Judge Denise M. Fortenberry
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Day Before Hearing
Exhibit List, Witness List, Vocabulary List
- At Pretrial Conference
Summarized Requested Relief
- At Beginning Of Hearing Or Trial
Communication
Clerk
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits3 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking court intervention must file a discovery-dispute letter of no more than three pages in 12-point font stating the nature of the dispute, prior discussion details, and participants.
A. The party seeking Court intervention must file a letter not to exceed three pages (12 point font) explaining the nature of the dispute and include the date, time, and place of prior out-of-court discovery or scheduling discussion(s) and the name of all counsel/parties participating in the discussion(s).
Discovery Dispute Letter
3 pages
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
The responding party may email a two-page, 12-point-font response with template updates stating whether objections will be removed or whether the requested item is within its care, custody, and control, and enter that information under “Non-Movant.”
E. The responding/non-movant party will have an opportunity to e-mail a two page (12 point font) response, along with their updates to the Movant's "130th District Court Discovery Template.xls," detailing whether the objections will be removed or if the requested item is within the care, custody, and control of the non-movant. This information should be added into the spreadsheet under "Non-Movant."
Response
2 pages
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
E. The responding/non-movant party will have an opportunity to e-mail a three page (12 point font) response, along with their updates to the Movant’s “130th District Court Discovery Template.xls,” detailing whether the objections will be removed or if the requested item is within the care, custody, and control of the non-movant. This information should be added into the spreadsheet under “Non-Movant.”
Summary: A responding or non-movant party may submit a three-page, 12-point email response and must update the discovery spreadsheet under the “Non-Movant” section with the requested information.
Discovery Response
3 pages
Document Format Requirements21 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Every drug-test filing must have a notice of confidentiality affixed.
DFPS shall file all drug tests, including, but not limited to, urinalysis, hair follicle and fingernail with the Court, within five (5) business days of receipt, with a notice of confidentiality affixed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Audio exhibits may not exceed 100 MB.
Audio exhibits may not exceed 100Mb.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The movant must provide the discovery template in xls format identifying each discovery item in dispute.
B. The Movant must email the “130th District Court Discovery Template.xls” (in xls form) which will show information about each discovery item in dispute.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Every page of every exhibit must be pre-marked with the hearing date, title, exhibit number, offering party, cause number, and page numbering.
All exhibits shall be PRE-MARKED with the hearing date, title, exhibit number, offering party name, cause number and the page number and number of pages (i.e. Page 1 of 20). All pages of the exhibit shall include this information.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An exhibit larger than 8½ by 11 inches must be accompanied by a copy of that size; after trial the clerk retains the copy and returns the original to the offering party.
B. Large Exhibits. Exhibits exceeding 8 ½" x 11" in size will be accompanied by an 8 ½" x 11" copy. After completion of trial, the clerk will retain only the 8 ½" x 11" copy and the original exhibit will be returned to the offering party.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Proposed jury questions and instructions or proposed findings must use the specified title, be in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect format, and be emailed to the Court Coordinator by the Formal Pre-trial Conference.
The pleading should be named "[Name of Party]'s Proposed Jury Questions and Instructions" or "[Name of Party]'s Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law" in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect format and emailed to the Court Coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us by the date of the Formal Pre-trial Conference.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Before trial, deposition or video testimony must be submitted to the court reporter officially transcribed, or video excerpts must be submitted to the Court Reporter in MP3 format.
E. Deposition Testimony. Before trial begins, any deposition or video that will be presented during the trial will need to be submitted to the court reporter already officially transcribed, or if video excerpts are used, the video excerpts in MP3 format will need to be submitted to the Court Reporter.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
If an offered exhibit cannot be opened by the court of appeals, the sponsoring party must provide the court reporter with an acceptable-format copy.
If at any time in the future the case is on appeal and the court of appeals cannot open the exhibit that was offered, the sponsoring party that offered the exhibit will be responsible to provide the court reporter with the exhibit that is in the acceptable format.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Audio or video media may contain only the segments offered as exhibits.
Only segments offered as an exhibit can be on the audio or video media.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Media must be submitted in one of these file extensions: .avi, .wmv, .wav, .mpg, .mid, .asf, .mpeg, .mpl, .mp2, .mp3, .mp4, .m4v, .ogg, .oga, .ogv, or .webm.
A list of valid extensions that the media must be submitted in are: .avi, .wmv, .wav, .mpg, .mid, .asf, .mpeg, .mpl, .mp2, .mp3, .mp4, .m4v, .mpg, .ogg, .oga, .ogv, .webm.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Exhibits larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches must be accompanied by an 8 ½ by 11-inch copy, which the clerk will retain after trial instead of the original.
Exhibits exceeding 8 ½" x 11" in size will be accompanied by an 8 ½" x 11" copy. After completion of trial, the clerk will retain only the 8 ½" x 11" copy and the original exhibit will be returned to the offering party.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Parties with more than twenty-six exhibits must use numbered rather than lettered exhibit designations.
If a party has more than twenty-six exhibits, the exhibits shall be numbered and not lettered.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
The proposed jury questions and instructions must use the prescribed filename, be submitted in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect format by the formal pretrial conference, and contain the jury-facing text without signature blocks.
The document should be named “[Name of Party]’s Proposed Jury Questions and Instructions” in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect format and emailed to the Court Coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us by the date of the Formal Pre-trial Conference. This document should be exactly as it would be presented to a jury without signature blocks.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
The discovery-dispute letter must use 12-point font.
