Judge Tiffany Leigh Haertling
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibit List
Exhibit List, Premarked Exhibits
- When Hearing Called Unless Scheduling Order States Otherwise
Petition Application, Supporting Affidavit, Certificate Of Ex Parte Relief, Proposed Order
Witness List
Communication
Clerk
Chambers
Page & Word Limits2 rules
The trial summary should be limited to one page if possible.
This summary is intended to be an aid for the Judge and staff and should be limited to one page if possible.
Trial Summary
1 pages
The trial summary should be limited to one page if possible.
This summary is intended to be an aid for the Judge and staff and should be limited to one page if possible.
Trial Summary
1 pages
Document Format Requirements14 rules
Leave the date line blank, and obtain a judge’s signature for documents using “order” or “shall” language.
Please use a blank line for the date. Reminder that ‘order’ and ‘shall’ language require a judge’s signature.
The proposed jury charge must be submitted in Word format in the same form as it would be presented to the jury.
The jury charge must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as it would be presented to the jury.
DOCX
Premarked exhibits must be submitted to the court reporter on USB and by email under the county evidence order, with hard copies provided for the judge and witness stand.
All pre-marked for identification exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter on a USB drive AND by email. THE EXHIBITS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DENTON COUNTY STANDING ORDER REGARDING EVIDENCE. ADDITIONALLY, hard copies must be provided for the Judge and the witness stand.
A proposed order on a motion in limine or another pretrial motion must be submitted in Word format using the form on the court's website.
The proposed Order on Motion in Limine, etc. must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as located on the Court’s Website at 442nd District Court.
DOCX
The language of the court-created CPS Scheduling Order is fixed and cannot be edited.
5. The Court has created a CPS Scheduling Order. It is required for ALL CPS cases. It will be entered at the Status hearing. No other language is permitted to be edited.
Each attorney ad litem selfie must be date-and-time stamped using DateStamper on iPhones or PhotoStamp Camera Free on Android devices.
The Court further requires that the selfie is date and time stamped using the DateStamper app for iPhones and the PhotoStamp Camera Free app for Androids.
Proper courtroom attire is required for an in-person divorce prove-up appearance.
NOTE that proper Courtroom attire is REQUIRED.
Premarked exhibits must be submitted to the court reporter by both USB drive and email, comply with the county evidence standing order, and include hard copies for the judge and witness stand.
c. All pre-marked for identification exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter on a USB drive AND by email. THE EXHIBITS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DENTON COUNTY STANDING ORDER REGARDING EVIDENCE. ADDITIONALLY, hard copies must be provided for the Judge and the witness stand.
A proposed order for each motion in limine or other pretrial motion must be submitted in Word using the form on the court's website.
c. The proposed Order on Motion in Limine or other proposed orders on pre- trial motions. The proposed Order on Motion in Limine, etc. must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as located on the Court’s Website at 442nd District Court.
DOCX
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted in Word in the form presented to the jury, cite authority at the end of each question or instruction, and omit judicial signature blocks.
b. The proposed jury instructions and issues. The jury charge must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as it would be presented to the jury. However, please cite your authority or source at the end of each question or instruction. Please do not include signature blocks for the Judge to grant, deny or modify any requested definition, instruction or question.
DOCX
A proposed order for a motion in limine or another pretrial motion must be submitted in Word format matching the court website form.
The proposed Order on Motion in Limine, etc. must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as located on the Court’s Website at 442nd District Court.
Premarked exhibits must be submitted to the court reporter on a USB drive and by email under the Denton County evidence standing order, with hard copies also provided to the judge and witness stand.
All pre-marked for identification exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter on a USB drive AND by email. THE EXHIBITS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DENTON COUNTY STANDING ORDER REGARDING EVIDENCE. ADDITIONALLY, hard copies must be provided for the Judge and the witness stand.
The proposed jury charge must be submitted in Word format in the form presented to the jury, cite authority for each question or instruction, and omit judicial signature blocks.
The jury charge must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as it would be presented to the jury. However, please cite your authority or source at the end of each question or instruction. Please do not include signature blocks for the Judge to grant, deny or modify any requested definition, instruction or question.
The court reporter's USB and the judge's and witness stand's exhibit binders may be brought to the pretrial conference if all counsel have received copies.
*Exception: The USB for the Court Reporter and Exhibit Binders for the Judge and Witness Stand may be brought to the pre-trial conference as long as all counsel have received a copy.
Document Filing Requirements50 rules
Any notice requiring a signature must identify Judge/Court Administrator in its signature block.
If a notice will require a signature, please use Judge/Court Administrator in the signature block.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Pleadings must use each child’s full name in both the case style and body, not the child’s initials.
Do not use children’s initials in pleadings. Use children’s full names in the style of the case and in the body of the pleadings. The Family Code requires that children’s names be used.
Document Type
Pleading
Pleadings must use each party’s full name in both the case style and body, not the party’s initials.
Do not use parties’ initials in pleadings. Use each party’s full name in the style of the case and in the body of the pleadings. The Family Code requires that parties’ names be used.
Document Type
Pleading
A motion must be filed before hearing dates can be obtained.
