Court Rules
Judge

Judge Jessica Crawford

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Guadalupe County District Court, Texas
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Document Format Requirements7 rules

FormattingMandatory

Any show cause or other order setting a case presented for signature to a judge shall be on a separate page and not combined with a pleading.

Guad LocalRules · p. 7
|Sec2.4 Orders Setting Cases
FormattingMandatory

In lieu of the Proposed Property Division form, a copy of a spreadsheet showing assets shall be provided to the court in an editable electronic format at the beginning of trial.

Guad LocalRules · p. 14
|Sec3.8(a)(i) Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial
FormattingMandatory

A draft of an order shall not be typed on the same page with a pleading, motion, certificate of service, or any part thereof, and each such draft shall have a heading showing the cause number, the style of the case, and the court in which it is pending.

Guad LocalRules · p. 17
|Sec4.4 Orders to be on Separate Page
FormattingMandatory

The signature line for the judge to sign proposed orders shall not be on a separate page, but shall be on a page with other text.

Guad LocalRules · p. 17
|Sec4.4 Orders to be on Separate Page
FormattingImportant

5. All pleadings must be originals. If you use preprinted forms, do not photocopy.

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
FormattingImportant

4. All pleadings and decrees must be printed on 8 ½ by 11 inch paper.

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
FormattingImportant

1. ALL pleadings and Court orders MUST appear neat, clean, with no smudges or strike-overs.

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES

Document Filing Requirements52 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatory

c. All hearings in contested cases shall be set by written motion with a Notice or Order Setting Hearing attached.

DocumentMotion To Set Hearing

Guad LocalRules · p. 4
|Sec2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

2. Each party shall file and serve on all other parties a proposed jury charge, including questions, definitions, and instructions, which shall include citations to the Texas Pattern Jury Charge and other authority that supports the submission.

DocumentProposed Jury Charge

Guad LocalRules · p. 4
|Sec2.0 General Timelines
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The Notice or Order Setting Hearing shall contain an estimated time allocation for the hearing.

DocumentNotice Or Order Setting Hearing

Guad LocalRules · p. 4
|Sec2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Each request for a setting shall include an estimate of the total time required for the entire hearing, on all matters, for all participants.

DocumentSetting Request

Guad LocalRules · p. 5
|Sec2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

To that end, every motion shall include a certification that "counsel has conferred with (or made reasonable efforts to confer with) all parties about the date, time, and format of the setting"

DocumentMotion

Guad LocalRules · p. 6
|Sec2.2 Conferring and Certification Requirements Prior to Setting a Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Every non-dispositive motion must include one of the stated certifications concerning efforts to resolve or narrow issues with affected parties.

and every motion (other than dispositive motions) shall also certify that : • "Counsel has conferred with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues raised ."; or • "Counsel has made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion but has been unable to do so."

DocumentMotion

Guad LocalRules · p. 6
|Sec2.2 Conferring and Certification Requirements Prior to Setting a Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A hearing request on a motion to compel discovery must include counsel’s certification that agreement was attempted unsuccessfully.

Requests for hearings on any motions related to compelling discovery in any form shall be accompanied by a certification from movant's counsel that they have attempted to obtain relief by agreement and have been unsuccessful. No hearing request will be granted on motions relating to compelling discovery without the required certification.

DocumentHearing Request

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Guad LocalRules · p. 9
|Sec2.12 Motions to Compel Discovery
Filing RequirementsMandatory

At the civil announcement docket, each side shall present to the court a proposed jury charge.

DocumentProposed Jury Charge

Guad LocalRules · p. 10
|Sec2.15 Jury Charges in Civil Litigation
Filing RequirementsMandatory

When presenting a TRO that affects possession of or access to a child the requesting party shall include a statement that either (a) attempts have been made to confer with opposing counsel and have been unsuccessful or (b) the respondent is unrepresented at this time.

