Ector County District Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- A court or clerk unable to comply by the implementation date may petition the Court of Criminal Appeals for an extension showing good cause.
- Reschedule requests from prospective jurors who were potentially exposed, are symptomatic, or are vulnerable to COVID-19 will be liberally granted.
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements18 rules
The Record of Support Order must be completed as a flattened PDF and submitted to the clerk through eFile Texas.
Please fill out this form, flatten the PDF, and submit it to the clerk via eFile Texas.
A paper copy of Form VS-165 must be printed double-sided on one sheet rather than two sheets.
If submitting a paper copy to the clerk rather than e-Filing the original, please note the VS-165 Form must be printed double-sided (one sheet, not two).
Paper
E-filed documents may not contain security or feature restrictions, password protection, encryption, or embedded multimedia video, audio, or programming.
D. An e-filed document may not contain any security or feature restrictions including password protection or encryption and may not contain embedded multi-media video, audio, or programming.
Documents may not contain package PDFs or have PDFs embedded inside another PDF.
Documents may not contain package PDF’s. PDF’s should not be embedded inside of another PDF.
A scanned document must have a resolution of 300 DPI before electronic filing.
Prior to being filed electronically, a scanned document must have a resolution of 300 DPI.
An e-filed document must be a text-searchable PDF using specified PDF fonts, sized 8.5x11, with appropriately rotated content.
A. An e-filed document must be in text-searchable PDF, using fonts specified in the PDF specification, on 8.5x11 page size, with the content appropriately rotated.
Each document must be submitted as a single PDF.
Each document must be a single PDF.
A document with incorrect formatting must be resubmitted rotated for an upper-right file mark, as a text-searchable PDF where possible, directly converted to PDF, at 300 dpi, on 8.5-by-11-inch pages, and without embedded fonts.
Please resubmit the document TRCP 21 (f)(8) By rotating the document so that the file mark will appear in the upper right corner In text searchable PDF Directly converted to PDF if possible. With a 300dpi resolution With a page size of 8.5”x11” With no embedded fonts
The VSU-165 form must be printed double-sided on one sheet.
The VSU-165 form must be printed double-sided (one sheet not two).
Scanned documents should preferably be made searchable using OCR technology.
Preferably, scanned documents should be made searchable using OCR technology.
When possible, e-filed documents should be generated from the originating software using a PDF distiller.
B. When possible, the document should be generated directly from the originating software using a PDF distiller.
An appellate court may require multiple PDFs to be combined into one PDF with bookmarks separating the content, and the document's content should not depend on those bookmarks.
An appellate court may require that multiple PDF documents be combined into a single PDF document and bookmarks used to separate content appropriately. The content of the document should not depend on bookmarks.
An e-filed document filename should use only alphanumeric Latin1_General characters, contain no special characters, and be no longer than 50 characters.
Any e-filed document filename should contain only alphanumeric characters that are part of the Latin1_General character set. No special characters are allowed and the length of the filename should be restricted to 50 characters.
An unsupported audio/video file must be converted to a format supported by a listed media player, and the original file plus any needed hardware requirements and viewing or hearing software must also be submitted.
If an audio/video file is not natively supported by at least one media player listed in these standards, the file must be converted to another format supported by at least one media player listed. The original, any hardware requirements, and software needed to view/hear the original must be submitted as well.
When native audio/video is modified, a copy of the original must be created and the modified copy must be submitted in addition to the original in a format supported by a listed media player.
If modifications are needed to enhance the native audio/video, a copy of the original must be made. The modified copy (submitted in addition to the original audio/video) must also be generated in a format supported by at least one media player listed in these standards.
Audio/video files natively supported by a listed media player must not be converted to another format.
When an audio/video file is natively supported by at least one media player listed in these standards, the file must not be converted into another format.
Standalone documents, proposed orders, and exhibits or supporting documents must be filed in PDF; proposed orders and supporting documents are not stamped, while all three document categories permit multiples.
Standalone Document PDF Yes Yes Proposed Order PDF No Yes Exhibits/Supporting Documents PDF No Yes
Document Filing Requirements23 rules
A signature is required on the form.
SIGNATURE REQUIRED:
Document Type
Writ Of Wage Withholding To Employer Request
The District Clerk's Role in Litigation notice is required for every new suit filed by a party not represented by an attorney.
