Judge Jetty John Abraham
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
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Document Format Requirements9 rules
This Order confirms the District Clerk of Fort Bend County shall attach the appropriate Standing Temporary Mutual Injunctions to every cause, under a separate tab, in which a divorce or suit affecting the parent child relationship is filed.
AUDIO/VIDEO: Audio and video files must be on a USB Flash Drive.
The only formats accepted are PDF for documents, JPG and PNG for images, and MP4 for audio and videos.
No paper copies will be accepted.
Formatting
- •No paper copies will be accepted
The only formats accepted are PDF for documents, JPG and PNG for images, and MP4 for audio and videos.
If color is important, exhibits must be delivered on a USB Flash Drive as indicated below.
The party tendering the exhibits is responsible for ensuring that files are saved correctly. Documents and photos should be as clear as possible and scanned upright (not sideways or upside down).
The party tendering the exhibits is responsible for ensuring that files are saved correctly. Documents and photos should be as clear as possible and scanned upright (not sideways or upside down).
Each exhibit must be saved or attached as a separate file and the file name must include the exhibit number AND a brief description of the exhibit.
Document Filing Requirements50 rules
The District Clerk of Fort Bend County shall also provide a copy of the appropriate Standing Temporary Mutual Injunctions with every request for citation as follows :
2. Petitions fo r Divorce with no Children the clerk shall attach the Standing Temporary Mutual Injunctions attached to th is Order as Exhibit "B"; and
3. Petitions containing a Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship the clerk shall attach the Standing Temporary Mutual Injunctions attached to this Order as Exhibit "C".
1. Petitions for Divorce with Children the clerk shall attach the Standing Temporary Mutual Injunctions attached to this Order as Exhibit "A";
Exhibit emails must be received prior to the start of the hearing. The subject line of the exhibit email must include the cause number, party designation/name, and hearing date. For example, "Cause No. 21-DCV- 000000, Respondent Jones, January 1, 2021." All attorneys and self-represented litigants must be copied.
All exhibits must be marked on the first page (i.e., P1, R1, A1…) and accompanied by an Exhibit List.
- Document
- Exhibits
Must include
- •Exhibit list
The final divorce decree or judgment must include the specified case and child-related information, leave no blanks, and be signed when filed.
Court's wording
FINAL DECREE OF DIVORCE or JUDGMENT must have: Cause number and 387th District Court designation Heading or “style” of case, including names of all children born during marriage All blanks must be completed and those sections that do not apply crossed out. LEAVE NO BLANKS IN A DECREE. If children are involved – the Decree shall include conservatorship (i.e. custody and rights and duties), child support, periods of possession and health insurance The order must be signed at time of filing (if agreement, by both parties)
Income Withholding for Support form
Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship, Form VS-165 complete Sections 1 and 2
Final Decree of Divorce
All DEFAULTS require: 1. Certificate of spouse’s last known address 2. Military Status Declaration 3. Inventory and Appraisement for dividing property
Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship, Form VS-165 complete Sections 1, 2, and 3
Certificate of an APPROVED parenting class (required of both parents)
Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship, Form VS-165, Sections 1 and 2 completed
Waiver of Citation must be signed and notarized. The notary and signature must be signed AFTER the date of filing of the original petition.
Waiver must be signed and notarized. The notary and signature must be signed AFTER the date of filing of the original petition.
Child – Requires proof of notice to both parents and order to be signed by both parents. If minor child is 10 years or older, requires minor’s written consent to be filed.
Adult – Fingerprint cards must be on file and a criminal background check from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
FINAL DIVORCE HEARINGS CAN ONLY BE SCHEDULED 61 DAYS AFTER THE FILING OF THE PETITION
The divorce-without-children hearing checklist requires the listed divorce and service-related documents, including either a waiver of citation or proof of personal service if there is no waiver.
Court's wording
Divorce without children: _____ Final Decree of Divorce _____ Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship, Form VS-165 AND SERVICE: _____ Waiver of Citation OR _____ Proof of Personal Service (if no waiver) _____ Affidavit of Spouses Last Known Address _____ Military Status Declaration _____ Inventory and Appraisement for dividing property
The divorce-with-children hearing checklist requires the listed divorce documents and service-related documents, including either a waiver of citation or proof of personal service if there is no waiver.
