Travis County Courts at Law
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 15 pages
- As Soon as Possible After Filing
Motion
Adjournments
- A motion for continuance generally must be filed at least five days before the hearing or trial; if based on facts arising within five days, it must be filed as soon as possible, the Court must be notified, and the Court sets the hearing time.
Communication
Phone
Fax
Document Format Requirements9 rules
In all cases attorneys shall, prior to the trial or hearing, ensure that all exhibits they intend to introduce have an exhibit label affixed thereto.
Prior to a trial or hearing, attorneys shall attach an exhibit label to all exhibits they intend to introduce.
Proposed orders shall not be typed on the same page as a pleading, motion, or certificate of service.
on the written request of the defendant’s attorney
- Attorneys
It is further ORDERED that any request to access the County Clerk case management system in order to view, download, distribute, or otherwise access, probate and mental health documents shall be made in writing and may be approved in writing by the Travis Count County Clerk, or her designees.
Counsel must be prepared with paper copies of all materials to be used on electronic media in the event of equipment malfunction or other unanticipated technical error.
The Court prefers that the bracketed case reference use smaller type than the style of the ancillary matter.
Court's wording
In addition, it is helpful to include a bracketed reference to the cause number and style of the principal case and any other related case(s), preferably in smaller type than for the style of the ancillary matter itself.
A document that is electronically served, filed, or issued by a court or clerk may be electronically signed as provided by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 21(f)(7).
Before the start of a hearing by an associate judge, a party may waive the right to a de novo hearing before the referring court in writing or on the record.
Document Filing Requirements119 rules
An Annual or Final Account must include the Court’s Account Submission Checklist as a cover sheet, using the posted form or its future modification, or the Court will not approve it.
Court's wording
It is therefore ORDERED that the Travis County Probate Court No. 1 will not approve any Annual or Final Account unless it includes as a cover sheet the Account Submission Checklist posted on the Court’s Annual and Final Accountings and Reimbursements website (or whatever modification of the approved form is posted in the future).
Contested matters unrelated to estate administration are usually related or ancillary matters and must receive a new cause number.
Court's wording
While any stage of a probate or guardianship proceeding can be contested, it is usually the contested matters that bear no direct relationship to the administration of the estate that are related or ancillary and must be given a new cause number.
The case style for a related or ancillary case must indicate the parties in that related or ancillary case.
Once a cause number has been assigned and the case has been docketed, all pleadings in the case must be filed using the same cause number (unless the Court orders a severance or consolidation).
Each pleading must have a precise title identifying the pleading, rather than a generic title.
Court's wording
All pleadings must include a precise title that identifies the pleading. For example, “Application to Probate a Copy of a Will as a Muniment of Title,” not “Application”; “Order Approving Annual Account from May 15, 2016 to May 14, 2017,” not “Order.”
A certificate of service must identify each recipient, any party represented by a recipient attorney, and the service method, with address or contact details when service was not through the electronic filing manager.
- Document
- Certificate of service
- Placement
- Certificate section
Court's wording
Under these rules, a generic statement that all necessary notice has been served is never sufficient without additional information. This Court requires that a certificate of service must specifically include all of the following: (1) the name of each person who was served with the pleading or notice; (2) if the person served is an attorney, the name of the party or parties the attorney represents; and (3) the manner in which each person was served. (A) If service was through the electronic filing manager, no additional information about the manner of service is needed. (B) If service was not through the electronic filing manager, the certificate must give further details about the manner of service, specifying the physical address, mailing address, email address, or fax number used for service.
A party not represented by an attorney must sign each filed pleading and must include the party’s address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number.
Each pleading of a party represented by an attorney must be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney’s individual name and must include the attorney’s State Bar of Texas identification number, address, telephone number, email address, and if available, fax number.
All pleadings must be signed with full contact information, including email address, as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 57.
When the cited rules or statutes require service, the filing attorney or self-represented party must certify that all other parties and specified representatives were served.
Court's wording
When Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (TRCP) Rule 21 or any provision of the Texas Estates Code or other statute requires a pleading or notice to be served on other parties, TRCP Rule 21a requires that the attorney or pro se party who is filing the pleading or notice must certify to the Court that all other parties have been served with a copy of the pleading or notice – including all attorneys known to represent other parties in the matter, all other parties not represented by an attorney, and any attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem who has been appointed in the case.
Request a hearing date or a trial setting by emailing a Regular Docket Hearing Request Form, posted on the Court’s website, to the Court Coordinator of the Court in which the case is pending.
A party must file a written jury-trial request before seeking a setting, and the jury fee must be paid unless the party files an affidavit stating inability to pay.
Court's wording
(1) Before requesting a setting for a jury trial, the party requesting the jury trial must file the required written request for a jury trial and must pay the jury fee. See Texas Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 216. The Court will not set a jury trial date until the request for a jury trial has been filed and the jury fee has been paid (unless the party requesting the jury trial has filed an affidavit to the effect that the party is unable to pay the jury fee).
A party seeking affirmative relief at a hearing must provide an appropriate proposed order.
- Document
- Hearing request for affirmative relief
Must include
- •Proposed order
A motion to withdraw must contain the attorney’s certification that there are no Court rulings in the case that have yet to be reduced to writing.
A motion to withdraw generally requires a hearing unless the specified written consents and client-address certificate are filed; a substitute attorney’s appearance can replace the client consent and address certificate, but not the other parties’ consents.
Court's wording
No motion to withdraw as attorney of record will be granted without a hearing unless: (1) the moving attorney files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by all parties; (2) the moving attorney files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; and (3) the moving attorney files a certificate stating the client’s last known mailing address. If a motion to withdraw and to substitute another attorney includes an appearance by another attorney under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, that appearance will satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) above, but the appearance by another attorney will not satisfy the requirement that the movant must file written consents to the withdrawal signed by counsel for all other parties.
Absent special circumstances, the attorney will not be released or allowed to withdraw until all notices and pleadings listed on the compliance notice have been filed.
Original signed consent forms of the parties must be attached to and filed with the request to cover the proceeding. Consent forms of the witnesses must be obtained in the manner directed by the Court.
If media coverage is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the Court must be used to indicate the consent of the parties and witnesses.
A person seeking media coverage must file a request with the Probate Clerk containing the specified case, proceeding, requester, coverage, equipment, and consent information.
Court's wording
A person wishing to broadcast, televise, record, or photograph a court proceeding must file with the Probate Clerk a request to cover the proceeding. The request must state all of the following: (A) the cause number and case style; (B) the date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (C) the name of the requesting person or organization; (D) the type of coverage requested (for example, televising, recording, or photographing); (E) the type and extent of equipment to be used; and (F) if requesting media coverage with consent, all signed consent forms.
If the Court denies coverage, it will set forth in its order the findings on which its denial is based.
Media coverage is permitted only on the Court’s written order. The following procedures must be followed, except in extraordinary circumstances and only if there is a finding by the Court that good cause justifies a different procedure.
As long as it is a Travis County requirement, anyone wanting to use the Court’s E-Courtroom equipment must certify that counsel or the managing partner of counsel’s firm has signed the Travis County User Agreement governing use of E-Courtroom equipment.
A motion to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and must comply with all requirements set out in the notice of dismissal.
applicant has obtained a specific hearing or trial setting and has filed a motion to retain and a proposed order, both of which comply with all requirements set out in the notice of dismissal.
- Document
- Motion to retain
Include
- •Proposed order
In addition to being filed with the County Clerk, a motion to retain or an objection to a motion to retain must also be delivered to the Court Coordinator.
applicant files a motion to dismiss with a proposed order
- Document
- Motion to dismiss
Include
- •Proposed order
When a will cannot be produced in court, the citation must substantially state the application’s contents and the time, place, and court where the application will be acted upon.
Court's wording
Texas Estates Code § 258.002 requires that when a will cannot be produced in Court, the Clerk shall issue citation to all parties interested in the estate, which citation shall contain substantially the statements made in the application for probate as well as the time when, place where, and the court before which such application will be acted upon.
An application to probate a lost will must state why the original cannot be produced and identify the devisees and individuals who would inherit if the lost will were not admitted.
