hearing is requested, the Chief Judge may stay the suspension or termination pending the hearing, which must be held within 14 days of the request.
If such request is made, the suspension or termination of bonding privileges may be stayed by the Chief Judge pending such hearing which shall be held within 14 days of the request for hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | E. Suspension or Termination of Bonding Privileges
An authorized agent must timely file a renewal application by June 1.
h) The authorized agent failed to timely file a renewal application by June 1.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | E. Suspension or Termination of Bonding Privileges
The surety must provide the written notice within three business days after a Bail Agent is no longer authorized or employed.
In addition, when Bail Agents are no longer authorized to write bonds or are no longer employed by the Surety, the surety shall notify the Chief Judge, in writing, within three (3) business days, that said person is no longer authorized by the surety to write appearance bonds, or serve as their bail agent and the notice shall be filed with the Clerk of the District Court.
Criminal cases
Page 9 | F. Persons Authorized to Write Appearance Bonds in the 18th Judicial District
A bail agent who posts bonds for four or more individuals during an annual bonding privileges period must submit an authorization application within 45 business days.
A bail agent who posts appearance bonds for four (4) or more individuals in an annual bonding privileges period is deemed to be operating as a bail agent for the 18th Judicial District, and within 45 business days shall submit an application for authorization as detailed under this Rule.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | G. Bonds Posted Outside of the 18th Judicial District
A hearing on the Motion for Judgment must be set no earlier than 60 days after the motion is filed.
If the forfeiture is not set aside, the Court shall request the District Attorney to prepare a Journal Entry of Bond Forfeiture of the appearance bond and file a Motion for Judgment on said bond forfeiture to be set for hearing not less than 60 days following the filing of the Motion for Judgment.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | H. Failure to Appear
Previously approved compensated sureties must comply with Rule 303 as of September 1, 2024.
Any Compensated Surety currently approved to write appearance bonds in the Eighteenth Judicial District shall be required to comply with this rule as of September 1, 2024.
Criminal cases
Page 13 | N. Application of Rule to Compensated Sureties Already Approved to Write Appearance Bonds
A compensated surety must apply by June 1 each year to retain privileges for the July 1–June 30 bonding period; approved privileges expire at the end of that period unless renewed.
The annual bonding privileges period shall be from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. In order to retain bonding privileges, a Compensated Surety must submit an application, pursuant to this order, no later than June 1 of each year to remain in good standing for the next twelve (12) month bonding period [July 1 to June 30]. Upon approval of an application the bonding privileges will be granted and will remain valid for the approved bonding period, at which time it will expire unless renewed.
Criminal cases
Page 13 | N. Application of Rule to Compensated Sureties Already Approved to Write Appearance Bonds
A compensated surety whose bonding privileges are suspended or revoked may not submit a new application under Rule 303.
A compensated surety may not submit a new application under this Rule while the compensated surety’s bonding privileges are suspended or revoked.
Criminal cases
Page 13 | N. Application of Rule to Compensated Sureties Already Approved to Write Appearance Bonds
Rule 1001 requires that a request for camera and/or audio coverage be filed no less than one week prior to the proceeding..
Rule 1001 requires that a request for camera and/or audio coverage be filed no less than one week prior to the proceeding..
Page 2 | Jury Trials
A request for camera or audio coverage of a jury trial must be filed at least one week before the proceeding.
Rule 1001 requires that a request for camera and/or audio coverage be filed no less than one week prior to the proceeding..
Page 6 | Jury Trials
In the Streamlined Case Path, the first response is due within 30 days of filing.
1. Date of First Response ---------------------------- 1. Within 30 days of filing
Page 10 | Rule 203 — Jury and Non-Jury Trial Calendars and Assignments, Streamlined Case Path
In the Streamlined Case Path, production requests and requests for admissions must be filed within 60 days of filing.
2. Deadline for filing of Production Requests and Requests for Admissions (no interrogatories in streamlined cases) --------- 2. Within 60 days of filing
Page 10 | Rule 203 — Jury and Non-Jury Trial Calendars and Assignments, Streamlined Case Path
The journal entry of judgment must be filed within 30 days following completion of trial.
13. Journal Entry of Judgment ------------------------- 13. Must be filed within 30 days following completion of trial
Page 11
Under the Standard Case Path, the first response is due within 30 days of filing.
1. Date of First Response ----------------------------- 1. Within 30 days of filing
Page 11 | Standard Case Path
The listed deadline for filing dispositive motions is within 135 days of filing.
10. Deadline for filing of Dispositive Motions -------- 10. Within 135 days of filing
Page 11
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted 14 days before the trial start date.
11. Deadline for submitting proposed Jury Instructions ------------- 11. 14 days prior to trial start date
Page 11
Under the Standard Case Path, jury instructions are due 14 days before the trial start date.