A. The party seeking Court intervention must file a letter not to exceed three pages (12 point font) explaining the nature of the dispute and include the date, time, and place of prior out-of-court discovery or scheduling discussion(s) and the name of all counsel/parties participating in the discussion(s).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
The responding party’s discovery response must use 12-point font.
E. The responding/non-movant party will have an opportunity to e-mail a two page (12 point font) response, along with their updates to the Movant's "130th District Court Discovery Template.xls," detailing whether the objections will be removed or if the requested item is within the care, custody, and control of the non-movant. This information should be added into the spreadsheet under "Non-Movant."
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Video files may not exceed 5GB.
Summary: Video files may not exceed 5 GB.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If it does not have any of those extensions, the sponsoring party shall convert it.
Summary: Media without one of the court’s valid extensions must be converted by the sponsoring party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Documents: PDF
Summary: Exhibit documents must be submitted in PDF format.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
The pleading should be in 12-pt font, free of any topographical emphasis (i.e. bolding, all caps, underlining, italics, etc), free of case cites or footnotes, and labeled with the case style and submitting party's name.
Machine summary and details
Summary: Proposed jury questions and instructions or proposed findings must use 12-point font, omit typographical emphasis, case citations, and footnotes, and identify the case style and submitting party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
If an exhibit has any of those extensions, the sponsoring party does not have to convert it to a .mp3 or .mp4 file.
Summary: Media already using one of the court’s valid extensions does not have to be converted to .mp3 or .mp4.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
Physical evidence may be submitted via a photograph.
Summary: Physical evidence may be submitted by photograph.
Document Filing Requirements71 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The petitioner must attach a copy of the standing order to the original petition and every copy of the petition.
8.1. The Petitioner shall attach a copy of this order to the original petition and to each copy of the petition.
Document Type
Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
A certificate of pre-hearing conference is required before obtaining a temporary orders hearing setting.
At a minimum, a certificate of pre-hearing conference is required to obtain a temporary orders hearing setting.
Document Type
Pre Hearing Conference Certificate
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The court must advise a defendant who wishes to waive counsel about the charges and, for trial, the risks of self-representation; if it finds the waiver voluntary and intelligent, it must provide a statement for the defendant to sign and file in the record.
iii. If a defendant wishes to waive the right to counsel for purposes of entering a guilty plea or proceeding to trial, the court shall advise the defendant of the nature of the charges against the defendant and, if the defendant is proceeding to trial, the dangers and disadvantages of self-representation. If the court determines that the waiver is voluntarily and intelligently waived, the court shall provide the defendant with a statement substantially in the following form, which, if signed by the defendant, shall be filed with and become part of the record of the proceedings. “I have been advised this ___day of ____, 2___ by the (name of court) of my right to representation by counsel in the case pending against me. I have been further advised that if I am unable to afford counsel, one will be appointed for me free of charge. Understanding my right to have counsel Matagorda District Court and County Court Indigent Defense Plan Page 11 of 14 ===== PAGE 12 ===== appointed for me free of charge if I am not financially able to employ counsel, I wish to waive that right and request the court to proceed with my case without an attorney being appointed for me. I hereby waive my right to counsel. (Signature of Defendant)”
Document Type
Waiver Of Right To Counsel
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The affidavit of indigency must have all blanks completed with information or N/A and must be signed.
I have no assets except the following: (complete all blanks with information or N/A and sign)
Document Type
Affidavit Of Indigency
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The affidavit must include a sworn statement that the financial information is complete, true, and correct, that the defendant cannot afford an attorney, and that the defendant requests appointed counsel.
I HEREBY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, UPON PENALTY OF PERJURY, THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ABOVE IS COMPLETE, TRUE, AND CORRECT. I AM FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY AND HEREBY REQUEST THAT THE COURT APPOINT AN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT ME IN THIS CASE.
Document Type
Affidavit Of Indigency
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The motion’s certificate of conference must document a substantive discussion of every item presented to the court and, despite best efforts, the inability to resolve all matters.
CERTIFICATE OF CONFERENCE ____ (1) Counsel for movant and counsel for respondent have personally conducted a conference at which there was a substantive discussion of every item presented to the Court in this motion and despite best efforts the counsel have not been able to resolve all matters presented. Counsel have further conferred and __ do) __do not) agree on a setting date.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Appointed counsel must submit a fee voucher to the court for services rendered.
An appointed attorney shall fill out and submit a fee voucher to the court for services rendered.
Document Type
Fee Voucher
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Appointed counsel may request advance payment for investigative or expert expenses through a confidential pretrial ex parte filing that identifies the investigation or expert, supporting facts, and anticipated itemized expenses.
Appointed Counsel may file with the trial court a pretrial ex parte confidential request for advance payment of investigative and expert expenses. The request for expenses must state the below, as applicable: a. The type of investigation to be conducted or the type of expert to be retained; b. Specific facts that suggest the investigation will result in admissible evidence or that the services of an expert are reasonably necessary to assist in the preparation of a potential defense; and c. An itemized list of anticipated expenses for each investigation and/or each expert.
Document Type
Expense Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If the unsworn-declaration section is used, only the defendant may complete it and must provide identifying information, an address, the perjury declaration, and the execution information.
# UNSWORN DECLARATION BY DEFENDANT # (Defendant ONLY) My name is ________________________, my date of birth is ________________________. (First Name) (Middle Name) (Last Name) My address is (Street Number and Name) (City) (State) (Zip Code) (Country) I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed in ________________________ County, State of Texas, on the ______ day of ______, 20____.