Court's wording
Texas Estates Code § 256.054 requires that an application for the probate of a lost will must include information concerning the reason the original instrument cannot be produced and must also include (among other things) the names of the devisees included in the lost will and the names of the individuals who would inherit if the copy of the lost will were not admitted to probate.
The applicant must provide the Clerk with copies of the application and the will to be sent to the attorney ad litem.
An affidavit waiving citation must itself explicitly include every point in the attached notice; merely referring to an attached notice is insufficient.
Court's wording
When an heir or a devisee executes an affidavit waiving citation, the affidavit itself must explicitly include all of the points addressed in the "Notice of Application to Probate Copy of Lost Will or Codicil or Lost Will or Codicil without a Copy" attached to this Order. It is not sufficient for the affidavit to refer to an attached notice.
The Clerk must attach the order’s notice of the right to object to every citation issued under Texas Estates Code § 258.002.
Court's wording
The Clerk must attach to each citation issued under Texas Estates Code § 258.002 the "Notice of Application to Probate Copy of Lost Will or Codicil or Lost Will or Codicil without a Copy that is attached to this Order, informing all persons interested in the estate of their right to object to the probate.
If you want to object to the probate of the lost will, you must file a written objection with the Clerk.
When a guardianship application is filed, the Clerk must attach the Bill of Rights for Persons under Guardianship to each personal citation issued to a proposed ward under either cited statute.
Court's wording
It is therefore ordered that when an application for guardianship is filed, the Clerk must attach to each personal citation on a proposed ward issued under either Texas Estates Code §1051.103(a)(1) or Texas Estates Code §1251.005 the "Bill of Rights for Persons under Guardianship" that is attached to this Order, informing the proposed ward of the proposed ward's rights if he or she is placed under a guardianship.
A party requesting a 12-member jury must give the court’s judicial aide a written copy of the request.
Court's wording
When a party files a written request for a 12-member jury, the party shall give a written copy of the request to the court’s judicial aide no later than 30 days before trial pursuant to Tex. Govt. Code § 25.2292(d).
Every proposed judgment or order shall have a line for the Judge’s signature, with the name of the presiding Judge typed below the line.
Every proposed judgment or order shall have a heading that includes the cause number, the style of the case, and the court in which the case is pending.
Drafts of a proposed judgment or order are mandatory and must be submitted before or during a hearing.
Parties objecting to a motion to retain shall file a written memorandum containing the factual and legal basis supporting the objection.
A party filing a motion to retain shall include a written memorandum containing the factual and legal basis supporting the motion.
Except as provided in Rules 8 and 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, a motion to withdraw may be granted without a hearing if it includes the specified attorney consents, client consent or an explanation for its absence, and a certificate stating the client’s last known mailing address.
Court's wording
Except as provided in Rules 8 and 10 of the Tex. R. Civ. P., a motion to withdraw will be granted without a hearing if the moving attorney: a. files written consent to the withdrawal signed by attorneys for all parties; and b. files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client, or includes a specific statement of the circumstances that justify the withdrawal and the circumstances that prevent obtaining the client’s written consent in the motion; and c. files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client.
A person seeking media coverage must file a request with the District Clerk stating the case style and number, proceeding date and time, requester, requested coverage type, and equipment type and extent.
Court's wording
A person wishing to broadcast, televise, record or photograph a court proceeding must file with the District Clerk a request to cover the proceeding. The request must state: (A) the case style and number; (B) the date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (C) the name of the requesting person or organization; (D) the type of coverage requested (for example, televising, recording or photographing); and (E) the type and extent of equipment to be used.
Media coverage is permitted only on written order of the Court.
If media coverage is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the Court shall be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses. Original signed consent forms of the parties shall be attached to and filed with the request for order.
Consent forms of the witnesses shall be obtained in the manner directed by the Court.
If the Court denies coverage, it shall set forth in its order the findings upon which such denial is based.
The request for media coverage without consent includes the courtroom, equipment, and coverage dates; the applicant’s stated agreements to comply with Rule 18 c and the Guidelines and cease coverage if permission is withdrawn; and a statement that the original was filed with the County Clerk and copies delivered to the trial court and court administrator.
Court's wording
Pursuant to Rule 18 c (a) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Court’s Guidelines for Photographing, Recording and Broadcasting in the Courtroom (Guidelines), I request media coverage of the above described case without consent of the parties or witnesses, as follows: 1 Courtroom: _________________________________. 2 Equipment: ________________________________________. 3 Dates of Coverage: __________________________________. I, individually, and on behalf of the personnel of the media agency I represent and all media personnel who participate in media coverage through any pooling agreement, understand and agree that: 1 All media personnel covering the proceeding will comply with the provisions of Rule 18 c of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Guidelines. 2 Permission may be withdrawn by the Court any time pursuant to the Guidelines, at which time media coverage will immediately cease. The original of this request was filed with the County Clerk, with a copy delivered to the trial court and the court administrator, on _____________________.
1 All media personnel covering the proceeding will comply with the provisions of Rule 18 c of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Guidelines.
2 Permission may be withdrawn by the Court any time pursuant to the Guidelines, at which time media coverage will immediately cease.
Information provided to a judge to help determine bail or pretrial-release conditions, including the listed records and reports, must be provided to defense counsel before the judicial determination.
Court's wording
1. Any information or data which has been or will be provided to any judge for the purpose of assisting the judge in determining bail and any conditions of pre-trial release shall be provided to any attorney representing a criminal defendant prior to said judicial determination. This order includes the defendant's criminal history record information or other involvement with law enforcement agencies, any reports or evaluations concerning physical or mental condition or treatment for any substance use disorder, emergency protective orders, orders of commitment and other such information or data obtained or provided by Travis County officials, agencies, or departments in possession of the information or data. Each official, agency, or department shall establish its own procedures for release of said information or data.
An Annual or Final Account must include the Court-posted Account Submission Checklist, or its future approved modification, as a cover sheet to be approved.
Court's wording
It is therefore ORDERED that the Travis County Probate Court No. 2 will not approve any Annual or Final Account unless it includes as a cover sheet the Account Submission Checklist posted on the Court's Annual and Final Accountings and Reimbursements website (or whatever modification of the approved form is posted in the future).
The account includes all assets that the Guardian/Representative is administering on behalf of the estate.
Any safekeeping agreements applicable to funds in this estate are ready to be submitted with the backup documentation.
If this is a guardianship, any Social Security benefits received by the ward are managed by: The guardian as guardian, and are accounted for in this account. A representative payee, and not commingled with the guardianship estate and its accounts.
The Tax Affidavit is included in the backup documentation.
Monthly statements for each bank/brokerage/etc. account for each month of this accounting period were reviewed in the preparation of this account and are ready to be submitted with the backup documentation.
Expenditures are itemized or categorized in the account for ease of review.
Receipts or invoices for each expenditure, including cash transactions, were reviewed in the preparation of this account and are ready to be submitted with the backup documentation.
Verifications of deposit are ready to be submitted with the backup documentation.
It is a required cover sheet for all annual and final accounts by Administrative Order, in part to ensure that court staff are not devoting time to accounts that are incomplete.
I have read the Courts' Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts following the Texas Supreme Court's Adoption of Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c and have ensured that the filed account and the backup documentation I am submitting comply with that order.
Proof of payment of insurance premiums is ready to be submitted with this account.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The Supreme Court-approved E-Filing Rules, including subsequently approved versions, are in effect and incorporated into these Local Rules.
Those E-Filing Rules are currently in effect. Those E-Filing Rules or any subsequent versions approved by the Supreme Court of Texas are incorporated by reference in these Local Rules.
Page 4 | Rule 2.1. Electronic Filing (E-Filing) in Travis County Probate Courts No. 1 & 2
Electronically submitted proposed orders must comply with e-filing requirements.
Proposed orders submitted electronically must comply with e-filing requirements.
Page 11
Parties must use the submission inbox for the Court where their case was first filed.
Parties shall use the submissions inbox corresponding to the Court where their case was first filed.
Page 12 | Electronic Submissions
All motions must be e-filed under Supreme Court rules; if a motion is based on substitution, a copy must be served on the opposing party or their attorney of record.
