New: a trial court in 1 of every 10 U.S. counties. Read the post
Court Rules

Brown County District Court Document Filing Requirements

36 rules from official source documents

Required elements, certificates, and structural requirements for court documents.

CRITICAL

Applies to
Earnings records

Each party must furnish payroll records, pay stubs, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms showing earnings for the specified periods upon request.

3. All payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms which evidence that party's earnings for the calendar year prior to the temporary hearing and from January 1 of the current year through the date of the temporary hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Witness exhibit list

Witness and exhibit lists must be filed with the Court and are used to determine time allotments for the hearing.

These witness/exhibit lists must be filed with the Court and are relied upon when making decisions concerning time allotments during the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Financial institution statements

Each party must furnish copies of financial statements filed with any financial institution during the two years before the hearing upon request.

5. Copies of any financial statements filed by that party with any financial institution in the two years prior to the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Indigent defense expenditure report

The report must include all listed indigent-defense expenses incurred from October 1 through September 30, and administrative expenses may be claimed only when directly related to indigent-defense processes or procedures.

The report must include all expenses for attorney fees, licensed investigators, expert witnesses, and other direct litigation costs that the county incurred during the period beginning October 1 through September 30 of the fiscal year. Administrative expenses may be claimed if they are directly related to indigent defense processes or procedures.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Advisement

The court advisement must include information establishing voluntary consent and describing the condition, expected benefits, consequences of refusing medication, side effects and risks, available alternatives, and the proposed treatment rationale.

**IT IS ORDERED** that an advisement shall immediately be filed with the court that includes the following information (TFC §266.0042, 264.018):

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Inventory and appraisement

In contested cases involving the character, value, or division of property or debts, each party must file a sworn inventory and appraisement at least 30 days before trial.

In all contested cases in which the character, value or division of property or debts is in issue, each party shall file, not less than thirty (30) days prior to trial, a sworn inventory and appraisement of all of the separate and community property owned or claimed by the parties and all debts and liabilities owed by the parties.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Statement of monthly income and expenses

In contested cases involving temporary spousal or child support, each party must furnish a statement of monthly income and expenses upon request.

1. A statement of monthly income and expenses;

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Waiver of right to counsel

A signed waiver-of-counsel statement must be filed and become part of the proceeding's record.

which, if signed by the defendant, shall be filed with and become part of the record of the proceedings.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Probable cause forms

For warrantless arrests involving a felony or punishable misdemeanor, the forms establishing probable cause must be completed and filed when the arrestee is booked into jail.

Unless arrested pursuant to an arrest warrant, bench warrant, capias, or other order of a magistrate or judge, necessary forms establishing probable cause must be completed and filed at the time an arrestee is booked into jail for any felony or misdemeanor punishable by incarceration.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Waiver of right to counsel

When a defendant voluntarily and intelligently waives counsel, the court must provide a substantially prescribed waiver statement for inclusion in the record when signed.

If the court determines that the waiver is voluntarily and intelligently waived, the court shall provide the defendant with a statement substantially in the following form, which, if signed by the defendant, shall be filed with and become part of the record of the proceedings.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Exhibit

Parties must authenticate or prove their exhibits during the trial or court proceeding even if the exhibits were previously identified.

The parties must still prove up any exhibits during the trial/court proceeding.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Pretrial order

The Court requires use of its standard pretrial scheduling order.

IT IS ORDERED that a standard pre-trial scheduling order shall be utilized.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Attorney fee voucher

Each attorney fee voucher must state the number of cases disposed of under the payment made for the specific defendant.

Each attorney fee voucher shall indicate the number of cases disposed of under each payment for a specific defendant.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Federal income tax returns

Each party must furnish copies of their federal income tax returns for the two calendar years before the temporary hearing upon request.

2. Copies of that party's federal income tax returns for the two calendar years prior to the temporary hearing;

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Dfps form 4526 psychotropic medication treatment consent

For consent to a new psychotropic medication, DFPS Form 4526 must be completed and signed by both the medical consenter and the health-care provider or designee.

When consenting to a new psychotropic medication, DFPS Form 4526 Psychotropic Medication Treatment Consent must be completed and signed by the medical consenter and the health-care provider or designee.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Composite inventory and appraisement

After the parties' individual inventories have been filed, the parties must file a composite inventory and appraisement.