Court's wording
Divorce with children: _____ Final Decree of Divorce _____ Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship, Form VS-165 _____ Certificate of APPROVED Parenting Class (both parents) _____ Income Withholding for Support form AND SERVICE: _____ Waiver of Citation OR _____ Proof of Personal Service (if no waiver) _____ Affidavit of Spouses Last Known Address _____ Military Status Declaration _____ Inventory and Appraisement for dividing property
The Appearances section of the order must indicate that the parties did NOT appear in person and that the making of a record was waived;
The sworn affidavit should be e-filed as a separate document at the same time as the proposed order and must include the same information solicited during a final hearing with the witness in the courtroom.
Agreed orders disposing of all issues must contain signatures of all parties/attorneys to be eligible to be finalized by sworn affidavit. All signatures must be distinctive written signatures or DocuSign-style signatures, not “/s/ Typed Name”, or signed by permission;
The Stipulated Waiver of Appeal from Associate Judge’s Ruling/ Recommendation form MUST BE FILED PRIOR TO YOUR TRIAL DATE if your trial will be heard by the Associate Judge.
MORE THAN 50 PAGES: If a party's combined exhibits exceed 50 total pages, the exhibits may only be delivered to the court on a USB Flash Drive.
The exchange of exhibits on the day of hearing or trial will not be permitted unless they are rebuttal exhibits or exhibits that could not have been anticipated.
Audio and video files must be on a USB Flash Drive.
Exhibits for all proceedings must be delivered to the court via email to: 387Exhibits@fortbendcountytx.gov or on a USB Flash Drive as specified below.
All documents including the criminal background check and fingerprint card must be filed with the District Clerk's office prior to the final hearing.
Before a default hearing, the listed documents must be filed, with a sworn Inventory and Appraisement required only in divorce matters and the Return of Service on file for at least 10 days.
Court's wording
All default hearings require the following documents to be filed before the hearing date: a. Certificate of Last Known Address per Rule 239a; b. Non-Military Affidavit; c. Return of Service (on file for a minimum of 10 days); d. A sworn Inventory and Appraisement (divorce matters only);
All exhibits must be marked on the first page (i.e., P1, R1, A1…) and accompanied by an Exhibit List.
- Document
- Exhibits
Must include
- •Exhibit list
All adult requests for a name change require a fingerprint card to be attached to the Petition for Name Change AND a criminal background check by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Flash Drives must be clearly labeled with the cause number, party name and hearing date.
Each exhibit must be a separate file named with its exhibit number and a brief description.
Court's wording
Each exhibit must be saved or attached as a separate file and the file name must include the exhibit number AND a brief description of the exhibit. For example, "Petitioner Exhibit 5 - Bank Statements"
The tendering party must provide witnesses copies for Zoom hearings and is responsible for screen sharing; the Court Reporter will not circulate exhibits to anyone except the court.
Court's wording
The party tendering the exhibits is responsible for ensuring that witnesses have copies of the exhibits for use during Zoom hearings. The Court Reporter will NOT forward or otherwise circulate exhibits to anyone other than the court. The "share screen" feature may be used during Zoom hearings. The party tendering the exhibits is responsible for screen sharing.
Failure to timely pre-mark and exchange exhibits may result in the exclusion of those exhibits.
Flash Drives must be clearly labeled with the cause number, party name and hearing date.
If color is important. exhibits must be delivered on a USB Flash Drive as indicated below.
Do not email exhibits to the Court Coordinator or to the Court Reporter.
The subject line of the exhibit email must include the cause number, party designation/name, and hearing date.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must be copied.
The Court Reporter will NOT forward or otherwise circulate exhibits to anyone other than the court.
Failure to comply with these procedures may result in exhibit exclusion.
The party tendering the exhibits is responsible for ensuring that witnesses have copies of the exhibits for use during Zoom hearings.
The "share screen" feature may be used during Zoom hearings. The party tendering the exhibits is responsible for screen sharing.
Parties should attempt in good faith to obtain an agreement regarding exhibit admissibility before the hearing or trial.
USB Flash Drives may be delivered in person or mailed to the listed court addresses.