All motions shall be e-Filed in accordance with Supreme Court rules with a copy served upon the opposing party or attorney of record if the basis of the motion is a substitution.
Page 17 | 3.7 Motions before the Court
A proposed order approving the Account must be e-filed.
I have Efiled a proposed Order Approving the Account.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Miscellaneous
The accounting must be filed electronically as required by the Texas Supreme Court Order and TRP Rule 21.
File the accounting electronically as required by Texas Supreme Court Order and TRP Rule 21.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Procedures for Filing Annual and Final Accounts
Financial statements, check copies, and other backup to an annual or final accounting must not be filed with the Clerk, regardless of whether sensitive data has been redacted.
No financial statement, check copy, or other back-up to an annual or final accounting shall be filed with the Clerk, whether or not any sensitive data is redacted.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Procedures for Filing Annual and Final Accounts
The accounting must be filed electronically as required by the Texas Supreme Court Order and TRCP Rule 21.
• File the accounting electronically as required by Texas Supreme Court Order and TRCP Rule 21.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
Financial statements, check copies, and other backup to an annual or final accounting must not be filed with the Clerk, even if sensitive data is redacted.
• No financial statement, check copy, or other back-up to an annual or final accounting shall be filed with the Clerk, whether or not any sensitive data is redacted.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
Travis County Probate Court No. 2 finds there is need for an administrative order requiring that any copies of wills that are offered for probate (or filed and not offered for probate) must be physically filed in the Clerk's office within three business days after the application is electronically filed.
Travis County Probate Court No. 2 finds there is need for an administrative order requiring that any copies of wills that are offered for probate (or filed and not offered for probate) must be physically filed in the Clerk's office within three business days after the application is electronically filed.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Copies of Wills following the Texas Supreme Court's Adoption of Mandatory E-Filing
Electronic filing is not required of attorneys or other parties until July 1, 2017, when attorneys will be required to e-file certain documents.
This Consent does not require any attorney or other party to file documents electronically until July 1,2017, the date on which attomeys will be mandated to file certain documents electronically.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Consent to Permit Electronic Filing in Misdemeanor Cases
A proposed Order Approving the Account must be electronically filed.
I have Efiled a proposed Order Approving the Account.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Miscellaneous
The Court may decline to decide a matter by email submission and instead require a hearing.
At its discretion the Court may decline to rule on a matter by submission and instead require a hearing.
Page 12 | Electronic Submissions
Parties may email certain matters that do not require a hearing to the applicable Court.
Each Court will maintain an email address where parties may submit certain matters not requiring a hearing.
Page 12 | Electronic Submissions
Requests for temporary ex parte orders and Agreed Protective Orders may be presented by electronic submission or on any hearing docket.
Requests for temporary ex parte orders and the presentation of Agreed Protective Orders may be presented by electronic submission or on any hearing docket.
Page 14 | 2.12 Protective Orders, Chapter 71 of the Family Code
Wills are not required to be filed electronically.
Wills are not required to be filed electronically.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Copies of Wills following the Texas Supreme Court's Adoption of Mandatory E-Filing
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Motions and other pleadings generally must be filed before a hearing is set, but the Court may allow an emergency application or case to be filed immediately after acting when advance filing is impossible.
As a general rule, all motions and other pleadings must be filed before they can be set for a hearing. If counsel is seeking emergency relief and it is impossible to file an application or case before it is presented to a judge, the Court may allow the application to be filed immediately after the Court takes action.
Page 6 | Rule 3.2. Requesting a Setting
Requests for a foreign language interpreter paid by Travis County must be submitted to the Court Coordinator at least three business days before the hearing.
Any request for a foreign language interpreter to be paid by Travis County must be submitted to the Court Coordinator at least three business days before the hearing.
Page 11
The request must be made early enough for attorneys and parties to confer, contact witnesses, and be heard by the Court before it decides whether and under what conditions to allow coverage.
The request must be made in time to afford the attorneys and parties sufficient time to confer, to contact their witnesses, and to be fully heard by the Court on the questions of whether media coverage should be allowed and, if so, what conditions, if any, should be imposed on the coverage.
Page 13 | Filed request for media coverage required
A party objecting to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial must file the objection within 10 days after receiving notice.
If a party objects to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial, the party must file an objection within 10 days after the date the party receives notice that the associate judge will hear the trial.
Page 17 | Rule 5.5(b)(2)
An objection to a motion to retain is generally due at least 7 days before dismissal, with an alternative earlier deadline when the motion to retain was filed fewer than 14 days before dismissal.
To be considered timely, any objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days before the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal. If the motion to retain was filed fewer than 14 days before the dismissal date, an objection will be considered timely if it is filed within 7 days of the date the motion to retain was filed or before the dismissal docket, whichever date is earlier.
Page 18 | Rule 6.3(c)
Before the dismissal date stated in the notice, the applicant must take one of the listed steps to avoid dismissal, including filing specified documents where applicable.
For each case set on a dismissal docket, the Court will give notice that the case will be dismissed for want of prosecution on the date indicated in the notice of dismissal unless one of the following is done before that date: (1) applicant files a notice of nonsuit; (2) applicant files a motion to dismiss with a proposed order; (3) a hearing on the merits has been held; or (4) applicant has obtained a specific hearing or trial setting and has filed a motion to retain and a proposed order, both of which comply with all requirements set out in the notice of dismissal.
Page 18 | Rule 6.2
To be timely and ensure Court consideration, a motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days before the noticed dismissal date.
To be considered timely and to ensure the Court’s consideration, a motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days before the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal, with notice to all parties.
Page 18 | Rule 6.3(b)
The Clerk's citation, which is attached to this notice, indicates the date by which you should file a written objection.
The Clerk's citation, which is attached to this notice, indicates the date by which you should file a written objection.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Notice of Application to Probate Copy of Lost Will or Codicil or Lost Will or Codicil without a Copy
The written copy of a 12-member jury request must be given to the court’s judicial aide no later than 30 days before trial.
When a party files a written request for a 12-member jury, the party shall give a written copy of the request to the court’s judicial aide no later than 30 days before trial pursuant to Tex. Govt. Code § 25.2292(d).
Page 7 | 1.6A Demand for Jury of Twelve
A setting may not be requested before the defendant’s appearance day unless permitted by law.
Settings cannot be requested prior to the appearance day of the defendant except when permitted by law.
Page 9 | 2.2
Remaining pre-trial matters, including motions in limine, must be presented and heard Monday through Thursday of the week before trial; hearings generally will be set for 30 minutes or less.
c. Monday through Thursday of the week before trial: all remaining pre-trial matters, including motions in limine, shall be presented and heard. Pre-trial matters will generally be set for 30 minutes or less.
Page 10 | 2.5
Motions for partial summary judgment and all deposition-testimony designations and objections must be presented and heard three weeks before trial.
b. Three weeks before trial: all motions for partial summary judgment, and all designations and objections to deposition testimony, must be presented and heard.
Page 10 | 2.5
All dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment on all claims, must be presented and heard thirty days before trial.
a. Thirty days before trial: all dispositive motions, including motions for summary judgment on all claims, must be presented and heard.
Page 10 | 2.5
An objection to a motion to retain must be filed with the Judicial Executive Assistant within three days after service of the motion.
Objections shall be filed with the Judicial Executive Assistant within three days of service of a motion to retain.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
A verified motion to retain must be filed with the clerk at least ten business days before the dismissal date.
Verified motions to retain shall be filed with the clerk’s office at least ten business days before the date of dismissal.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
The request must be made early enough for attorneys and parties to confer, contact witnesses, and be heard by the Court about whether coverage should be allowed and any conditions.
Such request shall be made in time to afford the attorneys and parties sufficient time to confer, to contact their witnesses and to be fully heard by the Court on the questions of whether media coverage should be allowed and, if so, what conditions, if any, should be imposed on such coverage.
Page 23 | 5.2.2 Written Order Required
If the Clerk returns an initial filing for correction because fees were unpaid, the filer has 48 hours to resubmit it with the applicable fees attached.