11. Deadline for Jury Instructions -------------------- 11. 14 days prior to trial start date
Page 12 | Standard Case Path
Under the Complex Case Path, dispositive motions must be filed within 540 days of filing.
9. Deadline for filing Dispositive Motions ----------- 9. Within 540 days of filing
Page 12 | Complex Case Path
Under the Complex Case Path, jury instructions are due 14 days before the trial start date.
10. Deadline for Jury Instructions ------------------- 10. 14 days prior to trial start date
Page 12 | Complex Case Path
Under the Standard Case Path, dispositive motions are due within 280 days of filing.
10. Deadline for Dispositive Motions ------------------ 10. Within 280 days of filing
Page 12 | Standard Case Path
A Journal Entry of Judgment must be filed within 30 days after trial is completed.
12. Journal Entry of Judgment --------------------- 12. Must to filed within 30 days following completion of trial
Page 13 | Journal Entry of Judgment
For an announced settlement, a Journal Entry of Judgment must be submitted within 21 days or the case will be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
In all cases the parties have announced for settlement, a Journal Entry of Judgment shall be submitted within 21 days of the announced settlement. Any such case not journalized within 21 days shall be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
Page 13 | Rule 205(a)
When a default has occurred, a Journal Entry of Judgment must be submitted within 21 days or the case will be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
In cases where a default has occurred, a Journal Entry of Judgment shall be submitted within 21 days of the default. Any such case not journalized within 21 days shall be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
Page 13 | Rule 205(b)
Trial must be started within 630 days after the case is filed.
11. Trial ----------------------------------------- 11. Must be started within 630 days of case filing
Page 13 | Trial
The Pretrial Statement must be filed on the day of trial.
On the day of trial of any Chapter 61 case or any Chapter 60 case which has not been pre-tried, the attorneys or any party not represented by an attorney shall prepare, sign, and file a "Pretrial Statement" with the Judge to whom the case has been assigned.
Page 14 | Rule 207
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Required suspension or termination notices must be mailed by regular mail to the surety or bail agent's address on file, except for a suspension based on failure to pay a judgment within 30 days.
Written notice of suspension or termination of bonding privileges, except for a suspension due to failure to pay a judgment within 30 days of it being granted, shall be given to the surety or bail agent. Such notice of suspension or termination shall state the reason for the suspension or termination and be mailed by regular mail to the address on file with the Court as provided in the most current application.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | E. Suspension or Termination of Bonding Privileges
A copy of each refund request must be served on the District Attorney’s Office; the service method is not specified.
Said request for refunds must be made in writing and filed with the Clerk of the District Court with a copy served upon the District Attorney’s Office.
Criminal cases
Page 12 | K. Refunds
Civil process must be directed to and served by the Sedgwick County Sheriff unless a District Court Judge directs otherwise.
All civil process shall be directed to and served by the Sheriff of Sedgwick County unless otherwise directed by a Judge of the District Court.
Page 1 | Rule 700: SERVICE OF PROCESS
Service of process must be accomplished within 120 days after filing or reinstatement, or the case will be administratively dismissed without prejudice.
Cases will be administratively dismissed without prejudice if service of process is not accomplished within 120 days after the case has been filed or resinstated.
Page 13 | Rule 206
Discovery objections and motions concerning the listed requests or applications must be forwarded to the requesting party.
All objections to interrogatories, depositions, requests or applications under K.S.A. 60-226 through 60-237, as well as all motions thereto concerning discovery matters, shall be in writing and forwarded to the requesting party.
Page 14 | Rule 208(d)
A copy of the completed questionnaire must be mailed to the assigned Judge and all other counsel and pro se litigants at least one week before the pre-trial conference.
At least one (1) week before the pre-trial conference, counsel for each party shall complete a pre-trial questionnaire and mail a copy thereof to the Judge to whom the case is assigned and to all other counsel and pro se litigants.
Page 15 | Rule 209 — Pre-Trial Conference
When convening the screening panel, the Court must provide the parties copies of the required documents, including the certified medical-records order and status-conference notice.
e. Along with the Notice convening the screening panel, the Court shall provide to the parties copies of all additional documents required to be filed by these rules, including a certified copy of the Order for production of medical records, and a Notice of a status conference.
Page 17
The Chairperson must provide a file-stamped panel opinion to all parties’ counsel and the Commissioner of Insurance in the stated capacity.
h. The Chairperson shall provide a file stamped copy of the opinion of the panel to counsel for all parties and the Commissioner of Insurance as administrator of the Health Care Stabilization Fund.
Page 17
A settlement-conference statement must be shared with opposing counsel but must not be filed as part of the case record.
The statement shall be shared with opposing counsel, but is not to be filed as a part of the record in the case.
Page 17 | Rule 213: VOLUNTARY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES EXCEPT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
The condemnor’s attorney must use reasonable diligence to ascertain interested parties’ addresses and give notice of the motion to all parties or counsel at least five days before the hearing.