Document Type
Unsworn Declaration By Defendant
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If the unsworn-declaration section is used, only the defendant may complete it and must provide identifying information, an address, the perjury declaration, and the execution information.
# UNSWORN DECLARATION BY DEFENDANT (Defendant ONLY) My name is ________________________, my date of birth is ________________________. (First Name) (Middle Name) (Last Name) My address is ________________________ (Street Number and Name) (City) (State) (Zip Code) (Country) I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed in ________________________ County, State of Texas, on the ________________ day of ________________, 20____.
Document Type
Unsworn Declaration By Defendant
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must personally conduct a substantive conference about every item presented in the motion, state whether they agree to the listed setting dates, and explain that the matters remain unresolved despite best efforts.
(1) Counsel for movant and counsel for respondent have personally conducted a conference at which there was a substantive discussion of every item presented to the Court in this motion and despite best efforts the counsel have not been able to resolve those matters presented. Counsel have further conferred and (___do)(___do not) agree to the setting dates listed in the Setting Request.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An emergency-based inability to confer must be supported by details explaining the emergency, irreparable harm from delay, and the inability to contact opposing counsel or the party.
(3) An emergency exists of such a nature that further delay would cause irreparable harm to the movant, as follows: (details of emergency and harm justifying inability to contact opposing counsel or party)
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If counsel cannot resolve the matter, movant's counsel must document personal attempts to contact respondent's counsel, delivery and receipt of the proposed motion, and at least three contact attempts after receipt before respondent fails to respond or resolve the matters.
(2) Counsel for movant has personally attempted to contact the counsel for respondent to resolve the matters presented as follows: DATE TIME METHOD RESULT Counsel for the movant has caused to be delivered to counsel for respondent, and counsel for respondent has received a copy of the proposed motion. At least three (3) attempts to contact the counsel for respondent followed the receipt by counsel for respondent of the proposed motion. Counsel for respondent has failed to respond or attempt to resolve the matters presented.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The motion must identify covered cases currently set for trial during the requested summer vacation and any likely affected long cases, including each case's number and style, court, and trial date.
List all cases in which counsel is (or expects to become) lead counsel that are currently set for trial during a week designated as a summer vacation. Include any case that is long enough to likely be affected, if called to trial on a setting prior to the requested designated summer week(s). Provide the following information: case number and style, court, trial date.
Document Type
Vacation Designation Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The motion must state the reasons for the late vacation designation or requested amendment.
State the reason(s) for the late filed vacation designation or the request to amend the prior vacation designation.
Document Type
Vacation Designation Motion
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The form must be filed with a Motion for Alternative Fee Calculation before time or expenses are incurred.
File Expert witness hours this form with a Motion for Alternative Fee Calculation BEFORE expending the time and/or Deposition expenses
Document Type
Attorney Fee Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The attorney must affirm that the statement accurately reflects time, services, and out-of-court expenses for the party represented.
I affirm and hereby represent to the Court that this is a true and correct reflection of my time and services and out of court expenses representing the above-named Party.
Document Type
Itemized Time Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An Alternative Fee Calculation invoice and service description must reference the court's authorization and comply with CPS Local Rule 5.3.1 and following.
The invoice and description of the services for which compensation is sought must reference the court's authorization for the Alternative Fee Calculation and comply with 5.3.1 et. seq.
Document Type
Alternative Fee Invoice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
An attorney requesting compensation as counsel for indigent clients must verify under oath the accuracy and completeness of the payment request and supporting information.
The attorney seeking compensation as counsel for indigent client(s) must verify under oath the accuracy of the facts set out in the form requesting payment as well as the accuracy and completeness of any other information provided in support of the request for payment.
Document Type
Attorney Payment Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Each attorney payment request must include a sworn certification covering the accuracy of the time claimed, its reasonableness and necessity, the reasonableness and actual incurrence of expenses, and compliance with the applicable CPS Local Rules and fee schedule.
Each request for payment must include a sworn certification by the attorney seeking payment that the request truthfully and accurately represents time spent on the identified matter(s), that the time spent was reasonable and necessary, that expenses for which reimbursement is sought were reasonable and actually incurred on the identified matter(s), and that the request complies with the CPS Local Rules and fee schedule of Matagorda County in effect at the time the services were rendered or expenses incurred.
Document Type
Payment Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Each attorney payment request constitutes acceptance of the CPS Local Rules and a commitment to follow them.
Each request for payment shall also constitute the attorney's acceptance of the CPS Local Rules and willingness to abide by the same.
Document Type
Payment Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The movant must include a proposed order with the motion.
B. Movant shall include the proposed order with the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Before requesting a hearing date, attorneys and pro se litigants must provide the Court Coordinator written confirmation of their conference or attempted conference, including the required details.
Prior to all settings, including Temporary Orders, attorneys and pro-se litigants must confirm in writing with the Court Coordinator that they have met with the opposing party before requesting a hearing date. The confirmation shall contain the date(s) in which the parties conferred. If the parties did not confer, the confirmation of pre-hearing conference must provide the attempted meeting information (i.e. date, time, and method) and the reason it did not occur.
Document Type
Pre Hearing Conference Confirmation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Motions for alternative or substituted service must be accompanied by an affidavit documenting at least three attempts.
E. Motions for Alternative or Substituted Service (if properly accompanied by an affidavit that includes at least three attempts).
