Judge Dee Johnson
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- A continuance motion based on an attorney's conflicting trial or hearing settings must be filed in every affected court and identify all conflicting settings.
Request must include
- In civil cases not specially set, an attorney may take up to four consecutive weeks of trial vacation annually by giving written notice at least 60 days in advance, subject to judicial discretion and with no continuance of a previously made setting.
- Continuance requests should be written and submitted at least 48 hours before a hearing or as soon as practical, should state whether opposing counsel or an opposing self-represented person agrees or objects, and a hearing is required if contested; written verified motions are preferred to Rule 11 Agreements.
Communication
Document Format Requirements8 rules
Thumb drives or CDs containing audio or video recordings must be 2 GB or smaller.
(e) Thumb drives or CDs containing audio or video recordings must be 2gb or smaller.
A thumb drive must be 100 MB or smaller.
The thumb drive size must be 100 mb or smaller.
Individual pictures or documents on electronic media must bear the exhibit number on their front.
If the pictures or documents are individual exhibits, the pictures or documents must be marked with the exhibit number on the front of the picture or document.
A tabbed exhibit is not considered marked unless it bears a sticker or is marked on the first page behind the tab, including when it is a photograph.
(c) An exhibit behind a tab is not a marked exhibit unless it has a sticker or is marked on the first page behind the tab, including photographs.
Thumb drives or CDs containing documents or pictures should use PDF format.
(d) Thumb drives or CDs containing documents or pictures should be in PDF format.
If an audio or video recording exceeds 2 GB, the original exhibit will be sent to the Seventh Court of Appeals unless a copy is provided.
If the recording is larger than 2gb, the original exhibit will go to the 7th Court of Appeals unless a copy is provided.
Exhibits should be clearly marked on the front of their first page.
(a) Exhibits should be clearly marked on the front of the first page.
Photographs should be marked on their front side.
(b) Photographs should be marked on the front of the photograph.
Document Filing Requirements30 rules
When a child or children were born to the wife during the marriage, the proposed decree must include a copy of the court order or acknowledgment and denial of paternity establishing paternity.
Paternity of that child/those children has been established by court order or a properly filed acknowledgment & denial of paternity. A copy of that court order or acknowledgment & denial of paternity is attached to my proposed Decree of Divorce.
Document Type
Decree Of Divorce
Every request to the court must be in writing and include a signed statement confirming that a copy was sent to the opposing party.
Any requests to the court must be made in writing with the signed statement attached that you have sent a copy to the opposing party.
Document Type
Court Request
Every filed document must include a separate signed statement confirming that a true and correct copy was mailed to the opposing attorney or party.
You must also attach a separate page of paper to every document you file with a statement that tells the court you have mailed a true and correct copy of the paperwork to the lawyer on the other side, or to the other party if they do not have a lawyer. You must sign the statement.
Document Type
Filed Document
All pleadings, motions, notices, orders, and other record materials in civil, family-law, and criminal cases must be filed with the clerk.
(1) All pleadings, motions, notices, orders, and any other paper, document or thing made a part of the record in any civil, family law or criminal case shall be filed with the Clerk.
Document Type
Record Document
Counsel and self-represented parties must comply with the AI standing order and include the required AI certification in all pleadings and motions.
(b) All pleadings and motions filed by counsel and self-represented parties shall comply with the "Standing Order Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence," and contain the "Certification Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence". (see appendices A and B)
Document Type
Pleading Or Motion
Before requesting a setting, counsel must attempt to coordinate with opposing counsel and include a good-faith conference certification, explaining why no conference occurred if applicable.
(c) Prior to requesting a setting, counsel shall attempt to coordinate a setting with opposing counsel. A motion requesting a setting or letter confirming a setting must include a certification that the party seeking hearing in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with the opposing party to reach an agreement on the date and time of the hearing. If a conference was not held, the certificate must explain why it was not possible to confer.
Document Type
Hearing Setting Request
A hearing request may be made by filing a motion, an order setting the hearing, and a certificate of service on opposing counsel.
(1) Filing with the Court a motion requesting a hearing and an order setting a hearing, accompanied by a certificate of service to opposing counsel; or
Document Type
Hearing Request Motion
If no conference occurred, the certificate must explain why, the motion is presumed opposed, and the attorney must still use best efforts to seek the required conference.