Said attorney shall exercise reasonable diligence to ascertain the addresses of parties at interest and shall give notice of said motion to all parties or their respective counsel not less than five days prior to the hearing of said motion.
Page 18 | Rule 215: EMINENT DOMAIN
When fee title or a permanent easement to an entire parcel is acquired, the condemnor’s attorney must serve the motion on the County Counselor, except for a tract or parcel where the landowner’s attorney has substantially complied.
In every case in which the fee title to an entire parcel is acquired or in which a permanent easement to an entire parcel is acquired, the said attorney shall serve a copy of such motion onthe County Counselor so that such counselor may appear on behalf of the County Treasurer to protect the interest of the county as provided by K.S.A. 79-1804. With respect to any tract or parcel in which a landowner’s attorney has substantially complied herewith, the condemnor’s attorney need not do so.
Page 18 | Rule 215: EMINENT DOMAIN
The moving party must serve the bond reduction or modification motion on the opposing party at least two business days before the hearing.
The moving party must file and serve the motion on the opposing party at least two business days in advance of the hearing date.
Page 19 | Rule 301 (Amended): PRETRIAL MOTIONS
Written notice stating the reason for a suspension or termination must be mailed by regular mail to the surety or bail agent, except for a suspension due to failure to pay a judgment within 30 days after it is granted.
Written notice of suspension or termination of bonding privileges, except for a suspension due to failure to pay a judgment within 30 days of it being granted, shall be given to the surety or bail agent. Such notice of suspension or termination shall state the reason for the suspension or termination and be mailed by regular mail to the address on file with the Court as provided in the most current application.
Page 25
A copy of each refund request must be served upon the District Attorney’s Office.
Said request for refunds must be made in writing and filed with the Clerk of the District Court with a copy served upon the District Attorney’s Office.
Page 29 | K. Refunds
The Respondent must serve copies of the specified forms on the other party or counsel at least seven business days before the hearing.
If Respondent intends to appear, the other parties’ attorney, or if not represented, the other party, must be notified by Respondent by completing and filing a Notice of Intent to Appear and a verified Domestic Relations Affidavit and Child Support Worksheet with the Clerk of the Court and by serving a copy of those forms to the other parties’ attorney, or if not represented, to the other party, not later than seven (7) business days before the time specified for the court hearing.
Page 43 | Notice of Intent to Appear
The certificate states that the Notice of Intent to Appear was mailed by certified mail with return receipt requested.
I hereby certify that on the _____ day of , 20___, I mailed a copy of the above Notice of Intent to Appear to the Attorney or Petitioner Pro Se named above at the address given above by Certified Mail—Return Receipt Requested.
Page 44 | Certificate of Service
A copy must be mailed to the attorney for the Petitioner or to the Petitioner if self-represented.
FILE ORIGINAL AND PAY PARENTING WORKSHOP FEE WITH CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT, 7TH FLOOR, SEDGWICK COUNTY COURTHOUSE, AND MAIL A COPY TO: (NAME OF ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR PETITIONER PRO SE) (ADDRESS)
Page 44 | Notice of Intent to Appear
Documents intended as hearing exhibits must be exchanged by 5:00 p.m. Thursday before a Monday hearing or Friday before a Tuesday hearing; if the exchange day is a court holiday, exchange is due the prior day, and an objecting party may prevent use of documents not timely exchanged.
Any documents that are going to be presented as exhibits to the Court must be exchanged by 5:00 p.m. Thursday before a Monday hearing or Friday before a Tuesday hearing. If one of the exchange days falls on a court holiday, the exchange must occur the day prior. Documents not so exchanged may not be presented to the Court at the hearing, and their contents may not be recited to the court, if the other party objects to their use.
Page 46 | RULE 406
Upon request, income-verification documentation must be produced to the other side at least two court days before a child-support or spousal-maintenance hearing.
Documentation shall be produced to the other side upon request, at least two Court days before a hearing involving child support or spousal maintenance.
Page 46 | RULE 406
The Court Trustee or DCF must be notified of motions to modify child support in cases where they have entered an appearance.
The Court Trustee or the Department of Children and Families (hereinafter referred to as “DCF”) shall be given notice of all motions to modify child support in cases which they have entered appearances.
Page 46 | RULE 406
Motions must be served seven days before the hearing under K.S.A. 60-206 unless a Family Law judge approves an expedited hearing.
All motions shall be served seven (7) days in advance of the hearing according to the time requirements of K.S.A. 60-206, unless the assigned Family Law judge, or another Family Law judge if the assigned judge is not available, approves an expedited (“Short Filed”) hearing.
Page 46 | RULE 406
The moving party must notify the non-moving party of the hearing’s time and date, and the motion must include a certificate of service.
The moving party shall be responsible for providing notice of the time and date of the hearing to the non-moving party, and the motion shall include a certificate of service.