Document Type
Motion For Alternative Or Substituted Service
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The movant must include a proposed order with the motion.
C. Movant shall include the proposed order with the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
For an agreed divorce without children, parties must submit the listed documents, including a signed decree and BVS 165, which must not be e-filed.
Parties must submit the following documents: i. Waiver/Agreed Divorce - No Children. a. Waiver of Citation/Answer/MSA on file; b. Prove-up/Testimony Affidavit; c. Divorce Decree (with all parties' signatures); d. BVS 165 (Information on SAPCR). This form must be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk. Do no e-file.
Document Type
Agreed Divorce No Children
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
For an agreed divorce with children or SAPCRs, parties must submit the listed documents, with the employer and medical support orders required if applicable.
ii. Waiver/Agreed Divorce - With Children/SAPCRs. a. Waiver of Citation/Answer/MSA on file; b. Prove-up/Testimony Affidavit; c. Divorce Decree/Agreed Order (with all parties' signatures); d. BVS 165 (Information on SAPCR). This form must be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk. Do no e-file; e. Employer's Order to Withhold Wages/Income Withholding for Support (if applicable); f. Medical Child Support Order (if applicable).
Document Type
Agreed Divorce With Children Or Sapcr
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Child name-change submissions must include the listed documents, subject to the stated conditions, including a BVS 165 that must not be e-filed.
v. Change of Name for Children. a. Both parents must file a Prove-Up/Testimony Affidavit (if both are Petitioners); b. Color copy of valid state picture identification(s) (front and back); c. Color Copy of Original Birth Certificate (if not in English it must be professionally translated); d. Child's Consent to Name Change (only if child is over 10 years old); e. Waiver of Citation/Service (if applicable); f. Order Granting Change of Name (signed by both parents and attorney); g. BVS 165 (SAPCR sections 1 and 3). This form must not be e-filed and shall be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk.
Document Type
Child Name Change Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Adult adoption submissions must include a final order signed by all parties, a prove-up affidavit, identification, and a criminal background check if a name change is requested.
vi. Adult Adoptions. a. Final Order Granting Adult Adoption (signed by all parties); b. Prove-Up/Testimony Affidavit; c. Color Copy of Valid State Picture Identification (front & back); d. Criminal Background needed if name change is requested.
Document Type
Adult Adoption Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Adult name-change submissions must include the listed criminal-record, identification, affidavit, fingerprint-card, and signed-order materials.
iv. Change of Name for Adults. a. Criminal Record run through the Crime Records Division (DPS) in Austin or FBI (must include fingerprints); b. Color copy of valid state picture identification (front and back); c. Prove-up/Testimony Affidavit; d. Fingerprint card on file with Petition; e. Order Granting Change of Name (signed by Petitioner and Attorney, if applicable).
Document Type
Adult Name Change Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Every exhibit must be pre-marked on every page with its exhibit number, offering party name, cause number, and page number and total page count.
i. All exhibits shall be PRE-MARKED with the exhibit number, offering party name, cause number and the page number and number of pages (i.e. Page 1 of 20). All pages of the exhibit shall include this information.
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If no meeting occurred, the certificate must state the attempted meeting’s date, time, and method and explain why it did not occur.
If the meeting did not occur, the certificate must provide the attempted meeting information (i.e. date, time, and method) and the reason it did not occur.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
Amendments to court-ordered Family Plans of Service become effective only after presentation to the Court and specific incorporation into a court order.
Any and all amendments to Family Plans of Service after they have become an order of this Court, shall become effective after they have been presented to the Court and incorporated specifically into a court order which may be submitted via submission hearing guidelines.
Document Type
Family Plan Of Service Amendment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
If no conference occurred, the certificate must state the attempted meeting’s date, time, and method and explain why it did not occur.
If the conference did not occur, the certificate must provide the attempted meeting information (i.e. date, time, and method) and the reason it did not occur.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory
The Certificate of Conference must state the date the parties conferred.
The certificate shall contain the date in which the parties conferred.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
The application must include an attorney sworn or affirmed statement that the supplied information is true and accurate.
I, the undersigned attorney, being duly licensed to practice law in the State of Texas by the State Bar of Texas, do hereby file this Application in compliance with the Local Rules of Matagorda County, Texas for the Timely and Fair Appointment of Counsel for Indigent Defendants, and swear or affirm that the below information is true and accurate.
Document Type
Public Appointment List Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Attorneys must submit an annual statement by October 15 describing the percentage of their practice time devoted to appointed adult criminal and juvenile delinquency cases during the preceding October 1–September 30 period.
An attorney shall submit by October 15th each year a statement that describes the percentage of the attorney's practice time that was dedicated to work based on appointments accepted in this county for adult criminal cases and juvenile delinquency cases for the prior 12 months that begins on October 1 and ends on September 30.
Document Type
Practice Time Statement
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Counsel or a party may be unable to discuss the motion’s setting and subject with opposing counsel or party for another reason.
(4) Other reason Counsel/Party is unable to discuss the setting and matter addressed by the Motion with opposing counsel/party:
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
Time must be recorded in 0.10-hour increments, and additional pages may be attached if necessary.
Billing increments are 0.10 of an hour (attach additional pages if necessary).
Document Type
Itemized Time Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important
The Court may consider agreed motions without a hearing, and an agreed order must be signed by all parties to be treated as agreed.
The Court will consider agreed motions without the need for a hearing. The party can request the Clerk's office to bring the file with the motion to the Judge's office. All Agreed Orders must be signed by all parties for the Court to consider it 'agreed.'