Notice - District Clerk's Role in Litigation (PDF)(Required for All New Suits Filed by Party Not Represented by an Attorney)
Document Type
Notice District Clerk Role In Litigation
A person filing attorney-unprepared documents must sign and file an acknowledgment form with the district clerk's office.
All persons filing documents not prepared by an attorney will be required to sign and file an acknowledgment form with the district clerk's office.
Document Type
Acknowledgment Form
Form VS-160 is required in all adoption cases.
Form VS-160 (Required in all Adoption cases) (PDF)
Requirement
Document requirement
Form VS-165 is required in all family law matters.
Form VS-165 (Required for all family law matters) (PDF)
Requirement
Document requirement
A Record of Support Order must be submitted with every child support order.
Record of Support Order (PDF) FC § 105.008. Effective 09-01-2021, this form is now required to be submitted with ALL child support orders.
Document Type
Record Of Support Order
Each approved attorney must file verification of annual CLE compliance with the Local Administrative Judge.
appropriate verification of each attorney's annual CLE compliance shall thereafter be filed with the Local Administrative Judge for the Ector County District Courls.
Document Type
CLE Compliance Verification
Each approved attorney must annually report to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission the percentage of the attorney's practice devoted to indigent cases.
each approved attorney shall make an annual reporting to the IDC of the percentage of their practice that is devoted to the handling of indigent cases.
Document Type
Annual IDC Indigent-Defense Practice Report
The attorney executing the voucher must certify that the information is accurate and that the compensation and expenses were reasonable and necessary for effective assistance of counsel.
21. Attorney Certification - I, the undersigned attorney, certify that the above information is true and correct with the laws of the State of Texas. The compensation and expenses claimed were reasonable and necessary to provide effective assistance of counsel.
Document Type
Attorney Fee Voucher
The court must include the COVID questionnaire with summonses as Attachment B.
lnclude as Attachment B the covlD questionnaire that the court will include with summonses,
Requirement
Document requirement
Each county must adopt a Jury Trial Plan before any jury trial may proceed there.
recently issued OCA and Supreme Court guidelines require that a Jury Trial Plan must be adopted by each county before any jury trial may proceed in that county.
Document Type
Jury Trial Plan
Ector County jury trials may not proceed until the Regional Presiding Judge, Local Administrative District Judge, Judge Hays, and the local health authority approve the Jury Trial Plan.
Unfortunately, jury trials may not proceed in any Ector County District or County Court until a Jury Trial Plan has been approved by our Regional Presiding Judge (Judge Dean Rucker), the Local Administrative District Judge, Judge Hays, and the appropriate local health authority.
Document Type
Jury Trial Plan
Section 1, containing general information, must be completed for every report filed.
This section must be completed for each report filed.
Document Type
Report Section 1
Every divorce or annulment must be reported even without minor children, and all Section 2 information is required.
All divorces/annulments must be reported, even if there were no minor children. All information is required.
Document Type
Report Section 2 Divorce Or Annulment
All divorces, annulments, and suits affecting the parent-child relationship must be reported through the court clerk to the State Vital Statistics Unit.
All divorces/annulments (with or without children) and all suits affecting the parent-child relationship must be reported through the clerk of the court to the State Vital Statistics Unit (VSU).
Document Type
Suit Affecting Parent Child Relationship Report
When more than six children are affected, Section 3 must be completed on another form labeled “continuation” and attached to the original form.
If more than 6 children complete section 3 on another form, label it “continuation” and attached the continuation form to the original form.
Document Type
Continuation Form
Every child affected by the suit must be listed, and all corresponding Section 3 information must be completed for each child.
Every child affected by the suit being reported must be listed, and all items concerning that child must be completed.
Document Type
Report Section 3 Children Affected
Anyone who answered yes must select all applicable options and attach proof to the form.
If you answered yes, check all that apply and attach proof to this form, such as a copy of an eligibility form or check.
Document Type
Statement Of Inability To Afford Payment Of Court Costs
The Local Administrative Judge must retain and maintain all CLE compliance records and verifications.
All records and verifications of CLE compliance shall remain in the possession of and be maintained by the Local Administrative Judge for the Ector County District Courts.
Document Type
CLE Compliance Records And Verifications
The approved attorney is responsible for filing the CLE compliance verification.
This filing requirement shall be the responsibility of the approved attorney.
