Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- At Least Seven Days Before Final Pretrial Conference
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Items of property on Respondent’s inventory but not on Petitioner’s shall be at the end of the appropriate category.
The inventory of each party shall be filed setting forth the list of property with the values assigned to each such item of property shown to the right of the description of such property.
Document Filing Requirements37 rules
Such emails shall include the full name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable) and State Bar of Texas number (if applicable) of the sender.
All motions shall contain a “certificate of conference” by the party filing same that efforts to resolve the dispute without Court intervention have been attempted and failed and shall set forth specifically the efforts taken by date, action, and method.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Self-represented litigants are required to prepare their own pleadings and proposed orders.
Self-represented litigants are required to provide address, telephone, and a current email address at which they can be reached.
Certify that a copy of the request has been duly delivered to all counsel and self represented parties.
Advise which, if any, discovery, and other pretrial matters remain unresolved;
Advise that the case is either a non-jury or jury trial and the estimated time for trial for the entire case;
Be written and timely delivered to the Court Administrator;
All motions must be accompanied by an order setting the motion for a hearing.
An estimate of the time required for trial;
A certificate that the person signing is the attorney in charge and that the information set out is true.
Written announcements of “ready” or “not ready” must be made by each attorney in charge and received by the Judge at least fourteen (14) full days prior to the first day of the jury setting.
If the basis of a continuance is a conflicting setting, the motion must identify the conflicting setting by style, docket number, and judge.
All announcements of “not ready” shall be accompanied by a detailed and proper motion for continuance.
That all reasonable efforts to settle have been attempted and whether the announcing party has made a bona fide offer of settlement that has been rejected and;
If the announcement is “ready,” that all pretrial matters have been disposed of and all pretrial orders and the local rules have been complied with.
If the announcement is “not ready,” the specific reasons shall be set out
It shall be the duty of all counsel and self-represented parties to file and present to the Court all preliminary matters at the pretrial conferences.
Each party shall at or before the pretrial submit to the Court a proposed jury charge.
Any exception to the scheduling order must be in writing, approved by the Court and filed in the case.
The listed motions, pleas, exceptions, appointments, objections, and stipulations must be properly presented for disposition at the pretrial conference or they are deemed waived.
Court's wording
Matters which shall be disposed of at the pretrial conference and which if not properly presented shall be deemed waived, are as follows: 9.3.5.1. Motions in limine; 9.3.5.2. Motions to suppress; 9.3.5.3. All pending dilatory pleas, all other motions, and exceptions; 9.3.5.4. Appointment of guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem; 9.3.5.5. Objections (which shall be in writing) to any discovery or proposed exhibits; 9.3.5.6. Approval of stipulations.
Objections (which shall be in writing) to any discovery or proposed exhibits;
The prevailing party shall prepare the proposed order within fourteen (14) days after the hearing or ruling and promptly submit the same to the Court.
Counsel for each spouse and each self represented party shall present to the Court at the final hearing of a contested property division divorce case a document containing the following:
In a contested property-division divorce, the Petitioner must file a complete, sworn, itemized inventory and appraisement covering the parties’ and children’s property.
Court's wording
In all suits for dissolution of marriage in which the division of the parties’ property is contested, Petitioner shall, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to trial, file a complete, sworn itemized inventory and appraisement of all property belonging to the parties to the marriage, including separate property and community property as well as any property belonging to the children.
All parties must provide a written statement of each party’s gross income for the preceding three calendar months and three calendar years, supported by paystubs and tax returns.
Court's wording
All parties to this action shall file and deliver to all parties, at least by the day preceding the hearing herein ordered, a written statement showing the accurate gross income of each party hereto for the last preceding three (3) calendar months and last preceding three (3) calendar years. This statement must include proof of income in the form of paystubs and tax returns.
the party seeking a hearing shall prepare an order setting hearing which includes the following language:
After a bankruptcy concludes, counsel must promptly notify the Court Administrator and include a copy of the bankruptcy order.