Document Type
Agreed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Note
A Fixed Fee sheet may be submitted at any time when the attorney seeks only amounts characterized as presumptively reasonable and necessary Fixed Fees.
If the attorney only seeks amounts characterized as presumptively reasonable and necessary Fixed Fees in the fee schedule, a Fixed Fee sheet can be submitted at any time.
Document Type
Fixed Fee Sheet
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Note
Each side should provide the court with its Summarized Requested Relief at the beginning of a temporary order hearing or final trial.
At a temporary order hearing and final trial, each side should provide the Court a copy of their Summarized Requested Relief at the beginning of the hearing or trial.
Document Type
Summarized Requested Relief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
3. A copy of your most recent annual report from the State Bar
Summary: A copy of the attorney's most recent State Bar annual report must be attached to the application.
Document Type
Public Appointment List Application
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
1. Criminal jury trial and appeals list described above
Summary: The public appointment list application must be accompanied by the criminal jury trial and appeals list described in the form.
Document Type
Public Appointment List Application
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
2. A current resume
Summary: A current resume must be attached to the public appointment list application.
Document Type
Public Appointment List Application
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
# ADMINISTERED OATH # (Clerk/Notary ONLY) SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me, the undersigned authority, this ______ day of ______, 20____. Clerk/Notary Public Signature Date
Summary: If the administered-oath section is used, only a clerk or notary may complete it, and it must include the oath and the clerk or notary's signature and date.
Document Type
Administered Oath
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
E-file a completed notice of hearing and separately email the file-stamped copy to the Court Coordinator.
Please e-file a notice of hearing with the date provided filled in and EMAIL (not e-file) the Court Coordinator a copy of your file stamped notice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 1 | 1.2 Setting Hearings
All documents required for final entry must be e-filed before the submission date.
B. Entry of Orders. Make sure that all documents required for final entry are e-filed before the submission date set.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
After receiving a hearing date, e-file a notice of hearing with that date and email the Court Coordinator a copy of the file-stamped notice.
Please e-file a notice of hearing with the date provided filled in and email the Court Coordinator a copy of your file stamped notice.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | 5.3 Hearings
The BVS 165 must be delivered to the District Clerk by hand, email, or mail and must not be e-filed.
d. BVS 165 (Information on SAPCR). This form must be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk. Do no e-file;
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | T. Agreed Prove-Up via Affidavit
The BVS 165 must be delivered to the District Clerk by hand, email, or mail and must not be e-filed.
d. BVS 165 (Information on SAPCR). This form must be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk. Do no e-file.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 5 | T. Agreed Prove-Up via Affidavit
The required BVS 165 must be delivered to the District Clerk by hand, email, or mail and must not be e-filed.
g. BVS 165 (Information on SAPCR- required). This form must not be e-filed and shall be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk;
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | T. Agreed Prove-Up via Affidavit
The BVS 165 for SAPCR sections 1 and 3 must be delivered to the District Clerk by hand, email, or mail and must not be e-filed.
g. BVS 165 (SAPCR sections 1 and 3). This form must not be e-filed and shall be hand delivered, emailed or mailed to the District Clerk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | T. Agreed Prove-Up via Affidavit
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
DFPS must file all drug tests with the court within five business days after receipt.
DFPS shall file all drug tests, including, but not limited to, urinalysis, hair follicle and fingernail with the Court, within five (5) business days of receipt, with a notice of confidentiality affixed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | 1. Lab Test Results
An amended application must be filed with the Matagorda County District Clerk within 21 days after any change to the application information.
Should any change to this information occur, I certify that I will file an Amended Application with the District Clerk of Matagorda County, Texas within twenty-one (21) days of change.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | Application to Be Placed on Public Appointment List
A non-summer vacation designation must be filed by February 1, 2026.
Non summer designation — MUST BE FILED BY FEBRUARY 1, 2026
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | 2026 ATTORNEY VACATION SCHEDULE REQUEST
Summer vacation designations for June, July, and August must be filed by May 15, 2026.
Summer designations: MUST BE FILED BY MAY 15, 2026 (for the months of June, July and August)
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | 2026 ATTORNEY VACATION SCHEDULE REQUEST
Non-summer vacation designations must be filed with the district clerk by February 1.
Written designation for vacation in months other than June, July or August must be filed with the district clerk by February 1.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | REGIONAL RULES OF ADMINISTRATION — Rule 11: ATTORNEY VACATIONS
Summer vacation designations must be filed with the district clerk by May 15.
Written designation for vacation weeks during June, July and August must be filed with the district clerk by May 15.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | REGIONAL RULES OF ADMINISTRATION — Rule 11: ATTORNEY VACATIONS
When a response is needed, the movant must contact the opposing side and allow at least two full business days for a response before filing the motion.
In all situations in which a response is necessary from another attorney/party, the movant shall accord the other side a reasonable response time before filing their motion and setting a hearing. The Court's definition of reasonable response time means that the movant has reached out to resolve the issue and has given the opposing party a minimum of two (2) full business days to respond before filing their motion.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 1 | 1.3 Reasonable Response Time
A response to a motion set for submission must be filed at least three days before the submission date, subject to exceptions for good cause.
A. Responses to the motion shall be filed at least three (3) days before the submission date. Exceptions can be made on a finding of good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3. Hearings by Submission
Non-movant responses must be sent at least 48 hours before the telephone conference.