After each party's sworn inventory and appraisement has been filed, the parties shall file a composite Inventory and Appraisement.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Bank account records

Each party must furnish the specified checking and savings account records for transactions during the two years before the temporary hearing upon request.

4. All checking account statements, including all canceled checks, deposit slips and check registers, all savings account statements, including all deposit and withdrawal slips, to or from which that party has made any deposits or withdrawals during the two years prior to the temporary hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICAL

Applies to
Ex parte order application

Counsel must provide a written certification when presenting an application for an ex parte order.

Counsel presenting any application for an ex parte order shall, at the time the application is presented to the Court, certify in writing that:

Court-level rulesOfficial source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Extraneous evidence notice

The District Attorney must give reasonable notice of intended evidence concerning the defendant's prior record, character, offense circumstances, and potentially admissible extraneous offenses, crimes, or bad acts.

The District Attorney shall give reasonable notice of the State's intent to introduce any evidence of the prior criminal record of the defendant, his general reputation, his character, and opinion regarding his character, the circumstances of the offense for which he is being tried, and any other evidence of an EXTRANEOUS OFFENSE, CRIME OR BAD ACT shown to have been committed by the defendant or for which he could be held criminally responsible, and which the State feels would possibly be admissible in the trial of this case, either in its case in chief, on rebuttal, or on the issue of punishment.

Judge Mike Smith

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Expert witness list

The State must provide a list of all known testifying expert witnesses for guilt-innocence and punishment.

(6) THE STATE SHALL PRODUCE TO THE DEFENSE A LIST OF ALL TESTIFYING EXPERT WITNESSES (those witnesses being called by the State to present evidence under Rules 702, 703, and 705, Texas Rules of Evidence) on its case in chief on guilt/innocence at the trial of this cause, and at the punishment phase, if known in advance by the District Attorney.

Judge Mike Smith

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Discovery materials

For a pro se defendant, the State must produce and permit inspection of materials required under the Order and Article 39.14(d).

In the case of a Pro Se Defendant, the State is ordered to produce and permit the inspection of a document, item, or information required under this Order in compliance with Article 39.14(d) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Judge Mike Smith

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Criminal history

Upon timely identification of the relevant witnesses, the State must provide computerized criminal histories for the defendant, victim, and requested State witnesses, subject to stated exceptions.

(7) COPIES OF COMPUTERIZED CRIMINAL HISTORY, if any, of the Defendant, the victim, and any witness requested who will testify for the State of Texas in this cause, with the exception of law enforcement personnel, medical records custodians, or expert witnesses; provided the Defendant's attorney timely names the witnesses in writing or in open court.

Judge Mike Smith

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Exculpatory evidence

The State must disclose exculpatory, impeachment, and mitigating information in its possession, custody, or control.

(4) EXCULPATORY EVIDENCE Pursuant to Article 39.14(h) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, notwithstanding any other provision of this Order, the State shall disclose to the Defendant any exculpatory, impeachment, or mitigating document, item, or information in the possession, custody, or control of the State that tends to negate the guilt of the Defendant or would tend to reduce the punishment for the offense charged.

Judge Mike Smith

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Witness list

The State must provide a list of all known non-expert witnesses, and a copy of its subpoena application may satisfy that requirement.

(5) A LIST OF ALL NON-EXPERT WITNESSES who will be called by the State as witnesses in its case in chief on guilt/innocence at the trial of this cause and at the punishment phase if known in advance by the District Attorney. A copy of the State's Subpoena Application is sufficient for this purpose.

Judge Mike Smith

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Discovery withholding notice

The State must notify the defendant when any portion of discovery material has been withheld or redacted.

The State shall inform the Defendant that a portion of the document, item, or information has been withheld or redacted.

Judge Mike Smith

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Agreed order
Must include
signature blocks

The Court may use an agreed order in lieu of a final-hearing appearance in certain matters, but the order must be signed by every party and attorney and cannot be used when a parent is unknown or absent.

The Court will take agreed orders in lieu of appearances at final hearings in certain matters. An Agreed order must be signed by all the parties and attorneys. If there is an unknown parent, or an absentee parent, unfortunately, that cannot be an “agreed order.”