It is therefore ORDERED that effective February 10, 2020, when a new case is filed without the base filing fee, issuance fees, and service fees being paid at the time of case initiation, the Clerk of this Court may return for correction at which time the filer has 48 hours to re-submit the initial filing with the applicable fees attached.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Directing the Clerk of the Court to Return for Correction When a New Case is Filed without Sufficient Fees Paid at Time of Case Initiation
when a new case is filed without the base filing fee, issuance fees, and service fees being paid at the time of case initiation, the Clerk of this Court may return for correction at which time the filer has 48 hours to re-submit the initial filing with the applicable fees attached.
when a new case is filed without the base filing fee, issuance fees, and service fees being paid at the time of case initiation, the Clerk of this Court may return for correction at which time the filer has 48 hours to re-submit the initial filing with the applicable fees attached.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Directing the Clerk of the Court to Return for Correction When a New Case is Filed without Sufficient Fees Paid at Time of Case Initiation
The listed materials must be delivered to the Court within 7 business days after the accounting is filed.
Within 7 business days of filing the accounting, deliver the following to the Court:
Civil cases
Page 2 | Procedures for Filing Annual and Final Accounts
A party must file an objection by the 10th day after receiving notice that the associate judge will hear the trial.
If a party objects to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits or presiding at a jury trial, the party must file an objection no later than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the associate judge will hear the trial.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Objection to assignment of Associate Judge to hear trial on the merits
The listed materials must be delivered to the Court within 7 business days after the accounting is filed.
• Within 7 business days of filing the accounting, deliver the following to the Court:
Civil cases
Page 2 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
Effective July 1, 2026, the Clerk must reject these three applications when filed by an applicant who is not represented by counsel.
It is therefore ORDERED that effective July 1, 2026, when an applicant who is not represented by counsel seeks to file one of the documents listed below, the Clerk of this Court shall reject the filing: 1. Application for Guardianship of the Person or Estate or both; 2. Application to Determine Heirship; 3. Application for Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Page 1 | Order Directing the Clerk of the Court to Reject Certain Filings by Non-Attorneys
When an application to probate an original will is electronically filed, the original will must be filed with the clerk within three business days.
Rule 21(f)(12) provides: Original Wills. When a party electronically files an application to probate a document as an original will, the original will must be filed with the clerk within three business days after the application is filed.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Copies of Wills following the Texas Supreme Court's Adoption of Mandatory E-Filing
When an electronically filed application seeks to probate a will copy or states that a copy is not being offered for probate, the copy must be filed with the clerk within three business days.
It is therefore ordered that, effective immediately, when a party electronically files an application that either (1) seeks to probate a copy of a will or (2) states that a copy of a will is not being offered for probate, the will copy must be filed with the clerk within three business days after the application is filed.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Copies of Wills following the Texas Supreme Court's Adoption of Mandatory E-Filing
Anyone wishing to object must file a written objection with the Clerk by the date stated in the attached citation, which does not provide a specific hearing date.
If you want to object to the probate of the will more than four years after the Decedent's death, you need to file a written objection with the Clerk. The Clerk's citation, which is attached to this notice, indicates the date by which you should file a written objection. Note that the citation does not indicate a specific hearing date.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Notice of Application to Probate a Will More than Four Years after the Decedent's Death
For cases on the jury docket, the Court may remove a case or deem a noncompliant motion or evidence waived for failure to meet pre-trial deadlines.
The following deadlines apply to pre-trial matters for any case set on the jury docket. At the discretion of the Court, failure to comply with these deadlines may authorize removal of the case from the jury docket or be deemed a waiver of any motion or evidence not in compliance.
Page 9 | 2.5
Cases are eligible for dismissal for want of prosecution if they meet any listed age and inactivity criterion or are otherwise designated by the Court.
The following cases are eligible for dismissal for want of prosecution: a. cases on file for more than 180 days in which no answer has been filed; b. cases on file for more than 18 months that are not set for trial; c. cases on file for more than 18 months with no filings or settings made within the past 180 days; and d. any other case designated by the Court.
Page 12 | Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
A case set for dismissal will be dismissed on the date stated in the notice unless the Court retains it.
The cases will be dismissed on the date indicated in the notice unless the Court retains it.
Page 12 | Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
Counsel has 30 days after approval of an accounting to retrieve the delivered paper backup; the Court will destroy it if it is not retrieved within that period.
The Court will not file the back-up. Counsel has 30 days after an accounting is approved to pick up the hard-copy back-up that was delivered to the Court. If the back-up is not picked up within 30 days, the Court will destroy it.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Procedures for Filing Annual and Final Accounts
A judge’s adoption of the Order becomes effective on the date it is filed with the District Court Clerk.
Such adoption shall become effective as of the date of filing with the District Court Clerk.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | JOINT STANDING ORDER CONCERNING CERTAIN MAGISTRATED COMPLAINTS
If applicable checklist items cannot all be checked, counsel is advised to consider delaying filing until the account is complete.
If you are unable to check all items applicable to your type of estate and account, consider whether your account is ready to be filed and wait until it is complete to do so.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Account Submission Checklist
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Pro se parties must give the Clerk current addresses and phone numbers, and the addresses will be used to serve pleadings and notices.
Pro se parties must provide the Clerk with current addresses and phone numbers. The addresses provided will be used as the addresses for serving all pleadings and any other notices on the pro se party.
Page 2 | Rule 1.2. Parties, Including Parties Proceeding without an Attorney
Unless the Court directs otherwise, counsel seeking emergency relief must give advance notice of the application’s presentation time and place to represented opposing counsel.
(2) If emergency relief is requested and the party against whom relief is sought is represented by an attorney, movant’s counsel must give that attorney advance notice that the movant intends to present the application to the Court at a given time and place, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Page 7 | (c) Emergency settings – matters requiring immediate action
The party obtaining a setting must notify all other parties of its date, time, and total requested hearing time as required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure; notice should be sent the same day, and delay may support a continuance.
The Court does not send notices of settings. The party that obtained the setting must give notice to all other parties of the date and time of a setting and the total time requested for the entire hearing for all participants. Notice must be given in the manner and within the time provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Notice should be sent the same day the party obtains the setting, and any delay in sending notice may be argued by opposing counsel as a basis for continuance.
Page 7 | Rule 3.3. Notice of Setting to be Provided by Party Obtaining the Setting
For a continuance motion based on facts arising within five days of the hearing or trial, the filer must notify the Court either by serving the motion through the electronic filing manager or by emailing an e-file-stamped copy to the Court Coordinator and copying all other parties.
The party filing the motion for continuance must notify the Court of the filing in one of the following ways: (i) serve the motion on the Court through the electronic filing manager, or (ii) email an e-file-stamped copy of the motion to the Court Coordinator, copying all other parties on the email.
Page 8 | Rule 3.5. Motions for Continuance and Agreements to Pass a Setting
Until the Court signs an order dismissing the ad litem, the ad litem must be served with all pleadings and notified of all hearings and conferences with the Court.
Until the Court signs an order dismissing an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem, the ad litem must be served with all pleadings and must be notified of all hearings or conferences with the Court.
Page 11 | Rule 4.5. Appointments of Attorney ad Litem or Guardian ad Litem
If the requirements for withdrawal without a hearing are not met, the motion must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and all other parties.
If all requirements of Local Rule 4.6(b) are not satisfied, a motion to withdraw or to substitute another attorney must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and to all other parties.
Page 12 | Rule 4.6. Motions to Withdraw as Attorney of Record and Motions to Substitute Attorneys
A copy of the media-coverage request must be delivered to the Court Coordinator, all attorneys of record, and all unrepresented parties.
The request must be filed with the Probate Clerk with a copy delivered to the Court Coordinator, all attorneys of record, and all parties not represented by attorneys.
Page 13 | Filed request for media coverage required
When giving the required advance notice to the Court Coordinator, counsel must also give notice to all other parties at least five days before the hearing.
Counsel must notify the Court Coordinator when counsel intends to present some or all evidence electronically, including any use of the E-Courtroom technology. For all hearings, counsel must notify the Court Coordinator at least five days before the hearing, with notice to all other parties.