DocumentTemporary Restraining Order

Guad LocalRules · p. 10
|Sec3.2 Application for TRO to be Served with Citation
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Upon the Court's order, counsel shall prepare the jury charge in its final form making changes or modifications ordered by the court.

DocumentJury Charge

Guad LocalRules · p. 10
|Sec2.15 Jury Charges in Civil Litigation
Filing RequirementsMandatory

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting Plan signed by both parties, or shall summarize the relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues.

DocumentProposed Parenting Plan

Guad LocalRules · p. 11
|Sec3.3(a)(iv) Forms Required Determined by Issues at Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Issues, which shall state separately, in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by a Proposed Parenting Plan .

DocumentProposed Disposition Of Issues

Guad LocalRules · p. 11
|Sec3.3(a)(v) Forms Required Determined by Issues at Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party shall prepare and deliver a Financial Information Sheet using the form posted on the Guadalupe County District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party.

DocumentFinancial Information Sheet

Guad LocalRules · p. 11
|Sec3.3(a)(i) Forms Required Determined by Issues at Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

If the parties agree to stipulate, the stipulation must be in writing and signed by all parties.

DocumentStipulation

Guad LocalRules · p. 11
|Sec3.3(a)(ii) Forms Required Determined by Issues at Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must provide the specified payroll and tax records to the judge at the hearing and to the opposing party beforehand.

Additionally, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish copies of the party's preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the party's preceding year's income tax return (if the tax return has been filed), and preceding year's W-2 to the judge (but not the file) at the time of the hearing and to the opposing party prior to the hearing.

DocumentFinancial Records

Guad LocalRules · p. 11
|Sec3.3(a)(ii) Forms Required Determined by Issues at Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Before a temporary or interim orders hearing in a divorce or parent-child relationship suit, each party must prepare and deliver the required pretrial forms.

Before any hearing on temporary or interim orders in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits) each party shall prepare and deliver pre-trial forms as follows:

DocumentPretrial Forms

Guad LocalRules · p. 11
|Sec3.3 Pre-Trial Procedure Before a Temporary or Interim orders Hearing
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The parties may not by agreement waive or modify the provisions or requirements of these rules.

Guad LocalRules · p. 12
|Sec3.4 No Extensions or Waivers by Court Administrator or by Agreement
Filing RequirementsMandatory

All issues not stated in pre-trial forms as required by these procedures will be deemed waived except upon showing of good cause for failure to comply with these rules.

DocumentPre Trial Forms

Guad LocalRules · p. 13
|Sec3. c. Issues Waived
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Before trial in a divorce suit, each party must deliver a completed, signed Proposed Property Division form, or the parties may deliver one agreed form signed by both.

Before the final trial on the merits in any divorce suit or suit affecting parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits), each party shall prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings as follows : a. Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial i. In a divorce suit, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form posted on the Guadalupe County District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed Proposed Property Division, signed by both parties.

DocumentProposed Property Division

Guad LocalRules · p. 13
|Sec3.8 Pre-Trial Procedure Before a Final Trial on the Merits
Filing RequirementsMandatory

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §156.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting Plan signed by both parties, or shall summarize in the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues.

DocumentProposed Parenting Plan

Guad LocalRules · p. 14
|Sec3.8(a)(iv) Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must furnish the court and opposing parties, but not file, prior-two-year tax returns or specified substitute income records at trial.

Additionally, in any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, unless parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish to the court (but not file), and to opposing parties, copies of the following at the time of trial: 1. The party's federal income tax returns for the previous two calendar years, or if no such return(s) have been filed, then all payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1 for such years;

DocumentIncome And Tax Records

Guad LocalRules · p. 14
|Sec3.8(a)(iii) Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

In any suit requiring determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Guadalupe County District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party.

DocumentProposed Support Decision

Guad LocalRules · p. 14
|Sec3.8(a)(ii) Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must furnish the court and opposing parties, but not file, specified trial-year income records through the trial date; discovery obligations remain in effect.

