Dallas County Courts at Law
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 10 pages
- One Week Before Hearing
Request for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Adjournments
- A trial may not be passed, postponed, or reset unless all counsel consent or nonjoining parties receive notice and an opportunity to object; failure to announce under Local Rule 3.02 constitutes consent, subject to Court policy.
- After a case has been on file for one year, a party may obtain a reset only through a written continuance motion personally approved in writing by the client and granted by the Court.
- Except as provided by statute, a party has no right to a pass of a trial setting.
- +14 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Document Format Requirements11 rules
Filed papers and their pages must be descriptively titled and sequentially numbered, attachment page numbering must continue through the full filing, and orders and judgments must be separate documents; nonconforming papers require a Judge's consent before the Clerk receives them.
Formatting
- •Each page must be consecutively numbered and titled in its lower margin
Court's wording
All pleadings, motions, briefs, orders and other papers, including exhibits attached thereto, when offered for filing or entry, shall be descriptively titled. Each page of each instrument shall, in the lower margin thereof, be consecutively numbered and titled; e.g., "Plaintiffs Original Petition- Page 2." Page numbers should continue in sequential order through the last page of any attachments or exhibits (i.e. should not re-start with each succeeding document). Any reference to an attachment shall include the sequential page number where the reference can be found. Orders and Judgments shall be separate documents completely separated from all other papers. If documents not conforming to this Local Rule are offered, the Clerk before receiving them shall require the consent of a Judge.
Any brief that is ten or more pages long must begin with a summary of argument.
- At least 10 pages
(Do not put the Criminal Case number on the filing).
(Do not put the Criminal Case number on the filing)
When filing motions, orders and any other document, make sure your paperwork is legibly typed in at least a 12-point font and double-spaced.
- Font size
- 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
Submitted in writing with original signatures from both parties; no stamp signatures.
Proposed Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law should also be provided in Microsoft Word format on a CD or flash drive.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law
Each page of each Pleading, proposed order or proposed judgment shall, in the lower margin thereof, include the cause number and be consecutively numbered and titled (e.g., Application for Probate ofWill - Page 2").
All Pleadings, proposed orders and proposed judgments, when offered for filing or entry, shall be descriptively and succinctly titled.
It shall be sufficient for the motion to be styled "RULE 91a MOTION TO DISMISS."
Pertinent portions of transcripts, exhibits, and supporting cases, if submitted to the Court, should be highlighted, underscored or otherwise marked to facilitate the Court's review of such materials.
Document Filing Requirements80 rules
In the absence of any such plea, the signature of the attorney filing the original defensive pleading shall be that attorney's certificate either that the disclosure of the attorney filing the case was accurate, or, if no disclosure was made by the attorney filing the case, that the case is not so related to a prior filed or disposed of case.
The attorney filing a case that is so related to another previously filed case shall disclose in the original pleading or in a separate simultaneous filing that the case is so related and identify by style, case number and Court the related case.
The attorney answering any filed case shall point out in the original defensive pleading or in a separate simultaneous filing any failure of the attorney filing the case to have made a proper and accurate disclosure.
If no such disclosure is made, the signature of the attorney filing the case on the original pleading shall be that attorney's certification that the case is not so related to another previously filed case.
Any party to a pending case shall promptly notify the Court of the filing by any other party of a petition in bankruptcy.
Unless otherwise ordered, counsel must submit a proposed judgment or dismissal order after the specified verdict, judgment, or settlement announcement.
- Document
- Judgment or dismissal order
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Within 30 days after the Court has announced a verdict or judgment or the Court receives a written announcement of settlement from either party or from a mediator, counsel shall submit to the Court a proposed judgment or dismissal order, unless ordered otherwise.
When presenting a temporary restraining order application, counsel must certify their knowledge about transfer under Local Rule 1.06 and, if the case is subject to transfer, fully advise the Court of the relevant circumstances.
Court's wording
c) Counsel presenting any application for a temporary restraining order shall at the time the application is presented further certify that to the best of counsel's knowledge, the case in which the application is presented is not subject to transfer under Local Rule 1.06. If the case is subject to transfer, counsel shall fully advise the Court of the circumstances, particularly as to whether there has been any previous application for the same or similar relief or whether the relief sought will conflict with any other previous order, and the Judge to whom the application is presented may decline to act and refer the application or the entire case to the Judge of the Court to which the earlier related case is assigned.
To proceed without the notice otherwise required for an ex parte application, the application must include a verified party certificate or counsel certificate stating one of the specified grounds.
Court's wording
b) Compliance with the provisions of subparagraph a) hereof is not required if a verified certificate of a party or a certificate of counsel is filed with the application, 1) That irreparable harm is imminent and there is insufficient time to notify the opposing party or counsel; or 2) That to notify the opposing party or counsel would impair or annul the court's power to grant relief because the subject matter of the application could be accomplished or property removed, secreted or destroyed, if notice were required.
a. No counsel for a party shall file, nor shall any clerk set for hearing, any motion unless accompanied with a "Certificate of Conference" signed by counsel for movant in one of the forms set out in Rule 2.07(c). c. For the purpose of Rule 2.07(a), a "Certificate of Conference" shall mean the appropriate one of the following four paragraphs (verbatim):
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Counsel seeking affirmative relief shall be prepared to tender a proposed order to the court at the commencement of any hearing on any contested matter.
A copy of such letter shall be attached to the motion.
Every pleading of a party shall include the information required by Tex. R. Civ. P. 57.
When withdrawal is made at the request of or on agreement of client such motion shall be accompanied by the client's written consent to such withdrawal or a certificate by another lawyer that he has been employed to represent the client in the case.
with a letter advising that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour not less than ten days after mailing the letter, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such time.
No attorney of record shall be permitted to withdraw from any case without presenting a motion and obtaining from the Court an order granting leave to withdraw.
Self-represented litigants are required to provide address, email, and telephone listings at which they can be reached by Court personnel and opposing counsel.
A request by an attorney not licensed to practice law in the State of Texas to appear in a pending case must comply with the requirements of Rule XIX of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar.
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.
After leave is granted, the withdrawing attorney shall send the client a letter by regular mail with a copy of the order of the withdrawal, stating any settings for trial or other hearings and any pending discovery deadlines, and advising him to secure other counsel
A recusal motion must be verified, state its grounds with particularity, and set out admissible facts based on personal knowledge, subject to the stated information-and-belief exception.
Court's wording
The motion shall be verified and must state with particularity the grounds why the judge before whom the case is pending should not sit. The motion shall be made on personal knowledge and shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence provided that facts may be stated upon information and belief if the grounds of such belief are specifically stated.
The served copies must include notice that the movant expects the motion to be presented three days after filing, unless the judge orders otherwise.
Court's wording
On the day the motion is filed, copies shall be served on all other parties or their counsel of record, together with a notice that movant expects the motion to be presented to the judge three days after the filing of such motion unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
Petitioner must provide the original petition and order plus four (4) copies
b. Current proof of insurance is required
Petitioner is responsible for filing the petition and order with the D.P.S.
The appointed attorney is responsible for submitting a voucher through the Indigent Defense System
The attorney must submit an hourly itemized invoice for payment at the hourly rate.
The attorney will need to submit the form for approval before disposition of the case, if prior approval of the relevant expenses is gained from the Court.
The Motion to Retain must be verified and contain a Certificate of Service to the defendant(s).
- Document
- Motion to retain
Must include
- •Certificate of service
If none of the above have been completed, the responsible party will need to have an attorney appear at the hearing with an Affidavit of Due Diligence documenting all service attempts.
1. Unopposed Continuances - must include an Agreed Scheduling Order where appropriate.
Be sure to bring a proposed order for the relief you are seeking from the Court.
Include
- •Proposed order
If one party fails to respond to the other’s request for an ASO, then the requesting party may submit to the Court a PROPOSED Scheduling Order with an attached explanation that the other party did not respond to requests. If the Court enters the Proposed Scheduling Order, the non- compliant party is bound to that order.
