Orange County Courts at Law
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Communication
Document Format Requirements3 rules
A pleading must not contain initials in place of the first and last name unless redaction of the name is required or permitted by Tex. R. Civ. P. 21c, other law, or Court order.
Beginning January 1, 2018, guardians must use the Court-approved form, including any future modification, for annual reports or the report will not be approved.
Court's wording
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that, effective January 1, 2018, all Guardians filing Annual Reports on the Condition and Well-Being of a Ward, as required by §1163.101, Texas Estates Code, shall use the Court's approved form I when filing an Annual Report on the Condition and Well-Being of the Ward and, IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that any Annual Report on the Condition and Well-Being of the Ward filed after December 31, 2017, will not be approved unless the Court's approved form (or any modification of the approved form made available in the future) is used.
The proposed jury charge and motions in limine may be sent in Word or editable PDF format.
Court's wording
The parties are required to submit a proposed jury charge and Motions in Limine to the Court at the pre-trial proceeding . Th is can be done by emailing the Court with the proposed charge and Motion in Limine in Word or editable PDF format and copying opposing counsel.
Document Filing Requirements35 rules
Small Estate Affidavits filed after October 1, 2016 must use the Court-approved form or a future modification of that form to be approved.
Court's wording
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the County Court at Law will not approve any Small Estate Affidavits filed after October 1, 2016 unless the Court's approved form is used (or whatever modification of the approved form is made available in the future).
A person seeking court-authorized payment of fees must submit a completed Order to Report Fees, to the extent possible, with the related motions and orders; the Court will not approve payment until it receives the form.
Court's wording
Any person in any case in which the court has appointed a person/entity which will require the payment of fees, including but not limited to civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and mental health cases, shall complete (to the extent possible) and submit to the County Court at Law an "Order to Report Fees" (see attached), along with any other motions for, and orders authorizing, the payment of such fees. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Court will not approve the payment of any fees in said cases until such time as the Court has received the completed "Order to Report Fees.
Lead counsel and self-represented litigants may designate up to four vacation weeks per year; written designations must be filed by the deadline applicable to the selected weeks.
Court's wording
Attorneys (lead counsel only) and self-represented litigants may designate not more than four weeks of vacation during a calendar year, during which that attorney or self-represented litigant will not be required to participate in any trials, court proceedings, depositions, or mediations related to cases. Written designation for vacation weeks during June, July or August must be filed with the District Clerk, and each Court, by May 15. Written designation for vacation weeks in months other than June, July or August must be filed by February 1.
File a verified motion for continuance
When presenting an ex parte application, counsel or the party must provide a written certification stating either that the opposing party is unrepresented or, if represented, that counsel was notified and does not wish to be heard, or that diligent notification efforts failed or waiver is warranted.
Court's wording
Counsel or parties presenting any application for an ex parte order shall, at the time the application is presented to the Court, certify in writing that: (a) to the best of counsel's or the party's knowledge, the party against whom the relief is sought is not represented by counsel ; or (b) if the party against whom the relief is sought is represented by counsel , that (i) such counsel has been notified of the application and does not wish to be heard by the Court thereon ; or (ii) counsel or the party presenting the application has diligently attempted to notify opposing counsel , has been unable to do so, and/or the circumstances warrant waiver of notification.
When temporary support or expense relief is requested, the specified financial and income documents must be provided, including proof of expenses in temporary spousal support cases.
Court's wording
If you are asking the Court to order temporary spousal support, child support or to divide expenses (or if you are the opposing party or counsel, and opposing party's pleadings request such), you must provide a financial information statement, paystubs, or other income reporting documents, as well as proof of expenses for temporary spousal support cases.
The withdrawal motion and order must contain the client's last known physical and email address.
A subpoena must include a certificate describing either the unsuccessful timely contact attempt or the conference and resulting disagreement or reasons the requested documents were critical.