Additionally, in any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, unless parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish to the court (but not file), and to opposing parties, copies of the following at the time of trial: 2. All payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1 for the calendar year of the trial from January 1 through the date of trial. 3. This Rule does not supersede any requirement to respond to discovery requests.

DocumentIncome And Tax Records

Guad LocalRules · p. 14
|Sec3.8(a)(iii) Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues stating uncovered requested trial decisions in brief, complete sentences.

Additionally, each party shall also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which shall state briefly in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division, Proposed Support Decision, or Proposed Parenting Plan.

DocumentProposed Disposition Of Other Issues

Filing RequirementsMandatory

If a Motion to Confer is filed and set with a final trial on the merits, the parties shall include the time the court will confer with the child in their time announcement.

DocumentTime Announcement

Guad LocalRules · p. 16
|Sec3.9 Motions to Confer with a Child
Filing RequirementsMandatory

If the divorce involves children, the parties shall file a certificate of completion showing that a 4 hour parenting class has been completed prior to requesting the court render the divorce.

DocumentCertificate Of Completion

Guad LocalRules · p. 16
|Sec3.10 Finalizing a Divorce
Filing RequirementsMandatory

So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge shall be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge.

DocumentDraft Judgment Decree Or Order

Guad LocalRules · p. 17
|Sec4.2 Approval as to Form
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion to withdraw from representation shall be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and all other parties unless the moving attorney: a. Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties; b. Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; and c. Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client.

DocumentMotion To Withdraw

Guad LocalRules · p. 22
|SecChapter 7: Motions to Withdraw and Motions to Substitute
Filing RequirementsMandatory

A motion to substitute shall be signed by all parties and counsel shall continue to appear until an order granting the motion to substitute is signed by the court assigned to the case .

DocumentMotion To Substitute

Guad LocalRules · p. 22
|SecChapter 7: Motions to Withdraw and Motions to Substitute
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Motions to retain shall set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and shall be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.

DocumentMotion To Retain

Guad LocalRules · p. 23
|Sec8.5 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Judgments of probation shall be prepared by the Community Supervision and Corrections Department.

DocumentProbation Judgment

Guad LocalRules · p. 25
|Sec9.3 Preparation of Judgments
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Judgements where defendants are committed to TDCJ-ID, or TDCJ State Jail Division , or Guadalupe County Jail shall be prepared by the County Attorney, unless otherwise directed by the Court.

DocumentJudgment

Guad LocalRules · p. 25
|Sec9.3 Preparation of Judgments
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Counsel shall continue to appear until an order granting the motion to withdraw is signed.

DocumentMotion To Withdraw

Guad LocalRules · p. 26
|Sec9.7 Motions to Withdraw and Motions to Substitute
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Motions to Substitute shall bee-filed and the order shall be presented to the court at the next docket setting for signature if the order has not been previously signed by the presiding judge.

DocumentOrder On Motion To Substitute

Guad LocalRules · p. 26
|Sec9.7 Motions to Withdraw and Motions to Substitute
Filing RequirementsMandatory

At the conclusion of representation, court-appointed attorneys must provide an itemized statement of in-court and out-of-court hours, submitted only as an attachment to the fee voucher.

All court appointed attorneys shall, at the conclusion of the representation of a defendant, provide the court with an itemized statement reflecting the hours spent in court and the number of hours spent out of court in representation the defendant. The statement may only be submitted as an attachment to the fee voucher.

DocumentFee Voucher

Guad LocalRules · p. 26
|Sec9.5 Fee Vouchers from Court Appointed Counsel
Filing RequirementsMandatory

The attorneys for the state and the defense shall deliver to the Court a proposed charge on the Monday the trial commences. The charge shall be provided prior to the commencement of jury selection .

DocumentProposed Jury Charge

Guad LocalRules · p. 26
|Sec9.4 Preparation of Jury Charge
Filing RequirementsMandatory

Upon order of the Court, the State shall prepare the jury charge in its final form making changes or modifications at the direction of the Court.

