Brazoria County Justice of the Peace Courts Filing Rules

Cash amounts requiring coins must be paid in exact cents; the court can make change for bills.

The Judge's signature stamp may be used only on orders from a Pre-Trial Hearing or school-related Juvenile Docket hearing; the Clerk may use it on other documents only with the Judge's specific permission.

An attorney with an actual or scheduled conflicting trial must notify the Justice Court in writing as soon as the conflict appears and provide the case number and other court; the court verifies the assignment and may hold or reset the case, but may proceed without further notice if the representation is inaccurate.

Parties in Justice Court suits must provide enough copies of petitions and accompanying documents for all parties being served.

A motion to retain must be filed at least 10 business days before the dismissal date in the notice.

A written continuance request is due at least three business days before trial or hearing unless its grounds arose later; the court may grant or deny it with or without a hearing.

An order draft must be separate from pleadings, motions, and certificates of service, and must have a heading showing the cause number, case style, and court.

Some Brazoria County Justice of the Peace Courts currently provide electronic filing services.

When practicable, a party seeking a continuance should attempt to confer with the opposing party before filing the motion; this is a recommendation.