Page 46 | RULE 406
Counsel must exchange Exhibit Notebooks by noon on the Thursday before trial in the form they will present to the court, unless the Court orders otherwise.
b. Counsel shall exchange Exhibit Notebooks no later than noon Thursday the week prior to trial, in the same form that will be presented to the court, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Page 51 | RULE 414 — TRIALS
When the Court directs immediate issuance and enforcement is assigned to the Trustee, the Trustee must issue the withholding order to the employer or income payer.
When the Court directs that an initial or modified income withholding order shall immediately issue and the duty to enforce the support order is assigned to the District Court Trustee, the Trustee shall prepare the income withholding order for filing with the Court and issue said Income Withholding Order to the employer or income payer.
Page 53 | RULE 422 COURT TRUSTEE
The Court Trustee must receive notice of the hearing on a motion seeking an exemption from its support-collection responsibility.
Requests pursuant to K.S.A. 20-383, for an exemption from the Office of the Court Trustee's responsibility for collection of support shall be granted only after a motion is filed and hearing is held before the Chief Judge. The Office of the Court Trustee shall be given notice of the hearing.
Page 53 | RULE 422 COURT TRUSTEE
The Office of the District Court Trustee must immediately prepare the withholding order, notice, and answer forms for filing and service to the obligor’s income payer.
The Office of the District Court Trustee shall immediately prepare the income withholding order, notice and answer forms for filing and service to the obligor's payer of income.
Page 54 | RULE 422 COURT TRUSTEE
Filing Fees and Waivers
Applicants must pay any fees associated with providing fingerprints for the criminal-history investigation.
Applicants shall present themselves to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to provide fingerprints for submission to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and pay any fees associated with this process.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | C. Criteria for Authorization to Act as Compensated Surety in the Eighteenth Judicial District
A party possessing income or funds may file a poverty affidavit in lieu of the docket fee only with approval from the Administrative Chief Judge or the assigned department’s judge, and a case filed without approval is subject to dismissal.
No poverty affidavit in lieu of the docket fee may be filed in any case by parties possessing income or funds of any kind, unless approved by the Administrative Chief Judge or by a Judge of the Department to which the case has been assigned; and any case so filed without such approval shall be subject to dismissal by the Court.
Page 1 | Rule 702: POVERTY AFFIDAVIT IN LIEU OF THE DOCKET FEES
Applicants must pay any fees associated with providing fingerprints for the criminal-history investigation.
Applicants shall present themselves to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to provide fingerprints for submission to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and pay any fees associated with this process.
Page 22 | C. Criteria for Authorization to Act as Compensated Surety in the Eighteenth Judicial District
The Parenting Workshop Fee must be paid to the Clerk of the District Court.
FILE ORIGINAL AND PAY PARENTING WORKSHOP FEE WITH CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT, 7TH FLOOR, SEDGWICK COUNTY COURTHOUSE, AND MAIL A COPY TO:
Page 44 | Notice of Intent to Appear
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The Clerk will file a document under seal only after receiving a signed written order approved by a judge.
The Clerk of the District Court will file documents “under seal” only upon receipt of a judicially approved, signed written order.
Page 32 | Rule 307: Documents Filed Under Seal
A party seeking permission to file under seal must submit a written motion for review.
A party seeking permission to file a document “under seal” must prepare a written motion setting out the request and a proposed order, and submit the motion, proposed order, and any associated papers either to the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Department or the assigned criminal department/sentencing judge for review.
Page 32 | Rule 307: Documents Filed Under Seal
Parties and attorneys are directed to comply with the redaction provisions in Supreme Court Rule 123. All documents are covered by this rule. The original IWO that is sent to the employer should still include personal identifiers, but that information should be redacted from any copies filed with the Court.
Parties and attorneys are directed to comply with the redaction provisions in Supreme Court Rule 123. All documents are covered by this rule. The original IWO that is sent to the employer should still include personal identifiers, but that information should be redacted from any copies filed with the Court.
Page 61 | RULE 424
The Criminal Court Clerk must keep social and other juvenile files in a confidential file, subject to a judge’s order.
Social file and other juvenile files will be kept by the Criminal Court Clerk in a confidential file subject to a judges order.
Page 3 | Rule 602: Filing of a Motion of Adult Prosecution
Parties and attorneys are directed to comply with the redaction provisions in Supreme Court Rule 123. All documents are covered by this rule. The original IWO that is sent to the employer should still include personal identifiers, but that information should be redacted from any copies filed with the Court.
Parties and attorneys are directed to comply with the redaction provisions in Supreme Court Rule 123. All documents are covered by this rule. The original IWO that is sent to the employer should still include personal identifiers, but that information should be redacted from any copies filed with the Court.
Page 24 | Rule 424
A party seeking to file a document under seal must follow K.S.A. § 60-2617, and any hearing required under that section must be scheduled with the Trial Judge.
