Judge Jason Cameron Cashon
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- A conflict or inability to appear for a scheduled trial or hearing must be reported to the Court Administrator within ten days after receiving the setting notice to arrange a reset.
Document Filing Requirements33 rules
Self-represented litigants and attorneys using AI for legal research or drafting must sign and submit the attached certification before using AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding.
Court's wording
All self-represented litigants and attorneys who utilize any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in connection with a case shall before using any AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding sign and submit the attached form, certifying that: 1. all language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analysis created or contributed to by generative artificial intelligence were, before submission, verified as accurate through traditional (non-AI) legal sources by a human being; and 2. that the self-represented litigant or attorney submitting such information understands and acknowledges that they are and will be held responsible and potentially sanctioned for their or their co-counsel's failure to comply with this Order.
The Petitioner shall certify in writing that he/she has received and reviewed the entire contents of this Order upon fiUng of an original petition,suit affecting the parent-child relationship, or modification.
The petitioner must attach this order to the original petition and each copy when filing; if omitted, the Clerk must attach it to the petition and every copy presented.
Court's wording
The petitioner shall attach a copy ofthis order to the original petition and to each copy ofthe petition at the time the petition is filed. If the Petitioner has failed to attach a copy of this order to the petition and any copy ofthe petition, the Clerk shall ensure that a copy ofthis order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented.
In suits requiring a determination of conservatorship or child possession and access, each party must deliver a completed, signed Court-approved Proposed Parenting Plan at least three days before trial, or the parties may submit one agreed plan.
Court's wording
12.3 In any suit requiring a determination ofconservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party shall prepare and deliver at least three days prior to trial, a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to TEX.FAM.CODE.ANN. §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed parenting plan is acceptable. The form of the Plan shall be approved by the Court.
12.2 In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party shall prepare and deliver at least three days prior to trial, a Proposed Support Decision in the form approved by the Court, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed Proposed Support Decision signed by both parties.
12.1 In a divorce suit, each party shall confer, prepare and cause to be delivered at least ten (10)days prior to trial, a Composite Inventory in the form approved by the Court and fully setting out all agreed and disputed matters.
12.4 In any suit subject to Section 12, each party shall also prepare and deliver at least three days prior to trial, a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which shall state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Composite Inventory or Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.
A Certificate of Conference establishing that this requirement has been met, must be on file prior to any hearing for Temporary Orders.
Immediately upon employment or Court appointment, the defense attorney shall give written notice thereof to the District Attorney and the District Clerk stating the name of the accused, the offense(s) charged and cause number, if known.
A written request for a setting must certify the listed matters, and use of the Appendix D form letter satisfies the requirements.
Court's wording
Written request for a setting shall certify: a. That the requesting party's pleadings are in order; b. Whether or not a pre-trial setting is necessary; c. That service has been perfected on all necessary parties; d. That a jury fee, if applicable, has been paid; and e. That a copy of the request has been served on all counsel and pro se parties. The use of Form Letter set out in Appendix "D" appended hereto will comply with the foregoing requirements.
If a plea agreement has been reached by the District Attorney and defense counsel, an Agreement to Reset and Plead Guilty must be signed and approved by the Court by 5:00 o'clock p.m. on the Thursday preceding a jury trial week.
Claimed financial inability to employ counsel shall be supported by evidence or sworn affidavit.
Appointed attorneys representing indigent criminal defendants must complete at least six hours of criminal-law CLE annually and file a sworn affidavit verifying completion by December 31 each year.
Court's wording
Attorneys accepting appointments to represent indigent defendants in criminal cases shall familiarize themselves with and shall comply with the Local Indigent Defense Rules and Plan for this Court and shall complete a minimum of 6 hours, annually, in continuing legal education in the field of criminal law in order to remain on the Court's appointment list. A sworn affidavit by the attorney verifying that he/she has completed such annual education requirement must be filed with the Court on or before December 31 of each year.
The required conference certification, or an explanation of inability to confer, must appear in the motion or a letter.
