Hopkins County Court at Law
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Communication
Chambers
Document Format Requirements7 rules
The form of the appendix and transcription shall conform to any specifications of the Supreme Court and/or the Court of Criminal Appeals and comply with the Order Directing the Form of the Appellate Record and the Uniform Format Manual for Texas Reporters' Records.
Any exhibits designated by the parties for inclusion in the reporter's record shall be arranged in numerical order and firmly bound together so far as practicable, together with an index consisting of a brief description identifying each exhibit.
- Reporter record exhibits
Formatting
- •Arrange designated exhibits in numerical order
The reporter's record on appeal from any proceeding of which an electronic recording has been made shall be labeled to reflect clearly the numbered contents certified by the court recorder to be a clear and accurate copy of the original recording of the entire proceedings.
All exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers.
If the judge e-files a document, they will ensure that it is in Portable Document Format (PDF) with a text-searchable feature and that the text is reasonably clear.
- File type
Formatting
- •The document must have a text-searchable feature
Exhibits should be provided as a PDF document whenever possible.
- File type
Formatting
- •PDF format is recommended whenever possible
All signatures and notaries are distinctive written signatures, not"/ s/ Typed Name."
Document Filing Requirements39 rules
The court recorder must make a detailed, legible log containing the specified information for each recorded proceeding.
Court's wording
Making a detailed, legible log for all proceedings being recorded, indexed by the date and location of each event being recorded, and showing the number and style of the proceeding before the court, the correct name of each person speaking, the nature of the proceeding (e.g. voir dire, opening, examination of witnesses, cross-examination, argument, bench conferences, whether in the presence of the jury, etc.), the time of the day of each event, and the offer, admission or exclusion of all exhibits;
Each party shall file with its brief an appendix containing a written transcription of all portions of the recorded reporter's record and a copy of all exhibits relevant to the issues raised on appeal.
Inability to Afford. If a party is unable to afford costs, the court recorder must transcribe or have transcribed the recorded reporter's record and file the transcription as that party's appendix, along with all exhibits.
Do not request TROs that contain items in the standing orders. The court will reject TROs that largely overlap the standing orders and ask you to resubmit with only original items of genuine concern.
Please e-file a notice of hearing with the date filled in.
Keep an order setting hearing neutral, without narrative or pleading language or any suggestion that findings have already been made; an ex parte order may state emergency findings before the hearing if they are not in a separate order.
Court's wording
Do not include narrative-style language or language from a pleading. The OSH should not appear as though the court has already made any findings. Plead however you see fit in your Petition, but keep the OSH neutral. This does not apply to Ex Parte situations – that’s a special case where the OSH can absolutely state the court’s emergency findings prior to the hearing – and should, if the findings aren’t made in a separate order.
In every case involving children, the parties must file a pleading or statement describing the children's health insurance.
Before you can schedule a hearing to finalize a default judgment, you must complete a Default Judgment Checklist (found under Resource heading on website) and file it with the Clerk’s Office.
The court will not sign any order where the children are receiving government health insurance unless the obligor is ordered to make payments of cash medical support.
If you are asking the court to order spousal support or divide expenses, you must provide, in writing, all relevant financial information listing income and expenses.
If you are asking the court to divide property, you must provide, in writing, a proposed property division which lists all assets and debts.
The petitioner must attach this order to the petition and each copy; if the petitioner fails to do so when filing, the district clerk must attach it.
Court's wording
A. The petitioner shall attach a copy of this order to the petition and to each copy of the petition. If, at the time the petition is filed, the petitioner has failed to attach a copy of this order to the petition and any copy of 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.
Applications for ex parte relief, such as temporary restraining orders, shall not contain items that are already addressed in these standing orders, or items that are substantially the same. The only items to be applied for ex parte should be items of genuine concern under the unique facts of the case.
5. Submit a letter to the court with their findings;
4. File an answer on behalf of their clients;
7. Submit a proposed order for payment/ discharge upon completion of duties.
The initial pleading in an heirship proceeding must be accompanied by a proposed order appointing the attorney ad litem, with the name left blank.
- Document
- Initial pleading
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
It shall be the responsibility of the applicant's attorney, at the time of filing the initial pleading in the heirship proceeding, to (1) deposit $500.00 into the registry of the court and (2) e-file a proposed order appointing the attorney ad litem (name left blank).