A new proposed Agreed Scheduling Order and Discovery Plan must be included (see requirements for ASO’s above). These must include a detailed account of what discovery/ depositions/issues remain, which parties they involve and a specific date when those issues will be resolved.
The specific name of the agreed mediator from the Court’s approved list is mandatory, even if your client has no intention of settling.
Certificates of Conference are required. Agreed/Unopposed motions should contain agreed counsel signatures. For cases on file over one year, client signatures are also required from all parties.
- Document
- Continuance motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Prior to a trial date being set, it is mandatory that both parties contact one another and submit a proposed Agreed Scheduling Order to the court.
If neither party submits a scheduling order in response to the Court’s Order, the case will be dismissed.
Include any discovery or deposition dates or a specific deadline if individual dates have not been set. The dates requested must correspond with the discovery level indicated on the live pleading and must be date-specific (do not set a Level 3 case for trial six months out).
Motions for Summary Judgment will not be heard until after mediation has been conducted. An ADR report from the assigned mediator must be on file.
The Court allows the parties the first opportunity to select a mediator (must be accredited) which must be done at the time the Proposed Agreed Scheduling Order is presented to the Court.
Failure to timely designate a mediator will result in the Court appointing a mediator to whom the parties may not object.
(b) Alleged original wills being offered for probate shall be filed with the Probate Clerk in accordance with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21(f)(12).
Transfers between Dallas County Statutory Probate Courts under the cited statute require a written order, except that, at Counsel's request, the Clerk may make either of two specified transfers without one.
Court's wording
All case transfers between Statutory Probate Courts of Dallas County pursuant to section 25.00222(a) of the Texas Government Code shall be done on written order of the transferring court; provided, however, that upon request of Counsel the Clerk may,without written order of the transferring court: (i) transfer a case seeking probate of the will of a decedent to the court in which an application to probate the will of thatdecedent's spouse is pending and (ii) transfer a case seeking appointment of a guardian ofa proposed ward to the court in which an application for appointment of a guardian of the proposed ward's sibling is pending.
An action concerning a testamentary trust shall be given a new cause number and be assigned to the Court in which the administration of the will establishing the trust is pending.
A suit on a claim in a probate or guardianship administration shall be given a new cause number and assigned to the Court in which the administration is pending.
(b) A will contest shall be filed in the cause number of the proceeding in which the contested will has been admitted to probate or an application for probate of the contested will is pending.
The Probate Clerk shall refuse to accept transfer of any case pending in any district, county or statutory court in Dallas County unless such transfer has been ordered in writing by a Judge, as defined above.
No such case may be transferred to a district court unless such transfer has been ordered in writing by a Judge, as defined above.
Transfer of a case from a Statutory Probate Court to any district, county, statutory or justice court in Dallas County pursuant to section 25.00222(b) of the Texas Government Code shall be made upon written order of a Judge, as defined above.
Whenever a motion to sever is sustained, the severed claim shall be filed as a new case in the same Court and shall be given the next number available at the filing desk in the office of the Clerk.
Such notice shall be made by filing a Suggestion of Bankruptcy with the Clerk and serving copies on all Counsel of record.
Notice may be omitted only if a verified party certificate or counsel certificate is filed with the application stating one of the specified grounds.
Court's wording
(b) Compliance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this rule is not required if a verified certificate of a party or a certificate of Counsel is filed with the application, stating (1) That irreparable harm is imminent and there is insufficient time to notify the opposing party or Counsel; or (2) That to notify the opposing party or Counsel would impair or annul the Court's power to grant relief because the subject matter of the application could be accomplished or property removed, secreted or destroyed, if notice were given.
(d) Form of Order. All requests for relief under this Local Rule shall be presented with a proposed form of order and shall indicate the agreement of all parties, either (1) by personal or authorized signature on the form of order or (2) in the certificate of conference on the motion.
Every request for relief must state its statutory or common-law basis and, when relying on common law, cite authorities authorizing the relief.
Court's wording
All requests for relief, whether styled a motion, application, petition or otherwise, shall state the statutory or common-law basis for the relief requested. If the common law is cited, any cases or other authorities authorizing the requested relief shall be cited.
No Counsel for a party shall file, nor shall hearing be set on, any motion in any contested matter unless accompanied with a "Certificate of Conference" signed by Counsel for the moving party in one of the forms set forth below (verbatim):
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
All requests for relief in probate proceedings or cases related to probate proceedings, whether styled a motion, application, petition, or otherwise, shall include the name of the personal representative and indicate whether the administration is independent or dependent. This rule does not apply to pleadings in matters where a personal representative has not yet been appointed.
Motions to dismiss under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 91a shall clearly indicate on the first page of the pleading that the motion is brought pursuant to that rule.
All requests for relief, objections, responses and replies shall include a Certificate of Service signed by Counsel indicating the manner and date of service on all other parties.
- Document
- Request for relief objection response reply
Must include
- •Certificate of service
It shall be the duty of the movant to set the hearing and give notice of the motion and the time, date, and place of the hearing.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
For an at-large original capias warrant bond request, the Defendant must e-file a Writ of Habeas Corpus.
a). E-file a Writ of Habeas Corpus (Do not put the Criminal Case number on the filing).
Criminal cases
Page 7 | WRIT BOND PROCEDURE FOR DALLAS CASES
To seek modification of bond conditions set after a municipal arrest, the Defendant must approach the Municipal Judge who set the bond or e-file a Writ of Habeas Corpus.
a). Approach the Municipal Judge who set the bond -OR- b). E-file a Writ of Habeas Corpus (Do not put the Criminal Case number on the filing)
Criminal cases
Page 7 | WRIT BOND PROCEDURE FOR DALLAS CASES
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Except for an emergency when the Clerk's office is closed, an application for immediate or temporary relief must be filed and assigned to a Court before it is presented to a Judge.
Except in emergencies when the Clerk's office is not open for business, no application for immediate or temporary relief shall be presented to a Judge until it has been filed and assigned to a Court as provided in Local Rule 1.01.
Page 6 | 2.01. FILING WITH THE COURT IN EMERGENCY ONLY
When emergency action is required while the Clerk's office is closed, the case must be docketed and assigned to a Court at the earliest practicable time, and all writs and process must be returnable to that Court.
Whenever immediate action of a Judge is required in an emergency when the Clerk's office is not open for business, the case shall nevertheless at the earliest practicable time be docketed and assigned to a Court as provided in Local Rule 1.01 and all writs and process shall be returnable to that Court.
Page 6 | 2.01. FILING WITH THE COURT IN EMERGENCY ONLY
A Suggestion of Bankruptcy must be filed as soon as practicable and no later than 20 days after the party receives notice of the other party's bankruptcy petition.
The Suggestion of Bankruptcy shall be filed as soon as practicable, but in no event more than 20 days after a party receives notice of the filing of a petition in bankruptcy by any other party.
Page 6 | 1.13. SUGGESTION OF BANKRUPTCY
Unless otherwise ordered, counsel must submit a proposed judgment or dismissal order within 30 days after the Court announces a verdict or judgment or receives a written settlement announcement; failure may be treated as a request for dismissal with prejudice and costs taxed at the Judge's discretion.
Within 30 days after the Court has announced a verdict or judgment or the Court receives a written announcement of settlement from either party or from a mediator, counsel shall submit to the Court a proposed judgment or dismissal order, unless ordered otherwise. Failure to so furnish the Court with such a proposed judgment or dismissal order will be interpreted to mean that counsel wish the Court to enter an Order of Dismissal with prejudice with costs taxed at the Judge's discretion.
Page 7 | 2.03. JUDGMENTS AND DISMISSAL ORDERS
The opposing party must approve a proposed order as to form or file written objections; absent objections within five days after submission, the order is deemed approved as to form.
The opposing party must either approve the proposed order as to form or file objections in writing with the court. If an order is not approved as to form and no objections are filed within five days of the submission of the proposed order to the court, the proposed order is deemed approved as to form.