Page 16 | Rule 5.4(b). Counsel must notify the Court Coordinator
A person requesting a de novo hearing must deliver a copy of the request to the Probate Court Administrator on the day it is filed with the County Clerk.
Any person requesting a de novo hearing before the referring Court as permitted by Texas Government Code Section 54A.216 must also deliver a copy of the request to the Probate Court Administrator on the day the request is filed with the County Clerk.
Page 17 | Rule 5.5(c)
On the day an objection is filed with the County Clerk, the filer must deliver a copy to all parties and the Probate Court Administrator.
On the day an objection is filed with the County Clerk, the person filing the objection must also deliver a copy of the objection to all parties and to the Probate Court Administrator.
Page 17 | Rule 5.5(b)(3)
The motion to retain must be accompanied by notice to all parties.
To be considered timely and to ensure the Court’s consideration, a motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days before the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal, with notice to all parties.
Page 18 | Rule 6.3(b)
Potential heirs must be personally served or waive citation by affidavit; if the lost will is a codicil to an original will, the original will’s beneficiaries are served or waive instead.
All persons who would inherit as an heir of the testator if the lost will is not admitted to probate must be personally served with citation under § 258.002 or must execute an affidavit waiving citation. If the lost will is a codicil to an original will, the beneficiaries of the testator's original will - instead of the testator's heirs - must be personally served with citation under § 258.002 or must execute an affidavit waiving citation.
Civil cases
Page 2 | It is therefore ordered
Every person named as a devisee in the lost will must be personally served with citation or execute an affidavit waiving citation.
All persons who are named as devisees in the lost will must be personally served with citation under § 258.002 or must execute an affidavit waiving citation.
Civil cases
Page 2 | It is therefore ordered
The party requesting a 12-member jury is responsible for notifying opposing counsel.
The party is responsible for giving notice to opposing counsel.
Page 7 | 1.6A Demand for Jury of Twelve
The party setting a case must give written notice to the opposing party or attorney; the Court does not provide that notice.
It is always the responsibility of the party setting the case to give written notice to the opposing party or attorney. The Court is not responsible for giving written notice.
Page 9 | 2.2
The party filing a motion to retain must give proper notice to all interested parties.
The party filing a motion to retain shall be responsible for giving proper notice to all interested parties.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
If the attorney cannot complete the requirements for withdrawal without a hearing, the motion to withdraw or substitute counsel must be presented at a hearing after notice is sent to the client and all other parties.
If an attorney is unable to complete these requirements, a motion to withdraw or to substitute another attorney must be presented at a hearing after the attorney sends notice to the client and to all other parties.
Page 14 | 2.11 Motions to Withdraw as an Attorney
Before filing a return of service, the person verifying it must file an affidavit stating they are not a party to and have no interest in the suit; the affidavit may be included in the verified return.
Prior to the filing of return of service in any suit, the person verifying the return shall also file an affidavit that he or she is not a party to and has no interest in said suit. The affidavit may be part of the verified return required by Rule 107, Tex. R. Civ. P.
Page 15 | 2.14 Authorization to Serve Citation (Rule 103)
If a motion is based on substitution, a copy must be served on the opposing party or their attorney of record.
All motions shall be e-Filed in accordance with Supreme Court rules with a copy served upon the opposing party or attorney of record if the basis of the motion is a substitution.
Page 17 | 3.7 Motions before the Court
A withdrawal motion is heard only after it is e-filed and the defendant has notice to appear; attorneys must make every effort to notify the defendant, including by postal mail, email, text message, and phone.
An attorney's motion to withdraw will be heard after it is e-Filed and when the defendant has had notice to appear. Attorneys shall make every effort to notice the defendant, including postal mail, email, text message and phone.
Page 18 | 3.8 Attorney Representation Upon Bond or Notice
The request must be filed with the District Clerk and a copy delivered to the Court, Court Administrator, counsel of record, and unrepresented parties.
The request shall be filed with the District Clerk, with a copy delivered to the Court, Court Administrator, all counsel of record and all parties not represented by attorneys.
Page 23 | 5.2.2 Written Order Required
Citation must be served on each heir or distributee who does not waive service.
Citation will be served on each heir/distributee who does not waive service.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Notice/Citation
If a minor child or incapacitated person is an heir or distributee, the attorney ad litem must be served or waive service.
If there are minor children or incapacitated persons who are heirs/distributees, the attorney ad litem will be served or will waive service.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Notice/Citation
The Sheriff’s Office must make the results of any Article 16.22 mental health evaluation available to the Court, Defense Attorney, and Prosecutor.
The Court ORDERS the Travis County Sheriff’s Office to make available to the Court, Defense Attorney and Prosecutor the results of any mental health evaluation pursuant to Art. 16.22 Tex. Code Crim. Proc.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER RELEASING REPORT MADE PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 16.22, TEX. CODE CRIM. PROC.
A person requesting a de novo hearing must deliver a copy of the request to the Probate Court Administrator on the day it is filed with the County Clerk.
Any person requesting a de novo hearing before the referring Court as permitted by Texas Government Code Section S4A.216 must also deliver a copy of the request to the Probate Court Administrator on the day the request is filed with the County Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Right to de novo appeal
The person filing an objection must deliver a copy to all parties and the Probate Court Administrator on the day it is filed with the County Clerk.
A person filing an objection must also deliver a copy of the objection to all parties and to the Probate Court Administrator on the day the objection is filed with the County Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Objection to assignment of Associate Judge to hear trial on the merits
If minor children or incapacitated persons are heirs or distributees, the attorney ad litem must be served or waive service.
If there are minor children or incapacitated persons who are heirs/distributees, the attorney ad litem will be served or will waive service.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Notice/Citation
Citation must be served on each heir or distributee who does not waive service.
Citation will be served on each heir/distributee who does not waive service.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Notice/Citation
Notice or a waiver affidavit is required for heirs whose addresses can be ascertained with reasonable diligence, or for beneficiaries of a previously probated will instead of the heirs.
The notices or affidavits are required (1) for each of the testator's heirs whose address can be ascertained by the applicant with reasonable diligence or (2) if another will of the testator has already been admitted to probate, for each beneficiary of the testator's previously probated will instead of the testator's heirs.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding Applications to Probate a Will More Than Four Years after the Testator's Death
Before probate, specified notice must be served or affidavits waiving notice must be delivered to the Court.
When an applicant seeks to probate a will more than four years after the testator's death, Texas Estates Code §§ 258.051 & 258.053 require that specified notice by service of process must be given or affidavits waiving notice must be delivered to the Court before the probate of testator's will:
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding Applications to Probate a Will More Than Four Years after the Testator's Death
Heirs, or beneficiaries of a previously probated will instead of heirs, must be personally served with citation or deliver a waiver affidavit stating they do not object to probate.
All persons who would inherit as an heir of the testator if the will is not admitted to probate must either (1) be personally served with citation or (2) deliver to the Court an affidavit waiving citation and indicating that the heir does not object to the offer of the testator's will for probate. If another will of the testator has previously been admitted to probate, all beneficiaries of the testator's probated will - instead of the testator's heirs - must be personally served with citation or must deliver to the Court an affidavit waiving citation and indicating that the beneficiary does not object to the offer of the testator's will for probate.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Administrative Order Regarding Applications to Probate a Will More Than Four Years after the Testator's Death
Signing the affidavit enters the signer's appearance, waives issuance and service of process, and permits the Court to consider the case without further notice to the signer.
By signing this affidavit waiving citation and waiving objection, I enter my appearance in this case for all purposes, and I waive the issuance and service of process. I agree that the case may be considered by the Court without further notice to me.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Sample Affidavit Waiving Citation and Waiving Objection for Probate of a Will More than Four Years after the Decedent's Death
When a small estate affidavit is filed, the Clerk must require citation by posting to all interested parties in the estate.
It is therefore ORDERED that upon the filing of an affidavit for Collection of Small Estates Upon Affidavit under Texas Estates Code § 205, the Clerk shall require citation to all parties interested in the estate by posting under § 51.053 of the Texas Estates Code.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Requiring Citation by Posting for Small Estate Affidavits
Pretrial Services must email the information and copy the Chief Assistant County Attorney of the court.