DocumentFinal Jury Charge

Guad LocalRules · p. 26
|Sec9.4 Preparation of Jury Charge
Filing RequirementsMandatory

d. Provision for child support in accordance with the guidelines in the Texas Family Code.

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

b. A schedule of visitation.

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

f. Both parents MUST complete a parenting class, minimum four (4) hours, that will provide you with a certificate of completion.

DocumentParenting Class

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

a. Provision for custody of the children and with whom they will live.

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

e. If a child is not the child of the spouse but was born during the marriage, the child MUST be listed in the decree and paternity MUST be established .

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

2. ALL fill in the blank pleadings and decrees must be FULLY filled in. NO BLANKS.

DocumentPleading And Decree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

CHILD SUPPORT CANNOT BE WAIVED without the approval of the Court which will rarely be given.

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

c. Provision for the children to be covered by health insurance.

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

This certificate MUST be on file with the District Clerk's Office before a court date for the final divorce will be given .

DocumentParenting Class Certificate

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

6. If the divorce/decree involves property, you MUST include the proper legal description and information concerning the bank or lienholder.

DocumentDecree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsMandatory

8. Obtain the Bureau of Vital Statistics form from the District Clerk's Office and have it completely filled out before you come to court for your divorce.

DocumentBureau Of Vital Statistics Form

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 2
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES
Filing RequirementsImportant

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel shall not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.

DocumentTemporary Restraining Order Or Temporary Injunction

Guad LocalRules · p. 10
|Sec3.1 Standing Orders
Filing RequirementsImportant

Notwithstanding Chapter 7, in a family law case, a request for a TRO to be served with citation may be presented ex parte if supported by an affidavit and if the relief would not affect the possession of or access to a child.

DocumentTemporary Restraining Order

Guad LocalRules · p. 10
|Sec3.2 Application for TRO to be Served with Citation
Filing RequirementsImportant

The word "entered" shall not be used to show the date on which a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

DocumentJudgment Decree Or Order

Guad LocalRules · p. 17
|Sec4.5 Date of Signing Only
Filing RequirementsImportant

3. If anything contained in the forms you are using do not apply to you and your spouse, DO NOT include them in your petition or your decree.

DocumentPetition And Decree

ProSe Instructions · Mar 2022 · p. 1
|SecINSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

A case cannot be set on a District Court docket unless the Notice or Order Setting Hearing is signed by the presiding court’s Court Administrator and e-filed into the case.

A case will not be set on any District Court docket unless a Notice or Order Setting Hearing has been signed by the Court Administrator for the District Court presiding over the hearing and e-filed into the case.

Page 4 | 2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings

Approved draft orders must be e-filed with the District Clerk for presentation to the judge who decided the matter within ten days after the hearing or final trial.

Draft orders, approved as to form, shall be e-filed with the District Clerk for presentation to the judge who decided the matter within ten days after the hearing or final trial.

Page 17 | 4.3 Presentation of Orders After Hearing

Proposed or draft orders must be e-filed with the District Clerk.

Proposed or draft orders shall bee-filed with the District Clerk.

Page 17 | 4.1 Filing of Proposed Orders

Motions to withdraw must be e-filed and set with the District Court assigned to the case.

Motions to Withdraw shall bee-filed and set with the District Court assigned to the case.

Page 26 | 9.7 Motions to Withdraw and Motions to Substitute

Motions to substitute must be e-filed, and any order not already signed by the presiding judge must be presented at the next docket setting for signature.

Motions to Substitute shall bee-filed and the order shall be presented to the court at the next docket setting for signature if the order has not been previously signed by the presiding judge.

Page 26 | 9.7 Motions to Withdraw and Motions to Substitute

The Presiding Judge may sua sponte drop a setting if the notice or order setting hearing has not been signed by the appropriate Court Administrator and e-filed.