Page 10 | 2.08. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED ORDERS BY COUNSEL
A reply brief supporting a summary judgment motion must be filed at least three days before the hearing.
reply briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served no less than three days before the hearing.
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
Except in an emergency, briefs, responses, and replies for a motion other than summary judgment must be filed with the Clerk and served at least three working days before the hearing; noncompliant papers likely will not be considered.
Except in case of emergency, briefs, responses and replies relating to a motion (other than for summary judgment) set for hearing must be served and filed with the Clerk of the Court no later than three working days before the scheduled hearing. Briefs not filed and served in accordance with this paragraph likely will not be considered.
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
A brief opposing a summary judgment motion must be filed and served no later than the response deadline.
briefs in opposition to a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served at or before the time the response is due;
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
A brief supporting a summary judgment motion must be filed and served with the motion.
Briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served with that motion;
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
A motion to quash must be filed and served by the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the deposition notice to stay the deposition pending determination; otherwise, filing does not stay the deposition.
b. The filing of a motion to quash a deposition with the district clerk and service on opposing counsel or parties in accordance with Local Rule 2.05, if done no later than the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the notice of deposition, is effective to stay the deposition subject to determination of the motion to quash. The filing of a motion to quash does not otherwise stay a deposition.
Page 10 | 2.12. EFFECT OF MOTION TO QUASH DEPOSITION
Unless the Court permits otherwise, a withdrawal motion may not be presented within 30 days of trial; the remaining text of the restriction is truncated in the provided excerpt.
Unless allowed in the discretion of the Court, no such motion shall be presented within 30 days of the trial date or at such
Page 12 | 4.02. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
If a judge is assigned within ten days of trial or another hearing, the recusal motion must be filed at the earliest practicable time before the proceeding begins.
If within ten days of the date set for trial or other hearing a judge is assigned to a case, the motion shall be filed at the earliest practicable time prior to the commencement of the trial or other hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Procedures Regarding Recusal or Disqualification
A Motion to Retain must be filed by 5:00 pm at least five business days before the dismissal date.
A Motion to Retain must be filed by 5:00 pm at least five business days before the dismissal date to allow enough time for processing and scanning.
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
Counsel must submit all final paperwork for disposition within 30 days.
Counsel is required to submit all final paperwork for disposition of the case within 30 days.
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
Newly filed cases receive a dismissal date 120 days after filing, on the next available Wednesday.
All newly filed cases are given a dismissal date 120 days after the filing date (on the next available Wednesday).
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
Before the dismissal date, a case must satisfy one of the listed alternatives: completed service and an answer, completed service and a granted default judgment, or a Motion to Retain filed and set for hearing; a case may be retained only once.
The case will be dismissed for want of prosecution if the following does not occur prior to the dismissal date: 1. Process of service is completed and an answer is filed, 2. Process of service is completed and default judgment is granted, 3. Motion to Retain (with verification and certificate of service) filed and set for hearing (cannot retain a case more than once).
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
The Agreed Scheduling Order must be submitted within the Court's 30-day time limit.
The Court will allow a 30 day time-limit for the ASO to be submitted.
Page 5 | Agreed Scheduling Orders
A temporary restraining order application must be filed under the cause number of the proceeding where relief is sought; if no proceeding exists and supporting original pleadings are not included, the Clerk files it under a new cause number and no further action may occur until jurisdictional pleadings are filed.
Applications for a temporary restraining order shall be filed in the cause number of the proceeding in which the relief is sought; if no such proceeding exists, and the application is not accompanied by original pleadings to support the application, the Clerk shall file the pleading in a new cause number but no further action may be taken until pleadings asserting causes of action over which the Court has jurisdiction are filed
Civil cases
Page 3 | 2.01
Except for emergencies when the Clerk's office is closed, an application for immediate or temporary relief must be filed and assigned to a court before it is presented to a Judge.
Except in emergencies when the Clerk's office is not open for business, no application for immediate or temporary relief shall be presented to a Judge until it has been filed and assigned to a Court as provided in Local Rule 2.01.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 2.03 Filing with the Court in Emergency
When a Judge must act immediately in an emergency while the Clerk's office is closed, the case must be docketed and assigned to a Court at the earliest practicable time, and all writs and process must be returnable to that Court.
Whenever immediate action of a Judge is required in an emergency when the Clerk's office is not open for business, the case shall nevertheless at the earliest practicable time be docketed and assigned to a Court as provided in Local Rule 2.01 and all writs and process shall be returnable to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 2.03 Filing with the Court in Emergency
The case file must be transferred within ten days after the transfer order.
Transfer of the case file shall be completed within ten days of the date of the order transferring the case.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 2.04 Transfers
Counsel for a party seeking affirmative relief must notify the Court of the transfer within three business days after the Clerk's assignment.
Counsel for parties seeking affirmative relief shall notify the Court of the transfer within three business days after assignment by the Clerk pursuant to Local Rule 2.01.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 2.04 Transfers
A party to a pending case must promptly notify the Court if another party files a bankruptcy petition.
Any party to a pending case shall promptly notify the Court of the filing of a petition in bankruptcy by any other party.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 2.07 Suggestion of Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy must be filed as soon as practicable.
Bankruptcy shall be filed as soon as practicable.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Part II - Filing, Assignment and Transfer
A request for relief may be decided without a hearing if no person entitled to notice files a written objection within fourteen days after the request is filed.
Unless a hearing is otherwise required by law or court rule, requests for relief (including administrative matters) may be ruled upon without a hearing if (1) no person is entitled to notice; (2) all persons entitled to notice agree or express lack of objection to the relief requested (as indicated in a certificate of conference or by the signature of all Counsel); or (3) no person entitled to notice files a written objection to the request within fourteen days after the request for relief is filed.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 3.02 Uncontested or Agreed Matters
Counsel must request and obtain a hearing on these pleadings at least 30 days before trial, or as soon as possible after a necessary pleading is filed within 30 days of trial.
Counsel filing special exceptions, pleas in abatement or other dilatory pleas shall request and obtain a hearing on them at least thirty days before the scheduled trial date or as soon as possible after the filing of a pleading necessitating the request (if such pleading is filed within thirty days of the scheduled trial date).
Civil cases
Page 9 | Deadline for Certain Pleadings
Unless another rule or law requires otherwise or the Court orders otherwise, objections, responses, and any supporting replies must be written and filed at least one day before the hearing.
Unless otherwise required by rule or law or ordered by the Court, all objections or responses to requests for relief and replies in support (if any) shall be in writing and filed at least one day before any hearing on the request for relief.
Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.04 Motions
The hearing on a Rule 91a motion must be set at least 21 days after the motion is filed.
Such motions shall be accompanied by a separate fiat setting a hearing on the motion not less than 21 days after the motion is filed.
Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.04 Motions
Unless the Court orders otherwise, summary-judgment support briefs are due with the motion, opposition briefs are due no later than the response deadline, and reply briefs are due at least one business day before the hearing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served with that motion; briefs in opposition to a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served at or before the time the response is due; reply briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served at least one business day before the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 3.05 Briefs
Briefs relating to a non-summary-judgment motion set for hearing must be filed at least one business day before the hearing, except in an emergency or when a rule, law, or court order provides otherwise.
Except in case of emergency and unless required by rule or law or otherwise ordered by the Court, briefs relating to a motion (other than for summary judgment) set for hearing must be filed no later than one business day before the scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 3.05 Briefs
The opposing party must approve an order as to form or file written objections; if neither occurs within three business days after submission to the Court, the order is deemed approved as to form.
The opposing party must either approve the proposed order as to form or file objections in writing with the Court. If an order is not approved as to form and no objections are filed within three business days of the submission of the proposed order to the court, the proposed order shall be deemed approved as to form.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 3.09 Submission of Proposed Orders, Judgments or Dismissal Orders
Filing and serving a motion to quash by the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the deposition notice stays the deposition pending determination; filing outside that condition does not otherwise stay it.