Court's wording
4.1.2 Certificate Requirement. The subpoena must include a certificate that provides the following information : (a) The party timely attempted to contact the legal representative or chief executive officer on (list dates, times, methods of contact, and persons contacted) and provide a detailed message alerting the person of the reasons for the subpoena , but received no response; or (b) The party conferred with an authorized representative and was unable to agree on a representative to appear or provide documents sought were critical for the following reasons: (list all reasons that apply) .
Discovery-sanctions motions, requests for rulings on discovery objections, and motions to compel must identify in the motion body the disputed discovery request and the disputed objection and answer or response.
Court's wording
All motions for discovery sanctions, request for rulings on discovery objections, and motions to compel discovery shall set out within the body of the motion the interrogatory or request which is in dispute, and the objection and answer or response which is in dispute, so that all matters necessary for the Court's consideration are set out in the pleadings.
Unless the Court orders otherwise, within 30 days after any reported settlement, mediated settlement agreement that disposes of all issues, rendition , or verdict, parties shall submit to the Court a written final judgment or order, indicating whether it is approved by all parties as to form or substance.
The Court's form Scheduling Order must include the trial date and mediation details.
Court's wording
After receiving trial dates and conferring with the opposing party or counsel , please e-file the Court's form Scheduling Order (available on the Court's website) with the trial date and mediation details.
Counsel for Petitioner shall be responsib le for preparing a comparative inventory with a proposed or requested division of property and debts .
If the parties are asking the Court to divide property, a sworn, verified inventory listing all assets and debts must be filed at least seven (7) days before any final court proceeding.
The scheduling order specifies the many tasks that must be completed at or before the pre-trial court proceeding , including expert challenges , proposed jury charges, per-marked exhibits (and stipulated exhibits), witness lists , etc.
A final in-person pre-trial court proceeding is required for those cases being called to jury trial. This pre-trial court proceeding is required and must be included in the scheduling order at the time of filing .
The parties are required to submit a proposed jury charge and Motions in Limine to the Court at the pre-trial proceeding . Th is can be done by emailing the Court with the proposed charge and Motion in Limine in Word or editable PDF format and copying opposing counsel.
In every case involving children , the parties must file a pleading or statement describing health insurance for the children.
If a party is asking the Court to order spousal support or divide expenses in the Final Decree, the parties must provide a financial information statement listing income and expenses.
The notice must specify the requested coverage and locations, be signed by an agent of each media agency covering the proceeding or trial, and acknowledge receipt of the Media Plan; the available text ends before completing the final requirement.
Court's wording
The notice shall include any specific requests , such as broadcasting, photographing, audio recording , or video recording by any means and the location(s) requested , i.e. , inside the courtroom and/or inside the courtroom building. The notice shall be signed by an agent of each specific media agency that intends to cover a proceeding or a trial, and the notice shall contain an acknowledgement that such media agency and agent has received a copy of this
1. CAUSE NUMBER: 2. NAME OF REQUESTOR AND AGENCY NAME AS APPLICABLE: 3. ADDRESS OF REQEUSTOR: 4. EMAIL ADDRESS OF REQUESTOR: 5. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF REQUESTOR: 6. REASON FOR REQUEST: SIGNATURE OF REQUESTOR: DATE SIGNED:
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER REQUIRING THE USE OF THE COURT'S APPROVED FORM FOR SMALL ESTATE AFFIDAVITS
- Document
- Small estate affidavit
Include
- •Use the Court's approved form
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER REQUIRING THE USE OF THE COURT'S APPROVED FORM FOR ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONDITION AND WELL-BEING OF THE WARD
- Document
- Annual report on condition and well being of ward
Include
- •Use the Court's approved form
ORDER REQUIRING COMPLETION AND SUBMISSION OF "ORDER TO REPORT FEES" FOR MATTERS WHEREIN FEE IS REQUIRED TO BE APPROVED/ORDERED BY THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW
A motion may not be filed and no hearing may be set without a certificate of conference signed by movant’s counsel stating one of the specified conference, contact, or unopposed-motion alternatives; the certificate requirement does not apply to the listed motions.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
Except as provided in Paragraph 4, no counsel for a party shall file, nor shall any hearing be set, for any motion unless accompanied with a Certificate of Conference (SEE ATTACHED EXAMPLE) signed by counsel for movant and stating: (a) Counsel for movant and counsel for respondent have personally conducted a conference at which there was a substantive discussion of the issues raised in this motion and, despite best efforts, the counsel have not been able to revolve those matters presented. (b) Counsel for movant has personally attempted to contact the counsel for respondent to resolve the matters presented, but counsel for respondent has failed to respond or attempt to resolve the matters presented (and, if applicable, describe in detail the attempts made to contact opposing counsel). (c) Counsel for movant has conferred with opposing counsel on the merits of the issues contained in this motion, and opposing counsel has indicated that the motion is unopposed. 4. The requirement for a Certificate of Conference set forth in this order does not apply to dispositive motions, motions for summary judgment, default judgments, motions for voluntary dismissal or nonsuit, post-verdict motions, and motions involving service of citation.