If a Notice of Order Setting Hearing has not been signed by the appropriate Court Administrator and e-filed the Presiding Judge may sua sponte drop the setting

Page 4 | 2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Challenges to expert witnesses must be filed 30 days before trial.

THIRTY DAYS BEFORE TRIAL 1. All challenges to expert witnesses shall be filed.

Page 3 | 2.0 General Timelines

Summary judgment motions must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

3. All motions for summary judgment shall be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

Page 3 | 2.0 General Timelines

A summary judgment motion may not be set within 30 days of a final trial setting.

Motion for summary judgment shall not be set within 30 days of a final trial setting.

Page 3 | 2.0 General Timelines

A party may request a setting only after filing the motion with the required certifications or by filing it immediately, no later than 24 hours after receiving setting dates.

A party shall not request a setting unless the party has filed the motion with the certifications required in Local Rule: Chapter 2 Subsection 2 or will file the motion immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after obtaining the setting dates from the appropriate Court Administrator.

Page 5 | 2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings

Required pre-trial forms and any pleading amendments must be filed before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday two weeks before the week of the trial setting.

Each party shall file the required pre-trial forms and any amendment to pleadings before 5:00 p.m . on the Monday two weeks before the week of the trial setting.

Page 15 | 3.8(c)(i) When to File

Orders must be e-filed for submission to the Court within fourteen days after rendition unless the Court directs otherwise.

All orders shall bee-filed for submission to the Court within fourteen (14) days from the date of rendition, unless otherwise directed by the Court.

Page 17 | 4.6 Timeline for Submission by Parties

Approved draft orders must be submitted within ten days after the hearing or final trial.

Draft orders, approved as to form, shall be e-filed with the District Clerk for presentation to the judge who decided the matter within ten days after the hearing or final trial.

Page 17 | 4.3 Presentation of Orders After Hearing

Cases noticed for dismissal will be dismissed summarily on or after the stated date unless a party files a compliant motion to retain.

Such matters will be dismissed summarily without further proceedings on the dismissal date indicated in the notice of dismissal or thereafter unless at least one party files a motion to retain that complies with the requirements of this Standing Order.

Page 23 | 8.3 Notice and Summary Dismissal if No Motion to Retain

A motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days before the dismissal date stated in the notice.

Motions to retain shall set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and shall be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.

Page 23 | 8.5 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain

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 shall be filed at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.

Page 23 | 8.5 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain

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 shall file any objection to mediation at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.

Page 24 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation

Parties filing motions to retain shall file any objection to mediation simultaneously w ith a motion to retain.

Parties filing motions to retain shall file any objection to mediation simultaneously w ith a motion to retain.

Page 24 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation

Judgments committing defendants to the listed facilities must be presented to the court within three business days of sentencing.

Judgements where defendants are committed to TDCJ-ID, or TDCJ State Jail Division, or Guadalupe County Jail shall be presented to the court within three business days of sentencing.

Page 25 | 9.3 Preparation of Judgments

Submit the divorce decree to the judge hearing the case at least seven days before the scheduled final hearing.

9. ALL Decrees of Divorce MUST be submitted to the Judge hearing the case at least seven (7) days prior to your scheduled final hearing date.

Page 2 | INSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES

After the deadline, amendments to pre-trial forms or pleadings may be filed only by party agreement or court leave, which will be granted unless the filing would surprise the opposing party.

Amendments to pre-trial forms and amendments to pleadings may be filed after the deadline above only by agreement of the parties or upon leave of the court, which leave will be granted unless there is a showing that the filing will operate as a surprise to the opposite party.

Page 15 | 3.8(c)(ii) When to File

The court must sign judgments and orders within fourteen days after submission unless a party requests a hearing on a motion to enter.

All judgments and orders shall be signed by the court within fourteen (14) days from the date they are submitted unless any party requests a hearing on a motion to enter.