Court's wording
No motions will be set for hearing unless the moving party shall have certified in such motion or in a letter substantially the following; "A conference was held on (date) with (name of attorney for opposing party) on the merits of this motion. Agreement could not be reached. Therefore it is presented to the Court for determination" or "A conference was not held with (name of opposing attorney) on the merits of this motion because (explanation of inability to confer)."
In all civil jury trial cases, anticipated special issues, definitions and instructions shall be submitted to the Court in writingseve_n P} days prior to the beginning of the trial.
A withdrawal motion must include client consent, a replacement lawyer’s certificate, or the specified mailed notice and attached letter copy.
Court's wording
Such motion shall be accompanied by the client's written consent to such withdrawal or a certificate by another lawyer that he has been employed to represent the client in the case, or a copy of such motion shall be mailed to the client at his last known address, with a letter advising that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour, not less than five (5) days after mailing the letter, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such time and a copy of such letter shall be attached to such motion.
No attorney of record shall be permitted to withdraw from any case without presenting a motion, and obtaining from the Court an order granting leave to withdraw.
Submit the proposed judgment, decree, or order with a letter requesting signature if no written objection is received within ten days of the letter.
Court's wording
Present the Court with the proposed judgment, decree or order, together with a letter requesting the Court to sign the same if the Court has not received a written objection from opposing counsel within ten (10) days from the date of the letter.
2. The husband must execute a valid denial of paternity under Section 160.303, Texas Family Code.
1. The biological father of the child must execute a valid acknowledgement of paternity under Section 160.302, Texas Family Code.
The report of the results of genetic testing must be filed with the Court. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §160.504.
A certified copy of the acknowledgement of paternity and the denial of paternity or the combined acknowledgment/denial of paternity must be filed with the Court.
The divorce decree must include the specified findings about the acknowledgment and denial of paternity and an order adjudicating that the husband is not the child's father.
Court's wording
The decree of divorce must contain the following findings and order: a. The Court finds that a valid acknowledgement of paternity has been filed and is effective pursuant to Subchapter D, Chapter 160, Texas Family Code. b. The Court finds that a valid denial of paternity has been filed and is effective pursuant to Subchapter D, Chapter 160, Texas FamiJy Code. c. The Courts finds that [name of husband] is not the father of the child, [name of child]. IT IS ORDERED AND DECREED that [name of husband] is not, and he is adjudicated not to be, the father of the child, [name of child], born on [date] to [name of wife].
By the final hearing, the parties must present an agreed motion and order for severance and deposit with the District Clerk all costs associated with filing the severed suit.
Court's wording
On or before the date of the final hearing, the parties must present the Court with an agreed motion and order for severance of the suit affecting the parent-child relationship regarding the child not of the marriage and have deposited with the District Clerk all cost associated with the filing of the severed suit.
A Certificate of Conference establishing that this requirement has been met, must be on file prior to any hearing for Temporary Orders.
When filing the specified petition, the petitioner must attach the order to the original and each copy and certify in writing that the petitioner received and reviewed the entire order; the Clerk must ensure the order is attached if omitted.
Court's wording
The petitioner shall attach a copy of this order to the original petition and to each copy of the petition at the time the petition is filed. If the Petitioner has failed to attach a copy of this order to the petition and any copy of the petition, the Clerk shall ensure that a copy of this order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented. The Petitioner shall certify in writing that he/she has received and reviewed the entire contents of this Order upon filing of an original petition, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, or modification.
In any suit subject to Section 12, each party shall also prepare and deliver prior to trial, a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues as a trial aid or requested ruling.
In any suit requiring a contested determination of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party shall prepare and deliver prior to trial, a Proposed Parenting Plan as a trial aid or requested ruling.
In a divorce suit, each party shall confer, prepare and cause to be delivered at least ten (10) days prior to trial, a Composite Inventory in the form approved by the Court and fully setting out all agreed and disputed matters.
In any suit requiring a contested determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party shall prepare and deliver prior to trial, a Proposed Support Decision as a trial aid or requested ruling.
The order for severance will be signed by the Court contemporaneously with the divorce decree.