Until required citation has been accomplished and the attorney ad litem has filed their report with the court, no attorney may submit a proposed order to the court which would have the effect of determining heirship or otherwise deciding the issue on the merits.
Provide the Court with confirmation of defendant’s location.
Both the signature of the attorney and the defendant are required, unless the defendant is currently incarcerated, or admitted to an inpatient hospital or facility.
For cases with attorney representation, the attorney is still required to sign a reset form, but the defendant’s signature is not required.
Defendant must fill out and sign reset form before sending to court coordinator, who will then e-file it for judge’s signature.
4. Obligor brings copy of proposed Order Terminating IWO to the hearing
1. Obligor files Petition to Terminate Withholding for Child Support
Obligor provides proposed Order Terminating IWO signed by BOTH obligor and obligee
All self-represented litigants must use the forms at Texaslawhelp.org (links available below)
In agreed cases, the Obligor must provide proof that one of the listed conditions for terminating the IWO applies.
Court's wording
Obligor provides proof that: i. Child is 18 years old and has graduated from high school; or ii. Child is deceased; or iii. Child’s legal disabilities of minority have been removed by marriage or court order; and
The petitioner must attach the order to the petition and each copy; if the petitioner fails to do so at filing, the district clerk must ensure it is attached.
Court's wording
A. The petitioner shall attach a copy of this order to the petition and to each copy of the petition. If, at the time the petition is filed, the petitioner has failed to attach a copy of this order to the petition and any coy of 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.
Applications for ex parte relief, such as temporary restraining orders, shall not contain items that are already addressed in these standing orders, or items that are substantially the same.
The petitioner must attach the order to the petition and each copy; if the petitioner fails, the district clerk must ensure it is attached.
Court's wording
The petitioner shall attach a copy of this order to the petition and to each copy of the petition. If, at the time the petition is filed, the petitioner has failed to attach a copy of this order to the petition and any coy of 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.
Applications for ex parte relief, such as temporary restraining orders, shall not contain items that are already addressed in these standing orders, or items that are substantially the same.
Reset form MUST be signed by defendant
A contested, final orders hearing should be scheduled for 9:00 a.m., unless the court agrees to a later setting.
Orders Setting Hearing (OSH) should identify the pleading at issue, the time and place, and whether the hearing is temporary or final.
An agreed order qualifies for the prove-up exemption only if it is signed by every party and attorney, has distinctive written signatures and notaries, and states that the parties did not appear in person and waived making a record.
Court's wording
Prove-ups are not required for agreed orders if all of the following conditions are met: 1. There is an agreed decree or order signed by every party and attorney involved in the case; 2. All signatures and notaries are distinctive written signatures, not"/ s/ Typed Name." 3. The Appearances section of the order indicates that the parties did not appear in person and that the making of a record was waived.
The only items to be applied for ex parte should be items of genuine concern under the unique facts of the case.
The only items to be applied for ex parte should be items of genuine concern under the unique facts of the case.
As a general rule, no filing should be presented to the judge unless a cause number has been assigned to the case and the filing is clearly marked with the assigned cause number. An exception may be made by the judge if an emergency filing is presented to the judge outside of normal business hours and the appropriate clerk's office is not open.
The appellate court may direct a party to file a supplemental appendix containing a written transcription of additional portions of the recorded reporter's record.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Requests for ex parte relief must be e-filed; a walk-through is not required.
Please e-file requests for ex parte relief. The court does not require a walk through.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Ex Parte Relief – TROs, etc.
E-file a notice of hearing with the hearing date filled in.
Please e-file a notice of hearing with the date filled in.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Hearings and Bench Trials
When filing the initial pleading, the applicant’s attorney must e-file a proposed order appointing the attorney ad litem, leaving the name blank.
It shall be the responsibility of the applicant's attorney, at the time of filing the initial pleading in the heirship proceeding, to (1) deposit $500.00 into the registry of the court and (2) e-file a proposed order appointing the attorney ad litem (name left blank).
Civil cases
Page 2 | Applicant's attorney
The attorney must e-file the reset form for the judge’s signature.
Attorney e-files the reset form for judge’s signature.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court
Defendant must fill out and sign reset form before sending to court coordinator, who will then e-file it for judge’s signature.
Defendant must fill out and sign reset form before sending to court coordinator, who will then e-file it for judge’s signature.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court
The completed reset form and Motion to Waive Arraignment must be filed electronically.