F. The Non-Movant responses must be e-mailed to the other parties in the case and the court coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us no later than forty eight (48) hours before the telephone conference.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
Amendments, exhibits, and responses filed within 24 hours of the submission date are not considered timely filed.
B. Amendments, exhibits, or responses filed within twenty-four (24) hours of the submission date are not deemed timely filed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3.1 Notice
Motions to retain will be considered only if filed at least three business days before the dismissal date.
Motions to retain will be considered so long as they are filed no later than three business days prior to the dismissal date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
The application and required attachments should be returned as soon as possible to the Court Coordinator for the 130th Judicial District Court.
This application and all required attachments should be returned at your earliest convenience to the Court Coordinator for the 130th Judicial District Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | III. Qualifications
The Court Coordinator does not add a case to the calendar until the completed notice of hearing is received.
The Court Coordinator does not officially add the case to the Court's calendar until a completed notice of hearing is received.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | 5.3 Hearings
If entry is contested, attorneys or parties may file a motion to enter, which will receive a submission docket date.
If the entry is contested, attorneys or parties may file a motion to enter and will receive a submission docket date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
A timely 2026 summer-vacation designation is due by May 15.
Please note the deadline for timely designating summer vacations is May 15th.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MEMORANDUM
The motion must be filed with the Court Coordinator and set on the Court's submission docket with at least 10 days' notice.
The motion shall be filed with the Court Coordinator for the 130th Judicial District Court and set on the Court’s submission docket with at least 10 days notice.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Procedure for Late Filed Vacation Designation or Request to Amend Timely Vacation Designation
All time must be submitted to the court within 10 working days after the hearing is complete.
Submit all time to the court within 10 working days after hearing is compete.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Request for Attorney’s Fees — Child Protective Services Cases (Alternative Fee Calculation)
The party setting a submission hearing must give all parties notice for a date at least ten days after filing and notice, or later if a statute requires.
3.1 Notice. The party setting the hearing by submission shall give notice to all parties for a date not less than ten (10) days from the filing and notice (or longer if statute requires).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | 3.1 Notice
Responses to the motion must be filed at least three days before the submission ruling date.
A. Responses to the motion shall be filed at least three (3) days before the submission ruling date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | 3.1 Notice
A Bench Warrant Request for a party incarcerated out of county or in the Texas Department of Corrections must be requested at least two weeks before trial.
Parties incarcerated out-of-county or Texas Department of Corrections requires a Bench Warrant Request to be requested a minimum of two (2) weeks before the trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.7 Bench Warrants and Inmate Requests
Parties or their attorneys must verify the status of a proposed order within seven business days after filing it.
It is the responsibility of parties or their attorneys to verify with the District Clerk, within seven business days after filing the proposed order, that the order has been signed by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The Court will not decide a surrender request without a compliant certificate of service.
The Court will not rule on a request to surrender without a certificate of service that complies with rules of civil procedure
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 2 | E. Surrender and Forfeiture — Notice Required
The discovery-dispute letter and template must be emailed to all non-movants and the court coordinator at the stated address.
C. This letter and template must be e-mailed to all non-movants and the court coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 3 | 2. Discovery Dispute Hearings
The party setting a hearing by submission must give all parties at least ten days’ notice, or longer if required by statute.
3.1 Notice. The party setting the hearing by submission shall give notice to all parties for a date not less than ten (10) days from the filing and notice (or longer if required by statute).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3. Hearings by Submission
A witness subpoena may be served by email or another method reasonably calculated to provide notice.
Service of a witness subpoena may be accomplished by email or any other means calculated to provide notice of service.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Subpoenas for Remote Hearings
The party serving a witness subpoena must file proof of service with the court clerk.
Proof of service of the subpoena will be provided by the party serving the subpoena and filed with the court clerk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Subpoenas for Remote Hearings
The non-movant response must be emailed to the other parties and court coordinator no later than 48 hours before the discovery telephone conference.
F. The Non-Movant responses must be e-mailed to the other parties and the court coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us no later than forty-eight (48) hours before the telephone conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 2. Discovery Dispute Hearings
The moving party must notify the other party of the submission date.
The moving party is required to provide notice of the submission date to the other party.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
Filing Fees and Waivers
The bondsman must pay the actual extradition costs for an out-of-county re-arrest.
For an out-of-county re-arrest, the Bondsman shall pay the actual extradition costs.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 3 | Standing Order - Bail Bonds
The bondsman must pay a flat $45 fee for an in-county re-arrest.
For an in-county re-arrest, a flat fee of $45 shall be paid by the Bondsman.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 3 | Standing Order - Bail Bonds
All bail sureties must pay the Sheriff's Department for necessary and reasonable re-arrest expenses incurred after a forfeiture or an affidavit to surrender the principal.
All sureties on bail bonds are responsible for and shall pay all necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by the Sheriff's Department relating to the re-arrest of any principal whose bail bond has been forfeited or whose surety has filed an affidavit to surrender the principal.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 3 | Standing Order - Bail Bonds
The court may order a full or partial refund of collected bond or attorney fees when it finds that the release was for unreasonable cause.
If the Court finds that the release is for unreasonable cause, the Court may order the bondsman to refund all or a portion of the fees collected under Occ. Code 1704.207(c) to the Principal.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Criminal cases
Page 3 | Standing Order - Bail Bonds
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Deliver the exhibit list and witness list, and any filed vocabulary list, to the Court Reporter and Clerk at the Pretrial Conference; a vocabulary list is required in medical malpractice cases and in CPS cases if medical terminology will be used.