Page 18 | 4.7 Timeline for Judicial Signature

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Each party must serve its proposed jury charge on all other parties one week before trial.

2. Each party shall file and serve on all other parties a proposed jury charge, including questions, definitions, and instructions, which shall include citations to the Texas Pattern Jury Charge and other authority that supports the submission.

Page 4 | 2.0 General Timelines

Unless the parties agree or stipulate, each party must furnish the specified financial records to the opposing party before the hearing.

Additionally, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish copies of the party's preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the party's preceding year's income tax return (if the tax return has been filed), and preceding year's W-2 to the judge (but not the file) at the time of the hearing and to the opposing party prior to the hearing.

Page 11 | 3.3(a)(ii) Forms Required Determined by Issues at Hearing

Required forms must be delivered to the opposing party before the case is called and to the judge at the hearing.

Each party shall deliver the required form to the opposing party before the case is called for hearing, and to the judge at the time of the hearing.

Page 12 | 3.3(c) When Form is Delivered

Each party must deliver each required form to both the opposing party and the judge hearing the case.

Each party shall deliver the required form to the opposing party and to the judge hearing the case.

Page 12 | 3.3(b) To Whom Form is Delivered

Each party must file the required forms with the District Clerk and deliver a copy to the opposing party.

Each party shall file the required forms with the District Clerk and deliver a copy to the opposing party.

Page 15 | 3.8(b) Where to File

Filing Fees and Waivers

The jury fee must be paid before a jury setting will be granted.

A jury setting will not be given until the jury fee has been paid.

Page 9 | 2.14 Jury Settings in Civil Litigation

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before setting a hearing, the parties must make reasonable efforts to speak about its date, time, and format and the motion’s substance to narrow disputes; a remote hearing requires all parties’ agreement and specific court approval.

Prior to setting a hearing, the parties shall make reasonable efforts to actually speak to one another regarding the date, time, and format (i.e. if remote hearing is requested it shall be by agreement of all the parties and with specific court approval) of a hearing or trial and the substance of the motion in a genuine effort to narrow their disputes before seeking court intervention

Page 6 | 2.2 Conferring and Certification Requirements Prior to Setting a Hearing

For a TRO affecting a child’s possession or access, the applicant or counsel must confer with opposing counsel before presenting it to the Court Administrator if the opposing party is represented.

If a TRO affects the possession of or access to a child, and the opposing party is represented by counsel, the applicant or their counsel shall confer prior to presenting the TRO to the appropriate Court Administrator.

Page 10 | 3.2 Application for TRO to be Served with Citation

The court may strike a setting if the motion or an amended motion lacks the required certificates.

The court retains discretion to strike any setting in which the motion (or an amended version of the motion) does not include such certificates.

Page 6 | 2.2 Conferring and Certification Requirements Prior to Setting a Hearing

Parties are encouraged to confer about order wording, and the drafting party may set a motion to enter at its discretion if there is no response within seven business days; sanctions, including attorney’s fees, may be considered if the motion is required.

All parties are encouraged to confer and attempt to resolve any disputes relating to the wording of judgments and orders. Parties responsible for drafting the judgment or order should make reasonable attempts to confer on the form of the order. Should the drafting party not receive a response within seven (7) business days, the drafting party can, at their discretion, set the case for a motion to enter. Counsel is encouraged to remember that the courts can and will consider all available sanctions including attorney's fees should a motion to enter be required.

Page 18 | 4.8 Motions to Enter

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Filing a motion for continuance, even with all parties’ agreement, does not continue the case; a signed granting order or notice from the Court Administrator that parties need not appear is required.

The mere filing of a Motion for Continuance does not mean that the continuance will be granted, even with the agreement of all parties. A case is not continued unless an Order Granting the Motion for Continuance has been signed by the presiding judge or the Court Administrator for the presiding judge has notified all parties not to appear.