The filing of a motion to quash a deposition and service on opposing Counsel in accordance with paragraph (a) above, if done no later than the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the notice of deposition, is effective to stay the deposition subject to determination of the motion to quash. The filing of a motion to quash does not otherwise stay a deposition.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 3.08 Effect of Motion to Quash Deposition
Unless the Court orders otherwise, counsel must submit a proposed judgment or dismissal order within 30 days after the Court announces a verdict or judgment or receives a written settlement announcement from a party or mediator.
Within 30 days after the Court has announced a verdict or judgment or the Court receives a written announcement of settlement from any party or from a mediator, counsel shall submit to the Court a proposed judgment or dismissal order, unless otherwise ordered.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 3.09 Submission of Proposed Orders, Judgments or Dismissal Orders
The withdrawal motion may not be presented earlier than ten days after the notice letter is mailed.
with a letter advising the client that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour not less than ten days after the mailing of the letter
Civil cases
Page 13
Unless the Court allows otherwise, a withdrawal motion may not be presented within thirty days of trial or at a time that would require delaying trial.
Unless allowed in the discretion of the court, no such motion may be presented within thirty days of the trial date or at such time as to require delay of the trial.
Civil cases
Page 13
For the specified applications, testimony must be filed with the Clerk at the time it is taken, subject to the Court’s authority to waive the requirement in whole or in part.
All testimony taken in open court upon the hearing of an application to appoint an administrator or independent administrator or an application to determine heirs shall be committed to writing at the time it is taken and subscribed and sworn to in open court by the witness or witnesses and filed with the Clerk; provided, however, that the Court may waive this requirement in whole or in part upon the agreement of the parties or on the Court's own motion.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 5.05 Testimony Committed to Writing
An attorney ad litem must file an answer by 10:00 AM on the first Monday after ten days have expired from the appointment order's date.
An attorney ad litem shall file an answer not later than 10:00 AM on the first Monday after the expiration of ten days after the date of the order of appointment.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 4.06 Guardian Ad Litem and Attorney Ad Litem
For this rule, delivery after 5:00 p.m. is deemed to occur on the next day the courthouse is open.
a. For purposes of this rule, the date of delivery of a notice of deposition or motion to quash a notice of deposition is the date of actual delivery to counsel or a party, unless received after 5:00 p.m. in which case the date of delivery is deemed to be the next day on which the courthouse is open.
Page 10 | 2.12. EFFECT OF MOTION TO QUASH DEPOSITION
The lawyer commits to submitting orders to the Court promptly.
I will promptly submit orders to the Court.
Page 24 | III. LAWYER TO LAWYER
The movant expects the motion to be presented to the judge three days after filing, unless the judge orders otherwise.
On the day the motion is filed, copies shall be served on all other parties or their counsel of record, together with a notice that movant expects the motion to be presented to the judge three days after the filing of such motion unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Procedures Regarding Recusal or Disqualification
The listed appeal and case types do not receive dismissal dates; they instead receive trial dates, mediation and trial dates, or court review as specified.
The following cases do not receive dismissal dates but are immediately given trial dates or reviewed by the Court: 1. Forcible Entry and Detainer Appeal- trial date set 14-21 days after filing 2. All other JP Appeals - mediation and trial date set 3. Condemnation - need appointment of Special Commissioners 4. Foreign Judgment - reviewed by the court 5. Bill of Review - reviewed by the court
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
After notice that a case is ready for disposition, it will be set on a 30-day disposition docket on the next available Wednesday.
Upon notice that the case is ready for disposition (verdict, dispositive motion, settlement, etc.), the case will be set on a 30-day disposition docket (on the next available Wednesday).
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A motion to consolidate or for a joint hearing must be filed in the earliest-filed case, with notice to the later-filed court and all parties in each case.
Every motion for consolidation or joint hearing of two or more cases under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure ("TRCP") Rule 174(a), shall be filed in the earliest case filed with notice to the later filed Court and all parties in each case.
Page 3 | 1.04. MOTION TO CONSOLIDATE
Bankruptcy notice must be made by filing a Suggestion of Bankruptcy with the Court clerk and serving copies on all counsel of record.
Such notice shall be made by filing a Suggestion of Bankruptcy with the clerk of the Court and serving copies on all counsel of record.
Page 6 | 1.13. SUGGESTION OF BANKRUPTCY
For applications for a temporary restraining order or other ex parte relief, counsel must notify the opposing party and provide the application and proposed order at least two hours before presentation, unless a certificate stating one of the specified grounds is filed.
a) Counsel presenting any application for a temporary restraining order or other ex parte relief shall notify the opposing party's counsel, or the opposing party if unrepresented by counsel in the present controversy, and provide opposing counsel or party with a copy of the application and proposed order at least 2 hours before the application and proposed order are to be presented to the Court for decision, except as provided in subparagraph b) hereof. b) Compliance with the provisions of subparagraph a) hereof is not required if a verified certificate of a party or a certificate of counsel is filed with the application, 1) That irreparable harm is imminent and there is insufficient time to notify the opposing party or counsel; or 2) That to notify the opposing party or counsel would impair or annul the court's power to grant relief because the subject matter of the application could be accomplished or property removed, secreted or destroyed, if notice were required.
Page 7
Except for original petitions and accompanying temporary restraining order applications, papers relating to expedited relief or matters set for hearing within seven days must be served so all opposing parties receive them on the filing day.
Other than original petitions and any accompanying applications for temporary restraining order, any documents filed with the Court that relate to requests for expedited relief or to matters set for hearing within seven days of filing must be served upon all I opposing parties in a manner that will ensure receipt of the papers by them on the same day the papers are filed with the Court or Clerk.
Page 8 | 2.05. SERVICE OF PAPERS FILED WITII TilE COURT
Should the court notify counsel of its decision at any time following the hearing on any contested matter and direct counsel to prepare one or more orders for submission to the court any such order shall be tendered to opposing counsel at least two working days before it is submitted to the court.
Should the court notify counsel of its decision at any time following the hearing on any contested matter and direct counsel to prepare one or more orders for submission to the court any such order shall be tendered to opposing counsel at least two working days before it is submitted to the court.
Page 9 | 2.08. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED ORDERS BY COUNSEL
A reply brief supporting a summary judgment motion must be served at least three days before the hearing.
reply briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served no less than three days before the hearing.
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
A party setting a motion or other matter for hearing must serve written notice on all parties and send a copy to the Clerk within one business day of receiving the setting; other notice periods remain in effect.
A party who sets for hearing any motion or other matter must serve written notice of such setting on all parties, with a copy to the Clerk of the Court, within one business day of receipt of such setting. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to shorten any notice requirement in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure or other rule or statute.
Page 10 | 2.11. NOTICE OF HEARING
A brief opposing a summary judgment motion must be served no later than the response deadline.
briefs in opposition to a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served at or before the time the response is due;
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
Except in an emergency, briefs, responses, and replies for a motion other than summary judgment set for hearing must be served at least three working days before the hearing.
Except in case of emergency, briefs, responses and replies relating to a motion (other than for summary judgment) set for hearing must be served and filed with the Clerk of the Court no later than three working days before the scheduled hearing.
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
A brief supporting a summary judgment motion must be served with the motion.
Briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served with that motion;
Page 10 | 2.09. BRIEFS, RESPONSES AND REPLIES
To stay the deposition pending determination, the motion to quash must be served on opposing counsel or parties no later than the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the deposition notice.
b. The filing of a motion to quash a deposition with the district clerk and service on opposing counsel or parties in accordance with Local Rule 2.05, if done no later than the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the notice of deposition, is effective to stay the deposition subject to determination of the motion to quash.
Page 10 | 2.12. EFFECT OF MOTION TO QUASH DEPOSITION
Counsel must notify all parties of their trial announcement.
Counsel shall notify all parties of their announcement.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL
A copy of the withdrawal motion must be served on all counsel of record.
A copy of the motion shall be served upon all counsel of record.