E-file completed reset form and Motion to Waive Arraignment
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Procedures for Waiving Arraignment with Counsel
Litigants must not e-file documents under seal, documents for the judge’s private in-camera review, or documents restricted by law or court order.
Litigants are not to e-file documents which are under seal, documents which are to be reviewed privately by the judge in camera, or documents which are restricted by law or court order.
Page 2 | 5. EXCEPTIONS
Original wills must not be e-filed.
Original wills are not to be e-filed.
Page 2 | 5. EXCEPTIONS
Attorneys must e-file all pleadings unless the judge grants a good-cause exception.
Attorneys must e-file all pleadings, unless the judge grants an exception for good cause.
Page 2 | 4. ATTORNEYS
If the judge signs a pro se litigant’s paper proposed order, the judge may retain and transfer the signed paper original or e-file the order, in which case it becomes the original, the paper is destroyed, and the parties are instructed to contact the clerk for copies.
If a pro se litigant presents a proposed order to the judge, for example a proposed final decree of divorce, and it the judge signs the order, the judge may either (1) bench-mark, sign, and date the signed order and retain it until it can be transferred to the appropriate clerk's office or (2) e-file it. If the judge follows the procedure under (1), the paper filing is the original and copies may be made at the judge's discretion. If the judge follows the procedure under (2), the e-filed order becomes the original, the judge will ensure that the paper document is destroyed, and the parties will be instructed to contact the appropriate clerk's office for copies of the order.
Page 1 | 3. SELF-REPRESENTED OR "PRO SE" LITIGANTS
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to e-file legal documents other than proposed orders; if they do not e-file, they must file in person with the appropriate clerk and may not file at the judge’s bench absent a good-cause exception.
For any legal document which is not a proposed order, for example a petition for divorce, a pro se litigant is encouraged to e-file it but is not required to. If the pro se litigant does not e-file the document, it must be filed in person at the appropriate clerk's office and it may not be filed with the judge at the bench, unless the judge grants an exception for good cause.
Page 1 | 3. SELF-REPRESENTED OR "PRO SE" LITIGANTS
Pro se litigants are encouraged, but not required, to e-file proposed orders and may instead present the paper original to the judge at the bench.
A pro se litigant is encouraged to e-file their proposed order(s) but is not required to. A pro se litigant also has the option of presenting the paper original proposed order to the judge at the bench.
Page 1 | 3. SELF-REPRESENTED OR "PRO SE" LITIGANTS
Attorneys are encouraged but not required to e-file proposed orders; if a paper proposed order is signed, the judge may retain and transfer the paper original or e-file it, in which case the paper is destroyed and the parties are instructed to contact the clerk for copies.
Attorneys are encouraged to e-file proposed orders, but are not required to. If an attorney presents a proposed order to the judge in paper form, and if the judge signs the order, the judge may either (1) bench-mark, sign, and date the signed order and retain it until it can be transferred to the appropriate clerk's office or (2) e-file it. If the judge follows the procedure under (1), the paper filing is the original and copies may be made at the judge's discretion. If the judge follows the procedure under (2), the e- filed order becomes the original, the judge will ensure that the paper document is destroyed, and the parties will be instructed to contact the appropriate clerk's office for copies of the order.
Page 2 | 4. ATTORNEYS
The judge may grant an exception to the e-filing requirements for good cause, including in an emergency.
The judge has the discretion to grant an exception to the e-filing requirements for good cause, such as in an emergency.
Page 2 | 6. EMERGENCIES
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The court recorder must file the original log and exhibits with the clerk after the proceeding ends.
Filing with the clerk the original log and exhibits after a proceeding ends;
Page 5 | Duties of Court Recorders
The court recorder must file the reporter's record with the court of appeals within fifteen days after an appeal is perfected.
The court recorder shall file the reporter's record with the court of appeals within fifteen days after the perfection of an appeal.
Page 6 | Time for Filing
The order takes effect when the suit is filed, remains a temporary restraining order for fourteen days, and continues as a temporary injunction unless contested at a hearing within that period; it ends when a final order is signed or the case is dismissed.
B. This order is effective upon the filing of the suit and shall remain in full force and effect as a temporary restraining order for fourteen days after the date of filing of the petition. If no party contests this order by presenting evidence at a hearing on or before fourteen days after the date of the filing of the petition, this order shall continue in full force and effect as a temporary injunction until further order of the court. This order will terminate in its entirety and will no longer be effective when the court signs a final order or the case is dismissed.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 7. SERVICE & APPLICATION OF THIS ORDER
Attorneys and pro se litigants must show good cause in writing within 30 days from the date on the District Clerk’s notice to avoid dismissal for want of prosecution.
