Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Continuance motions should be e-filed at least three business days before trial, must be written and served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the Court’s discretion; motions submitted with less than 24 hours’ notice will not be considered.
- Continuance requests must be received at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing; requests made within 24 hours will not be considered.
Communication
Phone
Document Format Requirements4 rules
The documents must be legible and in .pdf format .
- File type
Continuance motions must be in writing.
Court's wording
Motions for continuance or Retains should be filed by e-file no later than three business days before your scheduled trial date and must be in writing, served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court.
Produced documents must be organized by numbered request and identified as responsive to the corresponding request.
Court's wording
You are to segregate documents produced according to the particular numbered request to which they respond, and in producing the requested documents, to indicate which documents pertain to which numbered request.
Please note that a request is also specifically made for production of any data or information that exists in electronic or magnetic form. Any such information should be placed on CD, DVD or USB Drive.
Document Filing Requirements56 rules
Any requests for pretrial discovery must be presented to the court.
Any discovery motion shall contain a Certificate of Discovery Conference by the requesting party or counsel filingthe same.
- Document
- Discovery motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
- •Certificate of Discovery Conference
The creditor must present to the Court that granted the judgment some evidence of the judgment and property’s non-exempt status;
Turnover and receiver orders must clearly state their terms and the receiver's duties, authority, and responsibilities so the receiver can follow them without interpreting their scope.
Court's wording
All Orders must be clear and concise: (a) written so both the Court and the Receiver have a clear understanding of the terms; (b) understand the extent of the duties/authority and responsibilities of the Receiver; and, (c) provides confidence to the Court that the Order enables the Receiver the ability to understand and follow the Order without having to interpret their duties or the extent of their duties within the Order
Turnover and receiver applications must provide sufficient evidence of the statutory requirements, identify and attach the final judgment, and describe the non-exempt property sufficiently to explain and limit the requested order.
Court's wording
Applications must contain sufficient evidence that establishes all the necessary conditions and requirements of 31.002 including but not limited to: (a) Information identifying the specifics of the underlying final judgment and an exhibit of the judgment provided; (b) Provide information describing the property as non-exempt and sufficient enough for the Court to understand what is sought and provide some limitation to the Order without requiring the property be specifically identified in the Order. For example, a general laundry-list to provide some limitation to the Order (Note: The property does not need to be property that cannot be readily attached or levied on by ordinary legal process.)
(a) Identifying the specifics of the underlying final judgment (amount awarded as damages, any pre and post-judgment interest, balance due on the judgment at the time of filing, etc.)
(g) Information about a Receiver’s oath and bond.
(e) Provide language that the Order does not require the turnover of the proceeds of, or the disbursement of, property exempt under any statute and does not compel turnover of the homestead, checks for current wages or cash on hand or other exempt property of the judgment debtor
(f) Describe the extent of the Receiver’s authorized powers and authority
(d) State that the Order does not authorize that the property be turned over directly to the judgment creditor
(b) Provide the name and complete contact information of the Receiver
(d) Address notice and opportunity for the creditor to appear for a hearing on the motion or whether the Order is sought ex parte. o Note: These Courts strongly prefer notice and opportunity for the debtor to appear. Any ex parte request absent evidence demonstrating why ex parte is necessary will be denied and require notice of hearing be sent to the debtor.
(c) State that the Receiver is granted the authority to take possession of the non-exempt property, sell it and pay the proceeds to the judgment creditor to the extent required to satisfy the judgment
Proposed Orders Appointing a Post-Judgment Receiver must recite that all the necessary conditions and requirements of 31.002 have been met, reference the Motion and include but not limited to:
(c) The judgment creditor must submit sufficient evidence, which may be by affidavit, that the judgment debtor has non-exempt property subject to the order.
(f) Proposed method to compensate the Receiver, fees and costs.
(e) Name and identify the proposed Receiver to include: complete contact information; whether the Receiver is an attorney; experience as a Receiver; and a curriculum vitae or resume.
(p) State that the Receiver shall not disburse to the Judgment Creditor funds recovered by the receiver without the judgment Debtor’s written consent or Court Order
(l) Without sufficient evidence and showing of essential necessity, no Order will extend beyond one-year after the date of the Order; however, even essential necessity orders will terminate 5-years (60 months) from the date of issuance of the Order
(o) A Receiver’s oath of office is required and shall be returned to the Court within 10-days of the signing of the Order
If funds were recovered, the Receiver shall provide the Court a written inventory of all property taken within 30 days of the termination of an Order
(q) State that the Receiver shall provide the Court with an Order to Terminate Receivership and Discharge Receiver if no funds were recovered.
(j) Orders granting Turnover and Receiver must have set time limitations
Again, whatever fee order is initially approved by the Court, before fees are paid and in order to be paid, the Receiver must later submit a request to the Justice Court for approval
required in this post-judgment matter, but only that the Receiver file an Oath to perform the Receiver's duties.