If a conference was not held, the certificate must explain why it was not possible to confer, in which event the motion will be presumed to be opposed. This rule does not alleviate the requirement that a conference be held, as attorneys must use their best efforts to have a conference where required by this rule.
Document Type
Motion
Unless the parties agree or the court orders otherwise, a retained or specially employed expert must provide a signed written report when the expert is designated, but the rule does not apply to attorney-fee experts.
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties or ordered by the court, an expert witness that is retained or specially employed to provide expert testimony in the case must provide a written report that is prepared and signed by the witness in addition to the other requirements of Tex. R. Civ. P. 194.2(f) at the time of the designation of the expert. This rule does not apply to experts designated on attorney's fees.
Document Type
Expert Report
Every deposition notice must include a certification, in substantially the specified form, stating that a conference was held or attempted and describing the agreement or inability to reach agreement.
Any notice of deposition must include a certification substantially in the following form: "A conference was held (or attempted) with the attorney for the opposing party to agree on a date, time, place and materials to be furnished. Agreement cannot be reached (or counsel will not respond) and the deposition is therefore being taken ===== PAGE 8 ===== pursuant to this notice (or agreement was reached and this notice complies with the agreement)."
Document Type
Notice Of Deposition
A motion requiring a conference must include a certificate stating whether the motion is unopposed, opposed, or agreed.
Each motion for which a conference is required must include a certificate of conference indicating that the motion is unopposed, opposed, or agreed.
Document Type
Motion
A deposition objection must propose three alternative times within 14 calendar days when challenging the time, or an alternative location when challenging the place.
A party objecting to the time or place designated for an oral deposition under Rule 199.4, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, will include in the party's objection or motion to quash (if the objection is to the time of the deposition) three alternative times within 14 calendar days of the date specified in the notice or an alternative location (if the objection is to the location of the deposition).
Document Type
Deposition Objection Or Motion To Quash
Self-represented litigants and attorneys using artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting must sign and submit the attached certification form before using AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding.
All self-represented litigants and attorneys who utilize any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in connection with a case shall before using any AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding sign and submit the attached form, certifying that:
Document Type
Court Submission
An attorney or self-represented litigant certifies understanding and compliance with the Court's artificial-intelligence standing order and confirms that a human verified all generative-AI contributions using traditional legal sources before submission, with potential sanctions for noncompliance.
I, an attorney or self-represented litigant in the ____ Judicial District Court, hereby certify as follows: 1. I reviewed and understand this Court's Standing Order Regarding Artificial Intelligence. I will comply with the Standing Order throughout this case. 2. All information created or contributed to by generative artificial intelligence—including language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analysis—was before submission to this Court verified as accurate using traditional (non-AI) legal sources by a human being. 3. I understand that I will be held responsible and subject to possible sanction under Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chp. 10, and the inherent power of the Court, or for contempt of court, for failing to comply with the Court's Standing Order or this certification.
Document Type
Ai Certification
The petitioner must attach a copy of the standing order to the original petition and every copy when filing the petition.
7.1 The Petitioner shall attach a copy of this order to the original petition and to each copy of the petition at the time the petition is filed.
Document Type
Petition
Counsel presenting an ex parte application represents that the opposing party is unrepresented or that opposing counsel was notified and does not wish to be heard, or that diligent notice attempts were unsuccessful and further efforts are not permitted by the circumstances.
11. APPLICATION FOR EX PARTE ORDERS. By presenting any application for an ex parte order, counsel is deemed to represent to the Court that: a. to the best of counsel'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 presenting the application has diligently attempted to notify opposing counsel, has been unable to do so, and the circumstance do not permit additional efforts to give such notice.
Document Type
Application For Ex Parte Order
Each party must furnish copies of their federal income tax returns for the two calendar years before the temporary hearing.
13.2 Copies of that party's federal income tax returns for the two calendar years prior to the temporary hearing.
Document Type
Federal Income Tax Returns
Each party must furnish a statement of monthly income and expenses using a form substantially similar to the current Texas Family Law Practice manual form or a court-approved form.
13.1 A statement of monthly income and expenses in a form substantially similar to the form found in the current Texas Family Law Practice manual published by the State Bar of Texas or in a form approved by this Court.
Document Type
Statement Of Monthly Income And Expenses
Each party must furnish payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms evidencing earnings for the prior calendar year and from January 1 of the current year through the temporary hearing date.