(note, you must have a motion in order to obtain hearing dates).
Document Type
Motion
After the Court Administrator confirms a hearing date, electronically file a notice of hearing or order to appear with the date and time completed.
For a Hearing: your notice of hearing or order to appear with the date and time filled in.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
After a final trial is set, file a notice of hearing or order to appear with the date and time completed and the court’s applicable Scheduling Order with every deadline entered as an actual date; no other Scheduling Order is accepted.
For a Final Trial: your notice of hearing or order to appear with the date and time filled in AND the court’s applicable Scheduling Order located on the Court’s website with all deadlines filled in with actual dates (do not write per TRCP). No other Scheduling Order will be accepted.
Document Type
Scheduling Order
After a jury trial is set, use the court’s applicable Scheduling Order from the court’s website with all deadlines entered as actual dates; no other Scheduling Order is accepted.
For a Jury Trial: the court’s applicable Scheduling Order located on the Court’s website with all deadlines filled in with actual dates (do not write per TRCP). No other Scheduling Order will be accepted
Document Type
Scheduling Order
Submit pre-marked identification exhibits to the Court Reporter on a USB drive, serve all other parties under the Denton County Local Rules, and provide hard copies for the Judge and witness stand.
All pre-marked for identification exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter on a USB drive (and served upon all other parties in accordance with the Denton County Local Rules) AND hard copies must be provided for the Judge and the witness stand.
Document Type
Premarked Exhibits
Submit the completed Exhibit List from the court’s website for every hearing.
The completed Exhibit List located on the Court’s website must be submitted for each and every hearing.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Submit the completed Witness List from the court’s website for every hearing.
The completed Witness List located on the Court’s website must be submitted for each and every hearing.
Document Type
Witness List
The parties must exchange inventories and appraisements before the final hearing in original divorce proceedings and provide copies to the judge at the final hearing.
The Court requires Inventories and Appraisements be exchanged between the parties prior to final hearings in original divorce proceedings. In addition, she requires copies be provided to her at the time of the final hearing.
Document Type
Inventories And Appraisements
After mediation is completed, a letter notifying the court of whether the case was settled, partially settled, or at impasse must be filed.
Once mediation has been completed, please file a letter notifying the Court of the outcome (settled, partially settled, impasse).
Document Type
Letter
A Summary of Requested Relief is required, with additional copies provided to opposing counsel or the self-represented litigant and the Court Reporter at the hearing or final trial.
The Court requires a Summary of Requested Relief be provided and additional copies given to opposing counsel or self-represented litigant and the Court Reporter at the time of the hearing or final trial.
Document Type
Summary Of Requested Relief
The Court Administrator's specific instructions must be attached to the notice of hearing, and the notice will be rejected if they are omitted.
The Court Administrator will respond with confirmation of the setting and the Court’s instructions which are required to be attached to the notice of hearing. If the specific instructions are not attached to the notice, the notice will be rejected.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
A proposed order for a DCAP mediation must include the completed Exhibit A for each party or it will be rejected.
If they are not, the proposed order will be rejected.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Uncontested tax suits are accepted only by submission, and the submission must include a proposed order and a statement of evidence.
Accepted by submission only. Please submit proposed order and statement of evidence.
Document Type
Tax Suit Submission
Each party must provide the completed Witness List from the court's website.
A completed Witness List. The completed Witness List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court.
Document Type
Witness List
Each party must provide a concise trial summary identifying each cause of action or defense, its elements, and an applicable damages standard.
A concise trial summary as follows: State each separate cause of action and/or defense; each element of each cause of action and/or defense; if appropriate, a precise legal standard for measure of damages. Please be as brief and concise as possible. This summary is intended to be an aid for the Judge and staff and should be limited to one page if possible. No formal headings or styles are required. Reference to case law and statute may be included.
Document Type
Trial Summary
Parties must submit proposed jury instructions and issues in the form presented to the jury, cite authority for each question or instruction, omit judicial signature blocks, and follow the current rules and pattern charges.
The proposed jury instructions and issues. The jury charge must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as it would be presented to the jury. However, please cite your authority or source at the end of each question or instruction. Please do not include signature blocks for the Judge to grant, deny or modify any requested definition, instruction or question. The proposed charge should follow the current edition of the TEXAS RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE and the applicable TEXAS PATTERN JURY CHARGES.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Each party must provide the proposed order on a motion in limine or another pretrial motion.
The proposed Order on Motion in Limine or other proposed orders on pre-trial motions.
Document Type
Proposed Order
The quote identifies all documentary evidence and exhibits and refers users to the Exhibit List on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court.
All documentary evidence and exhibits. The Exhibit List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Affidavits, deposition excerpts, and all supporting evidence must be filed with the expert challenge.
Affidavits, deposition excerpts and all evidence for the prima facie challenge to an expert or expert testimony must be filed with the challenge.
Document Type
Expert Witness Challenge
A court-created CPS Scheduling Order is mandatory in every CPS case, will be entered at the status hearing, and may not be edited.
5. The Court has created a CPS Scheduling Order. It is required for ALL CPS cases. It will be entered at the Status hearing. No other language is permitted to be edited.