Document Type
CLE Compliance Verification
The attorney fee voucher includes a section for the presiding judge’s signature and approval amount.
22. SIGNATURE OF PRESIDING JUDGE: AMOUNT APPROVED:
Document Type
Attorney Fee Voucher
The jury-proceeding plan must identify the arrangement of the judge, counsel, participants, and court personnel in each facility during every trial phase.
lnclude where the judge, parties/counsel, jurors, witnesses, court reporter, and bailiff will be arranged in each courtroom or facility during each phase of the trial.
Requirement
Document requirement
When more than three children are affected, the additional-children box must be checked and the additional children must be listed on the back.
If more than three children are affected, check the “additional children listed on back of form” box, and continue to list the additional children.
Document Type
Suit Affecting Parent Child Relationship Report
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The writ request must be e-filed as a separate lead document.
This document MUST be filed as a separate LEAD document when e-filing.
Page 1 | e-Filing Request for Issuance of Writ of WAGE WITHHOLDING TO EMPLOYER
The Record of Support Order must be submitted to the clerk through eFile Texas.
Please fill out this form, flatten the PDF, and submit it to the clerk via eFile Texas.
Page 1 | Forms
Documents intended for official court filings cannot be submitted by email or facsimile.
Documents intended for official court filings are not accepted via email or facsimile.
Page 1 | Please Note
Official court filings cannot be submitted by fax or email.
All Official Court Filings must follow Texas State Laws and Rules and cannot be accepted via fax or email.
Page 1 | Please Note
Attorneys must electronically file documents in civil cases, including family and probate cases, in the specified Texas courts under the order's implementation schedule.
This order mandates electronic filing ("e-filing") in civil cases, including family and probate cases, by attorneys in appellate courts, district courts, statutory county courts, constitutional county courts, and statutory probate courts pursuant to a detailed implementation schedule.
Page 1 | ORDER REQUIRING ELECTRONIC FILING IN CERTAIN COURTS
Electronic filing became mandatory in covered courts in counties with populations from 200,000 through 499,999 effective July 1, 2014.
b. Courts in counties with a population of 200,000 to 499,999 - July 1, 2014
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Electronic filing became mandatory in covered courts in counties with populations of at least 500,000 effective January 1, 2014.
a. Courts in counties with a population of 500,000 or more - January 1, 2014
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Electronic filing became mandatory in covered courts in counties with populations below 20,000 effective July 1, 2016.
f. Courts in counties with a population less than 20,000 - July 1, 2016
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Once mandatory e-filing applies, courts and clerks may not accept, file, or docket an attorney's noncompliant civil filing except during an emergency.
And courts and clerks must not accept, file, or docket any document filed by an attorney in a civil case that is not filed in compliance with this Order, except in the event of emergency.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Attorneys may not use an alternative electronic filing system, including fax filing, except during an emergency.
Attorneys must not file documents through any alternative electronic document filing transmission system (including fax filing), except in the event of emergency.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Electronic filing became mandatory in covered courts in counties with populations from 20,000 through 49,999 effective January 1, 2016.
e. Courts in counties with a population of 20,000 to 49,999 - January 1,2016
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Electronic filing became mandatory in the Supreme Court of Texas and in civil cases in courts of appeals effective January 1, 2014.
E-filing will be mandatory in the Supreme Court of Texas and in civil cases in the courts of appeals effective January 1, 2014.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Once mandatory e-filing applies, attorneys must e-file all nonexempt civil-case documents through the TexFile portal provided by OCA.
Once a court is subject to mandatory e-filing under this Order, attorneys must e-file all documents in civil cases, except documents exempted by rules adopted by this Court, through TexFile, the e-filing portal provided by OCA.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Electronic filing became mandatory in covered courts in counties with populations from 100,000 through 199,999 effective January 1, 2015.
c. Courts in counties with a population of 100,000 to 199,999 - January 1,2015
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Once mandatory e-filing applies, courts and clerks may not offer attorneys an alternative electronic filing system, including fax filing, except during an emergency.
Once a court is subject to mandatory e-filing under this Order, courts and clerks must not offer to attorneys in civil cases any alternative electronic document filing transmission system (including fax filing), except in the event of emergency.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Electronic filing became mandatory in covered courts in counties with populations from 50,000 through 99,999 effective July 1, 2015.
d. Courts in counties with a population of 50,000 to 99,999 - July 1, 2015
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
The standard filing configurations must be accepted in each designated court; courts and clerks may eliminate unneeded codes but may not add configurations.