13.3 All payroll statements, pay stubs, W2 forms, and 1099 forms which evidence that party's earnings for the calendar year prior to the temporary hearing and from January 1 of the current year through the date of the temporary hearing.
Document Type
Earnings Records
When the character, value, or division of property or debts is at issue, each party must file a proposed property division form listing all separate and community property and all debts and liabilities.
14.1 In all cases in which the character, value or division of property or debts is in issue, each party shall file a proposed property division form including all of the separate and community property owned or claimed by the parties and all debts and liabilities owed by the parties.
Document Type
Proposed Property Division Form
A motion to substitute attorneys must certify that no court rulings remain to be reduced to writing.
A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.
Document Type
Motion To Substitute Attorney
A motion to substitute attorneys must provide the substituting attorney’s name, State bar number, address, telephone number, email address, and fax number if available.
The substituting attorney's name, State bar number; address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number;
Document Type
Motion To Substitute Attorney
A motion to substitute attorneys must comply with Rule 10 and include written consent, a certificate of service, the substituting attorney’s identifying and contact information, and a certification that no unwritten rulings remain.
A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (b) A certificate of service notifying withdrawing attorney of the motion to substitute; (c) The substituting attorney's name, State bar number; address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.
Document Type
Motion To Substitute Attorney
A motion to substitute attorneys must include written consent signed by all other appearing parties.
A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared;
Document Type
Motion To Substitute Attorney
A motion to retain must state the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and be filed at least 14 days before the notice’s dismissal date.
Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and must be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Document Type
Motion To Retain
Every request for a court setting must include an estimate of the court time needed for the hearing.
(b) All requests for a setting shall include an estimate of the amount of court time required for the hearing.
Document Type
Hearing Setting Request
Counsel should not file a proposed order before the relevant hearing has been held.
Counsel should not file proposed orders before a hearing has been held.
Document Type
Proposed Order
A proposed order should not be submitted to the court's queue unless the court specifically requests it.
No proposed order should be submitted to a court's queue unless specifically requested by the court.
Document Type
Proposed Order
An uncontested or agreed matter generally does not require a separate motion and hearing and should include a proposed order reflecting all parties' agreement, unless applicable law requires a hearing.
For uncontested or agreed matters, a separate motion and hearing is not required, except as otherwise provided. All uncontested or agreed matters should be presented with a proposed form of order and should reflect the agreement of all parties either (i) by personal or authorized signature on the form of the order, or (ii) in the certificate of conference on the motion. This rule does not apply to cases in which the law requires a hearing.
Document Type
Uncontested Or Agreed Matter
Except for emergency orders and orders authorized by law to be submitted ex parte, proposed orders should be sent to opposing counsel for agreement as to form before being transmitted to the Court's queue.
Other than emergency orders, or other orders specifically authorized by law to be submitted ex parte, all proposed orders should be submitted to opposing counsel(s) for agreement as to form prior to its transmittal to the Court's queue.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Arrangements for an authorized virtual hearing or trial must be completed before the scheduled hearing date and time.
Arrangements for virtual hearings must be made prior to the date and time of the hearing.
Page 3 | Procedures for Virtual Hearings
A party seeking a virtual hearing or trial, or virtual participation for a party or witness, must file a written motion before the hearing's announcement period.
(1) A party may request a virtual hearing or trial, or may request that a party or witness be allowed to participate virtually, by filing a written motion prior to the announcement period for the hearing.
Page 3 | Procedures for Virtual Hearings
The court must give notice of its intent to dismiss for want of prosecution at least 60 calendar days before signing the dismissal order.
The courts will periodically give notice of their intention to dismiss a cause of action for want of prosecution. Such notice will be given at least sixty (60) days prior to the signing of a dismissal order.
Page 8 | Rule 2.07 Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
Counsel must promptly telephone the Court Coordinator after a bankruptcy filing and provide written notice to the affected courts and all counsel within three days, including the specified bankruptcy and counsel information.
Whenever any party of litigation in these courts files for protection under the bankruptcy laws of the United States, it shall be the responsibility of that party's counsel in these courts: (i) to promptly notify the affected court(s) by telephoning the Court Coordinator; and (ii) within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing, to provide written notice to the affected court(s) and all counsel that a bankruptcy has occurred giving the name and location of the bankruptcy court, the bankruptcy cause number and style, the date of filing and the name and address of counsel for the bankrupt.
