Grayson County Courts at Law
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Ex Parte Motion
- 1 copy • After Filing
Filings > 25 pages
- 1 copy
Communication
Phone
Document Format Requirements16 rules
Any scanned exhibit files must NOT be larger than 100 mb per file.
Formatting
- •Scanned exhibit files must not exceed 100 mb per file
Audio/Video files cannot be larger than 5G. If so, they must be split on the necessary amount of discs.
Oversized exhibits shall be accompanied by 8 ½ X 11 copies, with a marked exhibit sticker on the front, which the Court Reporter will retain for the record on appeal.
- Paper size
- Letter
The exhibits shall be in .pdf format.
- File type
Your computer must have internet access, a video camera and a microphone, preferably by way of a headset.
Witnesses must appear by Zoom.
The party calling the witness is responsible for ensuring that the witness has a video and audio feed.
It is the responsibility of the attorney or non- represented party offering the witness to ensure that the witness has the link to the proceedings and that all exhibits are available to the witness, including those of opposing parties.
A party objecting to an ADR referral must file a written objection within ten days after notice of referral.
Formatting
- •The objection must be in writing
Court's wording
If the Court enters an order of referral to an ADR procedure, any party may object to such referral pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 154 by filing a written objection within ten days of the notice of referral.
All exhibits must be marked at the bottom right corner when possible.
The party admitting the audio/video exhibit is expected to play the exhibit from their own device. The Court Reporter or Court’s staff will not be responsible for publishing any exhibits during the remote hearing.
When conducting a hearing on Zoom all parties and witnesses should conduct themselves and dress appropriately as if they are appearing for an in-person hearing.
Each exhibit should be clearly marked on the first page to identify its exhibit number.
All video/audio files should be in a format that allows it to be played with Windows Media Player, such as AVI, MP3 or MP4.
Attorneys and non-represented parties should not attempt to “share” a connection with a witness.
Scanned photographs – grayscale is encouraged but color is accepted if necessary.
Document Filing Requirements23 rules
At the time the petition is filed, if the petitioner has not attached a copy of this Order to the petition, the District Clerk shall ensure that a copy of this Order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented.
The petitioner in a divorce case or SAPCR shall attach a copy of this Order to the original petition filed in the case and each copy of the petition.
The written designation must be filed with the District and County Clerks with a copy to all Court Coordinators not less than Ninety (90) days in advance of the vacation.
Motions to withdraw must comply with all requirements of Tex. R. Civ. P. 10.
The Court Reporter must receive and retain a copy of electronic exhibits over 2 gigabytes and exhibits containing the listed types of media or data.
Court's wording
The Court Reporter must be provided with a copy of any electronic exhibit over 2 gigabytes and/or exhibits containing proprietary software, media containing multiple subfiles, hard drives, phone dumps, etc., which the Court Reporter will retain for the record on appeal.
A complete exhibit list consisting of the exhibits marked, their description, and exhibit number must be produced to counsel, the Court, and the Court Reporter prior to trial.
If playing depositions by video, a hard copy of the deposition transcript that includes only those excerpts played and a copy of the DVD that will be played for the jury must be presented to the Court Reporter to be marked as an exhibit (for record purposes only). Please have these ready and turned over to the Court Reporter at the beginning of trial.
Oversized exhibits shall be accompanied by 8 ½ X 11 copies, with a marked exhibit sticker on the front, which the Court Reporter will retain for the record on appeal.
Parties filing any motion requesting relief shall also file a proposed order at the same time.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Any video/audio exhibits must be submitted to the Court Reporter via flash drive under the time frame listed above.
It is the responsibility of the party requesting a hearing to give proper notice under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Court will not consider any exhibits not submitted under these requirements. The Court Reporter will not maintain in the record any exhibits not considered by the Court.
Self-represented parties and attorneys using AI for case-related legal research or drafting must sign and submit an attachment to each AI-generated pleading before using AI-generated information, certifying verification and responsibility for compliance.
- Document
- Pleading generated using AI
Must include
- •AI disclosure
Court's wording
All self-represented parties 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 an attachment to each pleading generated using artificial intelligence, 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, and 2. that the person 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 these rules.
