Travis County District Courts Chambers Communication Rules
135 rules from official source documents
Rules for contacting chambers: permitted methods, hours, and purposes.
CRITICAL
Before requesting a setting in a case assigned under Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, the moving party must confer with the judge’s staff about availability; for visiting judges, the District Judges’ Office serves as staff.
Before requesting the setting from the Court Administrator of a case assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, the moving party must confer with the judge's staff to determine the judge's availability. For visiting judges, the District Judges' Office serves as the judge's staff.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage.
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Attorneys must notify the affected judges of all multiple settings as soon as they learn of them.
It is the duty of the attorney to call the affected judges’ attention to all multiple settings as soon as they are known by the attorney.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Copy all counsel of record and self-represented parties on the submission email.
All counsel of record and self-represented parties shall be copied.
CRITICAL
The filing party must directly notify the trial judge when filing any of the listed post-trial pleadings.
Notice must be given directly to the trial judge when a party files one or more of the following post-trial pleadings: (a) Request for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 296); (b) Notice of Past Due Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 296); (c) Any affidavit of indigence filed in connection with an appeal (TEX. R. APP. PROC. 20.1); (d) Motion for New Trial, or Motion to Modify, Correct, or Reform Judgment; (e) Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict; or (f) Motions to Enter Judgment.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
Non-jury settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week prior to the hearing.
Non-jury settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties the week prior to the hearing.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Submissions go to the assigned judge's Court if one is designated, otherwise to the Court where the case is filed, using the format courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge's Court All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is flied (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: "courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov"; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx,KoV,
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
When a party is incarcerated, the party seeking a hearing setting must contact the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed hearing date, unless the court grants leave for good cause.
In all cases in which a party is incarcerated, the party wishing to set a hearing must communicate with the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed date for hearing, except with leave of court with good cause shown.
CRITICAL
For a case assigned to a specific judge under Chapters 2 or 10, submit the motion and proposed order to that judge’s Court.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge's Court
CRITICAL
- Contact
Objections to a Visiting Judge assignment are timely only if delivered in writing or by email to the Court Administrator before the case is called for hearing, and must not be filed with the District Clerk.
An objection to the assignment ofa Visiting Judge to hear any case will be timely if the objection is delivered in writing or by email to the Court Administrator before the case is called for hearing. Objections must not be filed with the District Clerk.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Bond and other release matters must be presented to the judge of the court where the case is pending.
All matters involving the release of an accused on bond; bond conditions; bond reduction; bond forfeiture, and, any matter involving the bond or any other form of release, must be presented to the Judge of the Court in which the case has been designated, filed, probated, sentenced, or is otherwise pending.
CRITICAL
A written request explaining the unusual characteristics must be filed and submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by delivery, mail, or email.
The written request, explaining the unusual characteristics, must be filed and also submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by: (a) Delivering the notice to the attention of the Local Administrative Judge at the Office of the District Judges at the Civil and Family Courts Facility; (b) Mailing the notice to the Local Administrative Judge at P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748; or (c) Emailing the notice to: Loca lAdministradve!udg:e@trayiscountytx.gov.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Submissions go to the assigned judge's court, or otherwise to the court where the case is filed, by email in the format courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge’s Court. All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is filed (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: “courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov”; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Emergency or time-sensitive matters must not be sent through the submission-email process and must instead be presented under the remaining procedures of Chapter 7.
Matters requiring emergency relief, urgent attention, quick approval, or approval by a definite date must not be forwarded for submission but must be presented pursuant to the remainder of this chapter.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Jury trial settings on the Central Docket must be announced during the week that is three weeks before the jury trial setting.
Jury trial settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week that is three weeks before the jury trial setting.
CRITICALCriminal cases
If the defendant’s presence is requested, the attorney must notify the coordinator by 2:00 p.m. on the day before the Court setting.
If the defendant’s presence is requested, the attorney must notify the coordinator by 2:00 p.m. on the day prior to the Court setting.
CRITICAL
- Contact
A submitted matter cannot be docketed or set for hearing until the Court is advised of the withdrawal by email with 'WITHDRAWAL' in the subject line.
No submitted matter may be taken to any docket or set for hearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn by email to the Court with “WITHDRAWAL” in the subject line.
CRITICALCriminal cases
If no agreement is reached, the revocation hearing must be set with the judicial aide or the Court, pending the final outcome of the revocation or adjudication motion.
If no agreement is reached, the revocation hearing must then be set with the judicial aide or the Court, pending final outcome of the revocation or adjudication motion.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Copy all counsel of record and self-represented parties on the submission email.
All counsel of record and self-represented parties shall be copied.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Emergency or time-sensitive matters must not be sent through the uncontested submission process and must instead be presented under the chapter's emergency procedures.
Matters requiring emergency relief, urgent attention, quick approval, or approval by a definite date must not be forwarded for submission but must be presented pursuant to the remainder of this chapter.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Email notice of post-trial pleadings must be sent to the trial court's submission email address with 'Request for Post Trial Hearing' in the subject line.
