Fort Bend County, TX Chambers Communication Rules
73 rules from official source documents
Rules for contacting chambers: permitted methods, hours, and purposes.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Counsel must contact the Court before a setting if a scheduling conflict arises.
If there is a scheduling conflict with a court setting, counsel must contact the Court prior to the setting.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Communications with the Court must be by email; the Court will not set hearings or provide hearing dates by telephone.
All communication with the Court must be by email. The Court will not set hearings or provide hearing dates by telephone.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Parties must not communicate ex parte with the Court, and all parties should be included in Court correspondence.
Parties are not to communicate with the Court ex-parte. All parties should be included in correspondence to the Court.
CRITICAL
- Contact
When a party is represented, communications with the Court must be made through that party’s attorney.
If represented by an attorney, all communication with the Court must be made through the attorney.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A party seeking to pass a hearing must notify the Court by email, and the hearing is not passed without Court confirmation.
The Court must be notified by email if you wish to pass a hearing. A hearing is not passed unless you receive confirmation from the Court.
CRITICAL
The movant must contact the Court to request a hearing.
The movant must contact the court to request a hearing.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
To pass a hearing, the movant must notify the Court in writing by emailing the Court Coordinator.
The movant must notify the Court in writing by sending an email to the Court Coordinator to pass a hearing.
CRITICAL
A hearing is not passed unless and until the Court confirms the request.
A hearing is not passed until you receive confirmation from the Court.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Requests for a summary judgment hearing date and time must be made in writing by email to the Court Coordinator.
All requests for a hearing date and time must be made in writing by sending an email to the Court Coordinator.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Requests for a hearing by submission must be made in writing by email to the Court Coordinator.
All requests for a hearing by submission must be made in writing by sending an email to the Court Coordinator.
CRITICAL
For an emergency hearing, parties must first consult; if both sides agree, contact the Court coordinator to arrange a video conference.
If the need for an emergency hearing arises, parties must first consult with each other about the matter and if both sides agree to an emergency hearing, contact the Court coordinator to set up a video conference with The Court.
CRITICAL
Obtain the hearing date from the Court Coordinator before setting a hearing.
Do not set a hearing date without getting that date from the Court Coordinator.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
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.
CRITICAL
- Contact
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.
CRITICAL
- Contact
After filing final documents with the District Clerk, request a final hearing date by emailing the Court Coordinator.
File Your Final Documents with the District Clerk and Request a Final Hearing Date by E-mailing the Court Coordinator
CRITICAL
- Contact
Request an uncontested-matter hearing by emailing 505Hearings@fortbendcountytx.gov with the cause number, case name, and requested hearing type in the subject line; the coordinator will respond with available dates.
j. UNCONTESTED DOCKET: To request a hearing on an uncontested matter, please send an email to: 505Hearings@fortbendcountytx.gov. The subject line of the email must include the cause number, the case name, and the type of hearing requested. For example, “24-DCV-00000, Smith, Final Divorce Hearing.” The Court Coordinator will respond with available dates.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Request contested hearing dates by email to the listed address, including the cause number, case name, and requested setting type in the subject line.
Requests for contested hearing dates must be made by sending an email to: 505Hearings@fortbendcountytx.gov. The subject line of the email must include the cause number, the case name, and the type of setting requested. For example, “22-DCV-00000, Smith, Temporary Orders Hearing”.
CRITICAL
- Contact
A hearing-date request must be emailed to the court coordinator before filing a motion and should include the estimated hearing time.
Request for hearing dates shall be made by emailing the court coordinator at 328th@fortbendcountytx.gov PRIOR to filing a motion. The estimated time needed for the hearing should be included with the request.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Trial-date requests must be emailed to the court coordinator with the expected trial length and all counsel and self-represented litigants included; the former request form is not accepted.
b. Request for trial dates shall be made by emailing the court coordinator at 328th@fortbendcountytx.gov. The expected length of trial should be included in your email. All counsel and self-represented litigants must be included in the email. (The Trial Setting Request form is no longer being used and will not be accepted).
CRITICAL
- Contact
Cases requiring a hearing must be scheduled by emailing the court coordinator and added to the docket.
a. ALL cases that require a hearing must be scheduled through the court coordinator via email at 328th@fortbendcountytx.gov and added to the docket to be heard.
CRITICAL
- Contact
e. Announcements of "pass", conflicts, or late appearances shall be communicated to the court coordinator and all opposing counsel and self-represented litigants via email prior to 8:30 a.m. The email should include the cause number, estimated time of arrival, and specific information regarding the conflict or reason for the late appearance.
e. Announcements of "pass", conflicts, or late appearances shall be communicated to the court coordinator and all opposing counsel and self-represented litigants via email prior to 8:30 a.m. The email should include the cause number, estimated time of arrival, and specific information regarding the conflict or reason for the late appearance.