As required by CCAL Administrative Order 2019-1, and/or TRCP 191.2, I certify that I have conferred, or made a reasonable attempt to confer, with all other parties-which are listed below-about the merits of this motion with the following results:
A copy of such notice shall be filed in the court's file.
Unless a written motion to retain has been filed prior to the dismissal date as set forth in notice of intention to dismiss, such case shall be dismissed.
The order granting or denying such motion shall contain an order resetting the case for trial for a specific date and time.
In the event that the court renders an oral final order, the court shall require a party to prepare a written final order complying with the court's ruling.
The party preparing the order shall obtain approval and signature as to form from the opposing counsel and/or self-represented litigant.
The party preparing the order shall obtain approval and signature as to form from the opposing counsel or self-represented litigant.
If the parties are not able to agree to a mediator, they shou ld submit a letter with their scheduling order stating that they could not agree and request the Court to appoint a mediator.
If dates cannot be agreed to , please e- file a letter describing your efforts and attach all attempts at obtaining a signature for the scheduling order.
All proposed exh ibits should be pre-marked and exchanged before this court proceeding takes place.
Any other person or entity requesting access to a confidential case file subject to this standing order may submit a request to the Court using the form attached as Exhibit "A".
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
If direct filing with the District Clerk is unavailable, self-represented litigants must use the electronic e-filing system.
If direct filing with the District Clerk is not available, self-represented litigants must use the electronic e-filing system .
Page 2 | 2.3. Document Filing and Electronic Filing
Attorneys must file using the electronic e-filing system mandated by the State of Texas.
Attorneys must use the electronic e-filing system as mandated by the State of Texas.
Page 2 | 2.3. Document Filing and Electronic Filing
Please submit your request for ex parte relief electronically.
Please submit your request for ex parte relief electronically.
Page 4 | 3.4.1. Ex Parte Relief
After receiving trial dates and conferring with the opposing party or counsel, filers should e-file the Court's form Scheduling Order with the trial date and mediation details.
After receiving trial dates and conferring with the opposing party or counsel , please e-file the Court's form Scheduling Order (available on the Court's website) with the trial date and mediation details.
Page 7 | 5.2 Bench Trials
If the parties cannot agree on trial dates, filers should e-file a letter describing their efforts and attach all attempts to obtain a signature on the Scheduling Order.
If dates cannot be agreed to , please e- file a letter describing your efforts and attach all attempts at obtaining a signature for the scheduling order.
Page 8 | 5.2 Bench Trials
The proposed jury charge and motions in limine may be emailed to the Court in Word or editable PDF format.
The parties are required to submit a proposed jury charge and Motions in Limine to the Court at the pre-trial proceeding . Th is can be done by emailing the Court with the proposed charge and Motion in Limine in Word or editable PDF format and copying opposing counsel.
Page 8 | 5.3 Jury Trials
Self-represented litigants may e-file or file directly with the District Clerk, subject to the District Clerk’s discretion.
Self-represented litigants may use the electronic filing system or file documents directly with the District Clerk, at the discretion of the District Clerk.
Page 2 | 2.3. Document Filing and Electronic Filing
The standing order does not prohibit electronic filing as provided for by TRCP 21(f).