Travis County Pretrial Service shall send the information by email and copy the Chief Assistant County Attorney of each court.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Standing Court Order Regarding Release of Bond Condition Records
A filed vacation notice must be served on all other parties as required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21.
If counsel chooses to file a vacation notice, the notice must be filed in a specific case, with notice served on all other parties as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 21.
Page 8 | Rule 3.6. Vacations of Counsel
If the Judge finds a telephone hearing insufficient, the Judge may require a virtual or in-person hearing and give notice to all parties.
If a Judge determines the hearing by telephone was insufficient, he or she may require a virtual or in-person hearing upon notice to all parties.
Page 12 | Virtual and Telephonic Hearings
IT IS ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court to which this assignment is made, if it is reasonable and practicable, and if time permits, give notice of this assignment to each attorney representing a party to a case that is to be heard in whole or in part by the assigned Judge.
IT IS ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court to which this assignment is made, if it is reasonable and practicable, and if time permits, give notice of this assignment to each attorney representing a party to a case that is to be heard in whole or in part by the assigned Judge.
Page 1 | ORDER OF ASSIGNMENT BY THE PRESIDING JUDGE
After approving the application, the Court may authorize the applicant to serve citations and other notices in all pending suits in the Travis County Courts at Law.
Upon approval of the application, the Court may authorize service by the applicant in all pending suits in the Travis County Courts at Law.
Page 15 | 2.14 Authorization to Serve Citation (Rule 103)
Filing Fees and Waivers
Effective October 1, 2023, applicants in cases requiring an attorney ad litem must deposit $600, with any ordered reduction refunded and any additional amount addressed by court order.
It is therefore ORDERED that effective October 1, 2023, each applicant in a case filed in Travis County Probate Court No. 1 that requires the appointment of an attorney ad litem will be required to deposit $600.00 toward the services of the attorney ad litem. If the Court orders payment of less than $600.00, the excess will be refunded to the applicant. If the Court orders payment of more than $600.00, the order will indicate how the additional fee will be paid.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Setting Attorney Ad Litem Deposit at $600.00
The jury fee must be paid before a jury-trial setting unless the requesting party files an affidavit stating inability to pay.
(1) Before requesting a setting for a jury trial, the party requesting the jury trial must file the required written request for a jury trial and must pay the jury fee. See Texas Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 216. The Court will not set a jury trial date until the request for a jury trial has been filed and the jury fee has been paid (unless the party requesting the jury trial has filed an affidavit to the effect that the party is unable to pay the jury fee).
Page 7 | (d) Additional requirements: jury trials
Each applicant in a case requiring an attorney ad litem must deposit $600.00 toward the ad litem’s services; any excess is refunded, and an order for additional payment will specify how it is paid.
It is therefore ORDERED that effective October 2, 2023, each applicant in a case filed in Travis County Probate Court No. 2 that requires the appointment of an attorney ad litem will be required to deposit $600.00 toward the services of the attorney ad litem. If the Court orders payment of less than $600.00, the excess will be refunded to the applicant. If the Court orders payment of more than $600.00, the order will indicate how the additional fee will be paid.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Setting Attorney Ad Litem Deposit at $600.00
A jury trial setting may not be made when a non-jury setting was assigned before payment of the jury fee, unless the parties agree in writing or a Judge orders otherwise.
A case may not be set for jury trial if a non-jury setting was assigned before the jury fee is paid, except by written agreement of the parties or as ordered by a Judge.
Page 9 | 2.2
When a case is administratively closed for the stated dismissal-docket reasons, all unpaid court costs are due immediately.
If a case is on the dismissal docket for the foregoing reasons, the Court will close the case administratively. At the time the case is administratively closed, all unpaid court costs are due immediately.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
Base filing, issuance, and service fees are due when a new case is initiated, and the Clerk may return an initial filing without those fees for correction.
It is therefore ORDERED that effective February 10, 2020, when a new case is filed without the base filing fee, issuance fees, and service fees being paid at the time of case initiation, the Clerk of this Court may return for correction at which time the filer has 48 hours to re-submit the initial filing with the applicable fees attached.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Directing the Clerk of the Court to Return for Correction When a New Case is Filed without Sufficient Fees Paid at Time of Case Initiation
A $40 bond fee applies when the bail bond is set above $1,350.
In all other cases with a bail bond set above $1350.00, the bond fee amount shall be fixed at forty dollars.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER (LOCAL RULES AND GENERAL ORDERS)
A $20 personal bond fee applies when the bail amount is below $1,350.
Due to the circumstances appurtenant to residing in Travis County such as: the high and continuously rising cost of living, including the expensive costs of housing and transportation, and, the increasing poverty rate within our jurisdiction, good cause does exist, under the requirements of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 17.42, Sec. 4 (a), to assess the lesser fee of twenty dollars to be applied in all cases with a bail amount set below $1350.00.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER (LOCAL RULES AND GENERAL ORDERS)
when a new case is filed without the base filing fee, issuance fees, and service fees being paid at the time of case initiation
when a new case is filed without the base filing fee, issuance fees, and service fees being paid at the time of case initiation
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Directing the Clerk of the Court to Return for Correction When a New Case is Filed without Sufficient Fees Paid at Time of Case Initiation
A new case filed without sufficient fees paid at case initiation is returned by the clerk for correction.
Order Directing the Clerk of the Court to Return for Correction When a New Case is Filed Without Sufficient Fees Pad at Time of Case Initiation
Page 1 | Standing Orders
Applicants in cases requiring an attorney ad litem must deposit $525.00, with any excess refunded if a lower amount is ordered and any additional payment addressed by court order.
It is therefore ORDERED that effective February 1, 2018, each applicant in a case filed in Travis County Probate Court No. 1 that requires the appointment of an attorney ad litem will be required to deposit $525.00 toward the services of the attorney ad litem. If the Court orders payment of less than $525.00, the excess will be refunded to the applicant. If the Court ordere payment of more than $525.00, the order will indicate how the additional fee will be paid.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Order Setting Attorney Ad Litem Deposit at $525.00
Order Setting Attorney Ad Litem Deposit at $525.00
Order Setting Attorney Ad Litem Deposit at $525.00
Page 1 | Standing Orders
Unpaid court costs and fees more than 15 years old are designated uncollectible.
Administrative Order Designating Unpaid Court Costs and Fees Over 15 Years Old as Uncollectible
Page 1 | Standing Orders
The attorney ad litem deposit is set at $600.00.
Order Setting Attorney Ad Litem Deposit at $600.00
Page 1 | Standing Orders
Any cost associated with this filing is waived.
Cost, if any, for this filing is hereby waived.
Page 3
Cost, if any, for this filing is hereby waived.
Cost, if any, for this filing is hereby waived.
Page 3
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If counsel wants the Court to consider at a hearing a motion or response exceeding 15 pages including exhibits, counsel should deliver a courtesy copy as soon as possible after filing and clearly indicate the hearing date and time.
If counsel wants the Court to consider at a hearing a motion or response that is longer than 15 pages including exhibits, counsel should deliver a courtesy copy to the Court as soon as possible after the motion or response is filed, with the hearing date and time clearly indicated.
Page 16 | Rule 5.3. Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies of motions for the Court’s review are appreciated but are not expressly required.
Courtesy copies of motions for the Court’s review are appreciated.
Page 11
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
All pleadings, including death certificates, must redact Social Security numbers except for the last three digits.
Redact all social security numbers except for the last three numbers on all pleadings including death certificates.
Page 4 | Rule 2.3. Form of Pleadings
Covered defense team members may not disclose materials received from the State to a third party unless a court orders disclosure for good cause after notice and hearing considering victim or witness security and privacy, or the materials have already been publicly disclosed.
defendant, or an investigator, expert, consulting legal counsel, or other agent of the attorney. representing the defendant may not disclose to a third party any documents, evidence? materials, or witness statements received from the state under this article unless: (1) a court orders the disclosure upon a showing of good cause after notice and hearing after considering the security and privacy interests of any victim or witness; (2) the documents, evidence, materials, or witness statements have already been publicly disclosed.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Responsibilities of defense counsel
Defense counsel and specified agents may allow a defendant, witness, or prospective witness to view information provided under the article, but may not give that person copies except a copy of the witness's own statement.