Submit an Order Setting Hearing to the Court with a Request for Setting when obtaining a trial date or a letter when obtaining a pre-trial date, stating the date the parties have agreed to.
Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case
When temporary support of a spouse or child is at issue, each party must furnish specified earnings, income-and-expense, and tax records before or at the hearing.
Court's wording
In all cases in which temporary support of a spouse and/or the child is in issue, each party shall be required to furnish, prior to or at the time of the hearing, all payroll statements, pay stubs, W2 forms and 1099 forms which evidence that party’s earnings for the calendar year prior to the temporary hearing, a statement of monthly income and expenses, and copies of that party’s federal income tax returns for the two calendar years prior to the temporary hearing.
The inventory and appraisement must be sworn and cover all separate and community property of the parties, including property belonging to their children.
Court's wording
Within sixty days after Respondent’s answer or waiver is filed, each party shall serve on opposing Counsel and self-represented parties, a sworn inventory and appraisement of all property (both separate and community) of the parties, including any property belonging to the children of the parties.
If the petitioner omits the Order, the District Clerk must ensure a copy is attached to the petition and every copy presented.
Court's wording
At the time the petition is filed, if the petitioner has not attached a copy of this Order to the petition, the District Clerk shall ensure that a copy of this Order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented.
The petitioner in a divorce case or SAPCR shall attach a copy of this Order to the original petition filed in the case and each copy of the petition.
A motion to withdraw may be granted without a hearing if the client consents, replacement counsel appears, or the specified notice letter is sent and no objection is filed.
Court's wording
A motion to withdraw may be granted without hearing if: (1) The client has signed the motion or order, consenting to the withdrawal; (2) Another Counsel has made an appearance on behalf of the client; or (3) The motion and order is accompanied by a letter that notifies the client: the motion will be presented to the Court on the 10th day after the letter is dated; the client has the right to object to the withdrawal in writing within 10 days of the date the letter was mailed; the withdrawing Counsel certifies that the motion and letter were sent to the client’s last known address by certified mail, regular First-Class mail, or email (if available) and no objection is filed.
Any notice of hearing should specify whether the hearing will be by Zoom or in-person. If the hearing is by Zoom, the notice should include the Zoom link for the hearing.
The subject of the email should include the full cause number and “Plaintiff/Defendant Exhibits”.
Always advise the Court in your request that you have contacted the opposing counsel and that they are available for hearing on the date you have requested.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Ex parte motions in felony cases must be filed on paper with the District Clerk.
A. All ex parte motions filed in felony cases shall be filed by paper with the District Clerk.
Page 17 | RULE 3.2 EX PARTE MOTIONS FILED IN FELONY CASES
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A party must contest the Order by presenting evidence at a hearing or before the fourteenth day after the original petition is filed to prevent it from continuing as a temporary injunction.
If no party contests this Order by presenting evidence at a hearing or before the fourteenth day after the original petition is filed, this Order shall continue in full force and effect as a temporary injunction until further order of the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 1.3 When this Order Starts and Ends
The client may object to withdrawal in writing within 10 days of the date the notice letter was mailed.
the client has the right to object to the withdrawal in writing within 10 days of the date the letter was mailed;
Page 7 | Rule 1.6 WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
The written vacation designation must be filed at least 90 days before the vacation.
The written designation must be filed with the District and County Clerks with a copy to all Court Coordinators not less than Ninety (90) days in advance of the vacation.
Page 7 | Rule 1.4 ATTORNEY VACATION DESIGNATIONS
A written objection filed with the District or County Clerk by the 10th day requires a hearing on the withdrawal motion to be set.
If a written objection is filed with the District or County Clerk by the 10th day, a hearing for such motion will be set for hearing.
Page 8 | Rule 1.6 WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
A party may object to an ADR referral by filing a written objection within ten days after notice of referral.
If the Court enters an order of referral to an ADR procedure, any party may object to such referral pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 154 by filing a written objection within ten days of the notice of referral.
Page 13 | Rule 2.4(D) Objection to Referral
A party receiving notice of a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at least 7 days before the dismissal date stated in the notice.
Parties receiving notice of a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 15 | Rule 2.7.C(6)
A motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days before the dismissal date stated in the notice.
Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and must be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 15 | Rule 2.7.C(1)
A party filing a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at the same time.
Parties filing motions to retain must file any objection to mediation simultaneously with a motion to retain.
Page 15 | Rule 2.7.C(5)
An objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days before the dismissal date stated in the notice.
Any objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 15 | Rule 2.7.C(2)
Temporary orders should be presented for entry within ten days after the hearing or on the entry date set by the Court.
All temporary orders should be presented to the Court for entry within ten (10) days after the hearing or at the entry date set by the Court.
Page 19 | Rule 4.2(C) Temporary Orders Entry
Service and Proof of Service Rules
For withdrawal without a hearing under the letter-notice procedure, counsel must certify that the motion and letter were sent to the client’s last known address by certified mail, regular first-class mail, or email if available.
the withdrawing Counsel certifies that the motion and letter were sent to the client’s last known address by certified mail, regular First-Class mail, or email (if available) and no objection is filed.
Page 7 | Rule 1.6 WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Email hearing exhibits to the Court Reporter, all parties, and the Court’s Coordinator by 12:00 p.m. at least one business day before the hearing.
Any exhibits intending to be offered during the hearing are required to be emailed to the Court Reporter, all parties, and the Court’s coordinator no later than 12:00 p.m. at least one business day before the hearing.
Page 9 | PROCEDURES FOR LITIGANTS
A responding party seeking affirmative relief must serve its temporary-order application and hearing notice on the adverse party under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 5 and 21a.
An application to the Court for a temporary order and notice of any hearing thereon which is presented by a party responding to an application for temporary orders in which that party is seeking affirmative relief shall be served on the adverse party in accordance with Rule 5 and Rule 21a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.
Page 19 | Rule 4.2(B) Notice Required When Responding Party Seeking Affirmative Relief
Each party must serve a sworn inventory and appraisement within sixty days after the Respondent’s answer or waiver is filed, unless the parties have a written agreement completely settling their property.
Within sixty days after Respondent’s answer or waiver is filed, each party shall serve on opposing Counsel and self-represented parties, a sworn inventory and appraisement of all property (both separate and community) of the parties, including any property belonging to the children of the parties. It is not necessary to serve an inventory and appraisement if the parties have a written agreement completely settling the property of the parties.
Page 20 | Rule 4.2(G)(1) Inventory and Appraisement
If the parties do not agree, the requesting party may file a motion explaining why a remote hearing is necessary and serve all parties.
If all of the parties are not in agreement, the requesting party may file a motion and serve all parties as to why a remote hearing is necessary.
Page 9
If approval as to form cannot be secured from all opposing parties, counsel may seek a hearing on a motion to enter the proposed judgment, order, or decree, with notice to all opposing counsel under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21a.
If counsel or a self-represented party is unable to secure all opposing parties’ approval as to form, counsel may file a motion for entry of the proposed judgment, order or decree and secure a hearing for the same, with notice to all opposing counsel pursuant to Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 14 | Rule 2.5 Orders and Decrees
Filing Fees and Waivers
A jury-trial setting will not be given until the proper jury fee is paid; mediation must also have occurred unless the Court excused it.
No setting for jury trial will be given until the proper jury fee has been paid and mediation has occurred, unless mediation has been excused by the Court.
Page 13
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If the exhibits total more than 25 pages, provide one courtesy copy to the Court by hand delivery or mail.
If the exhibits total more than 25 pages, a courtesy copy must be provided to the Court either by hand-delivery or by mail.
Page 9 | PROCEDURES FOR LITIGANTS
After filing, one copy of each ex parte motion in a felony case must be delivered to the Court Coordinator.
B. A copy of all ex parte motions filed in felony cases shall be delivered to the Court’s Court Coordinator after filing.
Page 17 | RULE 3.2 EX PARTE MOTIONS FILED IN FELONY CASES
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Texas Department of Protective and Regulator Services cases must be kept confidential from all parties except attorneys of record and County caseworkers.
All Texas Department of Protective and Regulator Services cases are to be confidential to all parties except for attorney of records or County caseworkers.