Below are the standard filing configurations to be used in the eFiling system for district, county court at law, probate, constitutional county, and justice of the peace courts. This list of filing configurations must be accepted in each court. Courts and clerks may not add to this configuration but may eliminate codes if not needed in a particular jurisdiction.
Page 6 | 4 EFILING FILING CONFIGURATIONS
The Title IV-D Agency must file under the “Family – Title IV-D (OAG Use Only)” category and use only case and filing types beginning with “(Title IV-D OAG Use Only)” for all new and subsequent filings.
The Title IV-D Agency (Texas Office of the Attorney General – Child Support Division) will file its documents under the “Family – Title IV-D (OAG Use Only)” category and use only the case and filing types that begin with “(Title IV-D OAG Use Only) for all its new and subsequent filings.
Page 9 | 4.2 FAMILY CASES
All filers using the electronic filing system must follow the court's standard filing processes, and the clerk may not return a document for correction when those processes were followed.
All filers using the electronic filing system must follow the standard processes when filing particular items with the court. Clerks may not return a document for correction if the filer followed the processes outlined below.
Page 18 | 4.8.2 STANDARD FILER PROCESSES
Documents filed under seal or presented to the court in camera cannot be filed electronically.
Documents filed under seal or presented to court in camera cannot be eFiled.
Page 19 | 4.8.3 Acceptance of Documents Tendered for Filing
An e-filer found to be a vexatious litigant may not e-file without an order from the local administrative judge permitting the filing.
Filer has been found to be a vexatious litigant CPRC §11.103 and has not presented an order from the local administrative judge permitting the filing.
Page 19 | 4.8.3 Acceptance of Documents Tendered for Filing
Petitioners filing redacted applications for approval of structured-settlement-payment transfers must simultaneously file unredacted paper copies of the applications, pleadings, orders, and exhibits with the district clerk.
It is further ORDERED that, pursuant to TEX. R. CIV. P. 21(f), Petitioners who file redacted applications requesting approval Of the transfer of any structured settlement payment shall simultaneously file unredacted paper copies of said application(s), other pleadings, orders, and any exhibits with the Ector County District Clerk, thereby satisfying the requirements of TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §l41.006(b)(d) that such information be filed with, and unredacted notice be provided to, the Court.
Page 1 | ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER TO SEAL UNREDACTED RECORDS FILED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 141 OF THE TEXAS CIVIL PRACTICE & REMEDIES CODE
Mandatory criminal electronic filing follows a population-based implementation schedule for district, statutory county, and constitutional county courts.
Electronic filing will be mandatory in criminal cases in the district courts, statutory county courts, and constitutional county courts according to the following detailed implementation schedule which is based upon the counties' 2010 Federal Census population:
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1
Attorneys must electronically file documents in criminal cases filed in Texas appellate, district, statutory county, and constitutional county courts.
Therefore, this order mandates electronic filing by attorneys in criminal cases in appellate courts, district courts, statutory county courts, and constitutional county courts.¹
Page 2 | ORDER
Attorneys may not use an alternative electronic filing transmission system except during an emergency.
Attorneys must not file documents through any alternative electronic document filing transmission system, except in the event of an emergency.
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 2
Once mandatory e-filing applies, attorneys must submit all nonexempt criminal documents through an Office of Court Administration-provided or approved portal.
Once a court is subject to mandatory electronic filing under this order, attorneys must electronically file through an electronic filing portal provided or approved by the Office of Court Administration all documents in criminal cases, except documents exempted by statute or rules adopted by this Court.
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 2
Attorneys must file criminal-case documents through the required electronic transmission system, and noncompliant filings must be rejected unless filed in an emergency.
alternative electronic document filing transmission system, except in the event of an emergency. And courts and clerks must not accept, file, or docket any document filed by an attorney in a criminal case that is not filed in compliance with this order, except in the event of an emergency.
Page 3 | Order Mandating Statewide Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases
Beginning July 1, 2018, electronic filing is mandatory for all felony criminal cases in Ector County.
Effective July 1, 2018, Electronic Filing is required in Ector County for all felony Criminal Cases, by Order and Mandate of the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas (PDF).
Page 1 | Criminal E-File Mandate
Beginning January 1, 2015, electronic filing is mandatory for all civil and family cases in Ector County District Courts.