A response to each production request must state any objections and privileges and provide the applicable response about production, service, timing and place, or the results of a diligent search.
Court's wording
"[w]ith respect to each item or category of items, the responding party must state objections and assert privileges as required by these rules, and state, as appropriate, that: (1) production, inspection, or other requested action will be permitted as requested; (2) the requested items are being served on the requesting party with the response; (3) production, inspection, or other requested action will take place at a specified time and place, if the responding party is objecting to the time and place of production; or (4) no items have been identified--after a diligent search--that are responsive to the request."
"[u]nless the responding party states an objection or asserts a privilege, the responding party must specifically admit or deny the request or explain in detail the reasons that the responding party cannot admit or deny the request..."
The responding party generally must sign interrogatory answers under oath, subject to the stated exceptions.
Court's wording
"[a] responding party--not an agent or attorney as otherwise permitted by Rule 14. -must sign the answers under oath except that: (1) when answers are based on information obtained from other persons, the party may so state, and (2) a party need not sign answers to interrogatories about persons with knowledge of relevant facts, trial witnesses, and legal contentions."
When an Interrogatory asks you to identify a document, the answer shall state the following with respect to each document: e. the title, heading or caption of such document, if any; f. the identifying or descriptive number(s), letter(s), or combination thereof, if any, and the significance or meaning of such number(s) or combination thereof; the date appearing on such document and if no date appears thereon, the answer shall so state and shall give the date, or approximate date, on which such date document was prepared; h. the general nature or description of such document (i.e., whether it is a letter, memorandum, minutes of meeting, etc.) and the number of pages of which it consists; i. the identity of person who signed such document and, if it was not signed, the answer shall so state and shall give the identity of the person(s) who prepare it; if the document is an agreement or contract, separately identify the parties thereto as well as each of
When an interrogatory asks for a person's identity, the answer must provide the listed personal, employment, and contact details, including specified last-known details when current information is unknown.
Court's wording
When an Interrogatory asks you to identify a natural person, the answer shall state: a. his/her full name; b. his/her present residence address and telephone number and, if that is not known, the answer shall so state and provide his/her last known residence address and telephone number and the last known date that he/she did business there. c. his/her present employer or business affiliation and job title; d. his/her present business address and telephone number, and if that is not known, the answer shall state and shall provide his/her last known business address and telephone number and the last known date that he/she did business there.
Receiver's Oath: Receiver must file an oath within ten (10) days of the signing of this order to perform their duties faithfully before action under this Order.
Receiver must provide an accounting or receipts of any reasonable and necessary expenses, including those for storage of any property seized, to the court.
Answer under oath separately and fully in writing under oath each of the INTERROGATORIES contained herein;
deliver a complete, signed, and a verified copy of your answers to the undersigned attorney within 30 days after service of these interrogatories on you;
and file a copy with the clerk of this court.
The defendant’s answers to the interrogatories are to be sworn as true and correct and subscribed before a notary.
Court's wording
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared Defendant, being duly sworn, upon oath stated that each of the fotegoing answers to Plaintiffs Interrogatories In Aid of Judgment, are within his personal knowledge and are true and correct. By: Defendant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME on _→ 20. to certify which witness my hand and official seal. Notary Public in and for the State of Texas
Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Receiver must file an oath to perform their duties faithfully before acting under this Order
Any discovery motion shall contain a Certificate of Discovery Conference by the requesting party or counsel filing the same.
- Document
- Discovery motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Any applicant that does not reside in Precinct 4 shall first verify that the judge for the precinct in which they reside is not available; only then will this court review their application. If an extenuating circumstance arises the judge will make the decision on a case-by-case basis.
An applicant seeking emergency detention in Precinct 4 must personally present the application to that precinct’s Justice of the Peace Court.
Court's wording
IT IS ORDERED that an applicant seeking the emergency detention of a person in Tarrant County, Precinct 4, must present the application personally before the Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 4, Tarrant County, Texas per Texas Health & Safety Code 573.0129(a).
An applicant seeking emergency detention in Precinct Six must personally present the application to the Precinct Six Justice Court.
Court's wording
IT IS ORDERED that an applicant seeking the emergency detention of a person in Tarrant County, Precinct Six, must present the application personally before the Justice Court, Precinct Six, Tarrant County, Texas per Texas Health & Safety Code 573.012(a).
Any applicant that does not reside in Precinct Six shall first verify that the judge for the precinct in which they reside is not available; only then will this court review their application. If an extenuating circumstance arises the judge will make the decision on a case-by-case basis.
Beginning January 1, 2026, plaintiffs must provide the clerk in writing with the defendant’s known email and mailing addresses by the time judgment is signed; untimely compliance may result in denial and dismissal for want of prosecution.