Page 7 | 2.6 Motions for Continuance

Motions for continuance must comply with Rules 251 et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

All Motions for Continuance shall be in accordance with Rules 251 et seq of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Page 7 | 2.6 Motions for Continuance

The Court Administrator may not extend the time for delivering pretrial forms.

The Court Administrator is not authorized to extend the time for delivering pretrial forms .

Page 12 | 3.4 No Extensions or Waivers by Court Administrator or by Agreement

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications to the Judge or court personnel concerning the merits of a pending or impending proceeding outside the parties’ presence are prohibited and must be promptly rejected.

Canon 3, Section B(8) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct Expressly Provides that a Judge and Court personnel shall not directly or indirectly initiate, permit, or consider ex parte communications or other communications made to the Judge outside the presence of the parties concerning the merits of a pending or impending judicial proceeding. Any communication to the Judge or Court personnel concerning the merits of a pending or impending judicial proceeding is prohibited and shall be promptly rejected.

Page 1 | Notice Regarding Contact with the Judge or Court Personnel

Court administrators, coordinators, and District Clerk's Office personnel cannot provide legal advice.

Court Administrators, Court Coordinators, nor any personnel of the District Clerk's Office can practice law or give you any type of legal advice. Please do not ask them to do so.

Page 1 | INSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES

Obtain all court settings by contacting the court administrator or coordinator assigned to the case.

10. All Court settings shall be obtained by contacting the court administrator/coordinator to which your case has been assigned.

Page 2 | INSTRUCTIONS TO PRO SE LITIGANTS IN DIVORCE CASES

For cases ending in CV-A, contact Rachel Luna using the listed contact information.

A (XX-XXXX-CV-A) Contact Rachel Luna rachel.luna@co.guadalupe.tx.us 830-303-8852 x2

Page 2 | If your case ends with the following

For cases ending in CV-E, contact Lorna Dean using the listed contact information.

E {XX-XXXX-CV-E} Contact Lorna Dean lornad@co.guadalupe.tx.us 830-303-8869 x4

Page 2 | If your case ends with the following

For cases ending in CV-B, contact Kim McMahon using the listed contact information.

B (XX-XXXX-CV-B} Contact Kim McMahon kimberly.mcmahon@co.guadalupe.tx.us 830-303-8852 x3

Page 2 | If your case ends with the following

For cases ending in CV-C, contact Lynn Bothe using the listed contact information.

C (XX-XXXX-CV-C) Contact Lynn Bothe lynnb@co.guadalupe.tx.us 830-303-8852 xl

Page 2 | If your case ends with the following

Common questions about Judge Jessica Crawford's rules

Does Judge Jessica Crawford require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Before setting a hearing, the parties must make reasonable efforts to speak about its date, time, and format and the motion’s substance to narrow disputes; a remote hearing requires all parties’ agreement and specific court approval.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 2.2 Conferring and Certification Requirements Prior to Setting a Hearing

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Jessica Crawford?

Judge Jessica Crawford's formatting rule includes in lieu of the proposed property division form, a copy of the spreadsheet showing assets must be provided to the court in an editable electronic format at the beginning of trial.. In lieu of the Proposed Property Division form, a copy of a spreadsheet showing assets shall be provided to the court in an editable electronic format at the beginning of trial.

View ruleSource: page 14, section 3.8(a)(i) Forms Required Depend on Type of Suit and Issues at Trial

What must be included with proposed jury charge filings before Judge Jessica Crawford?

Each party must file and serve a proposed jury charge on all other parties, including questions, definitions, instructions, and supporting authority citations.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2.0 General Timelines

What must be included with motion to set hearing filings before Judge Jessica Crawford?

A written motion to set a contested-case hearing must have a Notice or Order Setting Hearing attached.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings

How may parties contact Judge Jessica Crawford's chambers?

Communications to the Judge or court personnel concerning the merits of a pending or impending proceeding outside the parties’ presence are prohibited and must be promptly rejected.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Notice Regarding Contact with the Judge or Court Personnel

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jessica Crawford?

