Judge Travis E. Kitchens Jr.
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Communication
Clerk
Document Format Requirements2 rules
c. All documents you give to the judge must be originals.
a. All pleadings and Court orders must appear neat and clean.
- Pleading
- Court order
Formatting
- •Documents must appear neat and clean
Document Filing Requirements7 rules
CHILD SUPPORT CANNOT BE WAIVED without the approval of the Court.
All contact information MUST be provided on the Settings Request form.
Before coming to court for the divorce, obtain the Bureau of Vital Statistics form from the District Clerk’s Office and complete it fully.
Court's wording
Once you are CERTAIN that you are ready for court, obtain the Bureau of Vital statistics form from the District Clerk’s Office and have it completely filled out before you come to court for your divorce.
If you are representing yourself (Pro Se) in a divorce, please understand the following: You must present a complete decree that resolves all issues.
If children were born during the marriage, the divorce decree must address custody and where the children will live, visitation, health insurance, and guideline child support.
Court's wording
d. If children were born during the marriage, the decree must include the following. i. A statement regarding who the custody of the children and with whom they will live. ii. A schedule of visitation. iii. A statement regarding how the children will be covered by health insurance; and iv. A statement regarding child support in accordance with the guidelines in the Texas Family Code.
A judge must sign a referral order using the form promulgated by the Region.
Court's wording
9.2.3 Motion for Recusal or Disqualification of Judge. (Rule 18a T.R.C.P.). A judge must sign an order referring the case to the Presiding Judge, using the form of order promulgated by the Region.
b. If provisions contained in the forms, you are using do not apply to you and your spouse, do not include them in the petition or decree, or strike through the inapplicable provisions.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A Setting Request form must be submitted by email or Efile.
A Setting Request form can be found on the Court’s webpage and must be submitted by email or Efile.
Page 1 | COURT
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Summer vacation designations must be filed with the district clerk by May 15.
Written designation for vacation weeks during June, July, or August must be filed with the district clerk by May 15.
Page 5 | 11.2 Summer Vacations
Non-summer vacation designations must be filed with the district clerk by February 1.
Written designation for vacation in months other than June, July, or August must be filed with the district clerk by February 1.
Page 5 | 11.3 Non-Summer Vacations
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The order must be filed with the clerk, and copies must be sent to the referring judge, the Presiding Judge, and all parties.
9.2.3.3 The assigned recusal judge may hear the assigned motion, rule, and sign an order or rule by written order. The order must be filed with the clerk, with a copy sent to the referring judge and the Presiding Judge and all parties.
Page 3 | 9.2.3 Motion for Recusal or Disqualification of Judge
Chambers Communication Rules
To get a case on the docket, contact the Court Coordinator by email at 258court@co.polk.tx.us.
Although the District Clerk’s office can tell you when court will be held, you may get your case on the docket only by contacting the Court Coordinator, Lianne Mueck, via email at 258court@co.polk.tx.us.
Page 1 | COURT