Tarrant County Courts at Law
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- An attorney who planned a vacation for a trial date must notify the Court as soon as the trial-setting notice is received; the Court may reset the case at its discretion.
- If an attorney plans a vacation after receiving a trial-setting notice, the attorney must immediately notify the Court and other parties and request a reset; the Court will decide after all parties have an opportunity to respond.
- A trial date may not be postponed or changed without the Court’s consent.
- +2 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Document Format Requirements10 rules
Any responses or replies e-filed with the Clerk less than two (2) business days before a court proceeding must be emailed in pdf format to the judge and opposing counsel to ensure they will be read.
- File type
- Response
- Reply
The documents must be in pdf format.
- File type
Witnesses in evidentiary matters may not participate without video unless agreed by the parties or previously approved by the Court.
Your device must have internet access, a video camera, and a microphone.
Witnesses must appear by video conferencing unless by agreement or if alternate responsibility of the attorney offering the witness to ensure that the witness has the arrangements are made with the Court more than 24 hours before the trial. It is the technological ability to participate by video and that all exhibits are available to the witness, including those of opposing parties.
The documents must be in pdf format.
- File type
TBCs will be conducted using the Zoom application.
The subject of the email or filing should be the full cause number and " - Plaintiff Exhibits" (or cause number " - Defendant Exhibits").
The subject of the mail should be the full cause number and " - Plaintiff Exhibits" above) and the judge (MHrabal@tarrantcountytx.gov) not later than 4 p.m. the day before (or cause number "- Defendant Exhibits").
Witnesses are strongly discouraged from participating only by telephone as it impairs the Courts ability to assess their credibility and demeanor.
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
Unless agreed by the parties the Court will not consider any exhibits not emailed or filed in a timely manner.
All motions shall be accompanied by a proposed order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
A supplemental document shall include the word “supplemental” or a variation thereof in the document’s title.
All motions and briefs filed with the court shall include a certification, signed by the filing party, attesting either that the document was created using A.I. or that the document was not created using A.I.
If an evidentiary hearing is required or requested, the movant or the respondent shall clearly state that fact in the motion or response.
A party who files a document created with the assistance of A.I. shall ensure the accuracy of all drafted language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analyses created or contributed to by A.I.
An amended document, other than an indictment or information, shall include the word “amended” or a variation thereof in the document’s title.
If a motion is unopposed or is agreed, the word “unopposed” or “agreed” shall appear in the title of the motion and shall include a certificate of conference confirming that fact.
If AI was used, the certification must also state that a human verified the AI-created or AI-contributed content and that the filing party accepts responsibility for violations.
Court's wording
If A.I. was used to create the document, the certification in Rule 5.33(c) shall also include the following statements: (1) All drafted language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analyses created or contributed to by A.I. have been verified as accurate by a human being, and (2) The filing party understands and acknowledges that he or she will be held responsible for any document he or she files that violates this Rule regardless of who drafted the document.
If an attorney is retained to replace existing appointed counsel, the newly retained attorney shall file a notice of appearance,
Except as provided in Local Rule 5.42(b), if an appointed or retained attorney has reason to withdraw before final disposition of the case, the attorney shall file a written motion to withdraw with the Court in compliance with Local Rule 5.4.
At a party’s first appearance through counsel, the attorney signing the initial pleading is attorney in charge unless another attorney is specifically designated, and remains so until final disposition or Court permission.
Court's wording
Upon a party’s first appearance through counsel, the attorney whose signature appears on the initial pleading shall be the attorney in charge, unless another attorney is specifically designated. The attorney’s appearance shall be a general appearance, and the attorney shall remain as the attorney in charge until final disposition of the case or until permission is otherwise granted by the Court.
If an attorney has a scheduled vacation or CLE commitment, the attorney shall provide written notice thereof to the court no later than 30 days before the first day of the planned absence. Submission of such notice does not preclude the Court from setting a case for hearing or trial during the noticed period.
Attorneys appointed to represent indigent defendants must disclose to the Court all compensation received from any source on behalf of the defendant.
The continuance request must be a sworn motion under Chapter 29 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Court's wording
If a Court setting, including a trial, conflicts with an attorney’s scheduled vacation or CLE commitment, the attorney shall file a sworn motion for continuance under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 29 no later than 7 days after receiving notice of the setting. The Court may grant or deny the continuance in its discretion.