Document Type
Cps Scheduling Order
Attorney ad litem selfies must be taken with the child or children during each visit.
In an effort to ensure that the statutes governing Attorney Ad Litem Appointments are being followed, the 442nd District Court requires that selfies are taken with the child(ren) at each visit.
Document Type
Attorney Ad Litem Selfie
ADAs must provide all counsel with Proposed Orders for statutory hearings, with the next hearing date filled in, no later than the Monday before the hearing.
1. ADAs shall provide the Proposed Orders for statutory hearings to ALL Counsel no later than the Monday before the hearing with the date of the next hearing filled in.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Beginning on the 61st day after the original divorce petition is filed, the Respondent’s waiver or answer, prove-up affidavit, and completed agreed final decree must be filed.
On the 61st day after filing the original petition for divorce or any time thereafter, please file the waiver or answer for the Respondent, the prove up affidavit, and the completed agreed final decree of divorce.
Document Type
Respondent Waiver Or Answer Prove Up Affidavit And Agreed Final Decree
For a child’s name change, both parents must sign the verified petition and order or decree, and a signed consent of the child is required when the child is over 10.
Children: File the completed verified Petition signed by BOTH parents. File the signed Consent of the Child if the child is over the age of 10 years old. File a separate completed Order/Decree signed by BOTH parents.
Document Type
Child Name Change Petition Consent And Order Decree
For an adult name change, the completed verified petition with an attached fingerprint card must be filed with the District Clerk, followed by a separate completed order or decree.
Adult: File the completed verified Petition with attached fingerprint card with the District Clerk and file a separate completed Order/Decree.
Document Type
Adult Name Change Petition And Order Decree
A litigant in a default divorce must appear for the prove-up, either on the designated Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. or at a scheduled setting obtained by email.
In default divorces, appearance for a prove up is required. You may appear on the designated Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. in the courtroom or you may email the Court Administrator to receive a scheduled setting for a default prove up.
Document Type
Default Prove Up Appearance
For an agreed divorce, the Respondent’s Answer or Waiver of Service must be on file if citation and the petition are not being served legally.
In agreed divorces, there must be an Answer or Waiver of Service on file for the Respondent if you will not be legally serving them with citation and the petition.
Document Type
Respondent Answer Or Waiver Of Service
All documentary evidence and exhibits, together with the court's Exhibit List, must be submitted before the pretrial conference.
b. All documentary evidence and exhibits. The Exhibit List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court.
Document Type
Exhibit List
The required concise trial summary must identify each cause of action or defense, its elements, and, when appropriate, the legal standard for measuring damages.
a. A concise trial summary as follows: State each separate cause of action and/or defense; each element of each cause of action and/or defense; if appropriate, a precise legal standard for measure of damages.
Document Type
Trial Summary
The proposed pretrial order must be submitted as a separate document from the motion already on file.
Note that this is a separate document from the motion, which should already be on file.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A completed Witness List obtained from the court's website must be submitted before the pretrial conference.
a. A completed Witness List. The completed Witness List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court.
Document Type
Witness List
The proposed jury charge must follow the current Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and applicable Texas Pattern Jury Charges.
The proposed charge should follow the current edition of the TEXAS RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE and the applicable TEXAS PATTERN JURY CHARGES.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
Each party must present the proposed parenting plan to the judge as an exhibit at trial.
Each party shall present their proposed parenting plan to the Judge as an exhibit at trial.
Document Type
Proposed Parenting Plan
Each party's sworn inventory and proposed property division must be presented to the judge as a trial exhibit, with the date at least 30 days before mediation.
Each party shall present their sworn inventory and proposed property division to the Judge as an exhibit at trial. This date must be at least 30 days prior to mediation.
Document Type
Sworn Inventory
In the specified family cases, all parties must attend an approved parent education and family stabilization course and file proof of attendance within 30 days after the order.
If this is a contested divorce with children, suit affecting the parent child relationship or suit to modify the parent child relationship, all parties shall attend an approved parent education and family stabilization course pursuant to the Denton County Standing Orders and file proof of attendance within 30 days from the date of this order.
Document Type
Proof Of Attendance
Each party must provide a separate proposed order for each pretrial motion in Word format using the form posted on the court’s website.
The proposed Order on Motion in Limine or other proposed orders on pre-trial motions. The proposed Order on Motion in Limine, etc. must be submitted in Word format in exactly the same form as located on the Court’s Website at 442nd District Court. Note that this is a separate document from the motion, which should already be on file.
Document Type
Pretrial Motion
Each party must provide all documentary evidence and exhibits, together with the court’s exhibit list, for the pretrial conference.
All documentary evidence and exhibits. The Exhibit List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court.
Document Type
Pretrial Exhibits
Each party must provide a completed witness list for the pretrial conference.
A completed Witness List.
Document Type
Witness List
Each party must provide proposed jury instructions and issues for the pretrial conference.
The proposed jury instructions and issues.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
Attorneys must execute and file a DCAP Order for Mediation contemporaneously with the scheduling order.