Page 8 | Part IV. Bankruptcy — Notice of Filing
After a bankruptcy concludes through discharge, denial, dismissal, or another disposition, counsel must promptly notify the court.
Once a bankruptcy has been concluded, whether by discharge, denial of discharge, dismissal or otherwise, counsel shall promptly notify the Court
Page 8 | Part IV. Bankruptcy — Conclusion of Bankruptcy
An objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days before the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Any objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 4 | 5.2 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain
A motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days before the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and must be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 4 | 5.2 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain
A deposition notice providing less than 10 calendar days is presumed unreasonable.
Notice of less than ten (10) calendar days under Rules 21a and 199.2(a), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, is presumed to be unreasonable notice.
Page 7 | Rule 2.06 Depositions
Failure to comply with the bankruptcy-notice rule may result in sanctions against counsel and, in appropriate cases, the party after the bankruptcy concludes.
Failure to comply with this rule may be punished by sanctioning counsel and, in appropriate cases, the party once the bankruptcy is concluded.
Page 8 | Part IV. Bankruptcy — Notice of Filing
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A self-represented litigant must notify the opposing attorney or party of every court setting or order obtained and file a copy of that notice.
You must give notice to the opposing attorney or party of any court setting or order that you have obtained. You must file a copy with the court of such notice to opposing attorney or party.
Page 2 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
A pleading, answer, motion, or other action-seeking paper must be filed with the clerk and accompanied by a true and correct copy sent to the opposing attorney or party.
A formal pleading, answer, motion or other paper where you ask the Court to take some action is not a prohibited communication, but still should not be sent to the Court. You must file those papers with the Clerk's office with a true and correct copy of the papers sent to the opposing party's attorney, if he/she has one, or to the opposing party if he/she does not have a lawyer.
Page 2 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
A self-represented litigant must send a copy of every written request to the opposing party.
Any requests to the court must be made in writing with the signed statement attached that you have sent a copy to the opposing party.
Page 2 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
Except for qualifying emergencies, counsel seeking a temporary restraining order or other ex parte relief must notify the opposing side and use reasonable efforts to provide the application and proposed order at least two hours before judicial consideration.
(a) Counsel presenting any application for a temporary restraining order or other ex parte relief shall notify the opposing party's counsel, or the opposing party if unrepresented by counsel in the present controversy, and make reasonable effort to provide opposing counsel or party with a copy of the application and proposed order at least 2 hours before the application and proposed order are to be presented to the Court for decision, except as provided in subparagraph (b) hereof.
Page 4 | Rule 1.11 Application for TRO and Other Ex Parte Orders
A party may request that the court schedule a hearing, but must confirm it by a letter to the court and serve opposing counsel under Texas Rule 21a within three days after the setting.
(2) Requesting the court to schedule the hearing and confirming the setting by letter addressed to the Court, a copy of which shall be served on opposing counsel in accordance with Rule 21a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure within 3 days of setting the hearing.
Page 4 | Rule 1.10 Hearings
The clerk must provide notice of intended dismissal through Rule 165a procedures and electronic service to attorneys and individuals registered in the case's e-filing system.
The clerk shall provide notice of the court's intention to dismiss for want of prosecution by complying with the provisions of Paragraph (1) of Rule 165a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and through electronic service to those attorneys and individuals who are registered with the e-filing system for the case subject to dismissal.
Page 8 | Rule 2.07 Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
The party obtaining a hearing setting must provide all parties with the hearing information and total duration, using the procedure and timing required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and must send notice the same day the setting is obtained.
The party who obtains the setting must give notice to all parties of the time, place, and date of a setting and the total time needed for the entire hearing for all participants. Notice must be given in the manner and within the time provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Notice must be sent the same day the party obtains the setting, and any delay in sending notice may be argued by the opposing party as a basis for continuance.
Page 2 | 2.1 Notice of Setting to be Provided by Party Obtaining the Setting
A self-represented litigant must notify the clerk and opposing side of any change in mailing address or telephone number while the case is pending.
If you change your address or phone number while the case is pending, you must give the Clerk and the other side notice of the new address or phone.
Page 2 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
A party objecting to a virtual-hearing motion may file an objection, set it for hearing, and provide proper notice to all parties.