Once each year, the District Clerk shall notify attorneys and pro se litigants in writing that their cases will be dismissed for want of prosecution unless good cause is shown, in writing, and within 30 days from the date shown on the District Clerk's notification, why the case should not be dismissed
Page 4 | 11. DISMISSAL DOCKETS: FAMILY LAW AND OTHER CIVIL CASES
All motions must be submitted before the day of court.
All motions must be submitted BEFORE the day of court
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Procedures for Waiving Arraignment with Counsel
When an application to probate a document as an original will is e-filed, the original will must be filed with the clerk within three business days after the application is filed.
When a party e-files an application to probate a document as an original will, the original will must be filed with the clerk within three business days after the application is filed.
Page 2 | 5. EXCEPTIONS
The judge must e-file the document by the end of the business day following the hearing.
The judge will e-file the document by the end of the business day following the hearing.
Page 3 | 9. DOCUMENTS E-FILED BY THE JUDGE
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The party scheduling a hearing must notify the other side and provide the court sufficient proof of notice; court email reminders do not replace that duty, and the hearing may be reset if notice is insufficient.
It is the responsibility of the parties, not the court or the clerk's office, to provide the other side with notice of any scheduled hearings. The party who schedules the hearing with the court coordinator must notify the other side and provide sufficient proof of notice to the court. Otherwise, the case will be reset and the party will be instructed to provide sufficient notice for the next hearing. As a backup form of notice, the court will make efforts to send email reminders to all parties of court settings, if valid email addresses are provided to the court. However, this does not relieve the parties of their obligation to provide notice themselves.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Proof of Notice
When requesting a hearing setting, copy the other side on the email to the coordinator.
To set a hearing, please email the coordinator, and copy the other side.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Hearings and Bench Trials
For remote Zoom hearings, parties must email proposed exhibits to the coordinator and any party before the hearing; time spent providing or reviewing an unexchanged exhibit is deducted from that side's time.
Remote Hearings by Zoom – Parties are required to email all proposed exhibits to the court coordinator and any party prior to the start of the hearing. If an exhibit is not exchanged prior, time needed to provide or review the exhibit during the hearing will be deducted from that side’s total time.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
If the children receive government health insurance, the Attorney General must be given notice of the pleadings.
If the children are receiving health insurance through a government program such as CHIP or Medicaid, the Attorney General must be provided notice of the pleadings
Civil cases
Page 3 | Health Insurance and Cash Medical Support
Citation must be published in the county where the proceeding is commenced and, if different, the decedent’s last-residence county in every heirship proceeding, even if no unknown heir is evident.
Citation must be published in both the county where the proceeding is commenced and the county of the decedent's last residence (if different). See Tex. Est. Code 202.052. Citation by publication is required in all heirship proceedings, even if there is no evidence that an unknown heit exists. See Tex. Atty. Gen. Op. No. KP-0074.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Service of Citation by Publication
Citation in an heirship proceeding must be served by registered or certified mail on qualifying distributees aged 12 or older and on the specified parent, managing conservator, or guardian of qualifying distributees younger than 12.
Citation in a proceeding to declare heirship must be served by registered or certified mail on (1) each distributee who is 12 years of age or older and whose name and address are known or can be ascertained through the exercise of reasonable diligence and (2) the parent, managing conservator, or guardian of each distributee who is younger than 12 years of age if the name and address of the parent, managing conservator, or guardian are known or can be reasonably ascertained. Tex. Est. Code. 202.051.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Service of Citation by Mail
In non-agreed cases, the Obligee must be served with the Petition or file a waiver of service and answer.
2. Obligee must be served with the Petition or file a waiver of service/answer
Page 1 | Procedure for Terminating IWO in Non-Agreed Cases
The court may, in its discretion, require personal service of citation on some or all distributees named in the heirship application.
The court may in its discretion require that service of citation be made by personal service on some or all of those named as distributes in the application for proceeding to declare heirship. Tex. Est. Code 202.054.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Personal Service of Citation
The clerk sends notice of the new court date to the address on file.
The Clerk will send notice of the new court date to the address on file.