IT IS ORDERED that a DCAP Order for Mediation shall be timely executed and filed by the attorneys contemporaneously with this scheduling order.
Document Type
Order For Mediation
The filer must certify the applicable ex parte relief circumstances, including opposition-counsel contact attempts and the resulting notice or inability to confer when applicable.
“I, the undersigned attorney or party, hereby certify and represent to the Court that: _______To the best of my knowledge, no attorney is representing the opposing party in this matter at this time and no attorney has contacted me regarding the representation of the opposing party prior to filing this request for ex parte relief; OR, ______Prior to presenting this request for ex parte relief to the Court for approval, I contacted all attorneys of record and/or all attorneys that have contacted me as to their representation of the opposing party, transmitted a copy of the pleadings and proposed order of the requested ex parte relief, and notified them that I would be presenting this requested ex parte relief to the Court BY SUBMISSION and upon the Court's availability, request that the Court provide a date and time certain for appearance on same; AND, ____ After conferring with no attorney of record wishes to be heard prior to the presentment of this request for ex parte relief; or, ____ After conferring with , no agreement could be reached as to this request for ex parte relief, and such counsel or party stated that they wished to be heard/present when I SUBMITTED the ex parte relief to the 442nd Judicial District Court and/or they wished to be heard on this matter prior to the Court signing any order for ex parte relief; Such counsel or party is therefore included on the email to the Court Administrator; or, ____ I was unable to confer with opposing counsel, and left a message with _________, an individual in the office of opposing counsel, on (date) _____________ at (time) _________ and informed him or her that I would SUBMIT the request for ex parte relief to the 442nd Judicial District Court and they should RESPOND by that time if they wished to be heard on this matter prior to the Court signing any order for ex parte relief. Such counsel or party is therefore included on the email to the Court Administrator. Describe contact with individual in law office including phone and email contact: ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________; or, ____ After diligent attempts, I was unable to confer with opposing counsel and was further unable to leave a message with any individual in the office of opposing counsel regarding the presentment of this request for ex parte relief. Such counsel or party is therefore included on the email to the Court Administrator. Describe efforts to contact: ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
Document Type
Certificate For Ex Parte Relief
The certificate must be dated and signed by the attorney for the petitioner or respondent, as applicable.
SIGNED on __________________, 202__. __________________________________________ Attorney for (strike one) Petitioner/Respondent
Document Type
Certificate For Ex Parte Relief
The proposed Agreed Order Granting Motion for Continuance must include a blank for the reset date.
Please include a blank for the reset date.
Document Type
Proposed Order
If the litigant cannot determine how to e-file or prepare the prove-up affidavit, the litigant may appear in person on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. with the completed agreed final decree.
Only if you are unable to determine how to e-file or where to find or how to prepare a prove up affidavit may you appear with your completed agreed final decree of divorce on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. in the courtroom to prove up the divorce in person in front of the Judge.
Document Type
Agreed Final Decree
The exhibit list and pre-marked exhibits must be submitted in accordance with the identified standing order, scheduling order, and/or practice tips.
Please submit the list and the pre-marked exhibits according to the Denton County Standing Order Re Evidence, the Court's Scheduling Order and/or the 442nd Court's Practice Tips.
Document Type
Exhibit List
A Summary of Requested Relief for Final Trial must be included.
*Do not forget your Summary of Requested Relief for Final Trial*
Document Type
Summary Of Requested Relief For Final Trial
A self-represented litigant must independently research how to prepare the prove-up affidavit and final divorce decree.
Please conduct your own legal research on how to prepare a prove up affidavit and final decree of divorce.
Document Type
Prove Up Affidavit And Final Decree
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
For an agreed continuance in a case younger than 18 months, a proposed Agreed Order Granting Motion for Continuance must be e-filed as a separate lead document.
If a Motion for Continuance is agreed for a case younger than 18 months, please also e-file a proposed Agreed Order Granting Motion for Continuance as its own separate lead document.
Page 2 | Continuances
After setting a hearing, counsel must electronically file the notice of hearing and proposed order as separate lead documents.
Once you follow the Court’s requirement to set a hearing, please make sure that you e-file notices of hearing and proposed orders as their own separate lead documents.
Page 4 | Filing Pleadings, Motions, Notices, Proposed Orders
The required Scheduling Order must be completed, signed, and electronically filed after the jury trial has been set with the Court Administrator.
The Court’s required Scheduling Order must be completed, signed and e-filed once the jury trial has been set with the Court Administrator.
Page 5
All prove-up documents must be e-filed as separate lead documents.
Please be sure to e-file all documents as their own separate lead documents.
Page 8 | Prove-Ups
An attorney ad litem must email their child selfie to the court administrator, copying all counsel, the caseworker, and CASA, by 3 p.m. on the day before the hearing.
Attorney Ad Litem shall email to the court admin with ALL counsel, caseworker and CASA included on the email their selfie with the child according to the Court’s selfie requirement no later than 3 p.m. the day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | For Attorney Ad Litems on ALL statutory hearings
The petition or application, supporting affidavit, certificate of ex parte relief, and proposed order must be e-filed, and file-marked copies of the first three documents must be received.
please make sure that the documents: 1. petition/application, 2. supporting affidavit, 3. certificate of ex parte relief, and 4. proposed order have been e-filed AND that you have received the file-marked-documents back for items 1-3 back.