Nothing in this standing order prohibits the use of electronic filing as mandated by TRCP 21(f).
Civil cases
Page 2
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Written designations for vacation weeks in June, July, or August must be filed with the District Clerk and each Court by May 15.
Written designation for vacation weeks during June, July or August must be filed with the District Clerk, and each Court, by May 15.
Page 2 | 2.2. Vacation Letters
Written designations for vacation weeks outside June, July, and August must be filed by February 1.
Written designation for vacation weeks in months other than June, July or August must be filed by February 1.
Page 2 | 2.2. Vacation Letters
Unless the Court orders otherwise, the final judgment or order is due within 30 days after the specified resolution event; if it is not submitted by then, the Court may presume the parties intend dismissal with prejudice and tax costs at its discretion.
Unless the Court orders otherwise, within 30 days after any reported settlement, mediated settlement agreement that disposes of all issues, rendition , or verdict, parties shall submit to the Court a written final judgment or order, indicating whether it is approved by all parties as to form or substance. If a final judgment is not submitted to the Court within 30 days, the Court may presume that the parties intend for the case to be dismissed with prejudice with costs taxed at the Court's discretion .
Page 7 | 4.5 Final Judgments Due Within 30 Days
When the parties ask the Court to divide property, they must file a sworn, verified inventory listing all assets and debts at least seven days before the final court proceeding.
If the parties are asking the Court to divide property, a sworn, verified inventory listing all assets and debts must be filed at least seven (7) days before any final court proceeding.
Page 8 | 5.5 Property Division
A written motion to retain must be filed before the dismissal date stated in the notice; otherwise, the case will be dismissed.
Unless a written motion to retain has been filed prior to the dismissal date as set forth in notice of intention to dismiss, such case shall be dismissed.
Page 5 | 6.3 Motion to Retain
A final judgment must be entered in the court within 30 days after settlement is reached.
a final judgment shall be entered in that court within 30 days after the settlement is reached.
Page 6 | RULE 9 SETTLEMENTS
If opposing counsel does not object, the Scheduling Order may be filed after ten days from receipt of the letter.
After ten days of receipt of your letter and no objection from opposing counsel, you may then file the Scheduling Order and the Court will sign and enter the scheduling order and set the case for trial per the scheduling order.
Page 8 | 5.2 Bench Trials
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The person who sets a hearing must notify the opposing parties and their attorneys through electronic filing and email.
It is the responsibility of the attorney or self-represented litigant who sets a hearing to notify the opposing party(ies) and their attorneys of the hearing via electronic filing and email.
Page 1 | 2.1. Contact Information
When emailing the proposed jury charge and motions in limine to the Court, the parties must copy opposing counsel.
The parties are required to submit a proposed jury charge and Motions in Limine to the Court at the pre-trial proceeding . Th is can be done by emailing the Court with the proposed charge and Motion in Limine in Word or editable PDF format and copying opposing counsel.
Page 8 | 5.3 Jury Trials
Attorneys requesting a hearing must serve all counsel and self-represented parties with notice of the hearing.
the attorneys making such request shall serve all counsel and parties appearing pro se with notice of the hearing.
Page 4 | 5.2 Setting Requests
Notice of the signing of a dismissal order must be given as required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 165a.
Notice of the signing of the order of dismissal shall be given as required by Rule 165a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 5 | 6.3 Motion to Retain
The District Clerk or court coordinator must promptly send notice of the intent to dismiss to each attorney of record and pro se party with an address in the clerk’s file.
When a case has been placed on the dismissal docket, the District Clerk and/or the court coordinator shall promptly send notice of the courts intention to dismiss for want of prosecution to each attorney of record and pro se party whose address is shown in the clerk's file.
Page 5 | 6.2 Notice
Advance notice of an ex parte application is not required for the specified protective-order applications or when the application establishes imminent irreparable harm with insufficient time to notify, or that notice would risk compromising, removing, or destroying the subject matter.