Effective January 1, 2015, Electronic Filing is required in Ector County District Courts for all Civil Cases, including Family Cases, by Order and Mandate of the Supreme Court of Texas (PDF).
Page 1 | Civil E-File Mandate
The e-filing must use the filing code “Request” and the specified description.
Choose the filing code “Request” and add “Writ of Wage Withholding to Employer” in the description field.
Page 1 | e-Filing Request for Issuance of Writ of WAGE WITHHOLDING TO EMPLOYER
If additional-services functionality is provided, all listed services designated for Title IV-D OAG use must be available to the Title IV-D Agency, which will use only those additional services.
If a clerk chooses to provide additional services functionality, all of the services listed below beginning with (Title IV-D OAG Use Only) must be made available to the Title IV-D Agency. The Title IV-D Agency will use only these additional services.
Page 21 | 4.8.6 ADDITIONAL SERVICES
A municipal or justice court that permits electronic filing must follow the electronic filing rules adopted by the Court of Criminal Appeals.
However, should a Municipal or Justice Court decide to permit electronic filing, that court is bound by the rules for electronic filing adopted by this Court.
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 2 footnote 1
Self-represented persons may e-file documents, but electronic filing is not required for them.
Persons not represented by an attorney may e- file documents, but e-filing is not required.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
Self-represented persons may electronically file criminal documents, but electronic filing is not mandatory for them.
Persons not represented by an attorney may electronically file documents, but electronic filing is not required.
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 2
Electronic filing is not mandatory in municipal and justice courts.
Electronic filing is not mandated in Municipal and Justice Courts.
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 2 footnote 1
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A filer may correct and resubmit a rejected e-filing with the original file date for no more than 72 hours after the filing is returned for correction.
The filer will have the ability to copy the original filing, make corrections and resubmit the filing with the original file date for a period not to exceed 72 hours from the time the filing is returned for correction.
Page 19 | 4.8.4 Request for Correction
The annual CLE compliance verification must be filed on or before the State Bar of Texas reporting deadline.
on or before the expiration of the annual CLE compliance reporting period/deadline for each approved attorney as mandated by the State Bar of Texas
Page 1 | ORDER. CLE and INDIGENT DEFENSE REPORTING
Mandatory electronic filing begins July 1, 2019, in criminal cases in courts in counties with populations from 20,000 through 49,999.
e. Courts in counties with a population of 20,000 to 49,999 – July 1, 2019
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1(e)
Mandatory electronic filing begins July 1, 2017, in criminal cases in courts in counties with populations of at least 500,000.
a. Courts in counties with a population of 500,000 or more – July 1, 2017
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1(a)
Mandatory electronic filing begins January 1, 2018, in criminal cases in courts in counties with populations from 200,000 through 499,999.
b. Courts in counties with a population of 200,000 to 499,999 – January 1, 2018
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1(b)
Mandatory electronic filing begins January 1, 2019, in criminal cases in courts in counties with populations from 50,000 through 99,999.
d. Courts in counties with a population of 50,000 to 99,999 – January 1, 2019
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1(d)
Mandatory electronic filing begins July 1, 2018, in criminal cases in courts in counties with populations from 100,000 through 199,999.
c. Courts in counties with a population of 100,000 to 199,999 – July 1, 2018
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1(c)
Mandatory electronic filing begins January 1, 2020, in criminal cases in courts in counties with populations below 20,000.
f. Courts in counties with a population of less than 20,000 – January 1, 2020
Page 2 | ORDER, paragraph 1(f)
A court or clerk unable to comply by the specified implementation date may petition the Supreme Court for an extension for good cause shown.
Courts or clerks who believe they cannot comply with this Order by the implementation date specified may petition the Supreme Court for an extension, which may be granted for good cause shown.
Page 4 | Accordingly, it is ORDERED that
The annual IDC reporting period runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.
The reporting period shall be for the twelve (12) month period commencing on October 1't of each year and concluding on September 30'h of the subsequent year.
Page 1 | ORDER. CLE and INDIGENT DEFENSE REPORTING
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Consent through the request form causes court-generated documents to be provided electronically, replacing all other notice methods and ending mailed hardcopy notices.
Electronic transmittal (e-mail notices) of Court-generated documents will replace any other form of notice, and this office will no longer mail hardcopies of any court documents through the U.S. Mail.