The setting request form calls for the requested hearing and docket, readiness and pleading status, pretrial matters, ad litem appointments, notice to other parties, service information, and (if applicable) jury-fee information.
Court's wording
Please set the above styled and numbered cause for (trial/hearing- please designate what type of hearing) on the Uury / non-jury contested, non-jury uncontested) docket for the first available date. This request for setting is made in good faith in the belief that (the party requesting the setting) will be ready for (trial/ hearing) at the time requested. All of the (the party requesting the setting) pleadings are now in order or will be at least seven (7) days prior to the (trial/ hearing) date. There (are/ are no) special exceptions (or other pre-trial matters) which should be presented to the Court in advance of trial. All necessary ad litem appointments have been made. All other attorneys (and/ or prose parties) in this case on this date are being mailed a copy of this request for setting. Service was perfected on the Defendant/ Respondent on _ _ _ __, ____ (If applicable) A jury fee was paid by the (Plaintiff/ Defendant) o n
3. An acknowledgement of paternity and a denial of paternity may be contained in a single document. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §160.304(a).
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A party requiring a hearing on special exceptions, dilatory pleas, or other pre-trial matters must request and obtain a setting at least 30 days before trial on the merits.
Any party requiring a hearing on special exceptions, dilatory pleas or other pre-trial matters shall request and obtain a setting thereon at least thirty (30) days prior to the date the case is set for trial on the merits.
Page 5 | Section III: Calendar
If the District Attorney and defense counsel reach a plea agreement, the Agreement to Reset and Plead Guilty must be signed and approved by the Court by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before a jury trial week.
If a plea agreement has been reached by the District Attorney and defense counsel, an Agreement to Reset and Plead Guilty must be signed and approved by the Court by 5:00 o'clock p.m. on the Thursday preceding a jury trial week.
Page 6 | Section IV: Criminal Docket and Pre-Trial Procedures
Preliminary matters must be raised or filed at least seven days before the pre-trial hearing; later matters are barred unless the Court permits them for good cause.
The provisions of Art. 28.01(2), C.C.P. will be strictly complied with, and preliminary matter not raised or filed at least seven (7) days before the pre-trial hearing will not thereafter be allowed to be raised or filed, except by permission of the Court for good cause shown.
Page 6 | Section IV: Criminal Docket and Pre-Trial Procedures
Parties with a case on the trial calendar must present and, if necessary, obtain a hearing on exceptions, motions, and dilatory pleas at least 14 days before trial.
It shall be the duty of all parties having places on the trial calendar to present to the Court and to obtain a hearing, if necessary, on all exceptions, motions and dilatory pleas not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the date the case is set for trial.
Page 7 | Section V: Pre-Trial Procedures (Civii Cases)
Pre-trial motions must be filed at least three days before the pretrial hearing.
All pre-trial motions shall be filed not less than three (3) days prior to the pretrial hearing
Page 7 | Section V: Pre-Trial Procedures (Civii Cases)
Untimely presentation of exceptions, motions, and pleas results in waiver.
Failure to present the exceptions, motions and pleas in a timely manner shall cause them to be waived.
Page 7 | Section V: Pre-Trial Procedures (Civii Cases)
The required sworn affidavit must be filed with the Court on or before December 31 each year.
A sworn affidavit by the attorney verifying that he/she has completed such annual education requirement must be filed with the Court on or before December 31 of each year.
Page 7 | 4.8
If a final judgment order or decree is not furnished within 15 days, the case will be placed on a dismissal docket and may be dismissed, with costs taxed at the Court’s discretion.
Upon failure to furnish the court with a final judgment order or decree disposing of the case within the fifteen {15) day period set forth above, the Court shall place the case on a dismissal docket, with notice to all attorneys, whereupon the case may be dismissed and costs may be taxed at the Court's discretion.
Page 10 | Section VIII: Miscellaneous
The responsible attorney must submit orders, decrees, and judgments within 15 days after the decision is announced, except temporary orders, which are due within four days after submission.