Advance notification is not required if: (a) the application is for a protective order under Title 4 of the Texas Family Code or Article 7A of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure: (b) the application sets forth a reasonable basis for believing that irreparable harm is likely imminent and there is insufficient time to notify opposing counsel or parties; or (c) the application sets forth a reasonable basis for believing that notifying the opposing counsel or party would impair the Court's ability to grant relief due to the danger that the subject matter of the application could be compromised , removed , or destroyed.
Page 4 | 3.4.3. Advance Notification
These items should be exchanged at least twenty-four hours before the scheduled temporary court proceeding.
These items should be exchanged at least twenty-four hours before the scheduled temporary court proceeding.
Page 5 | 3.5. Temporary Orders Court Proceedings
Filing Fees and Waivers
The order authorizes the County Clerk to collect a $500 fee for attorney ad litem appointments.
ORDER AUTHORIZING $500 FEE TO BE COLLECTED BY THE COUNTY CLERK FOR ATTORNEY AD LITEM APPOINTMENTS
Page 1 | Standing Orders
The clerk must collect a $500 court-cost fee from each applicant in the listed cases requiring an attorney ad litem.
rI'hc Clerk of the Court shall collect the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) as court costs for the service of an attorney ad litem from each applicant for cases involving determination of heirship, guardianship, sale of property of a minor without guardianship under Texas Estates Code §1351.001, sale of property of a ward without guardianship of the estate under Texas Estates Code §1351.052, and Small Estates Affidavits (when the Court determines there is a need for the appointment of an attorney ad litem).
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER AUTHORIZING $500 FEE 1D BE COLLECTED BY THE COUNTY CLERK FOR ATTORNEY AD LITEM APPOINTMENTS
A $500 fee is authorized for collection by the County Clerk for attorney ad litem appointments.
ORDER AUTHORIZING $500 FEE TO BE COLLECTED BY THE COUNTY CLERK FOR ATTORNEY AD LITEM APPOINTMENTS
Page 1 | Standing Orders
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Filers must redact sensitive data before filing; a sensitive-data notice is permitted only when required by law, and an unredacted filing must be replaced with a redacted substitute.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must follow Tex. R. Civ. P. 21c and must redact sensitive date before filing documents. If the inclusion of sensitive data is required by law, then the documents may be marked with a notice that the document contains sensitive data; otherwise the document must not contain that notice. If a party has filed a document containing un-redacted sensitive data, the party must resubm it a redacted substitute document.
Page 2 | 2.4.1. Sensitive Data and Initials
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a motion, movant’s counsel must personally make good-faith efforts to contact opposing counsel to hold or schedule a resolving conference and be prepared to outline those efforts to the Court.
Prior to the filing of a motion, counsel for the movant shall personally attempt to contact counsel for the respondent to hold or schedule a conference to resolve the disputed matters. Counsel for movant shall use good faith efforts to contact opposing counsel and be prepared to outline such efforts for the Court.
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding Civil Motion Practice in the County Court at Law
The filer must confer, or make a reasonable attempt to confer, with all other parties about the motion’s merits.
As required by CCAL Administrative Order 2019-1, and/or TRCP 191.2, I certify that I have conferred, or made a reasonable attempt to confer, with all other parties-which are listed below-about the merits of this motion with the following results:
Page 3 | Certificate of Conference
Parties are directed to make all reasonable efforts to resolve pretrial disputes before seeking judicial intervention.
Parties are directed to use all reasonable efforts to attempt to resolve pre-trial disputes to avoid the necessity of judicial intervention.
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding Civil Motion Practice in the County Court at Law
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance of the final trial date requires court approval even if agreed; failure to mediate is not a basis for continuance, and Rules 251 and 252 must be followed.
Court approval is required for any request for a continuance of the final trial date, even if the request is agreed to by all parties. File a verified motion for continuance and email the coordinator to request a court proceeding (by submission or in person). The failure to mediate will not be considered a basis for any requested continuance. Please review and follow Rules 251 and 252 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure when filing or requesting a continuance.
Page 3 | 3.2. Continuances
A motion to continue a trial setting must be presented under the docket control order or the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, even if all parties agree to it.