Page 1 | 3. Resets WHEN defendant is detained, incarcerated or admitted into a treatment facility AT TIME OF COURT DATE
Filing Fees and Waivers
The court recorder provides or obtains the specified certified copies only upon full payment of the imposed charge, upon an authorized request or direction.
Preparing or obtaining a certified copy of the original recording of any proceeding, any of the exhibits the parties to the appeal designate, and certified copies of the original log, upon full payment of the charge imposed therefor, at the request of any person entitled to such recording, or at the direction of the judge of the court, or at the direction of any appellate judge who is presiding over any matter involving the same proceeding, subject to the laws of this state, rules of procedure and the instructions of the presiding Judge of the court;
Page 6 | Duties of Court Recorders
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Until the attorney destroys the file, their heightened duty of privacy and security shall continue. In other words, after the case has concluded, the file should continue to remain encrypted or locked away until it is destroyed.
Until the attorney destroys the file, their heightened duty of privacy and security shall continue. In other words, after the case has concluded, the file should continue to remain encrypted or locked away until it is destroyed.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CASE FILES
The County Clerk's office or specified judges' staff may make a case-file copy only for the patient's attorney.
A copy of the patient's case file may be made by the County Clerk's office or the staff of the County Judge or CCL Judge. Said copy may only be made for the patient's attorney.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CASE FILES
The appointed attorney may obtain the entire case file and must keep digital files encrypted and take reasonable steps to secure paper files.
In all such cases, the attorney appointed to represent the patient is specifically authorized to obtain a copy of the patient's entire mental health case file, whether in paper or digital form. If in digital form, the file shall be at all times encrypted (password-protected). If in paper form, the attorney shall take reasonable steps to keep the file in a locked, secure, and private place.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CASE FILES
(a) Each paper in a docket for mental health proceedings in the county clerk's office, including the docket book, indexes, and judgment books, is a public record of a private nature that may be used, inspected, or copied only under a written order issued by the county judge, a judge of a court that has probate jurisdiction, or a judge of a district court having jurisdiction in the county in which the docket is located. (b) A judge may not issue an order under Subsection (a) unless the judge enters a finding that: (1) the use, inspection, or copying is justified and in the public interest; or (2) the paper is to be released to the person to whom it relates or to a person designated in a written release signed by the person to whom the paper relates.
(a) Each paper in a docket for mental health proceedings in the county clerk's office, including the docket book, indexes, and judgment books, is a public record of a private nature that may be used, inspected, or copied only under a written order issued by the county judge, a judge of a court that has probate jurisdiction, or a judge of a district court having jurisdiction in the county in which the docket is located. (b) A judge may not issue an order under Subsection (a) unless the judge enters a finding that: (1) the use, inspection, or copying is justified and in the public interest; or (2) the paper is to be released to the person to whom it relates or to a person designated in a written release signed by the person to whom the paper relates.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Attachment to Standing Order Regarding Access to Mental Health Cases — Texas Health & Safety Code 571.015
When mental-health confidentiality law or physician-patient privilege applies, the judge must also find that the reasons for access fall within an applicable statutory exemption.
(c) In addition to the finding required by Subsection (b), if a law relating to confidentiality of mental health information or physician-patient privilege applies, the judge must find that the reasons for the use, inspection, or copying fall within the applicable statutory exemptions.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Attachment to Standing Order Regarding Access to Mental Health Cases — Texas Health & Safety Code 571.015
The papers must be released to an attorney representing the proposed patient in a proceeding under the subtitle.
(d) The papers shall be released to an attorney representing the proposed patient in a proceeding held under this subtitle.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Attachment to Standing Order Regarding Access to Mental Health Cases — Texas Health & Safety Code 571.015
An attorney who declines a copy may inspect the County Clerk's original file during business hours.
If an attorney elects to not receive a copy of the case file, they may inspect the County Clerk's original file during business hours.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CASE FILES
The section does not restrict law enforcement access to information necessary to execute a writ or warrant.
(e) This section does not affect access of law enforcement personnel to necessary information in execution of a writ or warrant.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Attachment to Standing Order Regarding Access to Mental Health Cases — Texas Health & Safety Code 571.015
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before applying for ex parte relief, the filing attorney must diligently determine whether the other party has counsel and, if so, diligently contact counsel and make reasonable accommodations regarding matters such as agreed orders and hearing schedules.