All orders, decrees and judgments shall be submitted to the Court by the responsible attorney for entry, within fifteen (15) days from the date of the announcement of the Court's decision, except temporary orders, which shall be submitted to the Court within four (4) days after submission.
Page 10 | Section VIII: Miscellaneous
The required paternity acknowledgment and denial must be filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, and a certified copy obtained, before the final hearing.
The acknowledgement of paternity and the denial of paternity or the combined acknowledgement/denial of paternity must be filed with the bureau of vital statistics, and a certified copy of the filed acknowledgement of paternity and the denial of paternity or the combined acknowledgement/denial of paternity obtained from the bureau, prior to the date of the final hearing.
Page 17
The Judge may set an earlier final date for filing and obtaining a hearing when the Judge considers an earlier date appropriate.
An earlier date may be specified as a final date for the filing of such exceptions, motions and dilatory pleas and obtaining a hearing thereon in those cases in which the Judge deems an earlier date appropriate.
Page 7 | Section V: Pre-Trial Procedures (Civii Cases)
The order does not alter the defendant’s obligation to timely file an election for jury punishment, an application for probation, a motion for interpreter, or other matters not addressed by the order.
DEFENDANT AND COUNSEL FOR THE DEFENDANT SHOULD NOTE THAT THIS STANDARD DISCOVERY ORDER DOES NOT CHANGE OR AFFECT THE NECESSITY TO TIMELY FILE ON BEHALF OF THE DEFENDANT THE 1) ELECTION FOR JURY PUNISHMENT; 2) APPLICATION FOR PROBATION; 3) ANYTHING ELSE NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED BY THIS ORDER; 4) MOTION FOR INTERPRETER.
Page 14 | APPENDIX "A" — STANDARD CRIMINAL DISCOVERY ORDER
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A copy of a setting request must be served on all counsel and pro se parties.
e. That a copy of the request has been served on all counsel and pro se parties.
Page 5 | Section III: Calendar
Defense counsel must give written notice to the District Attorney and District Clerk immediately upon employment or Court appointment.
Immediately upon employment or Court appointment, the defense attorney shall give written notice thereof to the District Attorney and the District Clerk stating the name of the accused, the offense(s) charged and cause number, if known.
Page 5 | Section IV: Criminal Docket and Pre-Trial Procedures
Copies of all pre-trial motions must be forwarded to the District Attorney when the originals are filed with the District Clerk.
Copies of all pre-trial motions shall be forwarded to the District Attorney at the time of filing the originals with the District Clerk.
Page 6 | Section IV: Criminal Docket and Pre-Trial Procedures
A copy of each pre-trial motion must be forwarded to the Court.
All pre-trial motions shall be filed not less than three (3) days prior to the pretrial hearing and a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Court and to opposing counsel.
Page 7 | Section V: Pre-Trial Procedures (Civii Cases)
The moving party must provide the Court Administrator with a copy of the written hearing notice.
A copy of this communication shall be provided to the Court Administrator.
Page 8 | Section VI: Motion Practice (Ci"vii Cases)
After receiving the hearing date and time, the moving party must immediately give all other parties written notice stating the hearing date, time, and subject matter.
Upon receiving the date and time of hearing, the moving party shall immediately notify all other parties in writing of the date, time and subject matter of the hearing. A copy of this communication shall be provided to the Court Administrator.
Page 8 | Section VI: Motion Practice (Ci"vii Cases)
After leave to withdraw is granted, the attorney must send the client a specified letter by certified mail and send copies to opposing counsel and the Clerk.
After leave is granted, the withdrawing attorney shall send the client a letter by certified mail notifying him of the withdrawal, stating any settings for trial or otherwise and advising him to secure other counsel, and shall send a copy of such letter to opposing counsel and the Clerk of the Court.
Page 10 | Section VIII: Miscellaneous
Such motion shall be accompanied by the client's written consent to such withdrawal or a certificate by another lawyer that he has been employed to represent the client in the case, or a copy of such motion shall be mailed to the client at his last known address, with a letter advising that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour, not less than five (5) days after mailing the letter, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such time and a copy of such letter shall be attached to such motion. A copy of such motion shall be mailed to opposing counsel.