Court's wording
Once a bankruptcy has been concluded, whether by discharge, denial of discharge, dismissal or otherwise, counsel shall promptly notify the Court Administrator and shall include a copy of such bankruptcy order so that the affected case may be restored to the active docket or be dismissed as may be appropriate.
Written notice of a bankruptcy filing must be given to the Court and all counsel, with the specified bankruptcy and counsel details.
Court's wording
within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing, to provide written notice to the Court and all counsel that a bankruptcy filing has occurred giving the name and location of the bankruptcy court, the bankruptcy cause number and style, the date of filing and the name and address of counsel for the bankrupt.
In any self-represented divorce that involves minor children, the Court will not grant or pronounce the divorce and sign the proposed decree if, in the opinion of the Court, the proposed decree contains language or provisions regarding conservatorship, child support or visitation rights which the Court deems to be ambiguous, incomplete or unenforceable.
Each Defendant and counsel, if any, shall appear in person for arraignment unless a written waiver of arraignment has been filed.
Every proposed final order or decree must properly describe the appearances of the parties and contain a waiver of a record to be considered for approval without a hearing.
The Court will not grant a self represented divorce unless and until a proposed final decree is submitted to the Court along with or prior to the request for a setting for final hearing.
An applicant for court appointed counsel must fully complete said affidavit and must provide satisfactory proof of indigency.
The District Attorney shall notify the Court Administrator, in writing, of all criminal cases in which the State is ready for jury trial. Such notices shall include the names and addresses of the Defendant, Defendant’s counsel, and bondsman.
The pretrial scheduling conference may be waived if an Agreed Scheduling Order is submitted to and approved by the Court.
Copies of bonds shall be timely furnished to the Court Administrator.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Original documents that do not require the Judge’s signature must be e-filed with the respective Clerk.
Original documents to be filed which do not require the Judge’s signature shall be e-filed with the respective Clerk.
Page 4 | 1.8. FILING AND MAIL PROCEDURES.
Proposed orders must be e-filed separately, not as attachments to motions or pleadings.
Proposed Orders shall be e-filed separately, and not as attachments to motions or pleadings.
Page 4 | 1.8. FILING AND MAIL PROCEDURES.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The Judge must receive each written jury announcement at least 14 full days before the first day of the jury setting.
Written announcements of “ready” or “not ready” must be made by each attorney in charge and received by the Judge at least fourteen (14) full days prior to the first day of the jury setting.
Page 6 | 3.8.1. JURY DOCKET ANNOUNCEMENTS
A client who wishes to object to withdrawal must file a written objection within ten days.
If counsel is unable to secure the client’s written approval of the withdrawal, counsel must notify the client that the Court will approve the motion unless the client files a written objection within ten days.
Page 7 | 4. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
A proposed jury charge is due at or before the pretrial.
Each party shall at or before the pretrial submit to the Court a proposed jury charge.
Page 7 | 5.3. JURY CHARGES
All matters, including final pleadings and required evidentiary documents, shall be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the date the final pretrial conference is scheduled, or earlier if otherwise provided by law or order of the Court, and shall be served on all opposing counsel and self represented parties with a copy provided to the Court.
All matters, including final pleadings and required evidentiary documents, shall be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the date the final pretrial conference is scheduled, or earlier if otherwise provided by law or order of the Court, and shall be served on all opposing counsel and self represented parties with a copy provided to the Court.
Page 10 | 9.3.4
All discovery procedures must be completed before the pretrial conference.
All discovery procedures must have been completed prior to the pretrial conference.
Page 10 | 9.3.6
The prevailing party must prepare the proposed order within 14 days after the hearing or ruling and promptly submit it to the Court.
The prevailing party shall prepare the proposed order within fourteen (14) days after the hearing or ruling and promptly submit the same to the Court.
Page 12 | 9.6
Written objections to a proposed order must be presented to the Court within 10 days thereafter.
Written objections to any such proposed order shall be presented to the Court within ten (10) days thereafter.