Page 1 | requirements, regarding an emergency TRO, TEXPO or Writ
The proposed order must be e-filed as its own separate lead document so that it enters the court’s e-filing queue without delay.
Take extra care that the proposed order has been e-filed as its own separate lead document so that it comes to the Court’s e-filing queue and we do not have to wait on it.
Page 1 | requirements, regarding an emergency TRO, TEXPO or Writ
The divorce finalization documents may be filed electronically or in person with the District Clerk.
If you e-file the documents, please make sure they are e-filed as their own separate lead documents. You are also welcome to file them in person with the District Clerk.
Page 1 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The steps and deadlines stated in the Notice of Dismissal Setting must be followed for the case to avoid dismissal at the hearing.
The Notice of Dismissal Setting contains specific steps, and deadlines for those steps, that must be taken in order for the case not to be dismissed at the time of the hearing.
Page 3 | Court’s Dismissal Hearing
The Court Administrator cannot provide hearing dates until the pleading appears on the Court’s system.
The Court Administrator is unable to provide dates until a pleading appears on the Court’s system.
Page 4 | Filing Pleadings, Motions, Notices, Proposed Orders
A Scheduling Order filed electronically before the case is set for trial will be rejected.
If the scheduling order is e-filed before the case has been set for trial with the Court Administrator, the scheduling order will be rejected.
Page 5
Motions for summary judgment must be both filed and heard at least 30 days before the final trial.
Please note that Motions for Summary Judgment must be filed AND heard 30 days prior to final trial.
Page 8 | Motions for Summary Judgment
The witness list, exhibit list, documentary evidence, and premarked exhibits must be provided to the court reporter and served on all other parties by 3 p.m. on the day before the pretrial conference.
Each party is directed to produce the following to the Court Reporter Deana Scobee at Deana.Scobee@dentoncounty.gov (and served upon all other parties) no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the Pre-Trial Conference: a. A completed Witness List. The completed Witness List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court. Civil Scheduling Order and Discovery Control Plan Page 1 ===== PAGE 2 ===== b. All documentary evidence and exhibits. The Exhibit List located on the Court’s website at 442nd District Court. c. All pre-marked for identification exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter on a USB drive AND by email. THE EXHIBITS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DENTON COUNTY STANDING ORDER REGARDING EVIDENCE. ADDITIONALLY, hard copies must be provided for the Judge and the witness stand. Please be prepared to consider stipulations as to the authenticity and admissibility of exhibits with the judge. *Exception: The USB for the Court Reporter and Exhibit Binders for the Judge and Witness Stand may be brought to the pre-trial conference as long as all counsel have received a copy.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
All pretrial motions must be filed ten days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at that conference.
All Pre-Trial motions (Motions in Limine, etc.) shall be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at the formal pretrial conference.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
The trial summary, proposed jury instructions and issues, and proposed pretrial orders must be provided to the court administrator and served on all other parties by 3 p.m. on the day before the pretrial conference.
Each party is directed to produce the following to the Court Administrator Ali Hayslip at Ali.Hayslip@dentoncounty.gov (and served upon all other parties) no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the Pre-Trial Conference:
Page 2 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
If the case is not reached for trial on its scheduled date, the existing deadlines are not extended without court approval and a new scheduling order.
In that event, these deadlines will NOT be extended without approval by the Court and entry of a new scheduling order.
Page 3 | Discovery Deadline and Limitations
The attorney or party filing an expert challenge must obtain a timely court-coordinator setting at least 60 days before trial.
and heard prior to this date. The attorney or party filing the challenge is obligated to obtain a timely setting through the court coordinator pursuant to the local rules. This date must be at least 60 days prior to the trial date.
Page 3 | Expert Witness Challenges
All pleading amendments and supplements must be filed by the scheduling-order deadline unless modified by Rule 11 agreement.
All amendments and supplements to pleadings must be filed by this date unless modified by Rule 11 agreement.
Page 3 | Amending Pleadings
All discovery must be completed by the scheduling-order deadline unless modified by Rule 11 agreement.
All discovery must be completed by this date unless modified by Rule 11 agreement.
Page 3 | Discovery Deadline and Limitations
The attorney ad litem’s selfie email is due no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the hearing.
Attorney Ad Litem shall email to the court admin with ALL counsel, caseworker and CASA included on the email their selfie with the child according to the Court’s selfie requirement no later than 3 p.m. the day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | For Attorney Ad Litems on ALL statutory hearings
The divorce finalization documents may be filed beginning 61 days after filing the original petition.
On the 61st day after filing the original petition for divorce or any time thereafter, please file the waiver or answer for the Respondent, the prove up affidavit, and the completed agreed final decree of divorce.
Page 1 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
All pretrial motions must be filed ten days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at that conference.
All Pre-Trial motions (Motions in Limine, etc.) shall be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at the formal pretrial conference.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
All pretrial motions must be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at that conference.