4.3 Courtesy Copies for Court Reporter and Clerk. To be delivered at Pretrial Conference: A. Exhibit List B. Witness List C. Vocabulary List (If one is filed). This is required in medical malpractice cases. If medical terminology will be used, this will be required in CPS cases, as well.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | 4.3 Courtesy Copies for Court Reporter and Clerk
An exhibit list, witness list, and any filed vocabulary list must be delivered as courtesy copies to the court reporter and clerk at the pretrial conference; a vocabulary list is mandatory in medical malpractice cases and in CPS cases when medical terminology will be used.
4.3 Courtesy Copies for Court Reporter and Clerk. To be delivered at Pretrial Conference: A. Exhibit List; B. Witness List; C. Vocabulary List (If one is filed). This is required in medical malpractice cases. If medical terminology will be used, this will be required in CPS cases, as well.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 6 | 4.3 Courtesy Copies for Court Reporter and Clerk
For larger motions citing extensive authority, a court notebook is helpful and, if submitted, must reach the Court Coordinator by noon the day before the hearing with the specified materials; an identical copy must go to opposing counsel.
A courtesy notebook for the court is helpful for larger motions referencing extensive case law and/or statutes. Please submit a notebook to the Court Coordinator by noon the day before the hearing that includes the applicable motion, responses, replies, statutes and/or case law referenced with the referenced portions highlighted. If submitting a notebook to the Court, an identical copy must be provided to opposing counsel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 2 | 1. General Procedures and Protocols
Each side should provide the Court one copy of its Summarized Requested Relief at the beginning of a temporary order hearing or final trial.
At a temporary order hearing and final trial, each side should provide the Court a copy of their Summarized Requested Relief at the beginning of the hearing or trial.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 9 | 5.5 Requested Relief
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The court must submit the expense request and its denial as a sealed exhibit in the record.
c. Submit the request and denial as a sealed exhibit to the record.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 10 | Procedure With Prior Court Approval
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Attorneys and pro se litigants must participate in an informal conference before all Adversary and Show Cause Hearings.
Prior to all Adversary and Show Cause Hearings, attorneys and pro-se litigants must participate in an informal conference.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 8 | 6.2 Pre-Adversary Informal Conference Required
When another attorney or party must respond, the movant must make a reasonable effort and give the opposing party at least two full business days to respond before filing the motion.
In all situations in which a response is necessary from another attorney/party (i.e. pre-hearing certificate of conference, etc.), the reasonable effort shall be pursuant to T.R.C.P. 191.2 and movant shall accord the other side a reasonable response time before filing their motion and setting a hearing. The Court's definition of reasonable response time means that the movant has reached out to resolve the issue and has given the opposing party a minimum of two (2) full business days to respond before filing their motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 1 | 1. General Procedures and Protocols
The party seeking court intervention must file a discovery-dispute letter of no more than three pages, in 12-point font, describing the dispute and specified prior discussions and participants.
A. The party seeking Court intervention must file a letter not to exceed three pages (12 point font) explaining the nature of the dispute and include the date, time, and place of prior out-of-court discovery or scheduling discussion(s) and the name of all counsel/parties participating in the discussion(s).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
A discovery dispute will be set only after the specified procedures have been completed.
Disputes regarding discovery will obtain a setting ONLY AFTER the following procedures have been performed:
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
The dismissal docket is not an oral hearing, and appearances are not allowed.
C. Dismissal docket. This will not be an oral hearing so appearances are not allowed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
An exception to the requirement to use already-set hearing dates may be granted for emergency motions, which should be set on regular CPS dates if possible.
Exceptions can be granted for emergency motions which should be set on regular CPS dates, if possible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 9 | 6.4 Additional Hearings
The stated hearing time limits may be increased upon a showing of good cause.
This time limit can be increased based on a showing of good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 10 | 6.6 Time Limits and Allocation
Formal mediation is required before final trials, subject to possible exceptions after motion and hearing; requests for final-trial exceptions must be heard before the pre-trial date.
Formal mediation is required before final trials. Exceptions may be made in certain cases after motion and hearing. If a party is being denied possession of the party's child, the Court may waive the mediation requirement on Temporary Orders. Parties seeking an exception to mediation on final trial, including financial waivers, should file a written request seeking a Final Trial without Mediation. This motion shall be heard by the court prior to the pre-trial date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | 1. General Procedures and Protocols
After receiving the letter and template, the Court will schedule a ten-minute telephone conference with all parties.
D. The Court will schedule a ten minute telephone conference with all parties after receiving the letter and template.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
Motions must be heard on hearing dates already set for the case.
All motions shall be held on the hearing dates that are already set for that case.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | 6.4 Additional Hearings
Attorneys and pro se litigants must participate in an informal conference before all Adversary and Show Cause Hearings.
Prior to all Adversary and Show Cause Hearings, attorneys and pro-se litigants must participate in an informal conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | 6.2 Pre-Adversary Informal Conference Required
Before setting any contested hearing, attorneys and pro se litigants must provide the Court Coordinator a Certificate of Conference confirming they met with the opposing party or parties.
Prior to all contested settings, attorneys and pro-se litigants shall provide a Certificate of Conference to the Court Coordinator that they have met with the opposing party(ies) before setting the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | 6.3 Pre-Hearing Conference Required
Formal mediation is required before a final trial.
Formal mediation is required before final trials.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.5 Mediation Requirement
A party seeking a second mediation on the same issues and at the same case stage must file a motion and set it for hearing to show good cause.