Court's wording
Effective January 1, 2026, all plaintiff(s) must comply with the default-judgment requirement, 510.16 (b), providing to the clerk of the court, in writing, the known email address and mailing address of the defendant at or before the time the Judgement is signed. Failure to timely meet these requirements may result in the default judgment request being denied and dismissal for want of prosecution issued.
A defendant entering a guilty or no-contest plea and requesting an extension to pay is subject to the payment-plan guidelines after completing and verifying the required application.
Court's wording
This order pertains to any defendant entering a plea of guilty/nolo contendere/no contest either in person, electronically or by 1st class mail with a request to the court for extension to pay. Upon completion and verification of the required application pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure 103.0033 and Texas Administrative Code Title 1 Part 175A the guidelines for a pay schedule shall be as follows:
The required application must be completed and verified before the pay-schedule guidelines apply.
Court's wording
Upon completion and verification of the required application pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure 103.0033 and Texas Administrative Code Title 1 Part 175A the guidelines for a pay schedule shall be as follows:
(g) Generally, a Receiver’s powers and authority should be limited
(n) The order should set whether a Bond is required, if so to whom it is made payable to; however, if required by the Courts any bond will be nominal, fair and reasonable
(i) Additional powers, such as obtaining information from third-parties holding financial records and obtaining credit reports and related information is acceptable; yet, all powers and authority should be clear, concise and limited
(k) Courts prefer wording that the Receivership terminates 180 days after the date of the Order, unless there is an ongoing payment plan and written agreement with the debtor or an extension is requested by the Receiver and granted by the Court
(m) The Order should set out the Receiver’s fees as compensation, reasonable costs and expenses incurred and how these are to be taxed against the debtor in addition to those sums provided for in the judgment
Receiver fees should be conditioned on later proof that the work was performed and the results justify the fees and costs.
Court's wording
Whichever fee is proposed, hourly, percentage or a combination of both, Receiver’s fees/compensation should be set conditionally and subject to later proof by the Receiver that the work was performed and the results justify the fee and costs
Answers must not be left blank; respondents should write “none,” “unknown,” or “N/A” when applicable.
Court's wording
No answer is to be left blank. If the answer to an Interrogatory is "none" or "unknown", the word "none" or "unknown" should be written in the answer. If the answer is inapplicable, "N/A" should be written in the answer.
With this Application/Motion is also sent a Proposed Order of Turnover and Appointing a Receiver
- Document
- Turnover application
Include
- •Proposed order
With an Attorney for the judgment creditor filing an Application for Turnover After Judgment and for Appointment of a Receiver.
Reasonable limits on receiver authority may include taking specified debtor-owned financial accounts held by third parties and related financial records.
Court's wording
(h) Reasonable limitations on powers and authority may include the taking of financial accounts such as bank accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit or similar accounts owned by the debtor but held by a third party and includes all financial records related to such property
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Exhibits must be e-filed with the Court no later than three business days before the hearing or trial.
Exhibits must be e-mailed to all parties and E-Filed to the Court by no later than 3 business days before the Hearing/Trial.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
A litigant may request in-person filing, but the Court decides case by case and in its discretion whether to grant an exception to mandatory e-filing based on the litigant’s circumstances.
Any litigant who is unable or elects not to file electronically may make a request to the Court seeking to file in person. The Court will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis and, at its discretion, determine whether an exception to the mandatory e-filing requirement will be granted based on the litigant's individual circumstances.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC FILING
Filings of more than 5 pages per envelope may be filed directly through eFile Texas, but not through eFile Texas Self Help.
Filings submitted via eFile Texas with a total of more than 5 pages per envelope will incur copy fees at the amounts of $1.00 for the first page and 25¢ for each additional page and may file directly through eFile Texas, but not through eFile Texas Self Help.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Effective February 1, 2025, filings of 5 or fewer pages per envelope may be filed directly through eFile Texas Self Help.
Effective, February 1, 2025, filings submitted via eFile Texas with a total of 5 or less pages per envelope will not incur copy fees and may file directly through eFile Texas Self Help.
Page 1 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Cases not accepted through either E-File Texas service must be submitted in person.
Any cases not accepted by E-File Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas will have to be submitted in person.
Court notice
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE PREFERRED FILING METHOD
Continuance motions should be e-filed no later than three business days before the scheduled trial date.
Motions for continuance or Retains should be filed by e-file no later than three business days before your scheduled trial date and must be in writing, served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Motions for continuance or Retains
If a case cannot be processed through either e-filing system, the litigant must submit the filing in person.
In the event that a case cannot be processed through E-File Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas, the litigant will have to submit the filing in person
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC FILING
Filings of more than five pages per envelope may be submitted through eFile Texas, but not through eFile Texas Self-Help.
These filings may still be submitted through eFile Texas, but not through eFile Texas Self-Help.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys will be strongly advised to submit new evictions, small claims, debt claims, subsequent case filings and any other response pleadings via E- File Texas Self -Help or E-File Texas, Email, or Fax.