Court's wording
Flash Drives may be delivered in person or mailed to: 387th District Court Attn: Minnie Cadena 301 Jackson Street (mailing address) 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle (physical address) Richmond, TX 77469
LESS THAN 50 PAGES: If a party's combined exhibits are less than 50 total pages, submission by email only is sufficient.
Parties should attempt in good faith to obtain an agreement regarding exhibit admissibility before the hearing or trial.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A certificate verifying seminar attendance must be e-filed upon completion.
A certificate verifying attendance at the parent education seminar shall be e-filed upon completion.
Civil cases
Page 1 | PARENT EDUCATION COURSE REQUIRED
The referenced parties, lawyers, and ad litems may e-file documents for inclusion in the confidential files.
The above referenced parties, lawyers and ad litems shall be allowed to e-file documents for inclusion in these confidential files.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN FILINGS FOR THE 357TH DISTRICT COURT
MORE THAN 50 PAGES: If a party's combined exhibits exceed 50 total pages, the exhibits may only be delivered to the court on a USB Flash Drive.
MORE THAN 50 PAGES: If a party's combined exhibits exceed 50 total pages, the exhibits may only be delivered to the court on a USB Flash Drive.
Page 1 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Exhibits must be delivered to the court by email or USB flash drive; paper copies require court approval.
No paper copies will be accepted without court approval. Exhibits for all proceedings must be delivered to the court via email to: 387Exhibits@fortbendcountytx.gov or on a USB Flash Drive as specified below.
Page 1 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Exhibit Lists may be e-filed with the District Clerk's office, but the exhibits should NOT be filed.
Exhibit Lists may be e-filed with the District Clerk's office, but the exhibits should NOT be filed.
Page 2 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Faxes and e-filings must be sent directly to the District Clerk’s office, not to the Court or Coordinator.
Any faxes or e-filing shall be directly to the District Clerk’s office and not to the Court or the Coordinator.
Page 1 | GENERAL
All pleadings and documents must be filed with the District Clerk.
ALL pleadings and/or documents are to be filed with the District Clerk.
Page 1 | GENERAL
For combined exhibits totaling fewer than 50 pages, email submission alone is sufficient.
LESS THAN 50 PAGES: If a party's combined exhibits are less than 50 total pages, submission by email only is sufficient.
Page 1 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
USB flash drives may be delivered in person or mailed to the stated court addresses, and parties should account for the deadline when mailing them.
Flash Drives may be delivered in person or mailed to: 387th District Court Attn: Minnie Cadena 301 Jackson Street (mailing address) 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle (physical address) Richmond, TX 77469 1 Please be mindful of the deadline when delivering by mail.
Page 1 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The sworn affidavit should be e-filed as a separate document at the same time as the proposed order and must include the same information solicited during a final hearing with the witness in the courtroom.
The sworn affidavit should be e-filed as a separate document at the same time as the proposed order and must include the same information solicited during a final hearing with the witness in the courtroom.
Page 3 | PROVE-UP OF DIVORCES AND OTHER AGREED ORDERS
Exhibit Lists may be e-filed with the District Clerk, but the exhibits themselves should not be filed.
Exhibit Lists may be e-filed with the District Clerk's office, but the exhibits should NOT be filed.
Page 6 | EXHIBITS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Except in contempt proceedings and cases under a Scheduling Order, exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged by noon on the business day before the hearing; same-day exchange is limited to rebuttal or unanticipated exhibits.
In all cases, other than contempt proceedings and cases under a Scheduling Order, exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged by 12:00 PM the business day before the hearing. The exchange of exhibits on the day of hearing or trial will not be permitted unless they are rebuttal exhibits or exhibits that could not have been anticipated.
Page 1 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
USB flash drives must be received by noon on the business day before the hearing.
Flash Drives must be received by 12:00 PM the business day before the hearing.
Page 1 | EXHIBIT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE FOR COURT PROCEEDINGS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Final divorce hearings may be scheduled only 61 days after the petition is filed.
FINAL DIVORCE HEARINGS CAN ONLY BE SCHEDULED 61 DAYS AFTER THE FILING OF THE PETITION.
Page 1 | INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST FOR SETTING HEARING
Required documents must be filed with the District Clerk by 4:45 p.m. on the Wednesday before the scheduled hearing.
The following documents must be filed with the District Clerk on or before 4:45 p.m. the Wednesday of the week before your scheduled hearing.