A party seeking permission to file a document “under seal” must follow all rules in K.S.A. § 60-2617. A hearing required under this section must be scheduled with the Trial Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 15 | Rule 307: DOCUMENTS FILED UNDER SEAL
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Unless the court orders otherwise, counsel must confer or make a reasonable effort to confer with opposing counsel before filing a motion to compel discovery.
Unless otherwise ordered, the Court will not entertain any such motion unless counsel for the moving party has conferred or has made reasonable effort to confer with opposing counsel concerning the matter in dispute prior to the filing of the motion.
Page 14 | Rule 208(e)
Counsel must schedule qualifying pretrial motions with the assigned trial judge so they are resolved before trial; the Court may continue trial and charge the continuance to the responsible party if counsel do not.
Pretrial motions that require presentation of evidence or significant legal argument that could delay the start of jury selection must be resolved prior to the trial date. Counsel have the burden to schedule such motions with the assigned trial judge. If they do not the Court may continue the trial, at its discretion, and charge the continuance to the party responsible for the delay.
Page 19 | Rule 301 (Amended): PRETRIAL MOTIONS
A party who files a motion must attempt to confer with the other party before the court hearing.
Any party who files a motion has a duty to attempt to confer with the other party prior to any hearing by the Court.
Page 46 | RULE 406
Before filing a motion on specified issues, the parties must submit those issues in writing to the case manager for a recommendation.
Once assigned, and until further order of the Court, all issues related to custody, residency or parenting time, as well as any other issues the parties agree to submit, shall be presented to the case manager in writing for recommendation before any motion on those issues may be filed.
Page 57 | Case Management
A party filing a motion must attempt to confer with the other party before any court hearing.
Any party who files a motion has a duty to attempt to confer with the other party prior to any hearing by the Court.
Page 8 | Rule 406 — Motions Generally
After a case manager is assigned and until further court order, the specified issues must be submitted to the case manager in writing for a recommendation before a motion on those issues may be filed.
Once assigned, and until further order of the Court, all issues related to custody, residency or parenting time, as well as any other issues the parties agree to submit, shall be presented to the case manager in writing for recommendation before any motion on those issues may be filed.
Page 20 | 423 Alternative Dispute Resolution
Unless the court orders otherwise, counsel must confer or make a reasonable effort to confer with opposing counsel before filing a motion to compel discovery.
Unless otherwise ordered, the Court will not entertain any such motion unless counsel for the moving party has conferred or has made reasonable effort to confer with opposing counsel concerning the matter in dispute prior to the filing of the motion.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule 208: DISCOVERY
Pretrial motions other than bond reduction or modification motions are heard or assigned at the Friday 9:00 a.m. Motion Docket following the filing week, unless the Presiding Judge orders another time.
The Presiding Judge of the Criminal Department will hear or assign Pretrial motions, other than for bond reduction/modification, at the 9:00 a.m. Motion Docket on the Friday following the week in which a party files the motion, or at such other time as the Presiding Judge may order.
Page 19 | Rule 301 (Amended): PRETRIAL MOTIONS
A motion to stay a Court Trustee income-withholding order must be heard by the Hearing Officer or District Judge on the docket attended by the assigned Court Trustee.
Motions to stay income withholding orders issued by the Court Trustee shall be heard by the Hearing Officer or District Judge on the docket attended by the Court Trustee assigned to the particular case.
Page 45 | RULE 406
Motions in cases where both parties are self-represented are heard by the assigned Family Law judge on Mondays at 9:30 a.m.
All motions filed in cases where both parties are self-represented shall be heard on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. by the assigned Family Law judge.
Page 45 | RULE 406
All other Family Law motions are heard by the assigned Family Law judge on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
All other motions in Family Law cases shall be heard on Mondays at 1:30 p.m., or Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., by the assigned Family Law judge
Page 45 | RULE 406
The moving party may choose any hearing date on the appropriate docket without first obtaining the assigned Family Law judge’s permission.
The moving party may select any hearing date on the appropriate docket, without advance permission from the Assigned Family Law Judge.
Page 46 | RULE 406
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Jury trials scheduled to begin on or after the order date are continued until further order of the Chief Justice.
All jury trials, both civil and criminal, scheduled to begin in on or after the date of this order are continued until further order of the Chief Justice.
Page 1 | Order Imposing Judiciary Restricted Operations Due to COVID-19 Emergency
For track 1 cases, alternate cases in other courts must be continued by one week before trial unless all conflicted attorneys agree to be ready for both trials.
For track 1 cases, the other court(s)’ alternate cases shall be continued no later than one week before the scheduled trial date unless all conflicted attorneys agree to be ready for both.
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Rule 305: JURY TRIAL SCHEDULING
A party seeking a continuance must first notify opposing counsel and, if there is no objection, email the listed information to criminal assignment.