If a party requests to attend a second mediation for the same issues and at the same stage of the case, a motion shall be filed and set for hearing to show good cause as to why the second mediation is necessary.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.5 Mediation Requirement
An exception to mandatory mediation may be made in certain cases after a motion and hearing showing good cause.
Exceptions may be made in certain cases after motion and hearing to show good cause.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.5 Mediation Requirement
Chambers Communication Rules
Email the ID Coordinator if a participant cannot participate in a court hearing remotely.
Contact IDCoordinator@co.matagorda.tx.us or 979-244-7641 if you believe any counsel, his or her client(s), a pro se litigant, any witness, an interpreter, or any other participant cannot participate in a court hearing remotely.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | For Detention and Related Hearings
Questions about whether an order has been signed must be directed to the District Clerk's Office by phone or email.
1.9 Status Questions. Any inquires regarding whether or not an order has been signed must be handled through the District Clerk's Office. Please contact the District Clerk at (979) 244-7621 or dclerk@co.matagorda.tx.us.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 3 | 1.9 Status Questions
Parties or their attorneys must check with the District Clerk within seven business days after filing a proposed order to confirm whether it has been signed.
It is the responsibility of parties or their attorneys to verify with the District Clerk, within seven business days after filing the proposed order, that the order has been signed by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 4 | 3.2 Submission List
For settings, email the Court Coordinator to verify available dates, send the required Rule 21/21(a) notice, and email a confirmation copy of that notice to the coordinator.
Setting Procedure: Email the Court Coordinator to verify available dates, send Rule 21/21(a) notice, as required, send confirmation copy of 21/21(a) notice to coordinator via email.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 1 | Setting Procedure
The judge's office may be contacted by phone at (979) 244-7635.
Phone: (979) 244-7635
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | Judge contact information
The judge's office may be contacted by fax at (979) 245-6478.
Fax: (979) 245-6478
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | Judge contact information
The judge's office may be contacted by email at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us.
Email: 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 1 | Judge contact information
Email the Court Coordinator to request a hearing date and receive the Court's available dates.
Email the Court Coordinator to request a hearing date and you will be provided with the Court's available dates.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 1 | 1.2 Setting Hearings
Questions about whether an order has been signed must be directed to the District Clerk's Office.
Any inquires regarding whether or not an order has been signed must be handled through the District Clerk's Office.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026
Page 2 | 1.12 Status Questions
The movant must email the discovery template in XLS form, with information about each disputed discovery item.
B. The Movant must email the "130th District Court Discovery Template.xls" (in xls form) which will show information about each discovery item in dispute.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
The discovery-dispute letter and template must be emailed to all non-movants and the Court Coordinator.
C. This letter and template must be both e-mailed to all non-movants and the court coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
The non-movant must email its responses to the other parties and the Court Coordinator no later than 48 hours before the telephone conference.
F. The Non-Movant responses must be e-mailed to the other parties in the case and the court coordinator at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us no later than forty eight (48) hours before the telephone conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 2.1 Procedures
An attorney setting a motion must file it with notice of the hearing date under TCRP 21 and email the Court Coordinator a copy of the hearing notice.
An attorney wanting to set a motion must file a motion with notice of hearing date in accordance with TCRP 21 and provide the Court Coordinator with a copy of the notice of hearing at 130thDistrictCourt@co.matagorda.tx.us.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 9 | 6.4 Additional Hearings
The written notice regarding an interpreter must be sent at least five business days in advance.
The notice shall be in writing and sent a minimum of five (5) business days.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.8 Interpreters
An attorney representing a party who requires an interpreter for a hearing, trial, or mediation must notify the County Attorney.
If an attorney represents a party that requires an interpreter for a hearing, trial, or mediation, that attorney is responsible for notifying the County Attorney.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.8 Interpreters
An attorney for a party incarcerated in the Matagorda County Jail must email the Indigent Defense Coordinator at least three business days before the hearing to request transport.
For parties incarcerated in the Matagorda County Jail, the attorney shall notify the Belle Cortinas, Indigent Defense Coordinator at IDCoordinator@co.matagorda.tx.us at least three (3) business days before the hearing, that their client is incarcerated in the jail and needs to be transported for the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 10 | 6.7 Bench Warrants and Inmate Requests
Parties should not appear in person for a submission hearing; if the Court wants a hearing, the Court Coordinator will notify the parties.
D. No one should appear in person. If the Court desires a hearing, the parties will receive notice of hearing from the Court Coordinator.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | 3.1 Notice
To set a hearing, email the Court Coordinator; attorneys should coordinate with the opposing side to obtain an agreed date.
5.3 Hearings. To set a hearing, please email the Court Coordinator, Becky Corenfield. You will be provided with the Court's available dates and attorneys should work with the other side to get an agreed date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | 5.3 Hearings
Copy opposing counsel or party on emails to the Court Coordinator.
Please also copy opposing counsel/party when emailing the Court Coordinator.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 8 | 5.3 Hearings
After receiving the discovery-dispute letter and template, the court will schedule a ten-minute telephone conference with all parties.
D. The Court will schedule a ten (10) minute telephone conference with all parties after receiving the letter and template.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 2. Discovery Dispute Hearings
If an interpreter will be used, advise the Court Coordinator so the hearing can be scheduled with sufficient docket time.
If an interpreter will be used, please advise the Court Coordinator to ensure the docket has enough room for the length of your hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | 1.8 Interpreters