When a conflicting setting occurs, the attorney with the conflict shall immediately file a notice informing all affected courts.
- Document
- Conflicting setting notice
Must include
- •A notice informing all affected courts
within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing, to provide written notice to the affected courts) 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.
All filed motions seeking affirmative relief from the court will either be accompanied by an Order in such form as to grant or deny the motion, or said Order will be brought to the hearing on the motion.
When Rule 1.07(b) discovery materials are retained or sent to another party, the responsible party must sign and file a Certificate of Written Discovery identifying the document, its recipients, and the service date; one certificate may list multiple documents.
Court's wording
(3) Sign and file A Certificate entitled "Certificate of Written Discovery" with the Clerk whenever discovery materials listed in Rule 1.07 (b) are retained and/or sent to another party. The certificate may list more than one document. The certificate shall identify: 1. the document containing the discovery material, 2. counsel or parties to whom the document is sent, and 3. the date the discovery response or related matter is served on other counsel or parties.
Nothing in this rule shall alter the requirement for filing the court reporter's certificate required by Rule 203, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Cases will be set for trial by the Court upon written request and representation of any party that the case will be ready for trial.
Any witnesses and exhibits not shown on such list can be used at the trial only upon leave of the Court.
At the time the parties report for trial they will deliver to the Court and the other parties a witness list, exhibit list, any motion in limine and any requested instructions and questions if a jury trial and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law if a non-jury trial.
- Document
- Trial submissions
Include
- •Exhibit list
A qualifying motion, objection, or special exception must include the specified conference certification or explanation, unless it is among the proceedings excluded from Rule 3.06(b).
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
No motions, objections or special exceptions will be set for hearing unless the moving party shall have certified in such motion or in a letter substantially the following: 'A conference was held on (date) with (name of attorney for opposing party) on the merits of this motion. A reasonable effort has been made to resolve the dispute without the necessity of court intervention and the effort failed. Therefore it is presented to the Court for determination." or A conference was not held with (name of opposing attorney) on the merits of this motion because (explanation of inability to confer)." Section (b) of this Rule does not pertain to dispositive motions, e.g., Motions for Summary Judgment, Motions to Dismiss and Special Exceptions seeking to dismiss a cause of action, or a Motion for New Trial.
Before initiating an oral deposition, a party must attempt to reach agreement with opposing counsel on its date, time, place, and materials; the written notice must state whether a conference was held or attempted and its outcome, and failure to confer adequately may be grounds to quash the deposition.
Court's wording
(b) A party initiating an oral deposition shall first attempt to communicate with opposing counsel to determine whether agreement can be reached as to date, time, place and material, to be furnished at the time of deposition. Any written notice of deposition shall state as follows: A conference was held (or attempted) with the attorney for opposing party to agree on a date, time, place and materials to be furnished. Agreement could not be reached (or counsel will not respond) and the deposition is therefore being taken pursuant to this notice (or Agreement was reached and this notice complies with the agreement)." Failure to hold such conference or to make adequate attempt to hold such conference prior to noticing a deposition shall be grounds to quash the deposition.
A proposed order authorizing private service under Rule 103 must be accompanied by counsel's signed certificate identifying the proposed server and affirming the required qualifications.
Court's wording
(b) Any proposed order authorizing private service under Rule 103 will not be signed by the judge unless accompanied by a certificate signed by counsel requesting such an appointment. Such certificate shall set out the name and address of the person to be so authorized and affirm that such person is not less than eighteen (18) years of age, is not a party, and has no interest in the outcome of the suit in which the authorization is sought.
Each ex parte application must include a certificate signed by counsel stating one of the specified circumstances regarding opposing counsel's representation or notice.
Court's wording
(c) Ex Parte Applications. Every application for relief ex parte shall contain a certificate signed by counsel that: (•) To the best of his or her knowledge that party against whom relief is sought ex parte is not represented by counsel in the matter made the basis of the relief sought; or, (Z) Counsel for the party against whom relief is sought ex parte has been notified of the application and has stated whether he or she wishes to be heard; or, (3) Diligent attempts to notify counsel for the party against whom ex parte relief is sought have been unsuccessful, and the circumstances do not permit additional efforts to give notice.
(b) 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.