A party requesting a continuance of any case scheduled on the docket (whether for jury trial, preliminary hearing, bench trial, or motion), must first notify opposing counsel of the request. If opposing counsel does not object to the request, the party seeking the continuance must then send an email message to “criminal_assignment@dc18.org” that contains all of the following information: The name and email address of the attorney making the request; The name and email address of the opposing attorney who agrees to the continuance; The defendant’s name and case number; and The continuance date requested
Page 31 | Rule 306: Continuances
For cases on the preliminary-hearing, bench-trial, or pretrial-motion docket, the Court must receive a continuance request by 4:00 p.m. the day before docket call.
and by 4:00 p.m. the day prior to the docket-call for cases scheduled on the preliminary hearing, bench trial, or pre-trial motion(s) docket.
Page 32 | Rule 306: Continuances
For a fifth or later continuance request by either side, counsel must appear in person at docket call and make the request on the record.
For any fifth (5th) or subsequent continuance request(s) (whether State or defense requests), counsel must appear in person at the docket-call and make the request on the record.
Page 32 | Rule 306: Continuances
The Court must receive a jury-trial continuance request by 2:00 p.m. on the last business day before the jury-trial docket.
The Court must receive requests for jury trial continuance by 2:00 p.m. on the last business day before the jury trial docket,
Page 32 | Rule 306: Continuances
A continuance request missing any required information will be rejected, and counsel must appear at the docket call.
The Court will reject any request that does not include all information listed above, and will require counsel to appear at the docket call.
Page 32 | Rule 306: Continuances
Continuance requests must be made by email or in open court; requests by telephone or during chamber visits will not be entertained.
Counsel seeking continuance must do so either by email or in open court. The Court will not entertain requests over the telephone or during chamber visits.
Page 32 | Rule 306: Continuances
Requests to continue motions or trials must be heard by the assigned Family Law judge unless unavailable, in which case any Family Law judge may consider them.
All procedural requests such as requests to short file or to continue motions or trials shall be heard only by the assigned Family Law judge, unless that judge is unavailable. If the assigned case judge is unavailable for these inquiries, any Family Law judge may consider the request.
Page 35
After a continuance is approved, any new date must be obtained from the Assigned Family Law Judge.
3. Once a continuance has been approved by a Family Law Judge, any new date shall be obtained from the Assigned Family Law Judge.
Page 51 | RULE 416 — CONTINUANCES
A scheduled conference or trial may be continued only with the Assigned Family Law Judge’s approval, even if the parties agree.
1. Regardless of whether the parties agree, a scheduled conference or trial shall not be continued unless the Assigned Family Law Judge grants the continuance.
Page 51 | RULE 416 — CONTINUANCES
If the parties disagree about a continuance or a new date, they must immediately confer with each other and the Assigned Family Law Judge, who will decide the issues.
2. If the parties cannot agree on whether there should be a continuance, or cannot agree on a new date, the parties shall immediately confer together and with the Assigned Family Law Judge, who shall make a decision regarding those issues.
Page 51 | RULE 416 — CONTINUANCES
Continuance announcements made before 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the motion docket will be granted without an appearance, unless the Assigned Family Law Judge requires one.
A. Announcements on Motions that are made before 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the scheduled motion docket will be granted without an appearance, unless the Assigned Family Law Judge notifies that parties that an appearance will be necessary.
Page 52 | RULE 416 — CONTINUANCES
A continuance announcement made after the cutoff may still be granted, but the parties must appear until they receive confirmation that it was granted.
B. Announcements made after the cutoff time may still be granted, but the parties are required to appear until they receive a reply that the continuance was granted.
Page 52 | RULE 416 — CONTINUANCES
After an NID has been prepared and mailed, a request for an extension of time must be made through the Assigned Judge’s Family Law Conference email address.
b. Once an NID has been prepared and mailed, a request for an extension of time must be made through the Assigned Judge’s Family Law Conference email address.
Page 52 | RULE 420 — ADMINISTRATIVE DISMISSAL OF CASES
A continuance of a court-ordered appearance or deadline must be approved by the Court.
No motion for arbitration need be filed with the Court. However, an agreement to arbitrate does not stay any other deadlines, and any continuance of a Court ordered appearance or deadline must be approved by the Court.
Page 59 | Arbitration
A continuance of a court-ordered appearance or deadline during the CFL process must be approved by the Court.
Inasmuch as CFL can be entered into only with the approval of all parties, no motion for CFL need be filed with the Court. However, a written agreement to handle a case through the CFL process does not stay any other deadlines, and any continuance of a Court-ordered appearance or deadline must be approved by the Court.
Page 59 | Collaborative Family Law
Procedural requests, including requests to continue motions or trials, must be heard by the assigned Family Law judge unless unavailable, in which case any Family Law judge may consider them.
All procedural requests such as requests to short file or to continue motions or trials shall be heard only by the assigned Family Law judge, unless that judge is unavailable. If the assigned case judge is unavailable for these inquiries, any Family Law judge may consider the request.
Page 3
After a continuance is approved, the new date must be obtained from the Assigned Family Law Judge.
