Judge Phillip Hays

Applies to

Electronically filed document

A digital signature satisfies signature requirements under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and other law.

Applies to

Initial pleading

The first attorney named in an initial pleading is the attorney in charge under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 8 unless another attorney is designated.

Applies to

Electronically filed document

For Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 13 and 57, the document's digital signature is attributed to the first attorney named in its signature block.

Electronic transmission is available year-round, 24 hours a day, except during brief state-approved Sunday-morning maintenance.

Electronic delivery to the filer's EFSP is deemed delivery to the clerk and filing, subject to Rule 4.3(h).

Deadline

10 court days

A document transmitted to the EFSP by its filing deadline is timely and must be filed if the clerk receives it no more than ten days late.

Applies to

Electronically filed document

Electronic filers must pay regular filing fees through TexasOnline using a method established by TexasOnline.

Applies to

Electronically filed document

An EFSP may impose an additional convenience fee for electronic filing.

Applies to

Electronically filed document

TexasOnline charges an additional convenience fee capped at the amount approved by the TexasOnline Authority.

Service

Electronic service

Electronic service of court documents is optional unless a District Court or County Court orders it for a particular case upon a party's motion and a showing of good cause.

Service

Electronic service to opposing party

A filer may serve documents electronically by transmitting them to another party's e-mail address, except for the citation served when a cause of action is filed.

Service

Electronic service

Electronic service is permitted only if the recipient agrees to it or the court orders electronic service.