Dallas County District Courts Document Filing Requirements

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

A copy of the letter must be attached to the motion, and a copy of the motion must be served on all counsel of record.

A copy of such letter shall be attached to the motion. A copy of the motion shall be served upon all counsel of record.

WARNING

Briefs of ten or more pages must begin with a summary of argument.

Any brief that is ten or more pages long must begin with a summary of argument.

WARNING

Applies to

Pleading

Every party pleading must include the information required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 57.

Every pleading of a party shall include the information required by Tex. R. Civ. P. 57.

WARNING

Applies to

Demonstrative aids

Exhibits or demonstrative aids require opposing counsel's agreement or court approval obtained in sufficient time before Voir Dire.

Anyone wishing to use exhibits or demonstrative aids needs to obtain the agreement of opposing counsel or bring the question to the Court's attention in sufficient time to have the court consider the request prior to Voir Dire.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Excess page limits require leave of court upon compelling reasons; leave orders must list each document and its page length.

Permission to file a brief in excess of these page limitations may be granted with leave of the Court upon a showing of compelling reasons. Orders for leave must list each document and page length of each document to be filed.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Parties should upload a proposed order reflecting their position at least two days before the motion hearing.

All parties involved in the hearing of a motion should upload a proposed order reflecting their position on the issues raised in the motion at least two (2) days prior to the hearing.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Deposition notice

Deposition notices must explain how remote access will be effectuated, including dial-in or internet access codes.

Any notice shall additionally explain to all parties and interested persons/entities how the remote access to the proceedings will be effectuated, including dial-in or internet access codes.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Deposition notice

Depositions may be noticed to proceed remotely, and the notice must advise the witness/court reporter location and the ability of all counsel and others to participate remotely.

Any deposition in a case pending in this Court may be noticed to proceed technologically and remotely. Said notice shall specifically advise of the location of the prospective witness and the court reporter. The notice shall also advise all counsel of record and any other persons of the ability to participate remotely.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Jury instructions

The Court prefers proposed jury charges to be sent to the Court reporter via email (Tenesa.Shaw@dallascounty.org) prior to jury trial.

The Court prefers proposed jury charges to be sent to the Court reporter via email (Tenesa.Shaw@dallascounty.org) prior to jury trial.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Ad litem application

Ad litems must contact the Court Coordinator and attach a CV and bio showing their qualifications to serve.

The Court requires that the ad litem reach out to the Court Coordinator and attach a CV and bio regarding their qualification to serve as an ad litem in civil cases.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Attorney list

The Court requests that parties submit lists of all attorneys who will be present during voir dire so that the Court may make an introduction.

The Court requests that parties submit lists of all attorneys who will be present during voir dire so that the Court may make an introduction.

WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order

When the L.R. 2.07 conference produces agreement, the moving party must submit an Agreed Order reflecting that agreement.

Whenever the L.R. 2.07 conference results in agreement between the parties, the Moving Party shall submit an Agreed Order reflecting agreement.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion for appointment of guardian ad litem

When the next friend does not speak English, the Motion for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem must notify the Court that the GAL should be proficient in that language.

In cases when the next of friend of Plaintiff does not speak English, the parties shall notify the Court in the Motion for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem that the Guardian Ad Litem should be proficient in the language spoken by the next friend.

WARNING

Applies to

Protective order

Parties must use the form available on the Court's website for protective orders.

In cases when the parties believe that a Protective Order is necessary, the Court requires that the parties use the form that is available on the Court's website.

WARNING

Applies to

Deposition notice

A notice of a remote deposition must advise of the witness and Court Reporter location, the ability to participate remotely, and include platform access information.

Deposition may be noticed to proceed technologically and remotely. Said Notice shall specifically advise of the location of the prospective Witness and the Court Reporter. It shall also advise all counsel of record and any other persons of the ability to participate remotely. 2. Any Notice shall include telephone number or other technological platform identification, access codes or other pertinent information to effectuate access to the proceedings by any interested individual or entity.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Brief

Cases relied upon should be attached to the brief with relevant provisions highlighted.

Cases relied upon should be attached to the brief with relevant provisions highlighted.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

Please have all exhibits marked numerically or with letters prior to going on the record.

Please have all exhibits marked numerically or with letters prior to going on the record.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Return of service

A copy of any envelope or green card returned by the post office must be attached to the return of service.

4. A copy of any envelope or green card returned by the post office shall be attached to the return of service.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

The Court requests that parties provide a proposed order which provides the relief counsel is requesting from the Court.