Thereafter, any party objecting to the motion may file an objection and set it for hearing with proper notice to all parties.
Page 3 | Procedures for Virtual Hearings
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
An exhibit requiring sealing must be accompanied by an order for the judge to sign.
(f) Exhibits that need to be sealed must be accompanied by an order for the judge to sign.
Page 5 | 6.1 Exhibits
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
An attorney generally must confer with counsel for each affected opposing party about whether a motion or plea seeking relief is opposed, subject to stated exceptions.
Unless otherwise specified below, an attorney filing a motion or plea seeking any type of relief from a court must confer with an attorney for each party affected by the requested relief to determine whether the motion is opposed. Such a conference may be by phone call, email, facsimile, letter, or by other means the attorneys have used for communication.
Page 7 | Rule 2.04 Certificates of Conference
A conference is not required for a motion that will be decided on submission.
Conferences are not required for motions that will be heard by submission.
Page 7 | Rule 2.04 Certificates of Conference
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance motion based on an attorney's conflicting trial or hearing settings must be filed in every affected court and identify all conflicting settings.
Any motion for continuance on the ground that an attorney is set for trial or other hearing in two or more courts on the same date shall be filed in all affected courts and shall contain case identifying information as to all conflicting settings.
Page 5 | Rule 1.13 Conflicting Engagements
In civil cases not specially set, an attorney may take up to four consecutive weeks of trial vacation annually by giving written notice at least 60 days in advance, subject to judicial discretion and with no continuance of a previously made setting.
In civil cases not specially set, an attorney may not be put to trial for a period not to exceed four consecutive weeks of a given year if the attorney has, in writing, filed with the appropriate clerk of the county of his residence, with a copy to the appropriate clerk of any other county where the attorney has pending cases, at least 60 days in advance, notice of the attorney's vacation period. At the judge's discretion, a judge may allow more than four weeks vacation period or may shorten the 60-day notice requirement. This may not be used to obtain a continuance of a setting made prior to the filing of a vacation letter.
Page 19 | RULE 11: ATTORNEY VACATIONS
Continuance requests should be written and submitted at least 48 hours before a hearing or as soon as practical, should state whether opposing counsel or an opposing self-represented person agrees or objects, and a hearing is required if contested; written verified motions are preferred to Rule 11 Agreements.
Absent extreme circumstances, oral requests for continuance are disfavored, and requests for reset should be in writing, at least 48 hours before a hearing—or as soon as practical. Written, verified motions for continuance are preferred to Rule 11 Agreements. Motions for continuance should state whether opposing counsel, or any opposing self- represented person, agrees or opposes the request. Even if all parties and counsel agree, the court retains discretion to grant or deny a motion for continuance. A hearing is required for a contested motion for continuance.
Page 3 | 3.2 Motion for Continuance
Chambers Communication Rules
Self-represented litigants may not communicate ex parte with the judge, and any such communication will be returned unread and reported to the other side.
Do not attempt to communicate directly or through another person to the judge outside of the courtroom. That means you should not call the judge on the phone, leave messages, send a letter, fax or email message or talk to the judge face-to-face. The only time you may communicate wwith the judge is if everyone involved in the case is present. Also you may write something to the judge if you send a copy of it to everyone else in the case (see paragraph 5 and 7 below). Any communication that does not include everyone else in the case is called an ex parte communication and is not allowed. The Court will return any ex parte communication to you unread and will notify the other side of your attempt to communicate with the Judge.
Page 1 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
Before noticing an oral deposition, the requesting party must attempt to communicate with opposing counsel about the date, time, place, and materials to be furnished.
A party seeking an oral deposition must first attempt to communicate with opposing counsel to determine whether an agreement can be reached as to date, time, place, and material to be furnished at the time of deposition.
Page 7 | Rule 2.06 Depositions
Failure to hold or adequately attempt the required deposition conference before noticing a deposition is grounds to quash the deposition notice.
Failure to hold such conference or to make adequate attempts to hold such conference prior to noticing a deposition will be grounds to quash the deposition.
Page 7 | Rule 2.06 Depositions
All hearing settings must be scheduled through the Court Administrator by email, including settings included in a judge-signed order.
All settings for hearings must be scheduled through the Court Administrator via email, even those included in an order signed by a judge.
Page 2 | 2.1 Notice of Setting to be Provided by Party Obtaining the Setting