Such motion shall be accompanied by the client's written consent to such withdrawal or a certificate by another lawyer that he has been employed to represent the client in the case, or a copy of such motion shall be mailed to the client at his last known address, with a letter advising that the motion will be presented to the Court on or after a certain hour, not less than five (5) days after mailing the letter, and that any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing before such time and a copy of such letter shall be attached to such motion. A copy of such motion shall be mailed to opposing counsel.
Page 10 | Section VIII: Miscellaneous
A party submitting a proposed judgment for signature must serve it and a copy of the accompanying letter on all other parties who have appeared and remain in the case.
Each party who submits a proposed judgment for signature shall serve the proposed judgment and a copy of the letter on all other parties who have appeared and remain in the case.
Page 11
The setting request form states that all other attorneys and pro se parties in the case are being mailed a copy of the request on that date.
All other attorneys (and/ or prose parties) in this case on this date are being mailed a copy of this request for setting.
Page 25 | Appendix Form D
Filing Fees and Waivers
The parties must deposit with the District Clerk all costs associated with filing the severed suit by the final hearing.
On or before the date of the final hearing, the parties must present the Court with an agreed motion and order for severance of the suit affecting the parent-child relationship regarding the child not of the marriage and have deposited with the District Clerk all cost associated with the filing of the severed suit.
Page 18 | C. Rebuttal of Presumption by Proceeding to Adjudicate Parentage
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The parties must negotiate for at least one hour to try to resolve all issues regarding Temporary Orders.
and negotiated for at least one(1)hour in an effort to resolve all issues regarding Temporary Orders.
Civil cases
Page 5 | PARTIES MUST CONFERENCE
A motion will not be set for hearing unless the moving party certifies in the motion or a letter that the parties conferred without agreement or explains why a conference could not be held.
No motions will be set for hearing unless the moving party shall have certified in such motion or in a letter substantially the following; "A conference was held on (date) with (name of attorney for opposing party) on the merits of this motion. Agreement could not be reached. Therefore it is presented to the Court for determination" or "A conference was not held with (name of opposing attorney) on the merits of this motion because (explanation of inability to confer)."
Page 8 | Section VI: Motion Practice (Ci"vii Cases)
Before any Temporary Orders hearing, the parties and attorneys must confer and negotiate in good faith for at least one hour and certify that to the Court in writing.
Prior to any hearing for Temporary Orders the parties and attorneys shall certify to the Court in writing that they have conferenced and negotiated in good faith for at least one {1) hour in an effort to resolve all issues regarding Temporary Orders.
Page 23 | 9. PARTIES MUST CONFERENCE
The parties are encouraged to resolve disputes amicably or through alternative dispute resolution, and the Court may order mediation before setting or conducting a hearing.
10. PARTIES ENCOURAGED TO MEDIATE.The parties are encouraged to settle their disputes amicably without court intervention. The parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution methods,such as mediation, to resolve the conflicts that may arise in this lawsuit, and the Court reserves the right to order any matter to mediation prior to setting or conducting a hearing.
Civil cases
Page 5 | PARTIES ENCOURAGED TO MEDIATE
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A conflict or inability to appear for a scheduled trial or hearing must be reported to the Court Administrator within ten days after receiving the setting notice to arrange a reset.
If any attorney or litigant has a conflict or will be unable to appear on the date set for trial or hearing, the Court Administrator shall be notified within ten (10) days after receipt of such notice of setting in order to arrange for resetting;
Page 4 | Section III: Calendar
A firm setting or hearing or trial setting may be passed only by mutual agreement with the Court’s consent or by a continuance granted on proper motion after a hearing.
firm setting and the hearing or trial setting will not be passed except upon mutual agreement of the respective attorneys with consent of the Court or upon proper motion for continuance granted by the Court after hearing thereon.
Page 5 | Section III: Calendar
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel must instruct parties not to contact the Judge directly about pending matters.
Counsel shall instruct parties not to directly contact the Judge concerning pending matters.
Page 4 | Section II: Rules of Decorum