Page 19 | Rule 4.2(F)
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance or postponement will not be granted unless all parties’ counsel consent or nonjoining parties are notified and given an opportunity to object.
No request for a continuance, to pass, postpone or reset any trial, pretrial, or other hearing shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object.
Page 6 | RULE 1.2 REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT — A. Consent or Notice Required
Unless all represented and non-represented parties consent in writing and the Court approves the request, a continuance request requires a motion filed under the applicable Texas rule and set through the Court’s Coordinator or the usual motion-setting process; a noncompliant motion will be denied without prejudice.
Unless counsel for all represented parties and all non-represented parties consent in writing to the request for a continuance and the same is approved by the Court, a motion must be filed pursuant to Rule 251, et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as applicable, and the motion must be set by the Court’s Coordinator, or in the same manner as all other motions. Any motion that does not meet these requirements will be denied without prejudice to the right to refile.
Page 6 | RULE 1.2 REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT — B. Requirements of Motion
If an opposing party sets a trial date that conflicts with an attorney’s scheduled vacation, the vacationing attorney must seek leave to reschedule by filing a motion for continuance.
If an opposing party sets a trial date, which conflicts with the scheduled vacation, it is the responsibility of the vacationing attorney to file a motion for continuance seeking leave of Court to reschedule said setting.
Page 7 | Rule 1.4 ATTORNEY VACATION DESIGNATIONS
Chambers Communication Rules
A party must notify the Court Coordinator of an interpreter need when the hearing is scheduled or as soon as the need becomes known, and before the hearing.
It is the responsibility of a party to advise the Court of the need for a Court interpreter at the time the case is scheduled for hearing or as soon as a party learns that an interpreter is needed, by notifying the Court Coordinator, prior to any scheduled hearing.
Page 7 | Rule 1.5 INTERPRETERS
If a phone hearing is approved, requesting counsel must arrange the conference call; the Court will not initiate it.
if approved, the Counsel requesting the hearing by phone shall be responsible for arranging the telephone conference call. The Court will not initiate a conference call.
Page 10 | Rule 1.10 HEARINGS CONDUCTED BY PHONE
When presenting an ex parte application, counsel must inform the Court at that time whether opposing counsel was notified and does not wish to be heard, notice was diligently attempted but further efforts are impracticable, or notice would effectively deny relief.
Counsel presenting any application for an ex parte order shall, at the time the application is presented to the Court, inform the Court: If the party against whom the relief is sought is represented by counsel, that 1. such counsel has been notified of the application and does not wish to be heard by the Court thereon; or 2. counsel presenting the application has diligently attempted to notify opposing counsel, has been unable to do so, and the circumstances do not permit additional efforts to give such notice; or 3. reasons exist that informing opposing counsel would effectively deny the applicant the relief requested.
Page 12 | RULE 2.2 APPLICATION FOR EX PARTE ORDER
Do not direct requests for settings to any Judge.
No request for settings shall be directed toward any Judge.
Page 13
The filing party must directly notify the trial Judge when filing any listed post-trial pleading, by delivering a copy to the Judge’s office, mailing it to the Judge, or emailing the trial Court Coordinator.
Notice must be given directly to the trial Judge when a party files one or more of the following post-trial pleadings: (1) Request for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 296); (2) Notice of Past Due Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 296); (3) Any affidavit of indigence filed in connection with an appeal (TEX. R. APP. PROC. 20.1); (4) Motion for New Trial, or Motion to Modify, Correct, or Reform Judgment; (5) Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict; or (6) Motions to Enter Judgment. B. How to Notify Notice must be given to the trial Judge by the party filing the pleading by: (1) Delivery of a copy of the pleading to the attention of the trial Judge to the trial Court’s office. (2) Mail addressed to the trial Judge; or (3) Email to the trial Court’s Coordinator’s email address.
Page 14 | Rule 2.6 Notice to Trial Judge of Post-Trial Pleadings
An attorney with conflicting hearing settings must notify the courts concerned immediately upon learning of the conflict.
When an attorney has two or more cases on the dockets for hearing at the same time, it shall be the duty of the attorney to bring the matter to the attention of the Courts concerned immediately upon learning of the conflicting settings.