All Pre-Trial motions (Motions in Limine, etc.) shall be filed 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at the formal pretrial conference.
Page 2 | PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
An email about a motion should be sent only after the file-marked motion is returned from the District Clerk.
Please note that only once the file-marked motion is received back from the District Clerks should an email be sent.
Page 2 | Communication with Court Administrator/Judge
An agreed order may be removed from the Court’s Entry Docket only after it is received in the e-file queue.
Only once the agreed order is received in the e-file queue, may it be removed from the Court’s Entry Docket.
Page 3 | Court’s Entry Docket
The courtesy email must be sent after the proposed order is received in the court’s queue.
That is when you will need to send your courtesy email.
Page 1 | requirements, regarding an emergency TRO, TEXPO or Writ
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Emails to the Court Administrator must copy all opposing counsel or self-represented litigants who have appeared or whom a certificate indicates should receive the email.
When sending an email, please be sure to carbon copy or CC all opposing counsel or self-represented litigants on the email if they have made an appearance in the case or a certificate otherwise warrants it.
Page 1 | Communication with Court Administrator/Judge
Pre-marked identification exhibits must be served on all other parties in accordance with the Denton County Local Rules.
All pre-marked for identification exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter on a USB drive (and served upon all other parties in accordance with the Denton County Local Rules) AND hard copies must be provided for the Judge and the witness stand.
Page 6 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
Discovery must be served sufficiently early to permit the other party to serve a timely response by the discovery deadline.
Parties must serve discovery in sufficient time to allow for a timely response to be served by the other party under the TEXAS RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE no later than this deadline.
Page 3 | Discovery Deadline and Limitations
In a default or contested divorce without an Answer or Waiver, the other party must be legally served under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
In default divorces or contested divorces without an Answer/Waiver, the other party must be legally served according to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
A final trial cannot be set until the Respondent has been legally served or has filed an Answer or Waiver of Service and the return of service or Answer/Waiver appears in the case file.
Please note that a Final Trial CANNOT be set until the Respondent has been legally served (or has filed an Answer/Waiver of Service) AND that return of service or Answer/Waiver has appeared in the case file.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
Each party must provide the listed witness and exhibit materials to the court reporter and serve them on all other parties by 3 p.m. on the day before the pretrial conference.
Each party is directed to produce the following to the Court Reporter Deana Scobee at Deana.Scobee@dentoncounty.gov (and served upon all other parties) no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the Pre-Trial Conference:
Page 1 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
Each party must provide and serve the listed trial summary, proposed jury instructions, and proposed pretrial orders by 3 p.m. on the day before the pretrial conference.
Each party is directed to produce the following to the Court Administrator Ali Hayslip at Ali.Hayslip@dentoncounty.gov (and served upon all other parties) no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the Pre-Trial Conference:
Page 2 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
Each party must serve the other party with a sworn inventory describing and valuing all property and debts and proposing their division.
In contested divorce cases, each party shall serve the other party with a sworn inventory setting forth a description and value of all property (real or personal, community and separate) owned or claimed by the parties, a list of all debts (stating the creditor and amount) owed by the parties, and a proposed division of all property and debts.
Page 3 | 5. SWORN INVENTORY AND PROPOSED PROPERTY DIVISION
In contested conservatorship cases, each party must serve the other party with a proposed parenting plan containing the required Family Code §153.601(4) provisions.
In contested conservatorship cases, each party shall serve the other party with a proposed parenting plan that includes the provisions in Family Code §153.601(4).
Page 3 | 6. PROPOSED PARENTING PLAN
Proposed jury instructions and proposed pretrial orders must be provided to the court administrator and served on all other parties by 3 p.m. on the day before the pretrial conference.
Each party is directed to produce the following to the Court Administrator Ali Hayslip at Ali.Hayslip@dentoncounty.gov (and served upon all other parties) no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the Pre-Trial Conference:
Page 2 | PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
Witness lists and pretrial exhibits must be provided to the court reporter and served on all other parties by 3 p.m. on the day before the pretrial conference.
Each party is directed to produce the following to the Court Reporter Deana Scobee at Deana.Scobee@dentoncounty.gov (and served upon all other parties) no later than 3 p.m. on the day before the Pre-Trial Conference:
Page 2 | PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
The Court may set a dismissal docket, mails the dismissal-setting notice by first-class mail to attorneys of record and self-represented litigants, and also files the notice in the case file.
The Court sets dismissal dockets at its discretion. Notices of Dismissal Setting are mailed by first class mail to the addresses for the attorneys of record and/or self-represented litigants on file. The Notice is also filed in the case file.
Page 3 | Court’s Dismissal Hearing
If both parents do not agree to a child’s name change, citation service and a scheduled hearing may be required.
Please be advised that if both parents do not agree to the name change, service of citation and a scheduled hearing may be required.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a name change-
The signing attorneys or parties must provide a copy of the scheduling order to all joined parties and attorneys who later enter an appearance.
The attorneys or parties signing below are responsible for providing a copy of this Order to all parties joined and/or attorneys that enter appearance after this date.