Page 12 | 4.02. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
If the client has not consented to withdrawal, a copy of the motion must be mailed to the client at the last known address by certified and regular first-class mail.
In the event the client has not consented, a copy of such motion shall be mailed by certified and regular first class mail to the client at his last known address,
Page 12 | 4.02. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
After leave to withdraw is granted, the attorney must mail the letter to the client and forward a copy to all counsel of record and the court clerk.
After leave is granted, the withdrawing attorney shall send the client a letter by regular mail with a copy of the order of the withdrawal, stating any settings for trial or other hearings and any pending discovery deadlines, and advising him to secure other counsel, and shall forward a copy of such letter to all counsel of record and to the Clerk of the Court in which the case is pending.
Page 13 | PART IV - ATTORNEYS
Copies of a recusal motion must be served on all other parties or their counsel on the filing day, together with notice of the expected presentation date, unless the judge orders otherwise.
On the day the motion is filed, copies shall be served on all other parties or their counsel of record, together with a notice that movant expects the motion to be presented to the judge three days after the filing of such motion unless otherwise ordered by the judge.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Procedures Regarding Recusal or Disqualification
For an at-large original capias warrant bond request, the Defendant must notify the State of the Writ and request that it retrieve the Defendant’s criminal history and the Probable Cause Affidavit.
b). Notify the State of the Writ and request that the State retrieve the Defendant’s criminal history and the Probable Cause Affidavit
Criminal cases
Page 7 | WRIT BOND PROCEDURE FOR DALLAS CASES
For a request to modify bond conditions, the Defendant must notify the State of the Writ and request that it retrieve the Defendant’s criminal history and the Probable Cause Affidavit.
c). Notify the State of the Writ and request that the State retrieve the Defendant’s criminal history and the Probable Cause Affidavit
Criminal cases
Page 7 | WRIT BOND PROCEDURE FOR DALLAS CASES
Trial exhibits should be provided directly to the court reporter and to opposing parties at least 48 hours before trial.
Trial exhibits should be provided directly to the court reporter and provided to opposing parties at least 48 hours in advance of the trial date.
Page 1 | Remote Hearing Procedures
A motion for consolidation or joint hearing must be filed in the earliest-filed case with notice to the later-filed Court and all parties in each case, unless otherwise ordered.
Every motion for consolidation or joint hearing of two or more proceedings or cases under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 174(a) shall be filed in the earliest case filed with notice to the later filed Court and all parties in each case, unless otherwise ordered.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 2.05 Consolidation
Copies of the Suggestion of Bankruptcy must be served on all counsel of record.
Such notice shall be made by filing a Suggestion of Bankruptcy with the Clerk and serving copies on all Counsel of record.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 2.07 Suggestion of Bankruptcy
At least two hours before presenting an application for a temporary restraining order or other ex parte relief, counsel must notify the opposing party or counsel and provide copies of the application and proposed order, subject to the stated exception.
(a) Counsel presenting any application for a temporary restraining order or other ex parte relief shall notify the opposing party's Counsel, or the opposing party if unrepresented by counsel in the present controversy, and provide opposing Counsel or party with a copy of the application and proposed order at least 2 hours before the application and proposed order are to be presented to the Court for decision, except as provided in subparagraph (b)
Civil cases
Page 7 | 3.01 Application for TRO and Other Ex Parte Orders
A hearing on expedited relief may be set on two days' notice to all persons entitled to notice.
(c) Expedited Relief. Requests for expedited relief may be ruled upon (1) without a hearing if all persons entitled to notice agree or express lack of objection to the relief requested (as indicated in a certificate of conference or by the signature of all Counsel) or (2) after a hearing set on two days' notice to all persons entitled to notice.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 3.02 Uncontested or Agreed Matters
Pleadings and listed materials due within thirty days of trial must be transmitted so the other parties receive them by the service deadline, unless otherwise permitted by court order.
Service of Pleadings within 30 Days of Trial. Any Pleading to be served, exchanged or otherwise delivered to another party or parties within 30 days of trial of a contested matter (including any witness list, exhibit list, deposition designations, objections, motions or response to discovery request) shall be transmitted in a manner that will ensure receipt of such Pleading by the other party or parties on or before the date of the deadline for service, unless otherwise permitted by court order.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 3.03 Contested Matters
Pleadings concerning expedited relief or matters set for hearing within seven days of filing must be served so opposing parties receive them the same day they are filed, except for the stated documents or as otherwise permitted by court order.
Service of Pleadings for Expedited Relief. Any Pleadings that relate to requests for expedited relief or to matters set for hearing within seven days of filing (other than original applications and petitions and accompanying applications for temporary restraining order) must be served upon all opposing parties in a manner that will ensure receipt of the papers by them on the same day the papers are filed, unless otherwise permitted by court order.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 3.03 Contested Matters
Unless the Court orders otherwise, summary-judgment support briefs must be served with the motion, opposition briefs at or before the response deadline, and reply briefs at least one business day before the hearing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served with that motion; briefs in opposition to a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served at or before the time the response is due; reply briefs in support of a motion for summary judgment must be filed and served at least one business day before the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 3.05 Briefs
A party setting a matter for hearing must notify all parties within one business day of receiving the setting, without shortening any notice period required by another rule or statute.
A party who sets for hearing any motion or other matter must serve notice of such setting on all parties within one business day of receipt of such setting. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to shorten any notice requirement in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure or other rule or statute.
Civil cases
Page 11 | paragraph (k)
When the Court directs counsel to prepare an order after a contested hearing, counsel must tender it to opposing counsel at least two business days before submitting it to the Court.
Should the Court notify Counsel of its decision at any time following the hearing on any contested matter and direct Counsel to prepare one or more orders for submission to the Court, any such order shall be tendered to opposing Counsel at least two business days before it is submitted to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 3.09 Submission of Proposed Orders, Judgments or Dismissal Orders
To obtain a stay of the deposition pending determination of the motion to quash, the motion must be served on opposing counsel by the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the deposition notice.
The filing of a motion to quash a deposition and service on opposing Counsel in accordance with paragraph (a) above, if done no later than the third day the courthouse is open after delivery of the notice of deposition, is effective to stay the deposition subject to determination of the motion to quash. The filing of a motion to quash does not otherwise stay a deposition.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 3.08 Effect of Motion to Quash Deposition
Until dismissed by order or discharged by operation of law, an ad litem must be notified of all court hearings and conferences and served with all pleadings.
(c) Until an order is signed dismissing a guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem, or the guardian ad litem or attorney ad litem is discharged by operation of law, the ad litem shall be notified of all hearings and/or conferences with the Court and shall be served with all pleadings.
Civil cases
Page 13
A copy of a motion to withdraw must be served on all counsel of record.
A copy of the motion shall be served on all counsel of record.
Civil cases
Page 13
The withdrawing attorney must forward the post-withdrawal letter to all counsel of record and the Clerk.
The withdrawing attorney shall forward a copy of such letter to all counsel of record and to the Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 13
(c) In the event the client has not consented, a copy of such motion shall be mailed by certified and by regular first class mail to the client at his or her last known address, with a letter advising the client that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour not less than ten days after the mailing of the letter, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such time.
(c) In the event the client has not consented, a copy of such motion shall be mailed by certified and by regular first class mail to the client at his or her last known address, with a letter advising the client that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour not less than ten days after the mailing of the letter, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such time.
Civil cases
Page 13
(d) After leave to withdraw has been granted, the withdrawing attorney shall send the client a letter by regular mail with a copy of the order permitting the withdrawal
(d) After leave to withdraw has been granted, the withdrawing attorney shall send the client a letter by regular mail with a copy of the order permitting the withdrawal
Civil cases
Page 13
Counsel must make trial media available to opposing counsel sufficiently before trial to allow a pretrial hearing on objections; media not tendered in time will not be admitted, except media offered solely for impeachment is excluded from this requirement.