Page 1 | Upon Submission of This Request
For an electronically filed document, service must be attempted through the electronic file manager and may use in-person delivery, mail, commercial delivery service, fax, or email if that is not possible.
If I file this document electronically, I will send a copy of it to the party or the party’s attorney through the electronic file manager if possible. If not possible, I will give a copy to the party or the party’s attorney in person, by mail, by commercial delivery service, by fax, or by email.
Page 1 | Certificate of Service
For a paper filing, the other party or their attorney must receive a copy by in-person delivery, mail, commercial delivery service, fax, or email.
If I file a paper copy of this document, I will give a copy of it to the other party or the other party’s attorney in person, by mail, by commercial delivery service, by fax, or by email.
Page 1 | Certificate of Service
Copies must be provided to each party or represented party’s attorney on the same day the document is filed with the court.
I will give a copy of this document to each party, or if a party is represented by an attorney to the party’s attorney, on the same day this document is filed with (turned in to) the Court as follows:
Page 1 | Certificate of Service
A self-represented litigant may use one email address per party for electronic court notices.
The case management system utilized by the District Clerk allows one email address per party.
Page 1 | Upon Submission of This Request
When a citation is needed, the filer must select Issue Citation as an additional service.
When citation is needed, the filer must select “Issue Citation” as an additional service.
Page 18 | 4.8.2.1 Request for Citations
The clerk may send a requested citation to the filer through the eFileTexas system as an eServe Only filing or by email to the party's address on file.
Clerk sends the citation to the filer via a. The eFileTexas system as a “eServe Only” filing, b. Email to the party using the email address on file.
Page 18 | 4.8.2.1 Request for Citations
Filing Fees and Waivers
The $15.00 writ-of-withholding issuance service must be selected through Optional Services during e-filing.
Select the issuance of “Writ of Withholding ($15.00)” using the Optional Services section on the e-filing screen.
Page 1 | e-Filing Request for Issuance of Writ of WAGE WITHHOLDING TO EMPLOYER
A filing returned because a credit card was declined must be resubmitted with a valid payment method.
Credit Card was declined. Please resubmit with a valid method of payment.
Page 19 | 4.8.4 Request for Correction
A filing returned for insufficient fees must be resubmitted with the correct case type or filing type.
Fees submitted are insufficient. Please resubmit your filing with the correct case type/filing type.
Page 19 | 4.8.4 Request for Correction
A clerk may offer only the listed statutory additional eFiling services, may omit any listed service from the local configuration, and may not add an unlisted service; offered services are charged in addition to filing fees.
A clerk may offer additional services as outlined in statute that are charged in addition to any filing fees. The following additional services are allowed to be offered in the eFiling system. A clerk may choose not to offer a particular service and eliminate it from their local configuration, however, a clerk may not add a service not shown below.
Page 21 | 4.8.6 ADDITIONAL SERVICES
For filings by self-represented litigants, the District Clerk collects the filing fee at filing, and the fee is nonrefundable regardless of the hearing outcome.
If you pursue a legal action without an attorney representation, we will file documents you present to us and collect the filing fee at the time of filing. Regardless of the outcome of your court hearing, fees are not refundable.
Page 1 | NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS FILING A DIVORCE OR OTHER LAWSUIT USING DOCUMENTS THAT ARE NOT PREPARED BY AN ATTORNEY
A cash bail bond refund may be reduced by an applicable statutory registry fee.
Therefore, I request this Court to order the ___________ Clerk of _________ County to release the funds previously deposited as a Cash Bail Bond in this case to _______________________, less any statutory registry fee (Loc. Gov’t Code Sec. 117.055) if applicable.
Page 1 | Motion to Release Funds Deposited for Cash Bail Bond
A prematurely deducted registry fee must be refunded when a later ruling would have prohibited the deduction, except after successful completion of deferred adjudication.
If the Clerk deducts a fee before final disposition of the criminal case and the court subsequently makes or enters an order or ruling that would have prohibited the deduction of a fee if it had been entered before the bond was refunded, the Clerk must refund the amount of the deducted fee to the person who requested the refund of the cash bail bond funds. This DOES NOT apply to a dismissal following successful completion of deferred adjudication.
Page 2 | Fees Charged under LGC 117.055 Effective 12/02/2021
The registry fee may not be deducted when the defendant is found not guilty or the case is dismissed without a guilty or nolo contendere plea.