CRITICAL
- Contact
A hearing date must be requested by email to the court coordinator before filing a motion, and the request should state the estimated hearing time.
Request for hearing dates shall be made by emailing the court coordinator at 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov PRIOR to filing a motion. The estimated time needed for the hearing should be included with the request.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Self-represented litigants must sign up for the Thursday docket by emailing the court coordinator at least 72 hours before it.
Self-represented litigants must sign up for this docket no later than 72 hours before the docket by emailing the court coordinator at 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Cases requiring a final trial must be scheduled through the court coordinator by email and added to the docket.
ALL cases that require a final trial must be scheduled through the court coordinator via email at 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov and added to the docket to be heard.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Announcements of "pass", conflicts, or late appearances shall be communicated to the court coordinator and all opposing counsel and self-represented litigants via email to 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov prior to 9:00 a.m. The email should include the cause number, estimated time of arrival, and specific information regarding the conflict or reason for the late appearance.
Announcements of "pass", conflicts, or late appearances shall be communicated to the court coordinator and all opposing counsel and self-represented litigants via email to 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov prior to 9:00 a.m. The email should include the cause number, estimated time of arrival, and specific information regarding the conflict or reason for the late appearance.
WARNINGCriminal cases
- Contact
Appointed counsel must maintain an active email account to receive court appointments and procedural-change notices.
Counsel must have an active e-mail account to receive court appointments and notices regarding procedural changes.
WARNINGCriminal cases
Counsel must respond promptly to communications from the Court.
Counsel must respond promptly to communications from the Court.
WARNINGCriminal cases
Counsel must contact the Court before a setting if a scheduling conflict arises.
If there is a scheduling conflict with a court setting, counsel must contact the Court prior to the setting.
WARNINGCriminal cases
- Contact
- Phone
Approved-list attorneys must maintain a promptly reachable business phone during regular business hours and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays for appointment and hearing notices.
An attorney who appears on the approved list of attorneys qualified to receive appointments to represent indigents must maintain a place of business with a phone that is answered during regular business hours and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the weekends and holidays. Such attorney shall make arrangements so that the attorney may be promptly located and notified of appointment or hearing settings.
WARNINGCriminal cases
- Contact
Approved-list attorneys must maintain a continuously operational email address and include it in the specified profile as official contact information for court notices of appointments and hearings.
Attorneys on the approved list must maintain an email address which shall be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These phone numbers and email addresses shall be included on the Fort Bend County Applicant & Attorney Profile for Criminal Appointments (see “Addendum C”) and shall be the official contact information utilized by the Court to inform counsel of appointment or court hearings.
WARNING
Each court must communicate its special procedures through official channels, specifically its website.
10.6. Special procedures for each court are to be communicated using official means of communication, namely the website for each individual court.
WARNING
- Contact
- Phone
Attorneys must call the affected Judge as soon as they learn of dual settings.
It is the duty of the attorney to call the affected Judge's attention to all dual settings as soon as they are known.
WARNING
Settings for oral hearings should be requested from the court coordinator.
Settings for oral hearings should be requested from the court coordinator.
WARNING
Attorneys must notify the District Clerk when their address or telephone, fax, or email information changes.
Attorneys are required to notify the District Clerk of any change in address, telephone, fax number or e-mail address.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Matters before the Presiding Judge should be emailed to Court Coordinator Selena Love.
Matters before the Presiding Judge should be emailed to the Court Coordinator, Selena Love, at 240DC@fbctx.gov.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Matters before the Associate Judge should be emailed to Court Coordinator Elizabeth Adelekan.
Matters before the Associate Judge should be emailed to the Court Coordinator, Elizabeth Adelekan, at 240AJ@fbctx.gov.
WARNING
- Phone
- 281-341-4515
Copy requests and order-status inquiries should be directed to the District Clerk’s Office by phone or email.
All copy requests and inquiries to the status of an order should be addressed to the District Clerk’s Office. Phone number: 281-341-4515; Email: distclerk@fortbendcountytx.gov
WARNING
- Contact
Movants should email the Court to determine whether an unopposed or agreed motion requires a hearing.
Movant(s) should email the Court to determine if a hearing will be required.
WARNING
The Court will not provide hearing dates by telephone.
THE COURT WILL NOT PROVIDE HEARING DATES BY TELEPHONE.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to clerk
The request should be made in writing by sending an email to the Court Coordinator.
The request should be made in writing by sending an email to the Court Coordinator.
WARNING
If you need a panel of more than 40 jurors, please let the Court Coordinator know at least 4 weeks before trial.