Page 3 | 10. PARENT EDUCATION AND FAMILY STABILIZATION
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Provide copies of the Exhibit List to the opposing counsel or self-represented litigant, the Court Reporter, and the Judge.
Copies for the opposing counsel or self-represented litigant, the Court Reporter and the Judge must be provided.
Page 6 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
Do not provide court copies of the exhibit materials until the hearing is called unless the Scheduling Order states otherwise.
Please note that the copies for the Court should not be provided until the time the hearing is called unless noted otherwise in the scheduling order.
Page 6 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
The opposing party or opposing counsel should be copied on the courtesy email only if they have appeared in the case or the certificate of ex parte relief directs inclusion.
copy in/include/Cc the opposing party or opposing counsel only if they have made an appearance in the case whether through an attorney, by self-representation, or your certificate of ex parte relief otherwise dictates that you should include them on the email.
Page 1 | requirements, regarding an emergency TRO, TEXPO or Writ
A courtesy copy by email must be provided for the petition or application, supporting affidavit, certificate of ex parte relief, and proposed order.
please provide a courtesy copy by email of: 1. the petition/application, 2. supporting affidavit, 3. certificate of ex parte relief, and 4. proposed order;
Page 1 | requirements, regarding an emergency TRO, TEXPO or Writ
Providing a courtesy copy of the Witness List for the Bailiff is appreciated.
A courtesy copy for the Bailiff is also appreciated.
Page 6 | Witness List
Filing Bundling Requirements
A notice of hearing or proposed order may not be bundled or contained within a motion.
Note that a notice of hearing or proposed order cannot be contained within a motion.
Page 4 | Filing Pleadings, Motions, Notices, Proposed Orders
Documents in an agreed divorce finalization submitted electronically must be filed as separate lead documents.
If you e-file the documents, please make sure they are e-filed as their own separate lead documents.
Page 1 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
The child name-change petition, applicable consent, and order or decree must be fully completed and filed as separate lead documents.
Please make sure the Petition, Consent (if applicable) and Order are fully completed and filed as their own separate lead documents.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a name change-
The adult name-change petition and order or decree must be fully completed and filed as separate lead documents.
Please make sure the Petition and Order are fully completed and filed as their own separate lead documents.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a name change-
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The court will not hear motions on the trial date without first obtaining leave of court.
The Court will not hear motions on the day of trial without obtaining prior leave of the Court.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL HEARING (JURY TRIALS ONLY)
The Court will not hear motions on the trial day unless the party first obtains leave of court.
The Court will not hear motions on the day of trial without obtaining prior leave of the Court.
Page 2 | PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Every continuance request for a case on a DWOP docket requires a hearing and court approval, regardless of agreement or case age.
Any continuance for a case set off a DWOP docket requires a hearing and court approval regardless of agreement or age of case.
Page 2 | Continuances
An unagreed motion for continuance must be set for a hearing.
If the Motion for Continuance is not agreed, it must be set for hearing.
Page 2 | Continuances
A continuance in a case filed more than 18 months ago requires a hearing and court approval even when the parties agree.
Any continuance (even if agreed) for a case that was filed more than 18 months ago requires a hearing and court approval.
Page 2 | Continuances
Resetting or continuing the initial trial setting does not change existing deadlines unless the court orders a change after a motion showing good cause.
Reset or continuance of the Initial Trial Setting will not alter any deadlines established in this Order or established by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, unless specifically provided by Order after Motion showing good cause.
Page 1 | COURT / JURY TRIAL
Resetting or continuing the initial trial date does not change existing deadlines unless the court orders a change after a motion showing good cause.
Reset or continuance of the Initial Trial Setting will not alter any deadlines established in this Order or established by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, unless specifically provided by Order after Motion showing good cause.
Page 1 | COURT / JURY (STRIKE ONE) TRIAL IS SET FOR THIS DATE.
Typically, only one extension is permitted for completing an order; after that, counsel must attend the Court’s Entry Docket.
Typically, one extension total is permitted. After that, counsel must attend the Court’s Entry Docket to discuss the matter with Judge Haertling.
Page 3 | Court’s Entry Docket
An agreed trial date generally will not be continued except in an emergency or for other good cause.
It is the policy of this Court not to grant a continuance of any trial setting when such date has been agreed to by the parties or attorneys, except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.
Page 1 | CIVIL SCHEDULING ORDER AND DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN
An agreed trial continuance generally will not be granted except in an emergency or for good cause.
It is the policy of this Court not to grant a continuance of any trial setting when such date has been agreed to by the parties or attorneys, except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.
Page 1 | COURT / JURY (STRIKE ONE) TRIAL IS SET FOR THIS DATE.
Chambers Communication Rules
The Court Administrator may be contacted only by email at Ali.Hayslip@dentoncounty.gov.
Please be advised that the Court Administrator is available BY EMAIL ONLY at Ali.Hayslip@dentoncounty.gov.
Page 1 | Communication with Court Administrator/Judge
Do not communicate directly with Judge Haertling unless the judge or Court Administrator specifically directs communication.
As a reminder, do not attempt to communicate with Judge Haertling unless directed to do so specifically by Judge Haertling or by the Court Administrator at the direction of Judge Haertling.