Counsel intending to offer video depositions or other media at trial, except those offered solely for impeachment, must make such media available to opposing Counsel sufficiently in advance of trial so that a hearing on any objections can be held before commencement of trial. Any media not so tendered will not be permitted into evidence atthe trial.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 5.03 Use of Media at Trial
Delivery by mail is presumed to occur on the third business day after mailing.
Delivery by mail is presumed to be the third business day folloWing mailing.
Page 10 | 2.12. EFFECT OF MOTION TO QUASH DEPOSITION
A notice or communication directed to an attorney using the contact information on record with the District Clerk is deemed received.
Any notice or communication directed to the attorney at the address, telephone, or fax number indicated in the records of the District Clerk will be deemed received.
Page 12 | 4.01. ATTORNEY CONTACT INFORMATION (revised)
A self-represented litigant's failure to accept delivery or collect mail sent to the provided address is constructive receipt, which may be established by a postal receipt or comparable proof of delivery.
Failure to accept delivery or to pick up mail addressed to the address provided by a self-represented litigant will be considered constructive receipt of the mailed or delivered document and may be established by a postal service receipt for certified or registered mail or comparable proof of delivery.
Page 13 | 4.05. SELF-REPRESENTED/PRO SE LITIGANTS
The lawyer commits not to serve motions or pleadings in a way that unfairly limits another party's opportunity to respond.
I will not serve motions or pleadings in any manner that unfairly limits another party's opportunity to respond.
Page 23 | III. LAWYER TO LAWYER
The lawyer commits to delivering copies of orders to opposing counsel before or at the same time they are submitted to the Court.
I will deliver copies to opposing counsel before or contemporaneously with submission to the Court.
Page 24 | III. LAWYER TO LAWYER
For this rule, delivery to counsel is dated on actual receipt unless received after 5:00 p.m., in which case delivery is deemed to occur on the next day the courthouse is open.
For purposes of this Local Rule, the date of delivery of a notice of deposition or motion to quash a notice of deposition is the date of actual delivery to Counsel, unless received after 5:00 p.m., in which case the date of delivery is deemed to be the next day on which the courthouse is open.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 3.08 Effect of Motion to Quash Deposition
Filing Fees and Waivers
Before a severed claim receives a new cause number, the plaintiff's attorney must meet the Clerk's deposit-for-costs requirement.
Before the severed claim is assigned a new cause number, the attorney for plaintiff in the new cause shall meet the Clerk's requirement concerning deposit for costs.
Page 6 | 1.09. SEVERANCE
Applications for guardianship filed on or after November 1, 2023, require a $600 deposit toward the attorney ad litem fee.
ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED that, for all applications filed on or after November 1, 2023, the amounts to be deposited towards the fee for the attorney ad litem shall be in the amount stated below: Application for Guardianship: $600.00 Application for Determination of Heirship: $600.00
Civil cases
Page 2 | ORDER REGARDING DEPOSITS OF FEES FOR ATTORNEYS AD LITEM
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are required for motions over 10 pages; they should be provided one week before the hearing, in a binder marked with dividers or tabs as necessary, and include responses, replies, and sur-replies.
The Court must be provided courtesy copies of any motions that are greater than ten pages in length. These courtesy copies should be filed in a binder and marked with dividers/tabs as necessary. The copies should be one week in advance of the hearing date and should include any responses, replies or sur-replies.
Page 3 | Motion and Hearings
Courtesy copies of Requests for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law should be provided to the Coordinator.
When filing Requests for Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law, courtesy copies of such requests should be provided to the Coordinator.
Page 4 | Trial Docket
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
a. No counsel for a party shall file, nor shall any clerk set for hearing, any motion unless accompanied with a "Certificate of Conference" signed by counsel for movant in one of the forms set out in Rule 2.07(c). b. Prior to the filing of a motion, counsel for the potential movant shall personally attempt to contact counsel for the potential respondent to hold or schedule a conference to resolve the disputed matters. Counsel for the potential movant shall make at least three attempts to contact counsel for the potential respondent. The attempts shall be made during regular business hours on at least two business days.
a. No counsel for a party shall file, nor shall any clerk set for hearing, any motion unless accompanied with a "Certificate of Conference" signed by counsel for movant in one of the forms set out in Rule 2.07(c). b. Prior to the filing of a motion, counsel for the potential movant shall personally attempt to contact counsel for the potential respondent to hold or schedule a conference to resolve the disputed matters. Counsel for the potential movant shall make at least three attempts to contact counsel for the potential respondent. The attempts shall be made during regular business hours on at least two business days.
Page 8 | 2.07. CONFERENCE REQUIREMENT
Agreed or unopposed continuance motions do not require a hearing; continuance motions lacking agreement or having opposition must be set for a hearing.
Agreed/Unopposed Motions for Continuance do not require a hearing. Only continuance motions which lack agreement or have opposition must be set for a hearing before the Court.
Page 5 | Continuances
Before filing a motion in a contested matter, counsel for the potential movant must personally make at least three contact attempts during regular business hours on at least two business days to hold or schedule a conference to resolve the dispute.
Before filing a motion in a contested matter, Counsel for the potential movant shall personally attempt to contact Counsel for the potential respondent to hold or schedule a conference to resolve the disputed matters. Counsel for the potential movant shall make at least three attempts to contact Counsel for the potential respondent. The attempts shall be made during regular business hours on at least two business days.
Civil cases
Page 9 | 3.04 Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A trial may not be passed, postponed, or reset unless all counsel consent or nonjoining parties receive notice and an opportunity to object; failure to announce under Local Rule 3.02 constitutes consent, subject to Court policy.
a. Unless otherwise permitted by Court policy, no request to pass, postpone or reset any trial shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request or their counsel have been notified and have had opportunity to object; provided, however, that failure to make an announcement under Local Rule 3.02 shall constitute that party's consent to pass, postpone, reset or dismiss for want of prosecution any case set for trial the following week.
Page 11 | PART III - TRIALS
After a case has been on file for one year, a party may obtain a reset only through a written continuance motion personally approved in writing by the client and granted by the Court.
After a case has been on file for one year, it shall not be reset for a party except upon written motion for continuance, personally approved by the client in writing, and granted by the Court.
Page 11 | PART III - TRIALS
A continuance for a Special Set trial will be granted only in an emergency.
Special Set trials will not be granted continuances except in the case of an emergency.
Page 4 | Trial Announcements
Every continuance motion must specifically state its basis.
All continuance motions must specifically state the basis for the motion.
Page 5 | Continuances
Within five days before trial of a contested matter, a continuance will not be granted unless a written, verified motion describes facts arising on or after the fifth day before trial that necessitate postponement.
(e) Motions for Continuance. Unless otherwise permitted by court rule or court order, no motion for continuance will be granted within five days before trial of acontested matter unless based on a written, verified motion describing facts occurring on or after the fifth day before trial and necessitating the postponement of the trial.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 3.03(e) Motions for Continuance
A request to pass, postpone, or reset a trial will not be granted unless all counsel consent in writing or on the record, or the nonjoining parties have been notified and given an opportunity to object.
(f) Agreed or Unopposed Continuances. Unless otherwise permitted by court rule, no request to pass, postpone or reset any trial shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent in writing or on the record or unless all parties not joining in the request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object.
Civil cases
Page 8 | 3.03(f) Agreed or Unopposed Continuances
Except as provided by statute, a party has no right to a pass of a trial setting.
Except as provided by statute, no party is entitled of right to a "pass" of any trial setting.
Page 11 | PART III - TRIALS
If a case is not tried that week, the Court may carry it from week to week after giving prior written notice.
If a case is not tried within the week, the Court may with prior written notice carry the case from week to week.
Page 12 | 3.04. CARRYOVER CASES
The lawyer commits to agreeing to reasonable extension requests and waivers of procedural formalities when the client's legitimate objectives will not be adversely affected.
I will agree to reasonable requests for extensions of time and for waiver of procedural formalities, provided legitimate objectives of my client will not be adversely affected.