The attorney representing the defendant, or an investigator, expert, consulting legal counsel, or agent for the attorney representing the defendant, may allow a defendant, witness, or prospective witness to view the information provided under this article, but may not allow that person to have copies of the information provided, other than a copy of the witness's own statement.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Responsibilities of defense counsel
Defense counsel and the defense team must not further disclose Disclosure File materials to third parties to whom the State has no disclosure duty.
In situations where materials and information in a Disclosure File are disclosed to a defense attorney, the County Courts-at-Law of Travis County prohibit further disclosure of such materials or information by defense counsel and other members of the defense team, to third parties to whom the State has no duty of disclosure under article 39.14 or the Brady case law.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Responsibilities of defense counsel
Before allowing a person to view another person's document or witness statement, the person possessing it must redact the listed personal and identifying information.
Before allowing that person to view a document or the witness statement of another under this subsection, the person possessing the information shall redact the address, telephone number, driver's license number, social security number, date of birth, and any bank account or other identifying numbers contained in the document or witness statement.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Responsibilities of defense counsel
Recipients may not disclose information obtained under the Order to third parties unless the disclosure is consistent with its authorized purpose.
The Court further ORDERS that any person who receives any information pursuant to this Order is prohibited from disclosing such information to third parties except to the extent said use or disclosure is consistent with the authorized purpose for which the person so disclosing first obtained the information.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Granting Release of Protected Health Information in Mental Health Cases
Defense counsel must not disclose protected criminal-history information received under the order to a third party unless a court authorizes disclosure upon good cause shown after notice and hearing.
Counsel for Defendant is hereby ORDERED not to further disclose to a third party the protected criminal history record information received from the State under this Order unless a court orders the disclosure upon a showing of good cause after notice and hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Agreed Standing Order on Discovery of Criminal Histories
Documents containing sensitive data must be redacted with an X for each omitted character or in a manner indicating the data was redacted, unless the data is specifically required by law, court rule, or administrative regulation.
Unless sensitive data is specifically required by a statute, court rule, or administrative regulation, a document containing sensitive data may not be filed unless the serisitive data is "redacted by using the letter 'X" in place of each omitted digit or character or by removing the sensitive data in a manner indicating that the data has been redacted.".
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
The filing party must retain an unredacted version of each filed document while the case is ongoing.
The filing party is required to retain an unredacted version of the filed document while the case is ongoing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
Annual and final accounts must comply with TRCP 216 and redact sensitive data as needed, including in the specified supporting verifications and affidavits.
File the accounting in compliance with TRCP 216, redacting sensitive data as needed (for example redacting sensitive data in the required verifications of deposit, confirmations of safekceping, and tax affidavits).
Civil cases
Page 2 | Procedures for Filing Annual and Final Accounts
Annual and final accounts must be filed in compliance with TRCP 21c, with sensitive data redacted as needed, including in the listed supporting documents.
• File the accounting in compliance with TRCP 21c, redacting sensitive data as needed (for example redacting sensitive data in the required verifications of deposit, confirmations of safekeeping, and tax affidavits).
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
Unless a law or rule specifically requires the sensitive data, it must be redacted by replacing omitted characters with X or otherwise visibly indicating redaction, and the filer must retain an unredacted version while the case is ongoing.
Unless sensitive data is specifically required by a statute, court rule, or administrative regulation, a document containing sensitive data may not be filed unless the sensitive data is "redacted by using the letter 'X' in place of each omitted digit or character or by removing the sensitive data in a manner indicating that the data has been redacted." The filing party is required to retain an unredacted version of the filed document while the case is ongoing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Administrative Order Regarding the Filing of Annual and Final Accounts
If the State withholds or redacts potentially protected material, it should inform defense counsel.
If any withholding or redaction occurs in such a situation, the State should inform the defense attorney that an item or information or a portion thereof has been withheld or redacted
Criminal cases
Page 1 | The State's Disclosure Files
The County Attorney's Office may withhold or redact material it determines may be protected from disclosure or subject to a claim of privilege.
In any situation where the Travis County Attorney's Office determines that such an item or information, or any portion of a Disclosure File, is potentially protected from disclosure or subject to a claim of privilege by the State or by a third party, then that agency may withhold or redact the arguably privileged item or information.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | The State's Disclosure Files
Defense counsel may move for an order compelling disclosure of withheld or redacted material.
and the defense attorney may move the Court for an order compelling disclosure of the withheld or redacted item or information.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | The State's Disclosure Files
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
If the attorney cannot complete the requirements for withdrawal without a hearing, the motion to withdraw or substitute counsel must be presented at a hearing after notice is sent to the client and all other parties.
If an attorney is unable to complete these requirements, a motion to withdraw or to substitute another attorney must be presented at a hearing after the attorney sends notice to the client and to all other parties.
Page 14 | 2.11 Motions to Withdraw as an Attorney
Oral argument on a motion to retain or an objection to one will not be held unless the court orders it.
There will be no oral arguments on motions to retain or objections to motions to retain unless ordered by the court.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Parties may not agree to pass a hearing for a case retained on the Court’s docket after a dismissal notice.
Parties cannot agree to pass a hearing for a case that was retained on the Court’s docket following a dismissal notice.
Page 8 | Rule 3.5. Motions for Continuance and Agreements to Pass a Setting
A motion for continuance generally must be filed at least five days before the hearing or trial; if based on facts arising within five days, it must be filed as soon as possible, the Court must be notified, and the Court sets the hearing time.
(1) General rule: a motion for continuance must be filed at least five days before the hearing or trial. A motion for continuance must be filed at least five days before the hearing or trial date unless the motion is based on facts that occur on or after the fifth day before the hearing or trial date. (2) Exception: a motion for continuance can be filed later when the motion is based on facts that occur within five days of the hearing or trial. If a motion for continuance is based on facts that occur within five days before the hearing or trial date: (A) The motion for continuance must be filed as soon as possible. (B) The party filing the motion for continuance must notify the Court of the filing in one of the following ways: (i) serve the motion on the Court through the electronic filing manager, or (ii) email an e-file-stamped copy of the motion to the Court Coordinator, copying all other parties on the email. (C) The motion will be heard at a time set by the Court.
Page 8 | Rule 3.5. Motions for Continuance and Agreements to Pass a Setting
A proceeding or hearing may not be delayed or continued solely to accommodate media coverage, including to obtain consents or install equipment.
No proceeding or hearing will be delayed or continued for the sole purpose of allowing media coverage, whether because of obtaining consents, installing equipment, or other media-coverage issues.
Page 15 | (h) No delay of proceedings
If a retained case is set for trial, it will be tried or dismissed at the setting, and no continuance or delay will be considered.
If the court decides to retain a case, it will set the case for trial at its convenience and notify the parties of the setting. At the setting, the case will be tried or dismissed. No continuance or delay will be considered.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
At either party’s request, the time to file briefs in a Municipal Court of Record appeal is extended from 15 to 30 days for both parties without further action by the judge.
At the request of either party to an appeal from a Municipal Court of Record, an extension of the time to file briefs from 15 days to 30 days will be granted to both parties with no action necessary by the Judge.
Page 17 | 3.4 Appeals from Municipal Courts of Record
A proceeding or session must not be delayed or continued solely to allow media coverage or address related matters.
No proceeding or session shall be delayed or continued for the sole purpose of allowing media coverage, whether because of installation of equipment, obtaining consent, conduct of hearings related to the media coverage or other media coverage questions.
Page 26 | 5.6 No Delay of Proceedings
Chambers Communication Rules
To request a hearing date or trial setting, email the Court Coordinator the Regular Docket Hearing Request Form for the court where the case is pending.
Request a hearing date or a trial setting by emailing a Regular Docket Hearing Request Form, posted on the Court’s website, to the Court Coordinator of the Court in which the case is pending. The Court Coordinator’s email address can be found on the Court’s website.
Page 6 | Rule 3.2. Requesting a Setting
Before requesting a hearing date for emergency relief, counsel must confer with the appropriate court staff member, with a different contact required for guardianship-related matters.