Once a continuance has been approved by a Family Law Judge, any new date shall be obtained from the Assigned Family Law Judge.
Page 14 | RULE 416, a. Trials
A continuance announcement made after the cutoff may still be granted, but the parties must appear until they receive confirmation that it was granted.
Announcements made after the cutoff time may still be granted, but the parties are required to appear until they receive a reply that the continuance was granted.
Page 14 | RULE 416, b. Motions
One continuance must be granted to an attorney or party as a professional courtesy, unless an emergency exists.
One continuance shall be granted to an attorney or party, out of professional courtesy, unless an emergency exists.
Page 14 | RULE 416, b. Motions
A motion-continuance announcement made before 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the docket will be granted without an appearance, unless the Assigned Family Law Judge requires one.
Announcements on Motions that are made before 4:00 p.m. on the court day before the scheduled motion docket will be granted without an appearance, unless the Assigned Family Law Judge notifies that parties that an appearance will be necessary.
Page 14 | RULE 416, b. Motions
A scheduled conference or trial cannot be continued, even by agreement of the parties, unless the Assigned Family Law Judge grants the continuance.
Regardless of whether the parties agree, a scheduled conference or trial shall not be continued unless the Assigned Family Law Judge grants the continuance.
Page 14 | RULE 416, a. Trials
If the parties cannot agree whether to continue a matter or on a new date, they must immediately confer with each other and the Assigned Family Law Judge, who decides the issue.
If the parties cannot agree on whether there should be a continuance, or cannot agree on a new date, the parties shall immediately confer together and with the Assigned Family Law Judge, who shall make a decision regarding those issues.
Page 14 | RULE 416, a. Trials
After the NID is prepared and mailed, a request for an extension of time must be made through the Assigned Judge’s Division Email address.
Once an NID has been prepared and mailed, a request for an extension of time must be made through the Assigned Judge’s Division Email address.
Page 16 | Rule 420
Only the Assigned Family Law Judge may grant a third request for additional time.
A third request for additional time can only be granted by the Assigned Family Law Judge.
Page 16 | Rule 420
Chambers Communication Rules
Those who have been directed to report on probation or for interviews with Court Services Officers are directed to report by telephone and not report in
Those who have been directed to report on probation or for interviews with Court Services Officers are directed to report by telephone and not report in
Page 4 | MISCELLANEOUS
A property surety must immediately report any expiration, renewal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of its letters of credit to the Clerk of the Court.
A property surety shall immediately report any expiration, renewal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the same to the Clerk of the Court.
Criminal cases
Page 6 | C. Criteria for Authorization to Act as Compensated Surety in the Eighteenth Judicial District
A Property Surety must immediately report specified changes to previously reported letters of credit to the Clerk of the Court.
e) A Property Surety fails to immediately report to the Clerk of the Court any expiration, renewal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of letters of credit previously reported as security for its bond obligations.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | E. Suspension or Termination of Bonding Privileges
The surety must notify the Chief Judge in writing when a Bail Agent is no longer authorized or employed, and file that notice with the Clerk of the District Court.
In addition, when Bail Agents are no longer authorized to write bonds or are no longer employed by the Surety, the surety shall notify the Chief Judge, in writing, within three (3) business days, that said person is no longer authorized by the surety to write appearance bonds, or serve as their bail agent and the notice shall be filed with the Clerk of the District Court.
Criminal cases
Page 9 | F. Persons Authorized to Write Appearance Bonds in the 18th Judicial District
An attorney with conflicting jury trials in more than one court must notify the judges and ask them to resolve the conflict.
When an attorney has conflicting jury trials set in more than one court, the attorney is responsible for notifying the judges and must request that the judges resolve the conflict.
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Rule 305: JURY TRIAL SCHEDULING
Anyone directed to report on probation or for a Court Services interview should report by telephone rather than in person at a courthouse.
Anyone directed to report on probation or for interviews with Court Services officers should report by telephone, and NOT report to the courthouses in person.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | ORDER REGARDING COURT SERVICES OFFICERS AND REPORTING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
All requests for camera or audio coverage must be directed to the media coordinator.
All requests for camera and/or audio coverage of court proceedings shall be directed to the media coordinator.
Page 1 | General Guidelines
Photographers and reporters must check in with the court before court begins to receive equipment-placement and other instructions.
Photographers/Reporters must check in with the court to receive instructions on where to set up equipment and to receive any special instructions, prior to the beginning of court.
Page 1 | General Guidelines
Media outlets must verify permission for camera or audio coverage at each stage of a case.
Media outlets are responsible for verifying permission for camera and/or audio coverage of a particular case at each stage of the proceeding.
Page 1 | General Guidelines
Media outlets must maintain their own court calendars and confirm coverage permission with the trial judge in advance.
Media outlets are responsible for maintaining their own court calendar, and for confirming permission for camera and/or audio coverage with the trial judge in advance of the proceeding.