If you need a panel of more than 40 jurors, please let the Court Coordinator know at least 4 weeks before trial.
WARNING
- Contact
Reset emails should be sent before docket call to prevent forfeiture, and their subject lines must include the defendant’s name and docket date.
To prevent forfeiture, resets should be emailed before docket call. Emails must include defendant’s name and docket date in the subject.
WARNING
If a jury panel of more than 40 jurors is needed, notify the Court coordinator at least four weeks before trial.
1. If you need a panel of more than 40 jurors, please let the Court coordinator know at least 4 weeks before trial.
WARNING
Notify the Court coordinator 30 days before trial if you plan to use a jury questionnaire.
2. If you are going to use a jury questionnaire, let the Court coordinator know 30 days before trial.
WARNING
- Contact
Reset requests should be sent to the Court by email before docket call.
To prevent forfeiture, requests for resets should be emailed before docket call.
WARNING
- Contact
Counsel for a defendant should be cognizant of interpreter needs and ensure that Court personnel are timely notified about the needs for an interpreter sufficiently in advance of any proceedings. All requests for an interpreter should be made to the Court Coordinator as early in the proceedings as possible. Interpreter requests should be made in writing preferably through a court filing/notice of the need for an interpreter, or at least via email to the Court Coordinator while also copying opposing counsel. Interpreter notice requirements also apply if either the State or the Defense are aware of the need for an interpreter for any witnesses anticipated to testify in any case proceedings.
Counsel for a defendant should be cognizant of interpreter needs and ensure that Court personnel are timely notified about the needs for an interpreter sufficiently in advance of any proceedings. All requests for an interpreter should be made to the Court Coordinator as early in the proceedings as possible. Interpreter requests should be made in writing preferably through a court filing/notice of the need for an interpreter, or at least via email to the Court Coordinator while also copying opposing counsel. Interpreter notice requirements also apply if either the State or the Defense are aware of the need for an interpreter for any witnesses anticipated to testify in any case proceedings.
WARNING
A movant seeking emergency consideration should notify the Court Coordinator and all counsel or parties of the need for the hearing and its basis.
If emergency consideration is requested, the movant should notify the Court Coordinator and all counsel/parties of the need for such emergency hearing and the basis for same.
WARNING
- Contact
Each side should email its proposed jury charge to the Court Coordinator shortly before trial.
Each side’s proposed jury charge should also be emailed to the Court Coordinator in a word processing format (not pdf) shortly before the start of the trial.
WARNING
If an interpreter is needed, the Court must be notified at least one week in advance.
IF AN INTERPRETER IS NEEDED, please let the Court know at least one week in advance.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Contact the Court Coordinator by email to obtain available hearing dates and times.
Please contact the Court Coordinator for available hearing dates and times at 434DC@fortbendcountytx.gov.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email the court to obtain new dates for the affected civil trials.
Please email the court for new dates.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Individuals who believe they are at risk should email the Court Coordinator with their name, cause number, and contact information to request accommodations and a specialized docket.
If you believe you are a member of this vulnerable population, please contact the Court Coordinator, Tonie Guevara, via email at 434DC@fortbendcountytx.gov and provide your full name, cause number, and contact information to advise the court regarding your need for special accommodations and a specialized docket to ensure your continued safety.
WARNING
- Contact
Trial settings should be requested by emailing the Court Coordinator.
TRIAL SETTINGS SHOULD BE REQUESTED BY CONTACTING THE COURT COORDINATOR VIA EMAIL.
WARNING
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- 281-238-3244
The court can be reached at 281-238-3244, but staff will not provide legal advice or participate in ex parte communications except as allowed by law.
b. The court’s telephone number is 281-238-3244. The court staff will not provide legal advice or participate in ex parte communications (except as allowed by law).
WARNING
- Contact
General communication with the court is preferred by email to the Court Coordinator, but that address must not be used to request hearing dates or submit exhibits.
d. General communication with the court is preferred by email to Angella Powers, Court Coordinator at: Angella.Powers@fortbendcountytx.gov (Do not use this email address to request a hearing date or to submit exhibits. Please follow the instructions below.)
WARNING
Contact the court for the Zoom meeting ID 48 hours before the hearing.
Click on Meeting ID and type in the Court Zoom ID: contact the court for the zoom meeting id# 48 hours prior to the hearing.
WARNING
Contact the court for the Zoom meeting ID 48 hours before the hearing.
In the middle of the page click “Meeting ID or Personal Link Name” and type in the Court Zoom Meeting ID: contact the court for the zoom meeting id# 48 hours prior to the hearing.
WARNING
- Contact
Court communications must go through the coordinator by email, with opposing counsel and self-represented litigants included except when requesting hearing dates.