All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys will be strongly advised to submit new evictions, small claims, debt claims, subsequent case filings and any other response pleadings via E- File Texas Self -Help or E-File Texas, Email, or Fax.
Court notice
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE PREFERRED FILING METHOD
E-filing is preferred for all cases, but paper filings are accepted and discouraged.
Justice of the Peace, Precinct Four’s preferred filing method moving forward is E-File for all cases. Paper case filings will be accepted but strongly discouraged.
Court notice
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE PREFERRED FILING METHOD
Documents may be e-filed using the link provided by the Court.
You can e-file your documents by following the link below.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
The Court identifies e-filing as the preferred method for all cases, subject to limited exceptions.
Effective Monday, July 1, 2019, Justice Court Precinct One Implemented E-Filing (as the preferred method) for ALL cases with limited exceptions.
Page 2 | NOTICE OF E-FILING REQUIREMENT
A litigant without online computer access must be provided access to a filing kiosk in the Justice Court office.
Any litigant who does not have online computer access shall be provided access to a computer kiosk located in the Justice Court office for the purpose of electronically filing documents.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC FILING
Pro se litigants and attorneys are strongly encouraged to e-file all filings through E-File Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas.
All Pro Se litigants (individuals not represented by an attorney) and attorneys are strongly encouraged to submit all filings, including but not limited to Eviction, Small Claims, Debt Claims, and any subsequent case filings or response pleadings, via E-File Texas Self-Help or E-File Texas.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC FILING
Filings of five pages or fewer per envelope may be filed directly through eFile Texas Self-Help.
Filings submitted through eFile Texas that contain five pages or fewer per envelope will not incur copy fees and may be filed directly through eFile Texas Self-Help.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Continuance motions should be filed no later than three business days before the scheduled trial date.
Motions for continuance or Retains should be filed by e-file no later than three business days before your scheduled trial date and must be in writing, served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Motions for continuance or Retains
Exhibits must be filed no later than three business days before the hearing or trial.
Exhibits must be e-mailed to all parties and E-Filed to the Court by no later than 3 business days before the Hearing/Trial.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
All parties must adhere to the 3-day before the scheduled hearing/trial date rule.
All parties must adhere to the 3-day before the scheduled hearing/trial date rule.
Civil cases
Page 3
A responding party may file a written objection with the court within 30 days after receiving a post-judgment discovery request.
The responding party may file a written objection with the court within 30 days of receiving the request.
Civil cases
Page 3 | TRCP 500.S(b) "Post-judgment Discovery''
The receiver must provide the court the written inventory within 30 days after the order terminates if funds were recovered.
If funds were recovered, the Receiver shall provide the Court a written inventory of all property taken within 30 days of the termination of an Order
Civil cases
Page 8 | TURNOVER AND RECEIVER APPLICATIONS AND ORDERS – JUSTICE COURT - REQUIREMENTS & GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE REQUESTS
The receiver's oath of office must be returned to the court within 10 days of the order's signing.
(o) A Receiver’s oath of office is required and shall be returned to the Court within 10-days of the signing of the Order
Civil cases
Page 8 | TURNOVER AND RECEIVER APPLICATIONS AND ORDERS – JUSTICE COURT - REQUIREMENTS & GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE REQUESTS
An appeal may be filed by bond, cash deposit, or Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs within 21 days after the judgment is signed.
- - You may appeal this judgment by filing a bond, making a cash deposit, or filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs within 21 days after this judgment was signed. See Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 506.
Civil cases
Page 17 | Please Note
The Receiver must file the oath within ten days after the order is signed and before acting under the order.
Receiver's Oath: Receiver must file an oath within ten (10) days of the signing of this order to perform their duties faithfully before action under this Order.
Civil cases
Page 34 | Receiver's Oath
The Receiver must file the oath within 10 days from the signing of the Order.
Receiver must file an oath to perform their duties faithfully before acting under this Order within 10 days from the signing of this Order..
Civil cases
Page 55 | Receiver's Oath
A party must amend or supplement a response promptly after discovering it is incomplete or incorrect, generally within 14 days and no later than 21 days before trial.
complete or correct, the party must, within a reasonably prompt time after such is discovered, amend and supplement their response. Generally, a reasonably prompt time is considered to be within 14 days of the party discovering their response needs amending or supplementing, and no later than 21 days before trial.
Civil cases
Page 7 | PRETRIAL DISCOVERY: DUTY TO TIMELY AMEND OR SUPPLEMENT WRITTEN DISCOVERY AND EXCLUSION OF EVIDENCE AND EXCEPTIONS
If the judge grants additional time, the court must receive all required documents by 4:00 p.m. on the trial day; otherwise, the default-judgment request will be denied and the case dismissed without prejudice on the next business day.