Page 12 | 9.6
All parties must file the required income statement no later than the day preceding the hearing.
All parties to this action shall file
Page 13 | 9.8.1. PROOF OF INCOME
Notice of a bankruptcy filing must be provided within three days of the filing.
within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing
Page 13 | 9.7.1.2.
The Respondent must file an inventory at least eight days before trial.
Not less than eight (8) days prior to trial, Respondent shall file an inventory
Page 13 | 9.8.2. INVENTORIES
Counsel must promptly notify the Court Administrator when the bankruptcy concludes.
counsel shall promptly notify the Court Administrator
Page 13 | 9.7.2. Conclusion of Bankruptcy
The Petitioner must file the inventory no later than 15 days before trial.
Petitioner shall, not later than fifteen (15) days prior to trial, file
Page 13 | 9.8.2. INVENTORIES
The proposed final decree must be submitted no later than the request for a final-hearing setting.
along with or prior to the request for a setting for final hearing
Page 14 | 9.8.4. SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS IN FAMILY MATTERS
Matters must be filed, raised, and presented by the scheduled pretrial hearing or they are waived and cannot be raised later.
Matters not timely filed, raised, and presented at the scheduled pretrial hearing are waived and will not later be allowed.
Page 15 | 10.5. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Unless the parties agree in writing or the Court orders otherwise, counsel intending to use trial videotapes or films must make them available to opposing counsel and serve deposition page-and-line designations at least 14 days before the final pretrial hearing, except for materials offered solely for impeachment.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the parties in writing or ordered by the Court, counsel intending to offer videotaped depositions, or other films or videotapes at trial, except those offered solely for impeachment, must make such videotapes and films available to opposing counsel, and serve opposing counsel with page and line designations for videotaped depositions, not later than fourteen (14) days prior to the final pretrial hearing.
Page 10 | 9.3.7.1
All matters, including final pleadings and required evidentiary documents, shall be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the date the final pretrial conference is scheduled, or earlier if otherwise provided by law or order of the Court, and shall be served on all opposing counsel and self represented parties with a copy provided to the Court.
All matters, including final pleadings and required evidentiary documents, shall be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the date the final pretrial conference is scheduled, or earlier if otherwise provided by law or order of the Court, and shall be served on all opposing counsel and self represented parties with a copy provided to the Court.
Page 10 | 9.3.4
The proffering attorney must serve opposing counsel with page-and-line designations for any additional deposition portions they intend to introduce at least seven days before the final pretrial conference.
The proffering attorney shall then serve opposing counsel with page and line designations of any portion of the videotaped deposition they further intend to introduce at trial not later than seven (7) days prior to the final pretrial conference.
Page 10 | 9.3.7.3
Opposing counsel must serve the proffering attorney with page-and-line designations for deposition portions they intend to introduce at least 10 days before the final pretrial conference.
Opposing counsel shall then serve the proffering attorney with page and line designations of any portion of the videotape deposition they intend to introduce at trial not later than ten (10) days prior to the final pretrial conference.
Page 10 | 9.3.7.2
Exhibits must be exchanged as directed by the scheduling order, or, if there is no order, at least three days before the pretrial conference; objections must be presented in writing at the conference.
All exhibits, including filings required by the Rules of Evidence, shall be exchanged with all parties as ordered by the scheduling order in the case, or if no order was issued then such exhibits shall be exchanged not later than three (3) days prior to the pretrial conference and any objections to such exhibits shall be presented, in writing, at the pretrial conference.
Page 11 | 9.3.8
Parties must timely examine tendered videos and notify opposing counsel of any admissibility objections.
All parties must timely examine any tendered video and notify opposing counsel of any objections to the admissibility of any part of the video.
Page 11 | 9.3.7.5
A copy of the proposed order must be forwarded to opposing counsel or any self-represented party.
A copy of the same shall be forwarded to opposing counsel or any self represented party.