Upon the court’s request, the filing party shall disclose the specific parts of the document created with the assistance of A.I. and the name of the A.I. used.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Emailing these documents does not constitute filing; they must still be e-filed with the Clerk.
The documents will NOT be considered filed and must be e- filed with the Clerk as usual.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
A document that has been e-filed and accepted does not need to be filed again with the Clerk.
Documents which have been e-filed and accepted need not be re-filed with the Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
Cases provided for the judge's reference do not need to be e-filed with the Clerk.
Cases for the judge's reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk but should be emailed to the judge and opposing counsel not later than 4 p.m. two (2) business days before the court proceeding.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
Materials for the judge's reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk.
Cases for the judge's reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk but should be emailed to the judge not later than 4p.m. the day before the TBC.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Trials Before the Court (TBC)
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A party objecting to a Rule 21d(b) hearing must object within the time required by that Rule.
Any party objecting to a Rule 21d. (b) hearing must do so as soon as required in accordance with that Rule.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Hearings Before the Court
Motions requesting affirmative relief must be presented to the Court within three business days after filing.
All motions requesting affirmative relief shall be presented to the Court within three (3) business days of filing.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Rule 5.3: Documents
A response to a motion may be filed up to 14 days after the original motion is filed.
A response to a motion may be filed no later than 14 days after the filing of the original motion.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Rule 5.3: Documents
A request for a trial interpreter must be made to the Court no later than 28 days before jury selection begins.
Requests for an interpreter for trial shall be made to the Court no later than 28 days before the commencement of jury selection.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | Rule 5.45: Interpreter Requests
Written notice of a scheduled vacation or CLE commitment is due no later than 30 days before the first day of the planned absence.
If an attorney has a scheduled vacation or CLE commitment, the attorney shall provide written notice thereof to the court no later than 30 days before the first day of the planned absence. Submission of such notice does not preclude the Court from setting a case for hearing or trial during the noticed period.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | Rule 5.44: Attorney Vacations and Continuing Legal Education
The sworn continuance motion is due no later than 7 days after the attorney receives notice of the setting.
If a Court setting, including a trial, conflicts with an attorney’s scheduled vacation or CLE commitment, the attorney shall file a sworn motion for continuance under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 29 no later than 7 days after receiving notice of the setting. The Court may grant or deny the continuance in its discretion.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | Rule 5.44: Attorney Vacations and Continuing Legal Education
An interpreter request for a non-trial setting must be made to the Court no later than 14 days before the setting.
Requests for an interpreter for any other non-trial setting shall be made to the Court no later than 14 days prior to the setting.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | Rule 5.45: Interpreter Requests
The notice of a conflicting setting must be filed immediately after the conflict occurs.
When a conflicting setting occurs, the attorney with the conflict shall immediately file a notice informing all affected courts.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | RULE 5.5: DOCKET MANAGEMENT
A party objecting to a remote TBC must file the objection more than seven days before the TBC.
If a case is not appropriate for a remote TBC a party must file an objection more than seven (7) days before the TBC and obtain a hearing not less than three (3) business days before the TBC.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Trials Before the Court (TBC)
Written notice of a bankruptcy filing must be provided to the affected courts and all counsel within three days of the filing.
within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing, to provide written notice to the affected courts) and all counsel that a bankruptcy has occurred
Page 3 | Rule 1.05: Bankruptcy
A party filing special exceptions, pleas in abatement, or other dilatory pleas must request and obtain a hearing at least 30 days before trial, or as soon as possible after filing when filed within 30 days of trial; matters not heard are waived.
Any party filing special exceptions, pleas in abatement or other dilatory pleas shall request and obtain a hearing on them at least 30 days prior to the trial date or as soon as possible after the pleading is filed within 30 days of the trial date. Any such matters not heard are waived.
Page 9 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
An initial trial setting requested for a specific week may not be sooner than 75 days after the request.
The request may ask for a setting on a specific trial week, but not sooner that 75 days from the date of the request for the initial trial setting.
Page 9 | Rule 3.01: Disposition of Civil Cases
Other parties must file a written response within seven days after receiving a trial-setting request and state any objection.
Other parties will file a written response to the request within seven (7) days after receipt stating any objection to the request for setting.
Page 9 | Rule 3.01: Disposition of Civil Cases
Parties must timely examine tendered videotapes or films, immediately request a hearing on admissibility objections, and have objections heard before trial or waive them.