If the Judge grants additional time to submit the required documents, all documents must be received by the court no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of trial. If the required documents are not received by the court by the given deadline: - • The request for default judgment will be denied, and - • The case will be dismissed for want of prosecution, without prejudice, on the next business day.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ATTENTION PLAINTIFF(S) CONCERNING DEFAULT JUDGMENTS EVICTIONS
Beginning January 1, 2026, the required information must be provided to the clerk at or before the time judgment is signed.
Effective January 1, 2026, all plaintiff(s) must comply with the default-judgment requirement, 510.16 (b), providing to the clerk of the court, in writing, the known email address and mailing address of the defendant at or before the time the Judgement is signed.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ATTENTION PLAINTIFF(S) CONCERNING DEFAULT JUDGMENTS EVICTIONS
Electronic-appearance requests must be received at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing and will not be considered without extenuating circumstances.
Requests for electronic appearances must be received at least 24 hours before the commencement of the scheduled hearing and will not be considered unless extenuating circumstances are present.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE: ELECTRONIC APPEARANCE REQUESTS
Untimely exhibits may not be considered or admitted into evidence at an e-hearing or e-trial.
The Court may not consider any exhibits not filed with the Court in a timely manner. If you fail to follow the exhibit requirement these exhibits may not be admitted into evidence during E-Hearing/E-Trial.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
A discovery response generally must be amended or supplemented within 14 days after the need is discovered and no later than 21 days before trial.
Generally, a reasonably prompt time is considered to be within 14 days of the party discovering their response needs amending or supplementing, and no later than 21 days before trial.
Civil cases
Page 7 | PRETRIAL DISCOVERY: FAILURE TO TIMELY RESPOND - EFFECT ON TRIAL
The responding party may file a written objection within 30 days of receiving a post-judgment discovery request.
The responding party may file a written objection with the court within 30 days of receiving the request.
Civil cases
Page 3 | TRCP 500.8(b) “Post-judgment Discovery”
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Exhibits must be served on all parties by email no later than three business days before the hearing or trial.
Exhibits must be e-mailed to all parties and E-Filed to the Court by no later than 3 business days before the Hearing/Trial.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
Continuance motions must be served on the opposing party.
Motions for continuance or Retains should be filed by e-file no later than three business days before your scheduled trial date and must be in writing, served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Motions for continuance or Retains
Substitute or alternate service requires at least two attempts, including attempts in both the morning and afternoon, spaced at least two hours apart.
IT IS ORDERED that SUBSTITUTE or ALTERNATE SERVICE of process pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 501.2 (e) 510.4(c) (C) shall not be authorized by the court until service agency shows due diligence of no less than two (2) attempts of service and including two (2) different times of day in morning and afternoon. Service attempts may be made on same day but not less than 2 hours between each service attempt.
Civil cases
Page 1 | SUBSTITUTE OR ALTERNATE SERVICE
Unless evidence shows why ex parte proceedings are necessary, notice of the hearing must be sent to the debtor.
These Justice Courts, absent an evidence based showing as to why ex parte is necessary, will require notice of hearing be sent to the debtor;
Civil cases
Page 5
The responding party must serve a written response to interrogatories within 30 days after service.
must serve a written response on the requesting party within 30 days after service of the interrogatories
Civil cases
Page 23 | Interrogatories
An untimely response to a request for admission results in the request being considered admitted without a court order.
if a response to a Request for Admission is not timely served, the request is considered admitted without the necessity of a court order.
Civil cases
Page 23 | Requests for Admissions
The interrogatories and production requests remain continuing until the judgment is satisfied, and the defendant must promptly serve supplemental responses when additional responsive information becomes known or available.
These Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents are to be deemed continuing until the judgment has been satisfied in full. If additional information within the scope of an Interrogatory or Request for Production of Documents becomes known or available to the Defendant after Defendant serves his/her responses upon the Judgment Creditor, Defendant shall promptly furnish such additional information to the Judgment Creditor by way of supplemental responses.
Civil cases
Page 23 | INSTRUCTIONS
The responding party must serve a written response to a request for production within 30 days after service of the request.
must serve a written response on the requesting party within 30 days after service of the request
Civil cases
Page 23 | Requests for Production
A complete, signed, and verified copy of the answers must be delivered to the attorney within 30 days after service of the interrogatories.
deliver a complete, signed, and a verified copy of your answers to the undersigned attorney within 30 days after service of these interrogatories on you;
Civil cases
Page 44 | INTERROGATORIES
The Receiver must wait 14 days after serving the specified protected-property notices before disbursing funds or selling property; if service is by mail, the waiting period is 17 days, and an asserted exemption requires the Judgment Debtor's written consent or a court order.
Receiver must not disburse funds to Judgment Creditor or sell property within 14 days after serving Judgment Debtor with the Notice of Protected Property Rights, the Instructions for Protected Property Claim Form, and the Protected Property Claim Form approved by the Supreme Court of Texas, or within 17 days if service was by mail. If Judgment Debtor asserts an exemption, Receiver may only disburse funds to Judgment Creditor or sell property with Judgment Debtor's written consent or a court order.