The Court requests that parties provide a proposed order which provides the relief counsel is requesting from the Court.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Deposition testimony

Video deposition testimony must be provided to the reporter in MP4 format with an excerpt transcript; deposition testimony in lieu of live testimony requires a complete transcript with page and line designations.

If video deposition testimony will be offered in lieu of live testimony, please provide the reporter with the video cuts in (1) MP4 format and (2) the excerpt deposition transcript that reflects the video cuts. If deposition testimony will be offered in lieu of live testimony, please provide the reporter with the complete transcript with page and line designations.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Return of service

The return of service must include a statement specifying the date and result of each mailing, both by certified mail and by regular first-class mail.

3. The return of service shall include a statement specifying the date of mailing and the result of the mailing by certified mail, and the date of mailing and result of same by ===== PAGE 2 ===== regular first-class mail (i.e., whether the envelope was returned by the post office, the green card was returned signed,

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Scheduling order

Upon a granted continuance, parties must submit a revised scheduling order.

If the continuance is granted, the parties must submit a revised scheduling order based on the new trial date.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibit submission email

Please include case number and style of the case in the subject line. In the body of the email, please also include the date of proceedings and which attorney/party they are being sent for.

Please include case number and style of the case in the subject line. In the body of the email, please also include the date of proceedings and which attorney/party they are being sent for.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Expedited hearing requests must explain the need, available dates/times for all parties, and time needed.

If there is a need for an expedited hearing, be prepared to explain the need for the "expedited" hearing, the dates, and times all parties are available for an expedited hearing, and the amount of time needed for such hearing.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for substituted service

Rule 106 motions should be accompanied by a proposed form order; failure to do so may delay the court's ruling.

It is highly recommended that all Rule 106 Motions be accompanied by the attached proposed form order. Failure to do so may delay the court’s granting of an otherwise proper motion.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit

The affidavit may include a statement of license plates in the driveway, and statements by neighbors or residents must include the declarant's full name and description.

This can also include a statement identifying license plates of cars in the driveway and attaching a printout of license plates registered to the person to be served. Statements by neighbors or by people residing in the abode must include the full name of the person and a description.

WARNING

Applies to

Agreed order

Must include

proposed order

If the LR 2.07 conference results in agreement, the moving party must submit an Agreed Order reflecting that agreement.

Whenever the L.R. 2.07 conference results in agreement between the parties, the Moving Party shall submit an Agreed Order reflecting agreement.

WARNING

Applies to

Deposition notice

Deposition notices must include the telephone number or other technological platform identification and access codes needed to join the proceedings.

Any Notice shall include telephone number or other technological platform identification, access codes or other pertinent information to effectuate access to the proceedings by any interested individual or entity.

WARNING

Applies to

Deposition notice

Deposition notices must state the location of the witness and court reporter and advise all counsel and other persons of the ability to participate remotely.

Any Deposition may be noticed to proceed technologically and remotely. Said Notice shall specifically advise of the location of the prospective Witness and the Court Reporter. It shall also advise all counsel of record and any other persons of the ability to participate remotely.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Jury questionnaire

Jury questionnaires must be pre-approved by Judge Frazier at the pre-trial conference and copies for the venire delivered to the Bailiff at least 3 business days before trial.

Parties may submit questionnaires, but they must be pre-approved by Judge Frazier during pre-trial conference. Copies for the jury venire must be delivered to the Bailiff of the Court at least three (3) business days before trial.

WARNINGCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

Email

Exhibit submission emails must include case number and style in the subject line, and date of proceedings and attorney/party in the body; large exhibits should be discussed via email.

Please include case number and style of the case in the subject line. In the body of the email, please also include the date of proceedings and which attorney/party they are being sent for. If there is an exhibit that is unable to be transmitted via email due to size, please email me so we can discuss how best to submit it.

WARNINGCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

Demonstrative aids

Please include any slideshows, PowerPoint presentations or other demonstrative aids that could potentially be screen-shared during these submissions. They will remain confidential until published by counsel and/or the parties.

Please include any slideshows, PowerPoint presentations or other demonstrative aids that could potentially be screen-shared during these submissions. They will remain confidential until published by counsel and/or the parties.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

A request for oral hearing on a summary judgment motion must appear on the cover page of the Motion or Response.

All summary judgment motions will be set for hearing by submission on first available date at least 35 days after the motion is filed unless there is a request for oral hearing on the cover page of the Motion or Response.

WARNINGCivil cases

Attorney withdrawal motions require strict compliance with TRCP Rule 10 and Local Rule 4.02, including advising a corporate party left without counsel that only a Texas-licensed attorney may represent it.

