Williamson County District Courts Document Filing Requirements

Applies to

Motion

The motion must provide sufficient information about the need for expert or investigator services, including specific facts supporting that need.

The motion must contain sufficient information to allow the Court to make an appropriate decision regarding (1) the need for an expert/investigator services, including specific facts that give rise to the need for these services

Applies to

Motion

The motion must specify the funds necessary for expert or investigator services, and the estimated cost should include all projected costs and expenses.

The motion must contain sufficient information to allow the Court to make an appropriate decision regarding (1) the need for an expert/investigator services, including specific facts that give rise to the need for these services, and (2) the funds necessary for these services. The estimated cost should include any and all costs/expenses that are projected to be incurred.

Applies to

Motion

If additional funds are needed, the attorney must supplement the initial motion and obtain court approval before spending the additional funds.

If additional funds are needed, the Attorney must supplement their initial motion and seek Court approval before such funds are expended.

Applies to

Expense payment request

An expense payment request must include sufficiently detailed supporting invoices.

invoices supporting the request must be ===== PAGE 24 ===== sufficiently detailed as to allow the Court to make a determination of the accuracy and appropriateness of the request.

Applies to

Expense payment request

Expense documentation for services must include the service date and the amount of time compensated.

For services (i.e., meetings/testimony/evidence review/phone calls, etc.), at a minimum the date the services were provided must be included with the amount of time being compensated-for.

Applies to

Expense payment request

An expense payment request for purchased supplies must include a receipt.

For supplies purchased, a receipt for the supplies must be included.

Applies to

Expense payment request

Travel expense documentation must include receipts for costs incurred and proof of mileage.

For travel, receipts for any costs incurred (i.e., hotel, etc.) and proof of mileage for requested reimbursement must be included.

Applies to

Application

The application must include an attorney certification under oath attesting that the application information is correct, the Plan's qualifications were read and understood, and the applicant meets the qualifications for the appointment level sought.

I, the undersigned attorney, hereby state under oath that all of the information provided in my “Application for Public Appointment to Represent Indigent Defendants in the Williamson County Courts” is correct, that I have read and understand the qualifications set out in the Williamson County District Courts and County Courts at Law Amended Fair Defense Plan (“the Plan”), and that I meet the qualifications for the appointment level which I seek.

Applies to

Application

The application is incomplete unless accompanied by all required attachments listed in the document.

Please note that an application is not complete unless it is accompanied by any and all required attachments, as listed below.

Applies to

Application attachment 1

The application must include the applicant's most recent State Bar of Texas reporting-year CLE report.

Your most recent reporting year CLE report from the State Bar of Texas

Applies to

Application attachment 2

An applicant sanctioned by the Bar Grievance Committee within the last 10 years must attach the Committee's decisions and may attach a written explanation.

If you have been sanctioned by the Bar Grievance Committee in the last 10 years, attach the decision(s) by the Committee and, if desired, a written explanation.

Applies to

Application attachment 3

An applicant sanctioned for failure to appear before a court within the last 10 years must attach applicable court documents and may attach a written explanation.

If you have been sanctioned for failure to appear before a Court in the last 10 years, attach any applicable court documents and, if desired, a written explanation.

Applies to

Application attachment 4

An applicant whom a court found provided ineffective assistance of counsel within the last 10 years must attach applicable documents and may attach a written explanation.

If a Court has found that you have provided in effective assistance of counsel in the last 10 years, attach any applicable documents and, if desired, a written explanation.

Applies to

Application attachment 5

An applicant convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for an offense other than a class C traffic offense must attach copies of all applicable final or deferral orders and judgments.

If you have ever been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for any offense other than a class C level traffic offense, attach copies of all final orders (or those deferring adjudication) and judgments.

Applies to

Application attachment 6

Applicants seeking an A, B, C, Misdemeanor, or Mental Health appointment list must attach a document listing the relevant cause numbers, trial styles, and their role in each case.

If you are applying for an appointment list (A, B, C, Misdemeanor, or Mental Health), attach a document listing the cause number and styles of trials for the level(s) at which you are seeking appointments and your role in the case (i.e. lead counsel, second chair, etc.).

