Sterling County District Court, Texas Filing Timing and Cure Windows

A motion/order requesting a party’s virtual appearance must be filed at least 3 days before the hearing or, if the emergency need arises later, as soon as it becomes known.

Parties must appear in person. If there are exigent circumstances and an attorney is requesting that a party appear virtually, they must file a motion/order for virtual appearance no less than 3 days prior to the hearing, or as soon as the emergency need becomes known.

If a party knows a witness may request to appear virtually, the party must file a motion and order at least 3 days before the setting; the Court’s accommodation of out-of-town or professional witnesses is when practicable.

Witnesses: The Court will accommodate out-of-town and/or professional witnesses when practicable. If a party knows of a request for a witness to appear virtually, they must file a motion and order for virtual appearance no less than 3 days prior to the setting.

DFPS/2Ingage must file an Advisement about placement efforts within 24 hours of placement.

IT IS ORDERED that DFPS/2Ingage shall file a written report (hereafter "Advisement") to the Court of the attempts to achieve placement within the above region. IT IS ORDERED that this report shall be filed with the Court within the 24 hours of placement.

An Advisement about an emergency placement, caregiver, or respite change must be filed within 24 hours and include the stated details.

It is ordered that DFPS/2Ingage/CPA shall file an Advisement with the Court of any emergency change in placement, caregiver, or respite status within 24 hours after the change. This report shall include the following: 1) the reason for the change; 2) when the CPA/Dept/2Ingage were notified of the necessity for the change: 3) if the child will be returning to the prior placement and the date of that occurrence.