All parties must timely examine any tendered videotapes or films and request a hearing immediately if there are objections to the admissibility of any part of the videotapes or films. Any objections not heard prior to trial will be waived.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
An application or case must be filed with the clerk and assigned before presentation to a judge unless that is impossible; if impossible, it must be filed as soon as possible afterward.
Filing. No application for action or relief of any kind shall be presented to a judge until the application or case has been filed with the clerk and assigned to a court, unless it is impossible to do so. If it is impossible to file an application or case before it is presented to a judge, then it shall be filed as soon thereafter as possible, and the clerk notified of all actions taken by the judge.
Page 13 | Rule 3.30: Matters Requiring Immediate Action
Notice of an intended dismissal for want of prosecution must be given at least 30 days before the dismissal order is signed.
(a) The courts will periodically give notice of their intention to dismiss for want of prosecution. Such notice will be give at least thirty (30) days prior to the signing of consequent dismissal order.
Page 14 | Rule 3.90: Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
Exhibits may also be filed in the case by noon the business day before the hearing.
In addition to email the exhibits may be filed in the case not later than noon the business day before the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Responses or replies e-filed less than two business days before a proceeding must also be emailed in PDF format to the judge and opposing counsel.
Any responses or replies e-filed with the Clerk less than two (2) business days before a court proceeding must be emailed in pdf format to the judge and opposing counsel to ensure they will be read.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
A party offering exhibits must email them to all opposing parties, the Court Reporter, and the judge by 4 p.m. the business day before the hearing.
If a party intends to offer any exhibits during the court proceeding they must be emailed to all opposing parties, the court reporter (email address above) and the judge (mhrabal@tarrantcountytx.gov) not later than 4 p.m. the business day before the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
Except for the stated impeachment-only procedure, exhibits must be emailed to all parties, the Court Reporter, and the judge by 4 p.m. the day before the TBC.
Except as noted below Exhibits must be emailed to all parties, the Court Reporter (email the TBC. The subject of the mail should be the full cause number and " - Plaintiff Exhibits" above) and the judge (MHrabal@tarrantcountytx.gov) not later than 4 p.m. the day before (or cause number "- Defendant Exhibits").
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Trials Before the Court (TBC)
Written notice of a bankruptcy must be provided to the affected courts and all counsel.
within three (3) days of any bankruptcy filing, to provide written notice to the affected courts) and all counsel that a bankruptcy has occurred
Page 3 | Rule 1.05: Bankruptcy
The following discovery responses and related material SHALL be served upon all other lead counsel or parties and filed with the Clerk in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code; those denoted [OPTIONAL] SHALL be served, and MAY be filed, accordingly:
The following discovery responses and related material SHALL be served upon all other lead counsel or parties and filed with the Clerk in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code; those denoted [OPTIONAL] SHALL be served, and MAY be filed, accordingly:
Page 4 | Rule 1.07: Filing Responses to Discovery
The listed discovery materials must be served on all other lead counsel or parties under the applicable Texas rules and may not be filed with the clerk absent a Special Order.
(b) The following discovery documents and related materials SHALL be served upon all other lead counsel or parties in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, but SHALL NOT BE FILED with the clerk except on Special Order.
Page 5 | Rule 1.07: Filing Responses to Discovery
The responsible party must serve the discovery materials listed in Rule 1.07(b) on all other lead counsel or parties, but may not file them with the clerk absent a Special Order.
(1) Serve upon all other lead counsel or parties, discovery material listed in Rule 1.07 (b) as required therein; but the same shall NOT be filed with the Clerk except on Special Order.
Page 6 | Rule 1.07: Filing Responses to Discovery
For videotaped depositions and films taken within 45 days of trial, counsel must make them available and provide the required designations as soon as possible and early enough for objections to be heard before trial.
All videotaped depositions and other films taken within forty-five (45) days of trial must be made available, and the aforementioned designations made, as soon as possible to opposing counsel and sufficiently in advance of trial so that a hearing on any objections can be held before commencement of trial.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
Videotapes or films not tendered as required will not be admitted into evidence at trial.
Any videotapes or films not so tendered will not be permitted into evidence at the trial.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
Opposing counsel must serve the proffering attorney with page and line designations for portions of a videotaped deposition they intend to introduce no later than 10 days before trial.