Any motion for continuance of the trial setting shall be presented to the court pursuant to the docket control order, or the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, regardless if said motion is agreed to by all parties.
Page 6 | RULE 7 CONTINUANCES
A party may request additional time to submit a written final judgment or order by filing a motion.
A party my file a motion to request for additional time to submit a written final judgment or order.
Page 7 | 4.5 Final Judgments Due Within 30 Days
Chambers Communication Rules
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide the Court and District Clerk with a current mailing address, phone number, and email address.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants are required to provide to the Court and District Clerk a current mailing address. phone number and an email address.
Page 1 | 2.1. Contact Information
Attorneys and self-represented litigants must immediately notify the Court and District Clerk of any change in their address, email, or phone number.
All attorneys and self-represented litigants must immediately notify the Court and District Clerk of any change ·in address, email or phone number.
Page 1 | 2.1. Contact Information
An attorney with simultaneous trial-docket proceedings in two or more cases must notify both courts immediately upon learning of the conflict.
Attorneys having two or more cases on trial dockets for court proceedings at the same time shall be required to bring the matter to the attention of both Courts concerned immediately upon learning of the conflict.
Page 3 | 3.3. Conflicting Settings
Advise the Court when setting a proceeding if an interpreter or additional time is needed; a party who later determines an interpreter is necessary must notify the Court at least three business days before the proceeding.
If interpreters are needed for any court proceeding , please advise the Court when setting the case for court proceeding and let the Court know if additional time will be necessary because of the interpreter(s). If you are not the party setting the court proceeding and later determine that an interpreter is necessary, you must notify the Court at least three (3) business days before any court proceeding if an interpreter is necessary. The Court cannot make necessary arrangements for interpreters if th is information is not provided at the time any court proceeding is scheduled or as soon as practicable.
Page 5 | 3.7 Interpreters
The attorney or party responsible for the child's attendance must immediately notify the Court Coordinator or bailiff when the child is at the courthouse.
The attorney or party who is responsible for the child's attendance at court shall immediately notify the Court Coordinator or bailiff of the child's presence in the Courthouse.
Page 5 | 3.6 Child lnterviewsrrestimony
Media must notify the Court Coordinator in writing and request permission at least 72 hours before coverage.
The media shall notify the Court Coordinator of the District or County Court at Law in writing of their desire to record and/or broadcast a proceeding and request permission for such coverage at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of any coverage.
Page 2 | MEDIA COVERAGE
Do not confer with the trial judge about the motion when the judge is the respondent in an original proceeding.
NOTE: Pursuant to Texas Code of Judicial Conduct Canon 3(B)(8), do not confer with the trial judge regarding the motion in an original proceeding in which the trial judge is the respondent.
Page 3 | Certificate of Conference
An attorney with two or more cases set for trial at the same time must immediately notify the courts concerned upon learning of the conflict.
Whenever an attorney has two or more cases on trial dockets for trial at the same time, it shall be the duty of the attorney to bring the matter to the attention of the courts concerned immediately upon learning of the conflicting settings.
Page 4 | 5.4 Conflict of Settings
If a joint agreement is reached by all counsel on the particular appointment of counsel to fulfill said role, said agreement shall be communicated to the court upon filing of the order appointing.
If a joint agreement is reached by all counsel on the particular appointment of counsel to fulfill said role, said agreement shall be communicated to the court upon filing of the order appointing.
Page 6 | RULE 10 GUARDIANS AND ATTORNEYS AD LITEM
An attorney who settles or dismisses a case set for trial must notify the court as soon as possible.
When an attorney settles or dismisses a case which is set for trial, he/she shall give notice to the court as soon as possible
Page 6 | RULE 9 SETTLEMENTS
Parties must try to agree on proceedings and trial dates; if they cannot obtain a response or agreement, they should document their scheduling efforts for the Court, which may set the proceeding without agreement.
Parties must set court proceedings and trial dates by agreement. If a party cannot get an opposing party or counsel to respond or agree, that party should provide documentation of scheduling efforts to the Court, which may schedule the setting without agreement.