Applies to

Application

Applicants seeking the Appellate List must list the cause numbers and styles for which they personally authored briefs.

If you are applying for the Appellate List, list the cause numbers and styles in which you were personally the author of briefs.

Applies to

Public appointment application

The public-appointment application is incomplete unless accompanied by every applicable required attachment.

Please note that an application is not complete unless it is accompanied by any and all required attachments, as listed below.

Applies to

Public appointment application

An applicant sanctioned by the Bar Grievance Committee within the last 10 years must attach the Committee's decisions, while a written explanation is optional.

If you have been sanctioned by the Bar Grievance Committee in the last 10 years, attach the decision(s) by the Committee and, if desired, a written explanation.

Applies to

Public appointment application

An applicant sanctioned for failure to appear before a court within the last 10 years must attach applicable court documents, while a written explanation is optional.

If you have been sanctioned for failure to appear before a Court in the last 10 years, attach any applicable court documents and, if desired, a written explanation.

Applies to

Public appointment application

An applicant found to have provided ineffective assistance of counsel within the last 10 years must attach applicable documents, while a written explanation is optional.

If a Court has found that you have provided in effective assistance of counsel in the last 10 years, attach any applicable documents and, if desired, a written explanation.

Applies to

Public appointment application

An applicant convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for an offense other than a Class C traffic offense must attach copies of all final or deferring orders and judgments.

If you have ever been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for any offense other than a class C level traffic offense, attach copies of all final orders (or those deferring adjudication) and judgments.

Applies to

Expense payment request

An expense-payment request must include the Court's authorization and detailed invoices stating applicable hours and services provided.

A request for payment for expenses must be accompanied by a copy of Court’s authorization for expenses incurred and detailed invoices, to include number of hours of time expended (if applicable) and information about services provided.

Applies to

Fixed fee compensation form

The requesting attorney must certify licensure, appointment by the Court, accuracy of the stated information, and compliance of the requested fees with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.

I, the undersigned attorney, represent and certify to this court that I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, that I was appointed by the Court in this case, that the above information is true and accurate, and that the requested fees comport with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.

Applies to

Hourly fee compensation form

A detailed attorney invoice stating hours expended and describing the services must accompany the hourly-fee compensation form.

Time: Detailed invoices including hours of time expended and general description of services provided must be submitted with this form.

Applies to

Hourly fee compensation form

A detailed invoice with receipts or the number of hours or services provided must be submitted when requesting expense payment.

Expenses: Detailed invoices, including receipts or number of hours/services provided, must be submitted if requesting payment for expenses.

Applies to

Court appointed attorney compensation form trial disposition

The filer must submit detailed invoices with this form, including hours expended and a general description of services provided.

• Time: Detailed invoices including hours of time expended and general description of services provided must be submitted with this form.

Applies to

Court appointed attorney compensation form trial disposition

An expense payment request must include a detailed invoice containing receipts or the number of hours or services provided.

• Expenses: Detailed invoices, including receipts or number of hours/services provided, must be submitted if requesting payment for expenses.

Applies to

Court appointed attorney compensation form trial disposition

The attorney must certify in the compensation form that the attorney is licensed in Texas, was court-appointed, provided accurate information, and requested fees comply with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.

I, the undersigned attorney, represent and certify to this court that I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, that I was appointed by the Court in this case, that the above information is true and accurate, and that the requested fees comport with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.

Applies to

Appellate court appointed attorney compensation form

The appointed attorney must certify licensure, court appointment, accuracy of the information, and compliance with the Fair Defense Plan and fee schedule.

I, the undersigned attorney, represent and certify to this court that I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, that I was appointed by the Court in this case, that the above information is true and accurate, and that the requested fees comport with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.

Applies to

Itemized fee statement

An itemized statement supporting the $100 hourly rate must be completed and attached to page one only when requesting fees above the standard rate or a deviation from the standard fee schedule.

TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FEES THAN STANDARD RATE ATTACH TO PAGE ONE ITEMIZED STATEMENT TO SUPPORT HOURLY RATE ($100 per hour) FOR CONTESTED MATTERS OR TO DEVIATE FROM STANDARD FEE SCHEDULE

Applies to

Itemized fee statement

The attorney must certify that the itemized fee information is true and correct.