Page 6 | RULE 1.3 CONFLICT IN TRIAL SETTINGS — A. Duty of Counsel to Notify Court
Counsel or a self-represented party may request a remote hearing from the Court Coordinator; the request may be made only after seeking the consent of all counsel and self-represented parties, and an approved request receives a virtual hearing link.
Counsel or a self-represented party may request a remote hearing from the Court Coordinator, and if approved, the Court Coordinator will provide a virtual hearing link. The request shall be made only after the requesting party has sought the consent of all counsel and self-represented
Page 8 | Rule 1.9 REMOTE VIRTUAL HEARINGS
At the time the hearing is scheduled, ensure the Court’s Coordinator has the email address of every participating party.
Ensure the Court’s Coordinator has the email of all participating parties to the case at the time of scheduling the hearing.
Page 9 | PROCEDURES FOR LITIGANTS
Parties may request a phone hearing from the Court Coordinator, except for hearings requiring the introduction of evidence; the request is subject to approval.
Parties may request a hearing by phone, except for hearings requiring the introduction of evidence, from the Court Coordinator and if approved,
Page 10 | Rule 1.10 HEARINGS CONDUCTED BY PHONE
A Court Reporter will not be provided for phone conference calls unless arrangements are made in advance.
A Court Reporter will not be provided during these calls unless arrangements are made in advance.
Page 10 | Rule 1.10 HEARINGS CONDUCTED BY PHONE
If counsel cannot agree on a date, contact the appropriate Court Coordinator.
If you cannot obtain a date that is agreeable to all counsel, please contact the appropriate Court’s Coordinator.
Page 12 | RULE 2.3 PRETRIAL AND TRIAL SETTINGS
When setting or resetting a trial or pre-trial hearing, contact the Court Coordinator, as applicable, to obtain available dates.
When setting or resetting a case for trial, pre-trial hearing, etc., contact the Court Coordinator at the Court, as applicable, for available dates
Page 12 | RULE 2.3 PRETRIAL AND TRIAL SETTINGS
When setting or resetting a case for trial, pre-trial, etc., please advise the Court Coordinator as to the estimated time you will need for the hearing.
When setting or resetting a case for trial, pre-trial, etc., please advise the Court Coordinator as to the estimated time you will need for the hearing.
Page 13
If, for any reason, you must cancel a hearing, or if you are running late to a scheduled hearing, please contact the Court’s Coordinator and opposing counsel or non- represented party as soon as possible by phone and email.
If, for any reason, you must cancel a hearing, or if you are running late to a scheduled hearing, please contact the Court’s Coordinator and opposing counsel or non- represented party as soon as possible by phone and email.
Page 13
The party objecting to an ADR referral must notify the Court’s Coordinator that the objection was filed.
It is the responsibility of the party objecting to notify the Court’s Coordinator that an objection has been filed.
Page 14 | Rule 2.4(D) Objection to Referral
Counsel and self-represented parties should make advance arrangements with the Bailiff for needed furniture or equipment changes and, if possible, avoid making them during Court sessions.
Counsel and self-represented parties should anticipate any need to move furniture, easels or set-up electronic equipment and make advance arrangements with the Bailiff. Such moving or arrangements should not take place during Court sessions, if at all possible.
Page 5 | Counsel and self-represented parties
The Court Reporter should be contacted before the beginning of trial if you have any questions.
The Court Reporter should be contacted before the beginning of trial if you have any questions.
Page 8 | Rule 1.8 EXHIBIT INSTRUCTIONS
If a party or parties are indigent, assistance from the ADR System should be requested from the Court to assist in mediation costs.
If a party or parties are indigent, assistance from the ADR System should be requested from the Court to assist in mediation costs.
Page 14 | Rule 2.4(E) Grayson County Alternative Dispute Resolution System
Counsel who receives a dismissal notice for a previously dismissed or concluded case may contact the appropriate Clerk’s office with documentation of the prior dismissal to have the matter removed from the dismissal docket.
If counsel receives a notice of dismissal of a previously dismissed or concluded case, they may contact the appropriate Clerk’s office with documentation of the prior dismissal and the matter will be removed from the dismissal docket
Page 15 | Rule 2.7.B