Opposing counsel shall then serve the proffering attorney with page and line designations of any portion of the videotape deposition they intend to introduce at trial not later than ten (10) days prior to trial.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
The proffering attorney must serve opposing counsel with page and line designations for any additional portions of a videotaped deposition to be introduced no later than 7 days before trial.
The proffering attorney shall then serve opposing counsel with page and line designations of any portion of the videotape deposition they further intend to introduce at trial not later than seven (7) days prior to trial.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
Parties must deliver the listed trial materials to the Court and the other parties when they report for trial.
At the time the parties report for trial they will deliver to the Court and the other parties a witness list, exhibit list, any motion in limine and any requested instructions and questions if a jury trial and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law if a non-jury trial.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
Before trial begins, all exhibits must be marked, exchanged, and examined by counsel.
Prior to commencement of trial all exhibits will be marked, exchanged and examined by counsel so that the trial will not be delayed by such examination.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
For depositions, films, or videotapes taken at least 45 days before trial, counsel must make them available to opposing counsel and serve videotaped-deposition page and line designations no later than 14 days before trial, unless the parties agree otherwise or the Court orders otherwise; impeachment-only materials are excepted.
Unless otherwise expressly agreed to by the parties or ordered by the Court, counsel intending to offer videotaped depositions, or other films or videotapes at trial, except those offered solely for impeachment, must make such videotapes and films available to opposing counsel, and serve opposing counsel with page and line designations for videotaped depositions, not later than fourteen (14) days prior to trial for all depositions or other films taken forty-five (45) days or more in advance of trial.
Page 10 | Rule 3.03: Trial Procedure
Impeachment-only documents should be emailed to opposing counsel, the Court Reporter, and the judge as soon as possible during the proceeding; they may be screen-shared after review by the Court and opposing counsel.
Documents judge as soon as possible during the proceeding. They may be screen shared during the used for impeachment only should be emailed to opposing counsel, the court reporter and proceeding after review by the Court and opposing counsel.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Trials Before the Court (TBC)
For pro se litigants, refusing or failing to collect mail at the provided address counts as constructive receipt, which may be established by a postal receipt or comparable proof of delivery.
Failure to accept delivery or to pick up mail addressed to the address provided by a pro se litigant will be considered constructive receipt of the mailed or delivered document and may be established by a postal service receipt for certified or registered mail or comparable proof of delivery.
Page 2 | Rule 1.02: Parties Proceeding Pro Se
Notice of less than ten calendar days under the cited Texas rules is presumed unreasonable, though the parties are encouraged to resolve these matters by agreement and may submit disputes to the Court by proper motion and hearing.
(S) Notice of less than ten (10) calendar days under Rules 21a and 199.2(a), Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, shall be presumed to be unreasonable. However, these matters are best handled by agreement of the parties, furthermore, parties are not precluded from submitting disputes as to such matters to the Court for determination by proper motion and hearings.
Page 12 | Rule 3.11: Deposition Guidelines
Persons authorized by order under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 103 to serve citations and notices are officers of the court and may face contempt or a prohibition on service for specified misconduct.
(a) For purposes of supervision and discipline the court deems those persons authorized to serve citation and other notices by order pursuant to Rule 103, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to be officers of the court. Any such person filing a false return or engaging in service contrary to law or rule may be subject to punishment by an order of contempt. Such order may prohibit such person from serving citations and notices in Tarrant County.
Page 13 | Rule 3.40: Private Service of Process
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Information collected about a person who serves as a juror during jury selection must be filed under seal and may not be publicly available or disclosed unless otherwise ordered; the order may be modified by court order.
in all cases, filed information collected by the court or by a prosecuting attorney during the jury-selection process about a person who serves as a juror, including the juror's home address, home telephone number, social-security number, driver's license number, and other personal information, shall be filed UNDER SEAL and shall not be publicly available or otherwise disclosed unless otherwise ordered. This standing order is subject to modification by court order.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER SEALING PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT JURORS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before a motion, objection, or special exception is set for hearing, the moving party must certify in the filing or a letter that the parties conferred and the effort failed, or explain why no conference occurred; this does not apply to the listed dispositive motions or a motion for new trial.