The Court requires strict compliance with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules Civil Procedure and Local Rule 4.02. If the motion is granted and the party that will be left without counsel is a corporate entity, contemporaneous with advising the party of its right to object, counsel must also advise the corporate party that only an attorney licensed in this State can represent its interest in Court. That is, a corporate entity cannot appear before the Court as a self-represented party.

WARNINGCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

Exhibits

All trial exhibits must be printed for jury deliberation.

All trial exhibits must be printed for jury deliberation purposes.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Demonstrative aids

Demonstrative aids may be used only if approved by Judge Frazier and should be shown to opposing counsel before voir dire commences, to give counsel an opportunity to object.

Demonstrative aids may be used only if approved by Judge Frazier and should be shown to opposing counsel before voir dire commences, to give counsel an opportunity to object.

WARNINGCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

Exhibits

All exhibits must be marked numerically or with letters before going on the record; photographs should be marked separately.

Please have all exhibits marked numerically or with letters prior to going on the record. Photographs are best marked separately as their own exhibit for clarity purposes.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to appear remotely

Parties located more than an hour from the court may appear remotely at dismissal hearings only after filing a motion to appear remotely.

Parties may appear remotely if they reside or office more than an hour from the court. In such cases, the party must file a motion to appear remotely.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Default judgment and substitute service motions are set by submission upon written request filed with the Court.

Hearings on Motions for Default Judgments or Motions for Substitute Service will be set by submission which will be scheduled upon written request filed with the Court.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to release trust funds

The party receiving trust funds must provide a valid driver's license, certified birth certificate, and an affidavit of entitlement.

The party to receive the funds must provide a copy of a valid driver's license, certified birth certificate, and an affidavit stating that he or she is the person entitled to the funds.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

To avoid the Court's consideration of a summary judgment motion, the movant must file a written motion to withdraw the motion and cancel the hearing.

In order to avoid consideration of the Motion for Summary Judgment by the Court, the movant must file a written Motion to Withdraw the Motion For Summary Judgment, and cancellation of the hearing.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

All motions other than default judgment and substitute service require in-person, hybrid, or Zoom hearings.

All other motions will require in person; hybrid; or zoom hearings.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial order

Exhibits must be listed by number, not name, in the pretrial order.

Please list the exhibit numbers, not the name)

INFO

Applies to

Vacation letter

Must include

caption, case number

Attorneys may reserve up to three weeks of vacation per year by sending a vacation letter (with cause number and style) to the Court Coordinator and opposing counsel; once filed, no hearings, depositions, or trials may be set during reserved weeks except upon notice and hearing.

Any attorney may reserve up to three weeks in any calendar year for vacations by sending a "vacation letter" for each case (with appropriate cause number and style) to the Court Coordinator and opposing counsel, reserving weeks in which no hearings, depositions, or trials are set as of the date of the letter. Once a letter is on file, no hearings, depositions, or trials may be set during the reserved weeks except upon notice and hearing.

INFO

Applies to

Appearance

Counsel and self-represented persons appearing in Dallas County civil courts must acknowledge, by entering an appearance, that they have read and are familiar with the Local Rules, Rules of Decorum, and Texas Lawyers Creed.

All counsel and any self-represented person appearing in the civil courts of Dallas County shall by entering an appearance acknowledge that he or she has read and is familiar with these Local Rules, the Rules of Decorum set forth in Appendix 2, and The Texas Lawyers Creed set forth in Appendix 3.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial order

Motions in limine must be listed by number.

Please list the numbers

INFO

Applies to

Case information sheet

If you are the person filling out the Civil Case Information Sheet and you do not have a lawyer, check this box.

If you are the person filling out the Civil Case Information Sheet and you do not have a lawyer, check this box.

INFOCivil casesCourt notice

Applies to

Photographs

Photographs should be marked separately as their own exhibits for clarity on the record.

Photographs are best marked separately as their own exhibit for clarity purposes on the record.

INFO

Applies to

Appointment report

Must include

judge name, case number

For each appointment, the report must include court name/number, judge/master/referee, case number and style, state bar card number if attorney, appointee name, position appointed, relationship to ward or deceased if relevant, and date of appointment.

For each appointment, report: 1. NAME/NUMBER OF COURT 2. NAME OF JUDGE/MASTER/REFEREE ORDERING APPOINTMENT 3. CASE NUMBER AND STYLE OF CASE 4. STATE BAR CARD NUMBER OF APPOINTEE IF AN ATTORNEY 5. NAME OF PERSON APPOINTED 6. POSITION TO WHICH APPOINTED 7. RELATIONSHIP TO WARD OR DECEASED, IF RELEVANT 8. DATE OF APPOINTMENT