I certify the above information is true and correct.

Applies to

Written support agreement or agreed proposed support decision and information

If all support issues are agreed and the setting remains on the docket, the parties must give the Court Administrator either their signed written agreement or one jointly signed Proposed Support Decision and Information.

If the parties have an agreement on all issues pertaining to support, and the setting remains on the Court's docket at the time when the Proposed Support Decision and Information forms must be delivered, the parties shall deliver to the Court Administrator either a signed copy of their written agreement or a single Proposed Support Decision and Information stating their agreement and signed by both parties.

Applies to

Proposed disposition of issues

Each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Issues in the specified form, stating separately each requested trial decision not covered by the proposed property-division or support decision.

Each party shall also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Issues, which shall state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division or Proposed Support Decision using the form attached hereto as Exhibit “F”.

Applies to

Proposed support decision

Each party in a child-support or spousal-maintenance case must prepare and deliver a signed Proposed Support Decision, or the parties may submit one Agreed Proposed Support Decision signed by both.

In a suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form attached hereto as Exhibit “E”, fully completed, and signed by the party, or a single Agreed Proposed Support Decision signed by both parties.

Applies to

Motion to modify conservatorship

Must include

proposed order

The movant must present the court with a proposed order setting a hearing.

Movant shall present to the Court a proposed order setting hearing.

Applies to

Order

Absent an entry hearing, an order must include either all attorneys' signatures as to form or proof that it was presented to all attorneys of record with a request for written objections within 10 days.

Absent an entry hearing, the Court will not sign an order that does not contain either the signature of all attorneys as to form or proof of notice that said order has been presented to all attorneys of record requesting same to file written objections within ten (10) days.

Applies to

Proposed property division

Each party in a divorce suit must prepare and deliver a signed Proposed Property Division, or the parties may submit one Agreed Proposed Division signed by both.

In a divorce suit, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form attached hereto as Exhibit “D”, or other form which clearly identifies the division of property being requested by the party, fully completed, and signed by the party, or a single Agreed Proposed Division, signed by both parties.

Applies to

Filing using ai generated information

Must include

ai disclosure

Before using AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, self-represented litigants and attorneys must verify its accuracy, sign the Certificate Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence, and attach the certificate to any filing using that information.

As a result, all self-represented litigants and attorneys who utilize any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in connection with a case shall, before using any AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, ensure that such information is accurate and correctly portrayed to the court, and shall sign and submit the Certificate Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence (Exhibit A) and attach it to any filing where AI-generated information is used.

Applies to

Order retaining case

Counsel must include a trial-date line in an order retaining a case on the docket.

Counsel must include a line for a trial date in the order retaining the case.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

For an unopposed motion, the moving party must submit a proposed order signed by counsel for every affected party and agreeing to the order as to form and substance.

If the motion will not be opposed, the moving party shall submit a proposed order signed by Counsel for all parties affected by the order agreeing to the order as to form and substance.

Applies to

Pleading

Must include

certificate of conference

For an opposed motion, the moving party must include at the end of the pleading one of the three specified conference or inability-to-confer certificates.

If the motion will be opposed, the moving party shall include at the end of his pleading one of the following certificates:

Applies to

Pleading

Must include

certificate of conference

The required certificate must either record an unsuccessful substantive conference, describe attempts to reach opposing counsel, or, in a multiparty case, state that an attached letter was sent to all counsel of record.

i. “A conference was held on (date) with (name), attorney for opposing party, on the substance of this motion. We are not able to agree; therefore, the matter is presented to the Court for determination," or ii. “I was unable to reach Opposing Counsel, (name), to confer about the merits of this matter, after the following attempts: (briefly state the dates and nature of the unsuccessful attempts to contact Opposing Counsel),” or iii. In multi-party cases, "Before setting this matter for hearing, I attempted to resolve this dispute by sending the attached letter to all counsel of record.”

Applies to

Pretrial matter

Must include

certificate of conference

The Court Administrator will not set a pre-trial matter for hearing without one of the required certificates.

The Court Administrator will not set any pre-trial matter for hearing unless it is accompanied by one of the foregoing certificates.