(b) No motions, objections or special exceptions will be set for hearing unless the moving party shall have certified in such motion or in a letter substantially the following: 'A conference was held on (date) with (name of attorney for opposing party) on the merits of this motion. A reasonable effort has been made to resolve the dispute without the necessity of court intervention and the effort failed. Therefore it is presented to the Court for determination." or A conference was not held with (name of opposing attorney) on the merits of this motion because (explanation of inability to confer)." (f) Section (b) of this Rule does not pertain to dispositive motions, e.g., Motions for Summary Judgment, Motions to Dismiss and Special Exceptions seeking to dismiss a cause of action, or a Motion for New Trial.
Page 11 | Rule 3.06: Motion Practice
The Court may rule on an original motion before a response is filed.
The Court may rule on the original motion before a response is filed.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Rule 5.3: Documents
Parties must use all reasonable means to resolve pretrial disputes without judicial intervention and to conduct meaningful plea negotiations.
Parties shall use all reasonable means to resolve pretrial disputes without judicial intervention and to have meaningful plea negotiations.
Criminal cases
Page 8 | RULE 5.5: DOCKET MANAGEMENT
Parties are directed to use all reasonable means to resolve pre-trial disputes before seeking judicial intervention.
(a) Parties are directed to use all reasonable means to resolve pre-trial disputes to avoid the necessity of judicial intervention.
Page 11 | Rule 3.06: Motion Practice
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
An attorney whose vacation or CLE commitment conflicts with a court setting must seek a continuance by sworn motion, but the Court may grant or deny it in its discretion.
If a Court setting, including a trial, conflicts with an attorney’s scheduled vacation or CLE commitment, the attorney shall file a sworn motion for continuance under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 29 no later than 7 days after receiving notice of the setting. The Court may grant or deny the continuance in its discretion.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | Rule 5.44: Attorney Vacations and Continuing Legal Education
Unless the Court sets otherwise, a continuance motion must be filed by the Wednesday before trial and is heard at 2:00 p.m. Thursday; a motion based on facts arising on or after that Wednesday must be filed as soon as possible and will be heard at a time set by the Court.
Except as hereinafter provided and unless otherwise set by the Court, any motion for continuance will be filed no later than the Wednesday preceding the trial date and will be heard by the Court in the courtroom at 2:00 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the trial date. Any motion for continuance based upon facts which occur on or after the Wednesday preceding the trial date will be filed as soon as possible and will be heard at a time to be set by the Court.
Page 9 | Rule 3.02: Motion for Continuance
A trial date may not be postponed or changed without the Court’s consent.
A trial date cannot be postponed or changed without the consent of the Court.
Page 9 | Rule 3.02: Motion for Continuance
Continuances in jury trials are not granted absent extenuating circumstances; agreed continuances require a hearing, and attorneys in multi-attorney firms must substantiate why the attorney of record must try the case rather than an associate.
In the absence of extenuating circumstances, no continuances will be granted in jury trials. Agreed continuances will require a hearing. An attorney in a firm of multiple attorneys will be required to substantiate why it is imperative for the attorney of record to conduct the trial and it is impractical for an associate attorney to try the case.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER FOR JURY TRIALS AND PRE-TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
An attorney who planned a vacation for a trial date must notify the Court as soon as the trial-setting notice is received; the Court may reset the case at its discretion.
If a case is set for trial by the court on a date for which an attorney has planned a vacation, the attorney will notify the Court as soon as the notice of trial setting is received and the case may be reset for a different time at the discretion of the court.
Page 8 | Rule 1.11: Vacations of Attorneys
If an attorney plans a vacation after receiving a trial-setting notice, the attorney must immediately notify the Court and other parties and request a reset; the Court will decide after all parties have an opportunity to respond.
If plans for a vacation are made by an attorney after a trial setting notice has been received, the attorney will immediately notify the Court and other parties with a request that the case be reset for a different time. The Court will rule on such request after giving all parties to the lawsuit an opportunity to respond to the request.
Page 8 | Rule 1.11: Vacations of Attorneys
Chambers Communication Rules
Anyone intending to participate only by phone must alert the Coordinator at least two business days before the hearing.
If you intend to participate only by phone alert the Coordinator at least two (2) business days before the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Remote Hearing Participation and Technology
The Court Reporter and Court Coordinator must have the email address a participant will use during the hearing by 4 p.m. the day before the hearing.