Page 12 | 9.6
Written notice of a bankruptcy filing must be provided to the Court and all counsel.
to provide written notice to the Court and all counsel
Page 13 | 9.7.1.2.
The income statement must be delivered to all parties at least by the day preceding the hearing.
deliver to all parties, at least by the day preceding the hearing herein ordered
Page 13 | 9.8.1. PROOF OF INCOME
Immediately after an indictment is returned, the District Clerk, District Attorney, and Sheriff must cause a certified copy to be served on the accused.
Immediately following the return of an indictment, the District Clerk, District Attorney and Sheriff shall cause a certified copy thereof to be served on the accused.
Page 14 | 10.1. SERVICE OF INDICTMENTS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A copy of all matters, final pleadings, and required evidentiary documents must be provided to the Court by the filing deadline.
All matters, including final pleadings and required evidentiary documents, shall be filed at least seven (7) days prior to the date the final pretrial conference is scheduled, or earlier if otherwise provided by law or order of the Court, and shall be served on all opposing counsel and self represented parties with a copy provided to the Court.
Page 10 | 9.3.4
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A motion omitting the certificate of conference cannot be set for hearing until the certification is filed.
Any motion omitting such certificate shall not be set for hearing until such certification has been filed.
Page 4 | 2. CERTIFICATE OF CONFERENCE REQUIRED.
Moving counsel must confer with counsel for all affected parties to determine whether a contemplated motion will be opposed, except for motions to dismiss the entire action or indictment, motions for summary judgment, and motions for new trial.
Counsel for a moving party shall confer with the counsel of all parties affected by the requested relief to determine whether a contemplated motion will be opposed. Such a conference is required for all motions except motions to dismiss the entire action or indictment, motions for summary judgment, and motions for new trial.
Page 4 | 2. CERTIFICATE OF CONFERENCE REQUIRED.
If counsel cannot obtain the client’s written approval, counsel must notify the client that the motion will be approved unless the client files a written objection within ten days.
If counsel is unable to secure the client’s written approval of the withdrawal, counsel must notify the client that the Court will approve the motion unless the client files a written objection within ten days.
Page 7 | 4. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Before filing a motion to withdraw, counsel must confer with the client and attempt to determine whether the client objects.
Prior to filing a motion to withdraw, counsel shall conference with the client and attempt to ascertain whether the client objects to the motion.
Page 7 | 4. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Other summary judgment motions must be presented in time for a hearing on a regularly scheduled summary docket at least 30 days before the final pretrial conference.
Otherwise, any motions for summary judgment shall be timely presented to permit timely notice for a hearing on a regularly scheduled summary docket at least thirty (30) days prior to the final pretrial conference.
Page 9 | 9.2.2
A “no evidence” summary judgment motion may not be set until discovery is complete.
“No evidence” summary judgment motions shall not be set until after discovery has been completed.
Page 9 | 9.2.3
Anticipated summary judgment motions must be scheduled at the pretrial scheduling conference.
Anticipated motions for summary judgment shall be scheduled at the pretrial scheduling conference.
Page 9 | 9.2.1
If the client does not object to withdrawal, the client must be given an opportunity to sign the written motion.
If the client does not object, the client shall be given an opportunity to sign the written motion.
Page 7 | 4. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Summary judgment motions are considered by submission unless the Court grants permission for oral argument.
Motions for Summary Judgment shall be considered by submission unless permission for oral argument is granted.
Page 9 | 9.2.4
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Unless all counsel consent in writing and the Court approves the continuance, a motion must be filed under the applicable cited civil or criminal procedure rules.
Unless counsel for all parties consent in writing to the request for a continuance and the same is approved by the Court, a motion must be filed pursuant to Rule 251, et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended or Article 29.01, et seq. of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, as applicable, and
Page 5 | 3.6.2. Contents of Motion
A request to continue, pass, postpone, or reset a trial, pretrial, or other hearing may be granted only if all counsel consent or nonjoining parties are notified and given an opportunity to object.
No request for a continuance, to pass, postpone or reset any trial, pretrial, or other hearing shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object.
