Jim Wells County Court at Law Document Filing Requirements

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The Petitioner must attach the Standing Order to the original petition and each copy; if the Petitioner does not, the Clerk must ensure the copies presented have it attached.

The Petitioner shall attach a copy of this Standing Order to the original petition and to each copy of the petition. At the time the petition is filed, if the Petitioner has failed to attach a copy of this Standing Order to the petition and any copy of the petition, the Clerk shall ensure that a copy of this Standing Order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate of compliance

When filing an inventory with opposing counsel, the party must file a certificate of compliance with the District Clerk confirming that the inventory was filed with opposing counsel.

When a party files an inventory with opposing counsel, the party shall file a certificate of compliance with the District Clerk certifying that the inventory has been filed with the opposing counsel.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Letter of intent

An attorney seeking appointments must submit a letter of intent to the Court Manager specifying the desired case types, with any additional eligibility documentation required by other provisions.

Each attorney who desires to accept appointments as an attorney ad litem, a guardian ad litem or CUnICUS attorney shall submit a letter of intent to accept such appointments to the Court Manager for the county in which the attorney desires to accept appointments. The attorney must also specify the types of cases to which the attorney desires appointments under section 1.07 of these rules. If required by other provisions of these rules, the letter of intent must also be accompanied with any additional documentation that establish the attorney is eligible for appointments under these rules.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Voucher

The voucher must include all services provided to one client regardless of how many cases were disposed.

The voucher shall include all services provided to a single client, regardless of the number of cases disposed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Litigation expense approval request

Except as provided by Rule 1.22, a request for prior approval of investigative, expert, or other litigation expenses must be filed in the trial court, state good cause, and include the specified descriptions, supporting facts, and itemized anticipated expenses; the request may be submitted ex parte.

Except as provided by Rule 1.22, prior court approval is required for reimbursement of investigative, expert and other litigation expenses. Requests for approval of litigation expenses shall be filed in the trial court setting forth good cause for the incurrence of these expenses. The request may be submitted exparte. The request must include: (a) a description of the type of investigation to be conducted, the type of expert to be retained, or the type of any other litigation expense; (b) specific facts that show that the investigation will result in discovery of admissible evidence, that the services of an expert are reasonably necessary to assist in the preparation of the client’s case, or the incurrence of any other litigation expenses is necessary to adequately represent the client; and (c) an itemized list of anticipated expenses for each investigation, expert or other litigation related expense.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Audio video transcription

The party offering a video or audio exhibit containing a party’s or witness’s statement must transcribe it.

All video and/or audio exhibits which contain a statement made by a party or witness shall be transcribed by the party offering same

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

All exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before trial begins.

provided to the Court Reporter prior to the commencement of the trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

An exhibit list must be furnished to the Court reporter before trial or a court proceeding.

an exhibit list shall be furnished to the Court reporter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Inventory

Each inventory must be signed under oath and describe and value the parties’ property and list their debts and liabilities, including the creditor and amount.

In contested divorce cases, each party shall file with opposing counsel not later than 60 days from Respondent’s appearance but in no event less than 30 days prior to a final trial setting, an inventory, signed under oath by that party, setting forth a description and value of all property (real and personal, community and separate) owned or claimed by either or both of the parties and a list of all debts and liabilities (stating the creditor and amount) owed by either or both parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proof of completion

Proof of completion of the approved divorcing-parents education program must be filed with the clerk before final judgment is granted.

Proof of completion of an approved educational program for divorcing parents must be filed with the clerk of the court prior to the granting of a final judgment.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must bear original signatures.

All signatures must be original.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Audio video transcription

In criminal cases, transcriptions of video or audio statements by a party or witness must be made and disclosed as required by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

In criminal cases, transcriptions of video and/or audio statements by a party or a witness shall be made and disclosed in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Transmittal correspondence

Correspondence accompanying a proposed order submitted directly to the Court must state when and how it was sent for approval, whether opposing counsel or the pro se party communicated about it, and, if so, briefly summarize that communication.

The transmittal correspondence to the Court shall include: (a) the date on which the proposed order was submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party and the manner of transmittal, (b) a statement as to whether or not opposing counsel or pro se party has communicated with counsel concerning the proposed order, and (c) if communication was had, a brief summary of the contents of said communication.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Fee disapproval

If the trial court disapproves the requested amount, it must provide a written explanation for its findings.

The trial court shall determine the reasonableness of the amount requested based upon the time and labor required, the complexity of the case, and the experience and ability of the appointed counsel. If the trial court disapproves the requested amount. the trial court shall make written explanation for such findings.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

An attorney may sign another attorney’s proposed order if it bears a notation that it was signed “with permission.”

An attorney may sign on behalf of another attorney with a notation that the order was signed “with permission” of said attorney.