Applies to

Motion to modify conservatorship

A movant seeking modification under Texas Family Code section 156.006(b)(1) must file the motion to modify with an accompanying affidavit.

Movant shall file the motion to modify and accompanying affidavit.

Applies to

Motion to modify conservatorship

The motion to modify conservatorship must bear the specified title.

The title of the Motion shall be “Motion to Modify Conservatorship Pursuant to TFC Sec. 156.006(b)(1)”.

Applies to

Written order setting temporary orders hearing

The movant must obtain the written order setting a temporary-orders hearing.

Movant shall be responsible for obtaining the written order setting the temporary orders hearing pursuant to TFC 156.006(b)(1).

Applies to

Wage assignment order

A party receiving child support through wage assignment must present the wage-assignment order to the judge when the governing order is signed.

The party receiving child support through a wage assignment is responsible for presenting the wage assignment order to the judge, at the time an order in a suit affecting parent-child relationship, decree of divorce, or order modifying a prior order is signed.

Applies to

Wage assignment documents

The party receiving wage-assigned child support must complete all documents required by the District Clerk's office.

The party receiving child support shall complete all necessary documents with the District Clerk’s office for the wage assignment order.

Applies to

Vital statistics forms and district clerk documents

The party preparing a final family-law order must complete the vital-statistics forms and other documents required by the District Clerk's office.

The party who is responsible for preparing any final order in a family law case for the judge to sign is also responsible for completing any vital statistics forms and other documents required by the District Clerk’s office.

Applies to

Qualified domestic relations order

A party receiving a retirement-benefit division through a domestic-relations order must present the order when the divorce decree is signed.

The party who is to receive a portion of another party's retirement benefit through a domestic relations order is responsible to present the order, at the time the decree of divorce is signed.

Applies to

Pretrial forms and amended pleadings

At least one day before a family-case hearing, each party must deliver the listed pretrial forms and any amended pleadings to the opposing party and bring printed forms to the hearing.

At least one day prior to the date set for a hearing of a family case, each party shall deliver to the opposing party the following pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings. Each party shall bring a printed copy of the forms to present to the judge at the hearing.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

When a contemplated motion or special exception will not be opposed, the moving party must submit a proposed order signed by counsel for all affected parties indicating approval.

If the motion or special exception will not be opposed, the moving party shall submit a proposed order signed by a Counsel for all parties affected the order indicating approval of same.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

When a contemplated motion or special exception will be opposed, the moving party must include at the end of the pleading one of the specified conference or inability-to-confer certificates.

If the motion or special exception will be opposed, the moving party shall include at the end of his pleading one of the following certificates:

Applies to

Expert witness designation

Each expert witness designation must include the information specified by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 194.2(f).

The designation must include the information listed in Rule 194.2(f).

Applies to

Certification

Must include

ai disclosure

An attorney or self-represented litigant must certify review and compliance with the Court’s Standing Order Regarding Artificial Intelligence.

CERTIFICATION REGARDING USE OF ARTELLIGENCE I, an attorney or self-represented litigant in the ________ Judicial District Court/County Court at Law # _________, hereby certify as follows:

Applies to

Expert witness designation

Expert witness designations are required by the dates stated in the scheduling order.

Expert witness designations are required

Applies to

Attorney qualification application

An attorney seeking inclusion on a CPS, Guardian Ad Litem, or Attorney Ad Litem list must submit a completed application sworn or attested under penalty of perjury and affirmatively represent that the attorney meets the CPS Local Rules qualifications.

1.0.2 The attorney must submit a completed application, sworn or attested to under penalty of perjury, to the CPS Judge whose list the attorney is requesting to be included. The attorney shall affirmatively represent that the Attorney is qualified as defined by the CPS Local Rules.

Applies to

Attorney qualification review document

For an initial appointment list application and each annual renewal, the attorney must sign and submit a document confirming review of the qualifications.

1.0.4 For initial appointment, and each year for renewal, the attorney must sign and submit a document indicating that they have reviewed the qualifications

Applies to

Cps appointment application

The Williamson County Application for Public Appointment form must list the case styles, appropriately redacted if necessary, and cause numbers for qualifying experience.