Clerk may NOT deduct the fee if: o Defendant was found NOT guilty at trial or after appeal; or o The complaint, information or indictment was dismissed without a plea of guilty or nolo contendre being entered.
Page 2 | Fees Charged under LGC 117.055 Effective 12/02/2021
When refunding a cash bail bond after a guilty conviction, guilty plea conviction, or deferred adjudication, the Clerk may deduct 5% of the withdrawal, capped at $50.
Pursuant to Section 117.055, Local Government Code, to compensate the county for the accounting and administrative expenses incurred in handling the registry funds that have not earned interest, including funds in a special or separate account, the Clerk may deduct a fee equal to 5% of the withdrawal, but not to exceed $50, at the time of refunding a cash bail bond if: o Defendant was found guilty at trial or after appeal; or o Defendant entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendre and was convicted by the court or placed on deferred adjudication.
Page 2 | Fees Charged under LGC 117.055 Effective 12/02/2021
E-issuance by the district clerk carries no copy fees.
E-ISSUANCE BY DISTRICT CLERK (No Copy Fees Charged for E-Issuance)
Page 1 | SERVICE BY
Certified mail by the district clerk requires fees.
CERTIFIED MAIL by District Clerk (Fees Required) to address:__________________________________
Page 1 | SERVICE BY
Mailing the document to the attorney requires postage.
MAIL TO ATTORNEY AT: _______________________________________________ (Postage Required)
Page 1 | SERVICE BY
Service by the Ector County Sheriff requires fees.
ECTOR COUNTY SHERIFF (Fees Required)
Page 1 | SERVICE BY
Court fees and costs are set by Texas statute, do not guarantee prevailing, and cannot be refunded regardless of the case outcome.
All fees and costs are set by Texas State Statute and are not a guarantee that you will prevail (win) in your lawsuit. The Court Costs and Fees are for clerical services performed at the time they are charged at the time. The District Clerk cannot refund any fees, regardless of the outcome of your lawsuit.
Page 1 | Fees
TexFile permits indigent filers and certain government filers to submit documents without charge.
TexFile will also permit indigent and certain government filers to submit documents at no cost.
Page 3 | ORDER REQUIRING ELECTRONIC FILING IN CERTAIN COURTS
The quote names a Statement of Inability to Afford Costs.
Statement of Inability to Afford Costs
Page 11 | 4.3.2 FILING TYPES
The motion has no fee.
Motion (No Fee)
Page 11 | 4.3.2 FILING TYPES
The probate subsequent-filings category includes a class of documents that require no filing fee.
No Fee Documents
Page 11 | 4.3.2 FILING TYPES
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
An e-filed document containing sensitive data must be resubmitted with the specified identifying and financial information redacted.
Please resubmit with all sensitive data redacted:
Page 20 | 4.8.4 Request for Correction
The Ector County District Clerk must seal upon receipt all unredacted Chapter 141 applications, pleadings, orders, and exhibits.
It is therefore ORDERED that the Ector County District Clerk shall seal, upon the receipt for filing, all unredacted applications, other pleadings, orders, and any exhibits filed pursuant to Chapter 141 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. See TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE §141.006(d)(2)(C).
Page 1 | ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER TO SEAL UNREDACTED RECORDS FILED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 141 OF THE TEXAS CIVIL PRACTICE & REMEDIES CODE
The sealed evaluations, assessments, and reports may not be unsealed or disclosed unless a District Court of Ector County orders and approves the disclosure, subject to the cited statutory exceptions.
Subject to the exceptions stated in Articles 46r-- & 46C, Tex. Code Crim. Proc,,IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any such filed evaluations, assessments, and reports shall not be unsealed or disclosed to any person or entity, unless disclosure of same has been otherwise ordered and approved by a District Court of Ector County, Texas.
Page 1 | ORDER
The District Clerk must promptly seal and maintain as confidential all qualifying written mental health reports, assessments, and evaluations filed in Ector County felony criminal cases.
the office of the District Clerk of Ector County, Texas shall promptly seal and maintain as confidential all written reports, assessments, and mental health evaluations that are filed in felony criminal cases in the District Courts of Ector County, Texas, in which a person's competency to stand trial, sanity, or other mental health conditions(s) is/are at issue and have been addressed.
Page 1 | ORDER
Filing Bundling Requirements
Lead documents must be filed as separate PDF documents rather than combined into one PDF.