Civil cases
Page 56 | Receiver to Hold Property
Substitute or alternate service will not be authorized unless the serving agency demonstrates due diligence at all of the defendant’s county addresses, including attempts on separate days and at different times, with at least one morning attempt and one afternoon attempt on another day.
IT IS ORDERED that SUBSTITUTE or ALTERNATE SERVICE of process pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 501.2(e) and 510.4 (c)-(C) shall not be authorized by the court unless serving agency shows due diligence on at least two occasions at all addresses of the defendant in the county where the premises are located, including attempts on two different days and at two different times of the day at least one attempt on the morning of the day and one attempt in the afternoon of another day. This does not preclude multiple attempts on the same day; however, attempts must be made on separate days as described herein before seeking substitute or alternate service.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Substitute or Alternate Service
The requesting party must allow at least 30 days for a response to a post-judgment discovery request.
The party requesting discovery must give the responding party at least 30 days to respond to a post-judgment discovery request.
Civil cases
Page 3 | TRCP 500.8(b) “Post-judgment Discovery”
The judge may approve or deny any alternate-service request in his discretion.
The Judge reserves the right to approve or deny any alternate service request(s) based on his discretion.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Substitute or Alternate Service
Filing Fees and Waivers
Filings of more than five pages per envelope incur a $1 copy fee for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page.
Filings submitted through eFile Texas that contain more than five pages per envelope will incur copy fees of $1 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Filings of five pages or fewer per envelope incur no copy fees.
Filings submitted through eFile Texas that contain five pages or fewer per envelope will not incur copy fees
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Filings of more than 5 pages per envelope incur a $1.00 copy fee for the first page and 25¢ for each additional page.
Filings submitted via eFile Texas with a total of more than 5 pages per envelope will incur copy fees at the amounts of $1.00 for the first page and 25¢ for each additional page
Page 1 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Effective February 1, 2025, filings of 5 or fewer pages per envelope incur no copy fees.
Effective, February 1, 2025, filings submitted via eFile Texas with a total of 5 or less pages per envelope will not incur copy fees
Page 1 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
A $15 time-payment fee is assessed if the fine and costs are not paid before the 31st day from judgment.
A $15.00 Time Payment fee will be assessed if entire fine and costs are not paid before the 31s day from Judgment in accordance with Section 133.103 Texas Local Government Code.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING JUDICIAL ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT'S EXTENSION TO PAY/PAYPLAN/MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS
A $15 time-payment fee is assessed if the fine and costs are not paid before the 31st day after judgment.
A $15.00 Time Payment fee will be assessed if entire fine and costs are not paid before the 31st day from Judgment in accordance with Section 133.103 Texas Local Government Code.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Time Payment Fee
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The parties must attempt to resolve discovery questions, problems, or disputes before seeking court intervention.
The parties shall attempt to resolve any discovery question, problem or dispute before intervention by the court.
Civil cases
Page 7 | DISPUTES: PRETRIAL AND POST-JUDGMENT DISCOVERY
The parties must attempt to resolve discovery questions, problems, or disputes before seeking court intervention.
The parties shall attempt to resolve any discovery question, problem or dispute before intervention by the court.
Civil cases
Page 7 | DISPUTES: PRETRIAL AND POST-JUDGMENT DISCOVERY
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuance motions should be e-filed at least three business days before trial, must be written and served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the Court’s discretion; motions submitted with less than 24 hours’ notice will not be considered.
Motions for continuance or Retains should be filed by e-file no later than three business days before your scheduled trial date and must be in writing, served on the opposing party, and may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court. The Court will not consider motions for continuances or retains submitted with less than 24 hours (one business day) notice from the
Civil cases
Page 2 | Motions for continuance or Retains
The receivership ends 180 days after the order is signed unless the court extends it at the request of the Judgment Creditor or Receiver on good cause shown.
Time Period: This Receivership terminates 180 days after the date this Order is signed, unless extended by the court on request of Judgment Creditor or Receiver and on good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 55 | Time Period
An initial payment of 20% or $50, whichever is greater, is required to establish an extension or payment plan.
The defendant shall make an initial payment of 20% or $50.00 (whichever is greater) to have extension or payment plan established.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Payment Plan and Extension Requirements
A payment plan that requires more time than the prescribed schedule requires the Judge’s approval.
Payment plans requiring more time than prescribed above MUST have approved by the Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Payment Plan and Extension Requirements
Under Option 2, a monthly payment of $50 or 20% of the balance, whichever is greater, is due on the 30th of each month until the fine and court costs are satisfied.