Page 23 | III. LAWYER TO LAWYER
A case may be reset on the disposition docket no more than twice before a new trial date is issued.
Cases will be reset on the disposition docket only twice before being issued a new trial date.
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
No Order to Retain will be signed; the extension is the period between the dismissal date and the retain hearing.
An Order to Retain will not be signed; instead the period of time from the dismissal date until the retain hearing is the extension you are given.
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
Emergency resets are considered case by case and may be granted only by the Judge; clerks cannot overbook the Judge.
Emergency resets will be considered on a case by case basis and will only be granted by the Judge. The clerks do not have the discretion to overbook the Judge.
Page 3 | Motion and Hearings
A not-ready announcement does not automatically continue a case; parties should file a continuance motion as far in advance as possible, and last-minute motions should be based on a true emergency.
An announcement of "not ready" by either party DOES NOT mean your case is automatically continued. If your case is not going to be ready on its assigned or chosen trial date, the Court expects you to file a motion for continuance as far in advance of trial as possible for consideration by the Court. Last minute motions for continuance should be based on a true emergency.
Page 4 | Trial Announcements
Failure to comply with the hearing-setting notice rule is grounds for requesting a continuance.
Failure to comply with this rule shall be grounds for a requested continuance of the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 11 | paragraph (k)
An attorney may reserve up to three calendar-year weeks by vacation letter if no hearing, deposition, or trial is already set in those weeks; settings during reserved weeks may be reset on request unless an objection is filed and sustained after notice and hearing.
Any attorney may reserve up to three weeks in any calendar year for vacations by filing a "vacation letter", reserving weeks in which no hearings, depositions, or trials are set as of the date of the letter. Once a letter is on file, any hearings, depositions, or trials set during the reserved weeks may be reset upon request unless objection is filed and sustained upon notice and hearing.
Civil cases
Page 13 | 4.04 Vacation Letters
When counsel has a conflicting trial setting in another county, the Court may defer to that court and hold the case until the other trial is complete.
Where counsel for either party has a conflicting trial setting in another county, the Court may, in its discretion, defer to the out of county court and hold the case until the trial in the other county is completed.
Page 12 | 3.03. CONFLICTING ENGAGEMENTS OF COUNSEL
Where counsel has a conflicting engagement in any Court of the United States or in any Appellate Court, the case in Dallas County may be held until such engagement has been completed.
Where counsel has a conflicting engagement in any Court of the United States or in any Appellate Court, the case in Dallas County may be held until such engagement has been completed.
Page 12 | 3.03. CONFLICTING ENGAGEMENTS OF COUNSEL
Chambers Communication Rules
Attorneys of record must notify the judges handling the earlier and later related cases that the later case is pending.
The attorneys of record for the parties in any case within the categories of Local Rule 1.07 must notify the Judges of the respective Courts in which the earlier and later cases are assigned of the pendency of the later case.
Page 5 | 1.08. DISCLOSURE REGARDING CASES SUBJECT TO TRANSFER
A Judge taking emergency action must notify the Court where the case is docketed at the earliest convenient and practical time.
Any Judge taking such emergency action shall notify the Court in which such case is docketed at the earliest convenient and practical time.
Page 6 | 2.01. FILING WITH THE COURT IN EMERGENCY ONLY
For a non-jury trial set on a day other than Monday, counsel must appear and announce at the day and time in the setting notice without further notification.
Whenever a non-jury case is set for trial at a time other than Monday, counsel are required to appear and make their announcements at the day and hour specified in the notice of setting without further notification.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL
Counsel in cases set for trial that week must announce readiness to the Court Administrator on the preceding Thursday and no later than 10:30 A.M. Friday, including confirmation of required compliance with Local Rule 2.08.
In all cases set for trial in a particular week, counsel are required to make announcements to the Court Administrator on the preceding Thursday and in any event, no later than 10:30 A.M. on the preceding Friday concerning their readiness for trial. Such announcement shall include confirmation of compliance with Local Rule 2.08, if such compliance is required in the case.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL
Counsel engaged in another trial during the week must advise the Court Administrator when that trial is complete.
If counsel is engaged during the week in trial in another Court, whether in Dallas County or elsewhere, counsel shall advise the Court Administrator upon completion of such other trial.
Page 12 | 3.05. COUNSEL TO BE AVAILABLE
Unless released by the Court, counsel must be available by telephone during the week their case is set for trial.
Unless released by the Court, during the week a case is set for trial counsel are required to be available upon a telephone call from the Court Administrator.
Page 12 | 3.05. COUNSEL TO BE AVAILABLE
Attorneys must notify the District Clerk of any change to their address, email address, telephone number, or fax number.
Attorneys are required to notify the District Clerk of any change in address, email address, telephone, or fax number.
Page 12 | 4.01. ATTORNEY CONTACT INFORMATION (revised)
Counsel in carryover cases must answer concerning trial readiness in the normal manner for the following week.
Counsel are required to answer concerning their readiness for trial in these cases in the normal manner for the subsequent week.
Page 12 | 3.04. CARRYOVER CASES
Counsel must promptly advise the Court Administrator of any matter arising during trial week that affects readiness or availability.
Counsel shall promptly advise the Court Administrator of any matter that arises during the week that affects counsel's readiness or availability for trial.
Page 12 | 3.05. COUNSEL TO BE AVAILABLE
Attorneys must notify the court if they will be more than five minutes late for a contested proceeding or plea setting.
Attorneys must notify the court when they will be later than five minutes for any contested proceeding or plea setting.
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Timeliness
Counsel must call the court coordinator between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on the morning of a dismissal, disposition, or retain setting.
Dismissal, disposition and retain settings will be conducted by telephone. Counsel must call the court coordinator the morning of their setting between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
Page 1 | Remote Hearing Procedures
Filing a motion alone does not remove a case from the dismissal docket; the party or counsel must follow up with the Court Coordinator to request a hearing and ensure removal.
Just filing a motion prior to the dismissal date will NOT remove your case from the dismissal docket. It is the party/counsel’s responsibility to follow up with the Court Coordinator to request a hearing and ensure removal from the docket.
Page 2 | Dismissal and Disposition Docket
Make trial announcements by contacting Court Coordinator Seth Little at 214-653-6581.
Announcements are made by contacting the Court Coordinator, Seth Little, at 214-653-6581.
Page 4 | Trial Announcements
All parties must announce their readiness for trial on the Thursday before the week of the trial setting.
All parties MUST make an announcement regarding their readiness for trial on the THURSDAY prior to the week of the trial setting.
Page 4 | Trial Announcements
Counsel must promptly notify the Court when a bankruptcy concludes or the automatic stay is lifted as to a Probate Court case.
Once a bankruptcy has been concluded, whether by discharge, denial of discharge, dismissal or otherwise, or the automatic stay imposed by 11 U.S.C. § 362 has been lifted as to a case in the Probate Courts, Counsel shall promptly notify the Court so that the affected cases may be restored to the active docket or dismissed as may be appropriate.
Civil cases
Page 7 | 2.08 Conclusion of Bankruptcy
Counsel must notify the Clerk of any change to counsel’s address, telephone number, fax number, or email address.
Counsel shall notify the Clerk of any change in address, telephone number, fax number or email address.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 4.01 Attorney Addresses
Counsel must alert the Court as soon as practicable when a party, witness, or interested person has a specified language or disability-related need so that appropriate accommodations can be made.
(a) Counsel shall alert the Court as soon as practicable if a party, witness or interested person is not fluent in English or has a speech-related or hearing-related disability so that appropriate accommodation can be made, including accommodations in the appointment of a court investigator, court visitor, attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem.
Civil cases
Page 13 | 5.02 Interpreters; Accommodations for Persons Not Fluent in English or with Special Needs
Counsel, including self-represented litigants, must not communicate privately with the Court about the merits of a contested proceeding except during hearings or trial, through pleadings filed and served on all parties, when all parties are present, with absent parties' consent, or as authorized by rule or law.