Page 5 | 3.6.1. Consent or Notice Required
After a case is set for a hearing following a dismissal notice, delay from the ordered schedule is not permitted.
Once a case is set for any hearing after a dismissal notice, no delay from ordered scheduling will be permitted.
Page 8 | 6.2. DISMISSAL NOTICE
A pretrial hearing will not be continued because a party failed to comply with the scheduling order.
No pretrial hearing will be continued for a failure to comply with the scheduling order.
Page 9 | 9.3.2
A pretrial hearing may be continued only upon written motion.
No pretrial hearing will be continued except upon written motion.
Page 15 | 10.5. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
“First setting” and agreed continuances are not permitted.
There will be no “first setting” nor “agreed” continuances.
Page 15 | 10.5. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE
“First setting” continuances are not permitted for jury cases.
There will be no “first setting” continuances.
Page 15 | 10.8. JURY CASES
The Court may deny an agreed continuance or require a hearing; party agreement does not guarantee approval.
Agreement by counsel for all parties to a continuance does not mean automatic approval by the Court, and the Court reserves the right to deny or require a hearing even on agreed continuances.
Page 5 | 3.6.1. Consent or Notice Required
A continuance motion that fails to meet the stated requirements will be denied without prejudice to refiling.
Any motion that does not meet these requirements will be denied without prejudice to the right to refile.
Page 6 | 3.6.2. Contents of Motion
Failure to notice depositions or other discovery matters does not permit an exception to the scheduling time requirements.
Failure to notice for depositions and other discovery matters will not permit an exception to the time requirements.
Page 9 | 9.1.10
Chambers Communication Rules
Anyone seeking information from the Court must direct the inquiry to the Court Coordinator.
Any person seeking information from the Court regarding any matter whatsoever shall direct such inquiry to the Court Coordinator for the Court.
Page 1 | 1.4. Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited
Ex parte communications with the Court are prohibited, including electronic communications.
All ex-parte communications with the Court by attorneys, pro se parties, and any other persons are prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, electronic communications.
Page 1 | 1.4. Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited
Letters to the Judge and emails responding to the Judge’s inquiry must be copied to all attorneys of record and any pro se parties.
Letters sent to the Judge or emails in response to an inquiry by the Judge shall be copied to all attorneys of record as well as any pro se parties.
Page 2 | 1.4. Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited
The attorney must promptly notify the Court by immediately telephoning the Court Administrator.
to promptly notify the Court by immediately telephoning the Court Administrator;
Page 12 | 9.7.1.1
Unsolicited messages to the Judge may be deleted unopened and, if read, may be disclosed to all parties.
Unsolicited emails, texts, or messages, sent to the Judge’s email address, social media account, or cell phone may be deleted without being opened and, if read by the Judge, are subject to being disclosed to all parties.
Page 1 | 1.4. Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited
Mail requiring the Judge’s attention must be delivered to the Court Coordinator.
All mail requiring the Judge’s attention shall be delivered to the Court Coordinator.
Page 4 | 1.8. FILING AND MAIL PROCEDURES.
Court staff cannot provide legal advice.
Court staff cannot provide legal advice.
Page 4 | 1.7. SELF-REPRESENTED PARTIES
If opposing counsel believes a time estimate is erroneous, the issue must be raised in writing with opposing counsel and the Court Administrator.
Estimates of time that opposing counsel believe to be erroneous shall be called to the attention of opposing counsel and the Court Administrator, in writing.
Page 5 | 3.2
Counsel may notify the Clerk, Court Coordinator, and Judge at least 45 days before a vacation of up to four consecutive weeks to avoid trial assignment.
3.10. ATTORNEY VACATION. Counsel wishing to avoid assignment to trial during a vacation period not exceeding four (4) consecutive weeks may advise the Clerk, Court Coordinator and Judge at least forty-five (45) days prior to the beginning of the vacation.
Page 7 | 3.10. ATTORNEY VACATION