OPTION 2 Monthly payment of $50.00 or 20% (whichever is greater) due on the 30th of each month to satisfy fine and court cost.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | OPTION 2
Under Option 1, the payment period is 30 days for amounts of $99 or less, 1–3 months for $100–$299, 4–5 months for $300–$499, and 6 months for $500 or more.
OPTION 1 AMOUNT DUE: TIME ALLOWED: $99.00 OR LESS 30 DAYS $100.00 – $299.00 1 - 3 MONTHS $300.00 – $499.00 4 - 5 MONTHS $500.00 – OR MORE 6 MONTHS
Criminal cases
Page 1 | OPTION 1
A defendant with a Capias Pro Fine must pay in full unless the Judge approves otherwise.
Defendants that have a Capias Pro Fine issued must pay in full unless otherwise approved by the Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Payment Plan and Extension Requirements
A defendant already on a payment plan or extension who cannot make a required payment may receive a plan modification or up to 10 additional days to pay; a modification does not change the original payment schedule.
A defendant who is already set up on a payment plan or has been given an extension to pay and is unable to make the required payment may have a modification to the payment plan or granted additional time to make a payment not to exceed 10 days (not: a modification to the payment plan does not change the original pay schedule).
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Payment Plan and Extension Requirements
Under Option 3, payment in full is due within 30 days.
OPTION 3 Pay in full within 30 days.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | OPTION 3
Continuance requests must be received at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing; requests made within 24 hours will not be considered.
Effective, June 6, 2024, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 will no longer consider any requests for continuances made within 24 hours of any hearings. All requests for continuances for any hearings must be received at least 24 hours before the commencement of the scheduled hearing.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE: CONTINUANCE REQUESTS
A defendant with a Capias Pro Fine must pay in full unless the judge approves otherwise.
Defendants that have a Capias Pro Fine issued must pay in full unless otherwise approved by the Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING JUDICIAL ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT'S EXTENSION TO PAY/PAYPLAN/MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS
A defendant must make an initial payment of 20% or $50, whichever is greater, to establish an extension or payment plan.
The defendant shall make an initial payment of 20% or $50.00 (whichever is greater) to have an extension or payment plan established.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING JUDICIAL ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT'S EXTENSION TO PAY/PAYPLAN/MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS
Under Option 2, a monthly payment of $50 or 20% of the amount due, whichever is greater, is due on the 30th of each month.
Monthly payment of $50.00 or 20% (whichever is greater) due on the 30th of each month to satisfy fine and court cost.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | OPTION 2
Under Option 3, the fine and costs must be paid in full within 30 days.
Pay in full within 30 days
Criminal cases
Page 1 | OPTION 3
For Option 1 extensions to pay, the allowed time ranges from 30 days for amounts of $99 or less to 6 months for amounts of $500 or more, with intermediate periods set by amount due.
OPTION 1 AMOUNT DUE: TIME ALLOWED: $99.00 OR LESS 30 DAYS $100.00 - $299.00 1 - 3 MONTHS $300.00 - $499.00 4 - 5 MONTHS $500.00 - OR MORE 6 MONTHS
Criminal cases
Page 1 | OPTION 1
A payment plan that requires more time than the listed schedule requires the judge’s approval.
Payment plans requiring more time than prescribed above MUST have approval by the Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING JUDICIAL ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT'S EXTENSION TO PAY/PAYPLAN/MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS
The court may, in its discretion and to ensure fairness, continue trial even if the party does not meet the stated conditions, allowing discovery responses and follow-up discovery.
Even if a party seeking to introduce evidence or call a witness fails to meet the burden of (I) or (II) above, the court within its broad discretion and to ensure fairness to all parties, may grant a continuance of the trial to allow responses to be made, amended or supplemented and to allow opposing parties to conduct discovery regarding any new information presented by that response.
Civil cases
Page 7 | PRETRIAL DISCOVERY: FAILURE TO TIMELY RESPOND - EFFECT ON TRIAL
The receivership ends 180 days after the order is signed unless the court extends it on a request by the Judgment Creditor or Receiver showing good cause.
Time Period: This Receivership terminates on 180 days after the date this Order is signed, unless extended by the court on request of Judgment Creditor or Receiver and on good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 34 | Time Period
Even if the party fails to establish good cause or lack of unfair surprise or prejudice, the court may continue trial to allow an amended response and discovery about new information.
Even if a party seeking to introduce evidence or call a witness fails to meet the burden of (I) or (II) above, the court within its broad discretion and to ensure fairness to all parties, may grant a continuance of the trial to allow responses to be made, amended or supplemented and to allow opposing parties to conduct discovery regarding any new information presented by that response.
Civil cases
Page 7 | PRETRIAL DISCOVERY: FAILURE TO TIMELY RESPOND – EFFECT ON TRIAL
A defendant already on a payment plan or extension who cannot make a required payment may receive a plan modification or up to 10 additional days; a modification does not change the original payment schedule.