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNING

Applies to
Hearing setting motion
Must include
certificate of service

After an answer or appearance, a party may request a trial or pretrial-hearing setting by filing a motion and setting order with a certificate of service on opposing counsel.

At any time after the filing of an answer or entry of an appearance by the opposing party, any party may request a setting for a trial on the merits or, where applicable, a ===== PAGE 14 ===== F:\judge\miscellaneous\localrules pretrial hearing, by (i) filing with the Court a motion requesting a hearing, and an order setting the hearing, accompanied by a certificate of service to opposing counsel;

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNING

Applies to
Hearing setting request

Counsel must attempt to coordinate the proposed setting with opposing counsel before requesting it.

Prior to requesting a setting, counsel shall attempt to coordinate a setting with opposing counsel.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNING

Applies to
Hearing setting request

A party may alternatively request a hearing setting orally, confirm the request by letter to the court, and serve a copy on opposing counsel under Rule 21.

or (ii) orally requesting the Court to schedule the hearing and confirming the request for setting by letter addressed to the Court, a copy of which shall be served on opposing counsel in accordance with Rule 21 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Witness exhibit list

The subject line of the email should say: Court Proceeding Exhibits of (Plaintiff/Petitioner/State or Defendant/Respondent) – Cause No. ____.

The subject line of the email should say: Court Proceeding Exhibits of (Plaintiff/Petitioner/State or Defendant/Respondent) – Cause No. ____.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Order for virtual appearance

Virtual appearances are discretionary, such that unless an order is signed granting, the party should anticipate the in-person presence is necessary.

Virtual appearances are discretionary, such that unless an order is signed granting, the party should anticipate the in-person presence is necessary.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Notice of meeting

The notice requesting a child meeting should include relevant scheduling conflicts such as school, therapy, or appointment conflicts.

When filing, please include relevant information like school, therapy, or appointment conflicts.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Notice of meeting

Please file a notice requesting the meeting so that the court coordinator can arrange.

Please file a notice requesting the meeting so that the court coordinator can arrange.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNING

Applies to
Hearing setting request

Every request for a hearing setting must include an estimate of the court time required.

All requests for a setting shall include an estimate of the amount of court time required for the hearing.

Court-level rulesOfficial source

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to
Withholding redaction hearing

On the defendant's request, the court must hold a hearing to determine whether discovery withholding or redaction is justified.

On request of the Defendant, the Court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether withholding or redaction is justified under Article 39.14 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure or other law.

Judge Mike Smith

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to
Expert witness list

A copy of the State's subpoena application satisfies the expert-witness-list requirement if it includes the witness's name and address.

A copy of the State's subpoena application is sufficient for this purpose provided that it includes both the name and the address of the expert witness.

Judge Mike Smith
Common questions about Brown County District Court document filing requirements

What must be included with earnings records filings in Brown County District Court?

Each party must furnish payroll records, pay stubs, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms showing earnings for the specified periods upon request.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 20, section e. Documents Required

What must be included with witness exhibit list filings in Brown County District Court?

Witness and exhibit lists must be filed with the Court and are used to determine time allotments for the hearing.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 3, section Submission of Witnesses/Evidence and Notice Thereof

1 more rule answers this question.

What must be included with financial institution statements filings in Brown County District Court?

Each party must furnish copies of financial statements filed with any financial institution during the two years before the hearing upon request.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 20, section e. Documents Required

What must be included with indigent defense expenditure report filings in Brown County District Court?

The report must include all listed indigent-defense expenses incurred from October 1 through September 30, and administrative expenses may be claimed only when directly related to indigent-defense processes or procedures.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 1, section State Reporting and Mandatory Reporting

What must be included with advisement filings in Brown County District Court?

The court advisement must include information establishing voluntary consent and describing the condition, expected benefits, consequences of refusing medication, side effects and risks, available alternatives, and the proposed treatment rationale.

What must be included with inventory and appraisement filings in Brown County District Court?

In contested cases involving the character, value, or division of property or debts, each party must file a sworn inventory and appraisement at least 30 days before trial.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 20, section RULE 4.2 INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT — a. Inventory and Appraisement Required