Page 2 | Communication with Court Administrator/Judge
Do not contact a judge by mail, email, phone, or in person about a pending or potential lawsuit because serious consequences may result.
Do not attempt to contact a judge - by mail, e-mail, phone, or in person - about any pending or potential lawsuit. Doing so may result in serious consequences.
Page 2 | Communication with Court Administrator/Judge
Date-conference requests must allow two business days for availability and use email when provided; after no response, the party may ask the Court Administrator to set the matter and report its conference attempts.
Judge Haertling requires allowing two business days for the other side to check their calendar and respond with availability. If there is no response, you may include back in the Court Administrator, advise of attempts to confer and request the setting. Email is the preferred and if provided, required mode of conferencing on dates with the other side.
Page 2 | Conference on Dates
A case may not be heard if the required date conference is not completed.
Failure to confer will result in your case not being heard.
Page 2 | Conference on Dates
Because motions are not forwarded to the Court Administrator’s e-file queue, the moving party must notify the Court Administrator when a hearing is needed.
Motions are not forwarded to the Court Administrator’s e-filing queue. It is the responsibility of the moving party to bring the motion to the attention of the Court Administrator if a hearing is needed.
Page 4 | Filing Pleadings, Motions, Notices, Proposed Orders
Counsel may contact the Court Administrator for available hearing dates only after receiving the file-marked pleading or motion.
Only once you have received the file-marked motion back of a pleading or motion, may you contact the Court Administrator for available hearing dates.
Page 4 | Filing Pleadings, Motions, Notices, Proposed Orders
A proposed property division must be provided in editable format by email to the Court Administrator, with opposing counsel or the self-represented litigant copied.
If you are asking the Court to divide property, please provide a proposed property division in editable format, such as an Excel spreadsheet, by email to the Court Administrator being sure to carbon copy/cc opposing counsel or the self-represented litigant.
Page 7 | Property Division
A contested divorce must request a final-trial date by emailing the 442nd Court Administrator and stating the total court time required.
Please email the 442nd Court Administrator to request a final trial date. Please advise how much total court time in front of the Judge is needed for the Final Trial.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
After reviewing the requirements, the email must be sent to the 442nd District Court administrator at ali.hayslip@dentoncounty.gov.
AFTER REVIEWING THESE REQUIREMENTS, SEND YOUR EMAIL TO THE 442ND DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATOR AT ALI.HAYSLIP@DENTONCOUNTY.GOV
Page 1 | requirements, regarding an emergency TRO, TEXPO or Writ
After warning, the Court Administrator will delete and not respond to an email that omits opposing counsel or the self-represented litigant.
If after a warning by the Court Administrator, opposing counsel or the self-represented litigant is not included, the Court Administrator will not be able to respond and the email will be deleted.
Page 2 | Communication with Court Administrator/Judge
The required date conference must include self-represented litigants, who are treated as their own attorneys and receive the same courtesy.
Additionally, conference is required with self-represented litigants. Self-represented litigants are acting as their own attorney and are afforded the same courtesy.
Page 2 | Conference on Dates
Requests for additional time to complete an order must be emailed to the Court Administrator and copied to opposing counsel or any self-represented litigants.
To request additional time to complete an order, please email the Court Administrator at ali.hayslip@dentoncounty.gov with opposing counsel or any self-represented litigants included.
Page 3 | Court’s Entry Docket
Available trial dates for the 442nd District Court must be requested from the Court Administrator by email under the stated email requirements.
Please email the Court Administrator for the 442nd District Court according to the email requirements to request available trial dates.
Page 4 | District Court Administration
Confer with the other side without the Court Administrator to select a mutually agreeable date, then include the administrator in the email after both sides agree.
3. You will be provided with the Court’s available dates and must confer upon the dates with opposing counsel or the self-represented litigant without the Court Administrator included in order to find a mutually agreeable date. 4. Once both sides have agreed on a date, please include the Court Administrator back into the email with opposing counsel and the self-represented litigant and advise her of same.
Page 5
Email the Court Administrator at ali.hayslip@dentoncounty.gov and include any opposing counsel or self-represented litigant who has appeared.
1. Please email the Court Administrator at ali.hayslip@dentoncounty.gov with the opposing counsel or self-represented litigant included if they have made an appearance in the case.
Page 5
The District Clerk should be contacted for issuance of citation and service of process.
As a reminder, please contact the District Clerk for issuance of citation and service of process.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
The email requesting a final-trial date must include both parties.
Please be sure to include both sides on the email to the Court Administrator.
Page 2 | Instructions for finalizing a divorce-
After granting a continuance, the court coordinator emails counsel available reset dates and completes the order before sending it to the District Clerk's office.
If the Court grants the continuance, the court coordinator will email counsel with available reset dates and fill in the order prior to sending down to the District Clerk’s office.
Page 2 | Continuances
Requests for copies of filed documents, notice or citation, or service by the constable should be directed to the District Clerk.
Additionally, if you are requesting copies of filed documents, looking to issue notice or citation, or have the constable serve a party, please contact the District Clerk.
Page 3 | Denton County District Clerk