Before filing an application for ex parte relief, the filing attorney shall make a diligent effort to determine whether the other party is represented by an attorney, and if they are, the filing attorney shall make a diligent effort to contact the other party's attorney prior to filing the application for ex parte relief and to make reasonable accommodations regarding agreed orders, scheduling hearings, etc.
Civil cases
Page 5 | REQUESTS FOR EX PARTE RELIEF
Before filing for ex parte relief, the filing attorney must diligently determine whether the other party is represented and, if so, diligently try to contact that attorney and make reasonable accommodations.
Before filing an application for ex parte relief, the filing attorney shall make a diligent effort to determine whether the other party is represented by an attorney, and if they are, the filing attorney shall make a diligent effort to contact the other party's attorney prior to filing the application for ex parte relief and to make reasonable accommodations regarding agreed orders, scheduling hearings, etc.
Civil cases
Page 4 | 10. REQUESTS FOR EX PARTE RELIEF
Before filing for ex parte relief, the filing attorney must diligently determine whether the other party has counsel and, if so, contact counsel and make reasonable accommodations.
Before filing an application for ex parte relief, the filing attorney shall make a diligent effort to determine whether the other party is represented by an attorney, and if they are, the filing attorney shall make a diligent effort to contact the other party's attorney prior to filing the application for ex parte relief and to make reasonable accommodations regarding agreed orders, scheduling hearings, etc.
Civil cases
Page 4 | REQUESTS FOR EX PARTE RELIEE
Before filing a TRO, the filing attorney should diligently determine whether the other side is represented and, if so, diligently contact counsel and make reasonable accommodations concerning agreed orders and hearing scheduling.
Before filing a TRO, the court expects the filing attorney to make a diligent effort to determine whether the other side has an attorney. If the other side does have an attorney, the filing attorney is expected to make a diligent effort to contact them before filing the TRO as a courtesy and to make reasonable accommodations regarding agreed orders, scheduling hearings, etc.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Ex Parte Relief – TROs, etc.
Chambers Communication Rules
To set a hearing, email the coordinator and copy the other side; work with the other side to obtain an agreed date using the court's available dates.
To set a hearing, please email the coordinator, and copy the other side. You will be provided with the court's available dates and should work with the other side to get an agreed date.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Hearings and Bench Trials
After completing and filing the checklist, email the court coordinator at the stated address to schedule the default.
Once it has been completed and filed, email the court coordinator at ccl@hopkinscountytx.org to schedule your default.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Default Judgments
A defendant who cannot send and receive emails must make an appointment with the coordinator.
If defendant is unable to send and receive emails, defendant makes an appointment with the coordinator.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court
An attorney representing a defendant must contact the court coordinator to obtain a reset date.
If Defendant has an attorney – Attorney contacts court coordinator for a reset date.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court
A defendant without an attorney must contact the court coordinator to obtain a reset date.
Defendant contacts court coordinator for a reset date.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court
In non-agreed cases, the Obligor must schedule a hearing with the court and notify the Obligee of its date and time.
3. Obligor schedules hearing with the court and Obligor notifies Obligee of date/time
Page 1 | Procedure for Terminating IWO in Non-Agreed Cases
An attorney seeking a reset date must contact the court coordinator by email.
Attorney contacts court coordinator for a reset date a. Email CCL@hopkinscountytx.org
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Procedures for Waiving Arraignment with Counsel
If extra security may be needed, email the court coordinator before the hearing so security can be scheduled.
If you think your case might need extra security (whether for the parties or due to family members), please email the court coordinator CCL@hopkinscountytx.org before your hearing so that we can schedule sufficient court security in advance.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Safety/Extra Security
Notify the court coordinator immediately if a jury trial is anticipated.
Please notify the court coordinator immediately if you anticipate a trial by jury.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Time Limits
Notify the coordinator before the hearing if screen, laptop, or other technology is needed.
Please let the coordinator know prior to the hearing if a screen, laptop or other technology is needed.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
Parties may request status updates from the court coordinator about each side's time used.
The court coordinator will track the time used by each side, and can provide status updates as requested.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Time Limits
If the defendant can send and receive emails, the coordinator emails the defendant a blank reset form.
If defendant has the ability to send and receive emails, coordinator emails defendant blank reset form.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court
The coordinator emails the reset form to the attorney.
Coordinator emails attorney reset form.
Page 1 | 1. Resets requested BEFORE day of court