The styles (appropriately redacted as necessary) and cause numbers of these cases shall be listed on the Williamson County Application for Public Appointment form.

Applies to

Certificate of compliance

By November 1 each year, attorneys on the appointment list must file a Certificate of Compliance with the designated Williamson County Court Coordinator attesting to required CLE, unless they submit qualifying board-certification documentation.

All attorneys on the appointment list shall file by November 1st of each year the “Certificate of Compliance” with the designated Williamson County Court Coordinator attesting to the completion of the required CLE or submit documentation showing that the attorney is board-certified in family law and/or child welfare law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization or other certifying organization recognized as such by the State Bar of Texas.

Applies to

Ex parte motion for alternative fee calculation

An appointed attorney seeking compensation or reimbursement not adequately covered by presumptively reasonable fixed fees must file an ex parte motion under oath requesting court pre-approval under the Alternative Fee Calculation.

If an attorney who has been appointed to represent an indigent person by a Williamson County District or County Court at Law believes certain tasks or expenses are required to adequately represent an indigent client, and such are not adequately compensated by the Fixed Fees identified as presumptively reasonable and necessary in the applicable fee schedule, the attorney shall file an ex parte motion under oath with the Court seeking pre-approval to be paid and/or reimbursed for such tasks and/or expenses under the Alternative Fee Calculation articulated in 6.2.1, above.

Applies to

Ex parte motion for alternative fee calculation

The alternative-fee motion must fully state its basis, comply with the cited provisions, and include documentation making a particularized showing of the supporting facts.

The motion must fully and completely set forth the basis for the request, compliant with 6.5.3, 6.6 and/or 6.7 above, and be accompanied by documentation that makes a particularized showing with respect to any factual basis supporting the motion.

Applies to

Payment request

Each payment request must include an attorney's sworn certification that the time and expenses were accurately stated, reasonable, properly incurred, and compliant with the applicable CPS Local Rules and fee schedule, and the request constitutes acceptance of those rules.

Each request for payment must include a sworn certification by the attorney seeking payment that the request truthfully and accurately represents time spent on the identified matter(s), that the time spent was reasonable and ===== PAGE 18 ===== necessary, that expenses for which reimbursement is sought were reasonable and actually incurred on the identified matter(s), and that the request complies with the CPS Local Rules and fee schedule of Williamson County in effect at the time the services were rendered or expenses incurred. Each request for payment shall also constitute the attorney’s acceptance of the CPS Local Rules and willingness to abide by the same.

Attorneys must monitor the authorized use of funds and should not approve services exceeding the authorized amount.

Attorneys are responsible for monitoring the authorized use of funds and should not approve services in excess of authorized funds.

Applies to

Itemized fee statement

The attorney should include the date of each service, the service performed, and the amount of time in the itemized statement.

Attorney should include date of service, service performed and amount of time.

Applies to

Discovery checklist

The District Attorney's office must provide defense counsel with a discovery-material checklist and file that list with the court when discovery is complete.

To encourage the expeditious disposal of cases, to promote judicial economy, and without the diluting the rights of Defendants and in the interest of justice, the District Attorney's office will provide a check list of discovery material provided to the defense attorney and the list will be filed with the Court upon completion of discovery.

Attorneys should ensure that applicable travel policies are followed.

Attorneys should take care to ensure that policies regarding travel are followed. See IDC Plan IX (B)(3)(b).

Attorneys should review invoices for expert or investigative services and ensure that appropriate supporting documentation is included.

Attorneys should review invoices related to expert/investigative services and should ensure that appropriate supporting documentation is included. See IDC Plan IX (B)(5)(a).

Applies to

Pretrial forms

The required pretrial forms are not required for a hearing before a Title IVD Master.

The forms are not required for any hearing before a Title IVD Master.

Applies to

Cps appointment application

Qualifying CPS appointment experience may include paid or pro bono representation, including service as a pro bono second chair in a Williamson County CPS case.

Qualifying experience may consist of paid or pro bono representation including those in which an attorney serves as pro bono 2nd chair to a court-appointed counsel for indigent persons in a CPS case in Williamson County.