Page 3 | 3.1. Conference Requirement for Setting Hearings
To request a court proceeding on a continuance, email the coordinator; the proceeding may be by submission or in person.
File a verified motion for continuance and email the coordinator to request a court proceeding (by submission or in person).
Page 3 | 3.2. Continuances
If a motion for ex parte relief and proposed order are submitted through e-filing, call or email the Court Coordinator to request action; otherwise, the request remains in the e-filing queue until reached.
If you file a motion requesting ex parte relief and submit your proposed order through e•filing, please call or email the Court Coordinator and let them know that you want action taken on the request. If you do not call or email the Court Coordinator to alert them that you want the request addressed , it will remain in thee-filling queue without action until it is reached
Page 4 | 3.4.1. Ex Parte Relief
If there is a reasonable basis for a child interview on a date without a hearing concerning the child, contact the Court to discuss it.
If counsel or a party has a reasonable basis for the Court to interview a child on a date on which a hearing pertaining to that child is not scheduled , then please contact the Court to discuss .
Page 5 | 3.6 Child lnterviewsrrestimony
If exigent circumstances may require significant time for temporary orders proceedings, notify the Court Coordinator so the Court can decide scheduling and timing.
If there are exigent circumstances that may require significant time , please let the Court Coordinator know and the Court will m·ake a decision on scheduling and time for the temporary orders court proceedings based on pleadings and/or supporting affidavits.
Page 5 | 3.5. Temporary Orders Court Proceedings
Contact the Court Coordinator before the proceeding date to ensure the child interview is scheduled on the Court's calendar.
Please contact the Court Coordinator before the court proceed ing date to ensure the child interview is properly scheduled on the Court's calendar.
Page 5 | 3.6 Child lnterviewsrrestimony
Contact the Court Coordinator if the pretrial proceeding is expected to take more than 30 minutes per side.
Please contact the Court Coordinator if you anticipate that you r pre-trial proceeding will take more than 30 minutes per side.
Page 8 | 5.3 Jury Trials
Do not approach a judge, court staff, or a trial participant on the courtroom premises.
For security reasons, DO NOT approach any Judge, court staff, or trial participant on the premises of the courtroom build ing.
Page 2 | RESTRICTIONS
Only media may request permission to record or broadcast court proceedings.
Only media may request permission to record or broadcast court proceedings.
Page 2 | MEDIA COVERAGE
Requests for hearing should be made in writing to the court in which the matter is pending in accordance with these rules
Requests for hearing should be made in writing to the court in which the matter is pending in accordance with these rules
Page 4 | 5.2 Setting Requests
ADR or mediation may be required before a final setting, so parties should check with the particular court when requesting one.
ADR and/or mediation may be required by the Court before a final setting is given so check with the particular court upon requesting a final setting to determine the requirement of that Court.
Page 6 | RULE 8 ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION AND MEDIATION
During trial, counsel must not have personal discussions with the Court or each other in the presence of jurors, parties, or witnesses.
Counsel shall not engage in personal discussions with the Court or each other during trial while in the presence of jurors, parties, or witnesses.
Page 9 | 16.10
Counsel must request leave of court before approaching the bench or approaching a witness to work with evidence.
16.9 Counsel shall request leave of court before approaching the bench or to approach the witness when necessary to work with documentary or tangible evidence.
Page 9 | 16.9
Photographs and recordings are prohibited in the courtroom, and recording devices or cameras may not be brought in without prior Court permission; further requirements are in the cited Media Plan and Rules.
17.14 No photographs or recordings will be made in the courtroom and no recording devices or cameras will be brought into the courtroom without first obtaining permission from the Court. See the Media Plan and Rules Regarding Recording for Orange County, Texas for further requirements.
Page 10 | RULE 17
A person must obtain the bailiff’s prior approval before bringing the listed packages or containers into the courtroom.
17.13 No person shall bring packages, suitcases, boxes, duffel bags, shopping bags or containers into the courtroom without the prior approval of the bailiff.
Page 10 | RULE 17