The Court Reporter (sikrieger@tarrantcountytx.gov) and Court Coordinator (mwblake@tarrantcountytx.gov) must have the email address you will have immediately available to you during the hearing not later than 4 p.m. the day before any hearing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Email Addresses and Court Reporter
Counsel must immediately telephone the Court Coordinator to notify affected courts when a party files for bankruptcy protection.
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 courts) by immediately telephoning the Court Coordinator;
Page 3 | Rule 1.05: Bankruptcy
After a bankruptcy concludes, counsel must promptly notify the Court Coordinator so affected cases can be restored to the active docket or dismissed as appropriate.
Once a bankruptcy has been concluded, whether by discharge, denial of discharge, dismissal or otherwise, counsel shall promptly notify the Court Coordinator so that the affected cases may be restored to the active docket or be dismissed as may be appropriate.
Page 4 | Rule 1.05: Bankruptcy
Requests for hearings to approve settlements involving minors and unliquidated default judgments must be made to the Court Coordinator for scheduling.
Requests for hearing to approve settlements in cases involving minors and default judgments, where the amount is unliquidated, shall be made to the Court Coordinator who will schedule the same for hearing.
Page 10 | Rule 3.04: Settlement Prove-Ups and Default Judgment Hearings
After receiving the hearing date and time, the moving party must immediately notify all other parties in writing of the hearing date, time, and subject matter and provide a copy to the Court Coordinator.
Court Coordinators are responsible for scheduling the dates and times for hearings. Upon receiving the date and time of hearing, the moving party shall immediately notify all other parties in writing as to the date, time and subject matter of the hearing. A copy of this communication shall be provided to the Court Coordinator.
Page 11 | Rule 3.06: Motion Practice
When an application or case is presented before it can be filed, the clerk must be notified of all actions taken by the judge.
If it is impossible to file an application or case before it is presented to a judge, then it shall be filed as soon thereafter as possible, and the clerk notified of all actions taken by the judge.
Page 13 | Rule 3.30: Matters Requiring Immediate Action
Participants should ensure the County Clerk has their current email address on file.
Please ensure your current email address is on file with the County Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Remote Hearing Participation and Technology
Cases for the judge's reference need not be e-filed, but should be emailed to the judge and opposing counsel by 4 p.m. two business days before the proceeding.
Cases for the judge's reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk but should be emailed to the judge and opposing counsel not later than 4 p.m. two (2) business days before the court proceeding.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Exhibits, Responses, Replies, and Case References
An attorney who intends to participate by audio only should contact the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator at least 48 hours before the proceeding.
An attorney intending to only participate with audio should contact the Court Reporter and Court Coordinator at least 48 hours before the proceeding.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Trials Before the Court (TBC)
Cases for the judge's reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk but should be emailed to the judge not later than 4p.m. the day before the TBC.
Cases for the judge's reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk but should be emailed to the judge not later than 4p.m. the day before the TBC.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Standing Order for Remote Trials Before the Court (TBC)
An attorney with a previously scheduled appellate oral argument must advise the trial judge before trial begins to receive reasonable time to travel and argue.
Any attorney having a previously scheduled oral argument in any appellate court shall be given a reasonable time to travel to and from that court and make argument provided the attorney advises the trial judge of the scheduled argument before the commencement of trial.
Page 8 | Rule 1.10: Resolution of Conflicting Settings
A party should immediately notify the Court in writing after receiving a trial setting if the case is not ready or the party wishes to suggest alternative dates.
Upon receipt of a trial setting any party should immediately notify the Court in writing if they believe that the case is not ready for trial or if they want to suggest alternative trial dates.
Page 9 | Rule 3.01: Disposition of Civil Cases
A matter that does not require a court reporter record may be conducted by telephone at a party's request with the Judge's consent; the moving party must advise opposing parties of the method and time and arrange the call.
(d) On request of a party and with consent of the Judge, a matter not requiring a record by the Court Reporter may be conducted by telephone. The moving party shall be responsible for advising opposing parties of the method and time of hearing and shall be responsible for arranging the conference call.
Page 11 | Rule 3.06: Motion Practice
By agreement, parties may submit a matter for decision without appearing personally or presenting orally, and the Judge should be advised in writing if they wish to do so.
(e) By agreement, parties may submit matters for ruling by the Judge without a personal appearance and oral presentation. The Judge should be advised in writing when such procedure is desired.
Page 11 | Rule 3.06: Motion Practice