A defendant who is already set up on a payment plan or has been given an extension to pay and is unable to make the required payment may have a modification to the payment plan or granted additional time to make a payment not to exceed 10 days (note: a modification to the payment plan does not change the original pay schedule).
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING JUDICIAL ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT'S EXTENSION TO PAY/PAYPLAN/MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS
Chambers Communication Rules
Pro se litigants and attorneys are strongly advised to communicate electronically; electronic communications must use E-File Texas, email, or fax, include a valid email address, and written communication is accepted at the Court window only on a limited basis.
All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys are strongly advised to communicate with the Court electronically. Electronic communication must be conducted by E-File Texas (Preferred), Email, or Fax. ALL litigants communications SHALL now include a valid Email address. Written Communication will be excepted at the Court window on a limited basis.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
All communications between the Court and litigants must use E-File Texas, email, or fax and include a valid email address.
Effective Monday, November 17, 2023, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 will implement preferred Electronic Communications for ALL cases. All communications between the Court and litigants SHALL be sent to the Court via E-File Texas (Preferred), Email, or Fax and SHALL include a valid Email address.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Litigants must immediately notify the Court of any change to their email address on file.
Litigants are responsible for immediately notifying the Court of any change to their Email address on file with the Court.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Attorneys and pro se litigants must communicate electronically with the Court through E-File Texas (preferred), email, or fax, and litigant communications must include a valid email address.
Effective Monday, August 1, 2021, Justice Court Precinct One will implement MANDATORY Electronic Communications for ALL cases. All communications between the Court and litigants MUST be sent to the Court via E-File Texas (Preferred), Email, or Fax and MUST include a valid Email address. All Pro Se litigants (parties not represented by an attorney) and attorneys are required to communicate with the Court electronically. Electronic communication must be conducted by E-File Texas (Preferred), Email, or Fax. ALL litigant communications MUST now include a valid Email address.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Tarrant County MHMR shall continue helping applicants complete applications, but only the applicant may coordinate with the court.
As of now, Tarrant County MHMR shall continue to assist the applicant with completing the applications, but ALL coordination with the court must only be done by the applicant.
Civil cases
Page 1 | COURT STANDING ORDER — EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH WARRANT
Tarrant County MHMR will continue assisting applicants with applications, but only the applicant may coordinate with the court.
As of now, Tarrant County MHMR shall continue to assist the applicant with completing the applications, but ALL coordination with the court must only be done by the applicant.
Civil cases
Page 1 | COURT STANDING ORDER EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH WARRANT
Recording, taping, or photographing is strictly prohibited while communicating with court staff, including in secure office space and the judge’s chambers.
Furthermore, Recording, Taping, Photographing by any means is Strictly Prohibited by any party communicating with Court Staff at any time and by any means which also includes secure office space and Judge’s Chambers.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE: NON-RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS AND STAFF COMMUNICATION
Recording, taping, or photographing is strictly prohibited while any party participates in a court proceeding, remotely or in person.
Effective Monday, November 17, 2023, Recording, Taping, Photographing by any means is Strictly Prohibited by any party participating in Court Proceeding remotely or in-person.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE: NON-RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS AND STAFF COMMUNICATION
An extension to make a payment cannot be granted over the phone.
No extension to make a payment shall be granted over the phone.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Payment Plan and Extension Requirements
An extension to make a payment will not be granted over the telephone.
No extension to make a payment shall be granted over the telephone.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING JUDICIAL ORDER REGARDING DEFENDANT'S EXTENSION TO PAY/PAYPLAN/MODIFICATION OF PAYMENTS
Litigants must immediately notify the Court of any change to their email address on file.
Litigants are responsible for immediately notifying the Court of any change to their email address on file with the Court.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Anyone may call the court at 817-884-1395 to obtain access codes for E-Hearing or E-Trial.
As such anyone may call the court at 817-884-1395 to get access codes to EHearing/E-Trial.
Civil cases
Page 3 | FOR THE PUBLIC
Court notices and other documents sent to litigants will come from JP4court@tarrantcountytx.gov, and litigants are encouraged to add that address to their contacts.
Be aware; all notices, copies, judgments, and other documents sent by the Court to litigants will come from the JP4court@tarrantcountytx.gov email address. To prevent Court communication from being placed in their Junk folder, litigants are encouraged to add the above email address listed to their address book under contacts.
Page 1 | LOCAL RULE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS
Court notices, copies, judgments, and other documents sent to litigants will come from JP1court@tarrantcounty.com.
Be aware; all notices, copies, judgments, and other documents sent by the Court to litigants will come from the JP1court@tarrantcounty.com Email address.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE
Litigants are encouraged to add the Court's email address to their contacts to prevent Court messages from going to junk mail.
To prevent Court communication from being placed on their Junk folder, litigants are encouraged to add the above Email address listed to their address book under contacts.
Page 2 | IMPORTANT NOTICE