You have submitted multiple documents for Combined filing in a single PDF. The file-mark will only appear on documents submitted as lead documents. Please file all lead documents as separate PDF documents.
Page 20 | 4.8.4 Request for Correction
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A court or clerk unable to comply by the implementation date may petition the Court of Criminal Appeals for an extension showing good cause.
Courts or clerks who believe they cannot comply with this order by the implementation date specified may petition the Court of Criminal Appeals for an extension, which may be granted for good cause shown.
Page 3 | Extensions for Courts or Clerks
Reschedule requests from prospective jurors who were potentially exposed, are symptomatic, or are vulnerable to COVID-19 will be liberally granted.
Excuses or requests to reschedule from in-person prospective jurors who have been potentially exposed, who are symptomatic, and who are vulnerable or live with someone vulnerable to COVID-19 will be liberally granted.
Page 3 | Jury Proceeding Approval Process
Chambers Communication Rules
A prospective juror with any listed COVID-19 contact-history condition must call the district clerk's office regarding jury-service reporting.
IN ANY Of THE ABOVE APPLY, CAr"L Ttltt DISTIII{IT' CLERK'S OIfIr'l'L'D A'l'(432) 495-4?9A Jllilr'{ !lj t:i RDI'OR'I'IN(; trOR JUnY SI{lIrVlCb,
Page 8 | Screening
A prospective juror experiencing the listed symptoms must call the district clerk's office before reporting for jury service.
IP YOU ARE I1]XPANII'NCIN(-; ANY OF THN ABOVE SYMI,TOM"S, CAI,L I'TIE DI$TRIC.T CT,DRK'S OITFICE AT (432) 498-4290 til I i )il r. RltpOR'ftNG FOR JUIfV SURVIC.E;
Page 8 | Screening
Counsel of record must immediately contact the courts with questions or concerns about court settings or appearances.
With reference to the court settings identified in this Order, and the appearance of litigants, their counsel, or other necessary participants to any such scheduled proceeding, counsel of record shall immediately contact the courts with any questions or concerns.
Page 4 | 9. Questions or Concerns About Court Settings
A self-represented litigant must provide formal written notice of any contact-information change, including an old email address being removed or a new one added.
It is very important that you provide to this office a formal written notice of any change in your contact information, including removing an old email address or adding a new one.
Page 1 | Notice
A prospective juror without internet access may call the clerk to request paper copies of the questionnaire.
If you do not hrve rcccss to tlc lntclnet orll fil{498.4290 to r€qu€st the cluk to provldo ptper coplcs of the Questlonnalrer,
Page 7 | Summoning Jurors
A prospective juror seeking a COVID-19-related excusal should call the district clerk's office before reporting for jury service.
IF YC)U AItTt REQUIIJS'I'ING TO DE RXCUS$D DU[ 'T'O A C()VID-I9 ITOI,ATND RDASON, CAI.,I, TI{I1 DIS RICT CLtrRK'S OFIIICIT A'f (432) 49It-4290 JII .I,'0II I'] RDI'ORTING TOR .IURY STIRVTCE.
Page 8 | Summoning Jurors
Email communications directed to the Court or court personnel must comply with the cited procedural and judicial-conduct rules.
Any communication directed to the Court or Court personnel via email must comply with Rules 2l and 2ta,Tex. R. Civ. P. Moreover, the provisions of Canon 3B(8) of the Code of Judicial Conduct should be carefully reviewed before any person associated with or connected to a pending case attempts to submit any communication, message, or information to the Court or Court personnel.
Page 22 | Communication Protocols
Questions about electronic court notices may be directed to the District Clerk's office by phone or email.
If you have any questions, please contact this office at 432-498-4290 or by email at District.Clerk@ectorcountytx.gov.
Page 1 | Upon Submission of This Request
For a document returned for correction, the filer must receive the Clerk’s contact information and the returning filer’s username, unless the Clerk designates a specific contact person, in which case that person’s name, phone number, and email address must be provided.
For any document that is returned for correction, the Clerk’s contact information along with the username of the person returning the filing shall be provided unless the Clerk designates a specific person to address questions concerning returned for correction documents in which case the person’s name, phone number and email address will be provided to the filer.
Page 21 | 4.8.5 DESIGNATED CONTACT FOR RETURNS FOR CORRECTION