Motions for continuance must comply with Rules 251 et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 2.6 Motions for Continuance

Is electronic filing required before Judge Jessica Crawford?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. A case cannot be set on a District Court docket unless the Notice or Order Setting Hearing is signed by the presiding court’s Court Administrator and e-filed into the case.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2.1 Setting Cases for Contested Motions/Hearings

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Jessica Crawford?

A fee is required for covered filings. The jury fee must be paid before a jury setting will be granted.

View ruleSource: page 9, section 2.14 Jury Settings in Civil Litigation

What filing deadlines does Judge Jessica Crawford set?

Challenges to expert witnesses must be filed 30 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 2.0 General Timelines

What rule applies to service for proposed jury charge before Judge Jessica Crawford?

Details: recipient: all parties. Each party must serve its proposed jury charge on all other parties one week before trial.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2.0 General Timelines
Complete rules summary for Judge Jessica Crawford

Communications to the Judge or court personnel concerning the merits of a pending or impending proceeding outside the parties’ presence are prohibited and must be promptly rejected.

Challenges to expert witnesses must be filed 30 days before trial.

Summary judgment motions must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial.

A summary judgment motion may not be set within 30 days of a final trial setting.

Each party must file and serve a proposed jury charge on all other parties, including questions, definitions, instructions, and supporting authority citations.

Each party must serve its proposed jury charge on all other parties one week before trial.

A written motion to set a contested-case hearing must have a Notice or Order Setting Hearing attached.

A Notice or Order Setting Hearing must state the estimated time allocation for the hearing.

A case cannot be set on a District Court docket unless the Notice or Order Setting Hearing is signed by the presiding court’s Court Administrator and e-filed into the case.

The Presiding Judge may sua sponte drop a setting if the notice or order setting hearing has not been signed by the appropriate Court Administrator and e-filed.

A party may request a setting only after filing the motion with the required certifications or by filing it immediately, no later than 24 hours after receiving setting dates.

Each setting request must estimate the total hearing time for all matters and participants.

Before setting a hearing, the parties must make reasonable efforts to speak about its date, time, and format and the motion’s substance to narrow disputes; a remote hearing requires all parties’ agreement and specific court approval.

Every motion must certify that counsel conferred or made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties about the setting’s date, time, and format.

Every non-dispositive motion must include one of the stated certifications concerning efforts to resolve or narrow issues with affected parties.

The court may strike a setting if the motion or an amended motion lacks the required certificates.

A show-cause or other case-setting order presented to a judge for signature must be on a separate page and not combined with a pleading.

Motions for continuance must comply with Rules 251 et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Filing a motion for continuance, even with all parties’ agreement, does not continue the case; a signed granting order or notice from the Court Administrator that parties need not appear is required.

A hearing request on a motion to compel discovery must include counsel’s certification that agreement was attempted unsuccessfully.

The jury fee must be paid before a jury setting will be granted.

Each side must present a proposed jury charge at the civil announcement docket.

When ordered by the court, counsel must prepare the jury charge in final form with the ordered changes or modifications.

Counsel requesting a temporary restraining order or injunction must not repeat or address the standing order’s subject matter unless seeking to modify it.

In a family law case, a request for a TRO to be served with citation may be presented ex parte if supported by an affidavit and if it does not affect possession of or access to a child.

For a TRO affecting a child’s possession or access, the applicant or counsel must confer with opposing counsel before presenting it to the Court Administrator if the opposing party is represented.

A request for a TRO affecting a child’s possession or access must state either that conferral attempts were unsuccessful or that the respondent is unrepresented.

Before a temporary or interim orders hearing in a divorce or parent-child relationship suit, each party must prepare and deliver the required pretrial forms.

In a suit involving child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a fully completed and signed Financial Information Sheet using the court website form.

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must provide the specified payroll and tax records to the judge at the hearing and to the opposing party beforehand.

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