(1) Before requesting a hearing date and time from the Court Coordinator, counsel must first confer with one of the Court’s staff attorneys. For a temporary guardianship or any emergency action related to a guardianship, counsel must first confer with the Court Investigator or Assistant Court Investigator. For a temporary administration or any other emergency relief not related to a guardianship, counsel must first confer with the Probate Court’s Staff Attorney.
Page 7 | (c) Emergency settings – matters requiring immediate action
The responsible party or counsel must immediately notify the Court Coordinator when a resolved matter no longer needs its setting or needs less hearing time, so the setting can be reused or shortened.
Notify the Court Coordinator immediately if a matter is resolved and a hearing or trial setting is no longer needed – or a shorter time is needed to present a settlement for Court approval. If a matter or issue is resolved before a scheduled hearing or trial date, the party that obtained the setting must advise the Court Coordinator immediately that the hearing or trial date is no longer needed – or that a shorter time is needed to present a settlement for Court approval. (As a general rule, the Court requires a hearing when parties seek Court approval of a settlement.) If the setting wasn’t obtained by one party, then counsel for the plaintiff, movant, or party seeking affirmative relief is responsible for notifying the Court Coordinator so the setting may be used for other cases.
Page 8 | Rule 3.4. Notify Court When Matters Are Resolved before Hearing, Including Settlements
Parties must notify the Court Coordinator when they agree to pass a setting.
(b) Agreements to pass a setting. Parties must notify the Court Coordinator of an agreement to pass a setting.
Page 8 | Rule 3.5. Motions for Continuance and Agreements to Pass a Setting
Counsel must immediately notify the Court Coordinator of a hearing or trial date that conflicts with planned vacation; a conflicting trial setting will be reset unless there is a clear showing of abuse or unreasonable delay.
Counsel must immediately notify the Court Coordinator if the Court sets a hearing or trial date that conflicts with counsel’s planned vacation. If the Court sets a case for trial on a date that conflicts with counsel’s planned vacation, counsel must notify the Court Coordinator immediately after learning of the setting. The case will be reset for a different time unless there is a clear showing of abuse or unreasonable delay.
Page 9
In a contested case, a remote-appearance request must be emailed to the Court Coordinator with notice to all other parties, and an objecting party must notify the Coordinator and all other parties.
In a contested case, the request must be made by emailing the Court Coordinator with notice to all other parties. Any party who objects must notify the Court Coordinator, with notice to all other parties.
Page 10 | Rule 4.2. Remote Appearances and Remote Hearings
Counsel must notify the Court Coordinator when intending to present evidence electronically and must do so at least five days before any hearing, with notice to all other parties.
Counsel must notify the Court Coordinator when counsel intends to present some or all evidence electronically, including any use of the E-Courtroom technology. For all hearings, counsel must notify the Court Coordinator at least five days before the hearing, with notice to all other parties.
Page 16 | Rule 5.4(b). Counsel must notify the Court Coordinator
During the announcement period, attorneys must telephone or appear before the Judicial Aide between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to announce readiness and provide an updated time estimate; the requirement applies even to preferential settings and settings before a particular Judge.
Each announcement period begins on Monday at 8:30 a.m. and ends on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. At any time between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., attorneys for either side shall telephone or appear before the Judicial Aide to give their announcement of readiness and updated time estimate. A setting before a particular Judge or a preferential setting does not excuse the parties from this rule, and failure to comply may result in losing a setting.
Page 10 | 2.6
Attorneys may not make a setting in a case that has been set for dismissal.
Attorneys cannot make a setting in cases set for dismissal.
Page 12 | Dismissal for Want of Prosecution
Access to probate and mental health records requires approval by the County Clerk or her designees, or an order of the Court.
It is further ORDERED that any access to probate and mental health records must be approved by the Travis Count County Clerk, or her designees, or by order of this Court.
Page 1 | Administrative Order Directing Deletion of Mental Health Records from SmartBench
(2) Parties must agree on a jury trial setting or set a scheduling conference. Unless counsel can agree on the jury trial setting, the parties should schedule a conference with the Court during which a trial date will be determined.
(2) Parties must agree on a jury trial setting or set a scheduling conference. Unless counsel can agree on the jury trial setting, the parties should schedule a conference with the Court during which a trial date will be determined.
Page 7 | (d) Additional requirements: jury trials
Counsel must not send vacation notices directly to the Court; if counsel chooses to file one, it must be filed in a specific case and served on all other parties as required by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21.
(a) Do not send vacation notices to the Court. If counsel chooses to file a vacation notice, the notice must be filed in a specific case, with notice served on all other parties as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 21. Do not send vacation notices directly to the Court.
Page 8 | Rule 3.6. Vacations of Counsel
Counsel may request remote participation for a party or attorney, but must contact the Court Coordinator in advance.
Counsel may request that a party or attorney be allowed to participate in a hearing remotely. Counsel’s request for a remote appearance must be made in advance by contacting the Court Coordinator:
Page 10 | Rule 4.2. Remote Appearances and Remote Hearings
To determine whether a Friday 9:00 a.m. virtual hearing setting is available, parties must directly contact the Judicial Executive Assistant or Judicial Aide.
Settings on Friday at 9:00 a.m. may sometimes be available for virtual hearings only; parties must directly contact the Judicial Executive Assistant or Judicial Aide to determine availability.
Page 8 | 2.2 Setting Cases
Requests for telephone hearings should be directed to the Judicial Executive Assistant or Judicial Aide; if approved, they will provide joining instructions.
Requests for telephone hearings should be directed to the Judicial Executive Assistant or Judicial Aide, who will provide instructions for joining court by telephone if approved.
Page 11 | Virtual and Telephonic Hearings
A party must inform the Court if a case is placed on the dismissal docket because of a party agreement causing delay, installment payments on a debt, or a party’s bankruptcy.
A party shall inform the Court if a case is placed on the dismissal docket: a. due to a delay caused by an agreement of the parties; b. because a debt is being paid in installments; or c. by the bankruptcy of a party.
Page 13 | Chapter 2 — Civil Cases
Attorneys seeking a hearing on a motion must notify the judicial aide or court for docket setting or an agreed order.
Attorneys who wish a motion to be heard shall notify the judicial aide or court for docket setting or agreed order.
Page 17 | 3.7 Motions before the Court
When there are no other parties, a request for remote participation need not be in writing.
In a case where there are no other parties, the request does not need to be in writing.
Page 10 | Rule 4.2. Remote Appearances and Remote Hearings
Questions about jury impaneling or jury service may be directed to the jury office by phone or through the listed jury duty website.
Questions about the jury impaneling process and jury service may be addressed to the jury office at 512-854-9669. or the jury duty website at https://www.traviscountytx.gov/district-clerk/jury-duty/faq.
Page 7 | 1.6B Jury Selection
Cases in Court 1 or 2 may be set with that court’s Judicial Aide or Judicial Executive Assistant.
Cases may be set with the Judicial Aide or Judicial Executive Assistant for Court 1 or 2.
Page 8 | 2.2 Setting Cases
Announcements may also be faxed to the number for the applicable court during the announcement period.
Announcements may also be sent by facsimile to 512-854-4380 (County Court at Law 1) or 512-854-4725 (County Court at Law 2) during the applicable time period.
Page 10 | 2.6
Instructions for accessing an upcoming virtual docket will be sent by email during the week before the setting.
Specific instructions for accessing an upcoming virtual docket will be distributed by email during the week prior to the setting.
Page 11 | Virtual and Telephonic Hearings
Current policies on virtual versus in-person proceedings are available online or by contacting the Judicial Aide or Judicial Executive Assistant for Court 1 or 2.
Current policies regarding virtual versus in-person proceedings can be found online or by contacting the Judicial Aide or Judicial Executive Assistant for Court 1 or 2.
Page 11 | Virtual and Telephonic Hearings
Current email-submission policies are available online or by contacting the Judicial Aide or Judicial Executive Assistant for Court 1 or 2.
Current policies regarding email submissions can be found online or by contacting the Judicial Aide or Judicial Executive Assistant for Court 1 or 2.
Page 12 | Electronic Submissions