Page 2 | Jury Trials
Requesting media must determine which court has the case and follow up with that court about coverage permission.
It is the responsibility of the requesting media to ascertain to what court the case is assigned, and to follow up with that court regarding permission for cameras and/or audio coverage.
Page 2 | Preliminary Hearing Docket/Preliminary Hearings/ Pretrial Motions and Hearings
Requesting media must determine which court has the case and follow up with the Media Coordinator or that court about coverage permission.
It is the responsibility of the requesting media to ascertain to what court the case is assigned, and to follow up with the Media Coordinator or directly with the court regarding permission for cameras and/or audio coverage.
Page 2 | Jury Trials
Media outlets are responsible for maintaining their own court calendars and confirming permission for camera or audio coverage with the Media Coordinator or trial judge in advance.
Media outlets are responsible for maintaining their own court calendar, and for confirming permission for camera and/or audio coverage with the Media Coordinator or the trial judge in advance of the proceeding.
Page 3 | Civil Court Procedures
A property surety must immediately report to the Clerk of the Court any expiration, renewal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of a letter of credit used as security.
A property surety shall immediately report any expiration, renewal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the same to the Clerk of the Court.
Page 23
A Property Surety must immediately report specified changes to letters of credit to the Clerk of the Court.
e) A Property Surety fails to immediately report to the Clerk of the Court any expiration, renewal, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of letters of credit previously reported as security for its bond obligations.
Page 25
A party announcing a case for trial must notify opposing counsel at least 24 hours before the scheduling meeting and notify the Court by noon on the meeting day.
A party wishing to announce a case for trial must advise opposing counsel of this announcement at least 24 hours in advance of this meeting and notify the Court of the announcement no later than noon on the day of the meeting.
Page 31 | Rule 305: Jury Trial Scheduling
The filing party must contemporaneously email the assigned judge to notify the judge of a non-standard provision.
The filing party shall communicate by making a note in the “Note from Filer” section on the e-file screen, AND by contemporaneously sending an email to the assigned judge notifying the judge of the non-standard provision.
Page 36 | Rule 402(c)(2)(B)
Extension requests after an NID has been prepared and mailed must be sent to the Assigned Judge through the Family Law Conference email address.
b. Once an NID has been prepared and mailed, a request for an extension of time must be made through the Assigned Judge’s Family Law Conference email address.
Page 52 | RULE 420 — ADMINISTRATIVE DISMISSAL OF CASES
Announcements requesting continuances of motions must be made to the Assigned Judge’s Family Law Conference email address.
2. Announcements for continuances on Motions must be made to the Assigned Judge’s Family Law Conference email address.
Page 52 | RULE 416 — CONTINUANCES
Each party must notify the Clerk of the District Court in writing of a change of name, residence, or employer and business address within seven days.
Each party shall inform the Clerk of the District Court, in writing, of any change of name, residence and employer (with business address) within seven (7) days of a change.
Page 54 | RULE 422 COURT TRUSTEE
The Dispute Resolution Coordinator must be notified before a case is placed in any type of ADR.
No case can be placed in any type of ADR without the Dispute Resolution Coordinator being notified.
Page 56 | Rule 423 — Alternative Dispute Resolution
The filing party must note the deviation in the e-file screen’s “Note from Filer” section and contemporaneously email the assigned judge about it.
The filing party shall communicate by making a note in the “Note from Filer” section on the e-file screen, AND by contemporaneously sending an email to the assigned judge notifying the judge of the deviated provision.
Page 4 | Rule 402
Announcements requesting continuances on motions must be made to the Assigned Judge’s Division Email address.
Announcements for continuances on Motions must be made to the Assigned Judge’s Division Email address.
Page 14 | RULE 416, b. Motions
For email requests for guidance, copy each party’s attorney or the unrepresented party; copy the judge’s Division Email on any email discussing dates.
If the parties ask for guidance by email, each party’s attorney, or if unrepresented, the party him/herself shall be copied on the email. The judge’s Division Email address shall be copied on any email discussing dates.
Page 14 | RULE 416, a. Trials
The parties or their attorneys must notify the ADR Coordinator in every case referred to ADR under Rule 423.
The parties or their attorneys shall notify the ADR Coordinator in all cases referred to Alternative Dispute Resolution referenced in Rule 423.
Page 15 | Rule 419
The parties must notify the ADR coordinator about supervised visits, Guardian Ad Litem appointments, court security requests, drug or alcohol tests, Family Court Services referrals, and other situations requiring court coordination with an outside agency.
The parties shall notify the ADR coordinator in all of the following situations. 1. Supervised visits 2. Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem 3. Requests for court security assistance, such as supervised property exchanges 4. Drug or alcohol tests 5. Child custody investigations, or any other referral to Family Court Services 6. All other situations where court coordination with an outside agency is necessary
Page 15 | Rule 419