The Canons of Judicial Conduct do not permit a judge to permit or consider improper ex parte or other private communications concerning the merits of a contested judicial proceeding. Accordingly, Counsel (including self-represented litigants) in contested proceedings shall not communicate with the Court in person, in writing, or otherwise regarding the merits of a contested proceeding, except (1) during hearings or trial, (2) through Pleadings filed with the Clerk and served on all other parties, (3) when all parties are present, (4) with the consent of parties not present, or (5) as otherwise authorized by rule or law.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 4.05 Self-Represented Litigants
Self-represented litigants must provide current mailing, telephone, and email contact information where Court personnel and opposing counsel can reach them.
Self- represented litigants are required to provide their current address, telephone numbers and email addresses at which they can be reached by Court personnel and opposing Counsel.
Civil cases
Page 14 | 4.05 Self-Represented Litigants
If a Defendant does not announce by 10:30 A.M. on the Friday before trial week, the Court may deem the Defendant ready and proceed with testimony without the Defendant or counsel present.
If one or more Defendants do not make an announcement by 10:30 A.M. on Friday preceding the week in which the case is set for trial, the Court may deem said Defendant(s) to be ready and may proceed with the taking of testimony, with or without the presence of said Defendant or Defendants or their respective counsel.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL
If the Plaintiff does not announce by 10:30 A.M. on the Friday before the trial week, the Court may dismiss the case for want of prosecution.
If Plaintiff does not make an announcement by 10:30 A.M. on Friday preceding the week in which the case is set for trial, the Court may dismiss the case for want of prosecution.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL
A ready announcement continues throughout the trial week unless qualified when made or later by prompt advice to the Clerk.
An announcement of "ready" shall be taken as continuing throughout the week in which the case is set for trial except to the extent that such announcement is qualified when it is made or later by prompt advice to the Clerk.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL
Telephone notice to counsel's office or another number counsel provides to the Court Administrator is deemed actual notice that the case has been called for trial.
Telephone notice to counsel's office or such other telephone number as counsel may provide to the Court Administrator will be deemed actual notice that a case is called for trial.
Page 12 | 3.05. COUNSEL TO BE AVAILABLE
Lawyers must stand at counsel table when addressing the Judge and remain at counsel table while interrogating witnesses, except as needed to handle or display evidence as the Court permits.
In addressing the Judge, lawyers shall at all times rise and remain standing to address the Judge from their position at the counsel table. They shall remain at counsel table while interrogating witnesses, except as may be necessary to handle or display exhibits or other appropriate evidence, as permitted by the Court.
Page 20 | 5. CONDUCT REQUIRED OF COURT OFFICERS
Lawyers must not lean on the bench or engage the Judge confidentially unless the Judge permits or requests it.
Lawyers shall never lean on the bench or engage the Judge in a confidential manner, except by permission or at the request of the Judge.
Page 20 | 5. CONDUCT REQUIRED OF COURT OFFICERS
Counsel must not invite clients or witnesses into the court clerk’s office or Chambers unless directed by the Judge.
Counsel shall refrain from inviting clients and witnesses into the court clerk's office and the Chambers except upon the direction of the Judge.
Page 20 | 5. CONDUCT REQUIRED OF COURT OFFICERS
Counsel are admonished to follow disciplinary rules concerning trial testimony and discussions of case facts or law with the Court outside the courtroom and without opposing counsel present; the Court may enforce those rules.
All counsel are admonished to respect the letter and spirit of all Disciplinary Rules including particularly those dealing with testimony by counsel participating in the trial and discussion of the facts or law of the case with the Court outside of the courtroom and not in the presence of opposing counsel, the Court may enforce the same by appropriate action.
Page 20 | 5. CONDUCT REQUIRED OF COURT OFFICERS
The trial attorney should refrain from interrupting the Court or opposing counsel until the statement being made is fully completed, except when necessary to protect his client's rights on the record, and should
The trial attorney should refrain from interrupting the Court or opposing counsel until the statement being made is fully completed, except when necessary to protect his client's rights on the record, and should
Page 20 | 5. CONDUCT REQUIRED OF COURT OFFICERS
Counsel must address the Judge respectfully, properly, and impersonally at all times.
The Judge shall be respectfully and properly addressed at all times; and counsel shall be impersonal in addressing the Judge.
Page 20 | 5. CONDUCT REQUIRED OF COURT OFFICERS
The lawyer commits to notifying opposing counsel, and when appropriate the Court or others, as soon as practicable when a hearing, deposition, meeting, conference, or closing is canceled.
I will notify opposing counsel, and, if appropriate, the Court or other persons, as soon as practicable, when hearings, depositions, meetings, conferences or closings are canceled.
Page 23 | III. LAWYER TO LAWYER
The lawyer commits not to seek an unfair advantage by sending correspondence or copies of correspondence to the Court or its staff.
I will not attempt to gain an unfair advantage by sending the Court or its staff correspondence or copies of correspondence.
Page 24 | III. LAWYER TO LAWYER
If the case remains unassigned or unfiled, the defendant must telephone the county clerk’s office weekly to check its status.
If the case is still not assigned to a court or filed, the defendant shall be directed to telephone the county clerk’s office once a week to determine if the case has been assigned to a court or filed.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | INITIAL SETTING
A participant must alert the court if they or another participant has the listed symptoms or has been in close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
Pursuant to Emergency Order of the Texas Supreme Court, any participant in a proceeding is required to alert the court if the participant has, or knows of another participant who has: (i) COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms, or a fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea; or (ii) been in close contact with a person who is confirmed to have COVID-19.
Page 1 | Health Safety Guidelines
For inclement weather or other changes, call Court Coordinator Seth at (214) 653-6581.
In case of inclement weather or other changes, call our court coordinator Seth at (214) 653- 6581.
Page 1 | Court Closure & Docket Changes
The Court requests that parties contact the clerks as far in advance as possible to cancel a hearing and cautions that a reset may not be immediate because the motion docket is often booked several weeks ahead.
Out of courtesy for the Court and the clerks, we request that you contact the clerks for cancellations as far in advance as possible. In addition, the Court’s motion docket tends to be booked several weeks in advanced, so if you cancel a hearing, please do not expect to get an immediate reset.
Page 3 | Motion and Hearings
The Court does not conduct hearings by phone.
This court does not hold hearings by phone.
Page 3 | Motion and Hearings
Smaller motions are heard Wednesdays and larger motions Fridays at 9:30 a.m.; contact the clerks by phone at (214) 653-7556 to set a hearing.
The Court hears smaller motions on Wednesdays and larger motions on Fridays, both beginning at 9:30 am. To set a hearing, please contact the clerks at (214) 653-7556.
Page 3 | Motion and Hearings
A Judge who takes emergency action must notify the Clerk at the earliest convenient and practical time.
Any Judge taking such emergency action shall notify the Clerk at the earliest convenient and practical time.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 2.03 Filing with the Court in Emergency
A party may request a telephone hearing or telephone participation for a short hearing that requires no evidence; the requesting party should make the request in writing to the Court and notify all other parties.
Any party may request that a short hearing, not requiring the introduction of evidence, be conducted by telephone conference call or that the party be allowed to participate in the hearing by telephone. The requesting party should make the request in writing to the Court with notice to all other parties.
Civil cases
Page 11 | 3.06 Hearings Conducted by Telephone
A notice or communication sent to an attorney’s contact information on the Clerk’s records is deemed received unless it is returned, the fax line is disconnected, or an undeliverable email is received.
Any notice or communication directed to an attorney's address, fax number or email address indicated in the records of the Clerk will be deemed received unless the communication is returned, the fax line is disconnected or an "undeliverable" e-mail message is received.
Civil cases
Page 12 | 4.01 Attorney Addresses
Any unqualified announcement of "ready" or "ready subject to" another Court engagement may be made to the Court Administrator in person or by telephone.
Any unqualified announcement of "ready" or "ready subject to" another Court engagement may be made to the Court Administrator in person or by telephone.
Page 11 | 3.02. ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR TRIAL