Page 1 | INSTRUCTIONS AND CHECKLIST FOR SETTING HEARING
Final divorce hearings may be scheduled only 61 days after the petition is filed.
Final divorce hearings can only be scheduled 61 days after the filing of the petition.
Page 1 | A. DIVORCE
Exhibit emails must arrive before the hearing starts.
Exhibit emails must be received prior to the start of the hearing.
Page 5 | EXHIBITS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Unless the matter is a contempt proceeding or governed by a Scheduling Order, exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged by noon on the business day before the hearing.
In all cases, other than contempt proceedings and cases under a Scheduling Order, exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged by 12:00 PM the business day before the hearing.
Page 5 | EXHIBITS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
USB Flash Drives must arrive by noon on the business day before the hearing.
Flash Drives must be received by 12:00 PM the business day before the hearing.
Page 5 | EXHIBITS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Vacation letters must be filed with the District Clerk of Fort Bend County in accordance with the local rules.
Vacation letters shall be filed with the District Clerk of Fort Bend County, Texas, per the local rules.
Page 7 | VACATION LETTERS
Required documentation for pro se matters must be completed, signed, and filed with the District Clerk before the court date to be considered for docket scheduling.
All documentation required for uncontested, contested matters, or final trials must be completed, signed and filed with the District Clerk before the court date to be considered for scheduling on the docket.
Page 7 | PRO SE/SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS
Please be mindful of the deadline when delivering by mail.
Please be mindful of the deadline when delivering by mail.
Page 6 | EXHIBITS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Service and Proof of Service Rules
When there is no waiver and no children, personal service is required and proof must be filed and on file 10 days before the hearing.
Proof of PERSONAL service is required. The proof must be filed and be on file 10 days before a hearing.
Page 2 | No Waiver and No Children
For divorce cases with children and no waiver, proof of personal service must be filed and on file 10 days before the hearing.
Proof of PERSONAL service is required. The proof must be filed and be on file 10 days before a hearing.
Page 3 | A. Divorce
If financial matters are at issue, Financial Information Statements must be filed and exchanged before the contested hearing.
Financial Information Statements (FIS) shall be filed and exchanged PRIOR to a contested hearing if financial matters are at issue (i.e. child support, community debts, temporary spousal maintenance, etc.).
Page 4 | CONTESTED HEARINGS
A courtesy copy should be provided to opposing counsel/party in your case.
A courtesy copy should be provided to opposing counsel/party in your case.
Page 7 | VACATION LETTERS
Filing Fees and Waivers
A fee must be paid to the District Clerk to issue the wage withholding order.
3. See the District Clerk to issue the wage withholding order (fee to be paid)
Page 3 | A. Divorce
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are not accepted outside the courtroom.
Courtesy copies are not accepted outside the courtroom.
Page 2 | GENERAL
A working copy of the Financial Information Statements for the Court is advised when financial matters are at issue.
A working copy for the Court is advised.
Page 4 | CONTESTED HEARINGS
Chambers Communication Rules
When requesting a contested hearing date, provide the Court Coordinator an estimated hearing time by email before filing the motion.
Date and estimated time for hearing – Provide an estimated time for your hearing to the Court Coordinator through email (387thcourtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov) PRIOR to filing a motion when requesting a hearing date.
Page 3 | CONTESTED HEARINGS
Pro se litigants must contact the Court Coordinator by email to schedule a hearing date.
Pro se/Self-Represented Litigant cases are scheduled by contacting the Court Coordinator at 387thcourtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov for a hearing date.
Page 7 | PRO SE/SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS
Trial settings should be requested by emailing the Court Coordinator.
TRIAL SETTINGS SHOULD BE REQUESTED BY CONTACTING THE COURT COORDINATOR VIA EMAIL.
Page 4 | TRIAL SETTINGS
Questions about files, filing, or service should be directed to the District Clerk’s office by phone or through its online services.
Any questions regarding a file, filing, service, etc. should be directed to the District Clerk’s office at 281-341-4509 or www.fortbendcountytx.gov for online services.
Page 1 | GENERAL
Email communication with the Court Coordinator is recommended.
Communication with the Court Coordinator is recommended to be via email at 387thcourtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov.
Page 2 | GENERAL