All communication with the Court shall be through the court coordinator via email at 328th@fortbendcountytx.gov. Opposing counsel and self-represented litigants shall be included in all communications with the court coordinator, save and except for requesting hearing dates.
WARNING
Court staff do not provide legal advice or participate in ex parte communications.
The Court staff does NOT provide legal advice or participate in ex parte communications.
WARNING
- Contact
Communications with the Court must go through the coordinator by email, including opposing counsel and self-represented litigants except when requesting hearing dates.
All communication with the Court shall be through the court coordinator via email at 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov. Opposing counsel and self- represented litigants shall be included in all communications with the court coordinator, save and except for requesting hearing dates.
WARNING
- Contact
Request trial dates by email to the court coordinator, include the expected trial length and all counsel and self-represented litigants, and do not use the discontinued form.
Request for trial dates shall be made by emailing the court coordinator at 501courtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov. The expected length of trial should be included in your email. All counsel and self-represented litigants must be included in the email. (The Trial Setting Request form is no longer being used and will not be accepted).
WARNING
Court staff do not provide legal advice or participate in ex parte communications.
The Court staff does NOT provide legal advice or participate in ex parte communications.
INFO
During inclement weather emergencies or public concern, litigants are encouraged to submit contested motions on an available submission docket or contact the assigned court about remote-conferencing alternatives.
10.4 During times of inclement weather emergencies or public concern, all litigants are encouraged to: a. Submit contested motions on a submission docket where available; or b. contact assigned individual court to determine if telephone or video conferencing is an available alternative to an in-person hearing.
INFOCriminal cases
Participants who have difficulty connecting should notify the court coordinator; if the problem persists, other arrangements will be made.
If a participant has difficulty connecting, please notify the court coordinator. If the issue persists, other arrangements will be made for the proceeding.
INFO
- Contact
To request a TRO or temporary injunction hearing, contact the Court Coordinator by email at 240AJ@fbctx.gov; most such hearings are heard by the Associate Judge.
The Associate Judge hears most of the Court’s TRO’s and TI Hearings. To request a hearing, contact the Court Coordinator by email at 240AJ@fbctx.gov.
INFO
- Contact
A party may email the Court Coordinator about an expected ruling or hearing consideration, providing the case number and style, the relief sought, and the filing date.
A party may also send email correspondence providing the Court Coordinator with: i) the case number and style; ii) the motion or other relief sought; and iii) the date such motion or other request for relief was filed.
INFO
- Contact
For bench trials, the Court requests proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to be submitted by both sides (in lieu of a jury charge), with a word processing version also emailed to the Court Coordinator.
For bench trials, the Court requests proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to be submitted by both sides (in lieu of a jury charge), with a word processing version also emailed to the Court Coordinator.
INFO
- Contact
Email communication with the Court Coordinator is recommended.
Communication with the Court Coordinator is recommended to be via email at 387thcourtcoordinator@fortbendcountytx.gov.
INFO
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 281-341-4509
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.
INFO
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 281-341-4509
Questions regarding documents, files, filings, service, etc. should be directed to the District Clerk’s office at 281-341-4509.
Questions regarding documents, files, filings, service, etc. should be directed to the District Clerk’s office at 281-341-4509.
INFO
The court permits quick approaches by Zoom; contact the court to schedule, and opposing counsel or the opposing party must be present.
14. APPROACHES: The court will allow quick “approaches” via Zoom. Please contact the court to schedule. Opposing counsel/party must be present.
INFO
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 281-341-4509
All questions regarding a file, filing, service, etc. should be directed to the District Clerk's Office at 281-341-4509 or www.fortbendcountytx.gov.
All questions regarding a file, filing, service, etc. should be directed to the District Clerk's Office at 281-341-4509 or www.fortbendcountytx.gov.
INFO
The Court holds a Submission Docket every Friday at 8:30 a.m.; if it determines an oral hearing is needed, the coordinator will contact counsel and self-represented litigants with instructions.
On Fridays of each week, at 8:30 a.m., the Court will have a Submission Docket. If the Court believes that an oral hearing is needed, the court coordinator will contact counsel and self-represented litigants with further instructions.
How may parties contact Fort Bend County, TX?
Fort Bend County, TX: Counsel must contact the Court before a setting if a scheduling conflict arises.
Judge Edward Michael Krenek: For an emergency hearing, parties must first consult; if both sides agree, contact the Court coordinator to arrange a video conference.
Judge Monica Darlene Rawlins: The rule lists email 328th@fortbendcountytx.gov. A hearing-date request must be emailed to the court coordinator before filing a motion and should include the estimated hearing time.
70 more rules answer this question.
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