Email to the trial court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage, with "Request for Post Trial Hearing" in the subject line of the email.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Announcements are accepted only during the window from Monday at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Announcements will be taken beginning Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ending Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
CRITICAL
For a case assigned to a specific judge under Chapters 2 or 10, submit the motion and proposed order to that judge’s Court.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge’s Court.
CRITICAL
Applicants seeking to present ex parte relief or another emergency matter to the Duty Judge must schedule an appointment by contacting court staff directly, subject to the Local Rule 23.2 exception.
For requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter to be presented to the Duty Judge, the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting the court staff directly, unless the request meets the exception stated in Local Rule 23.2.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Submit a file-stamped motion and proposed order to the appropriate Court by email requesting approval, with “SUBMISSION,” the cause number, and the case style in the subject line.
A file-stamped copy of the motion (along with a proposed order) shall be submitted to the appropriate Court attached to an email requesting approval on submission, with the following subject line: “SUBMISSION”, cause number, and style of the case.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Counsel seeking to avoid settings during vacation or continuing education must notify the Court coordinator in writing at least 45 days before the vacation period begins.
Counsel wishing to avoid assignment to trial or other court setting during a vacation or continuing education period shall advise the Court by notifying the Court coordinator in writing at least 45 days prior to the beginning of the vacation period.
CRITICALCriminal cases
For languages other than Spanish and for deaf interpreter services, the attorney must contact the coordinator on the setting date before the requested service date to arrange service with court administration.
For languages other than Spanish, and for deaf interpreter services, the attorney shall contact the coordinator on the setting date prior to the requested date in order to arrange interpreter service with court administration.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
Jury trial settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week that is three weeks before the jury trial setting.
Jury trial settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week that is three weeks before the jury trial setting.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Email notice of post-trial pleadings must be sent to the trial court's submission email address (found on each court's webpage) with "Request for Post Trial Hearing" in the subject line.
(c) Email to the trial court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage, with "Request for Post Trial Hearing" in the subject line of the email.
CRITICAL
Emergency, urgent, quick-approval, or date-specific matters must not use the ordinary submission procedure and must be presented under the remainder of the chapter.
Matters requiring emergency relief, urgent attention, quick approval, or approval by a definite date must not be forwarded for submission but must be presented pursuant to the remainder of this chapter.
CRITICAL
- Contact
For other cases, email motions and proposed orders to the Court where the case is filed using the court-number submission email format.
All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is filed (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: “courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov”; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Emergency requests, other than requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be emailed to the Duty Judge’s submission email address.
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court’s submission email address, which may be found on each court’s webpage.
CRITICALCriminal cases
When addressing the Court about a bond, counsel must disclose prior bond requests, refusals, decisions about bond conditions, and the circumstances of previous requests to other courts.
In all situations, when approaching the Court regarding a bond, Counsel must divulge any other requests made of other Criminal District Court Judges, and any refusals made in the granting or denial of bond by those Courts. Counsel must also divulge any prior decisions regarding bond conditions and previous requests made regarding such conditions to other Courts as well as the circumstances under which such requests were made.
CRITICAL
Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting court staff directly, except as provided in Local Rule 23.2.
For requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter to be presented to the Duty Judge, the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting the court staff directly, unless the request meets the exception stated in Local Rule 23.2.
CRITICAL
The filing party must notify the trial judge by delivering or mailing a copy of the pleading, or emailing the court’s submission address with the specified subject line.
Notice must be given to the trial judge by the party filing the pleading by: (a) Delivery of a copy of the pleading to the attention of the trial judge at the Office of the District Judges at the Civil and Family Courts Facility; (b) Mail addressed to the trial judge at P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748; or (c) Email to the trial court’s submission email address, which may be found on each court’s webpage, with “Request for Post Trial Hearing” in the subject line of the email.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Submit a file-stamped motion and proposed order to the appropriate Court by email requesting approval, using the specified subject line.
A file-stamped copy of the motion (along with a proposed order) shall be submitted to the appropriate Court attached to an email requesting approval on submission, with the following subject line: "SUBMISSION", cause number, and style of the case.
CRITICAL
The Department of Family & Protective Services must present ex parte requests to the CPS Docket judge or designee as and when that judge directs.
Requests for ex parte relief by the Department of Family & Protective Services must be presented to the judge hearing the CPS Docket, or that judge's designee, in the manner and at the times that judge directs.
CRITICAL
Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting court staff directly before presenting any ex parte or emergency request, unless Local Rule 23.2 applies.
For requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter to be presented to the Duty Judge, the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting the court staff directly, unless the request meets the exception stated in Local Rule 23.2.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Attorneys must arrange foreign-language and deaf interpreter requests through the respective court’s coordinator or judicial aide.
The attorney shall make all arrangements for foreign language and deaf interpreter requests through the respective Court’s coordinator/judicial aide.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Non-jury settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week prior to the hearing.
Non-jury settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties the week prior to the hearing.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Before taking a submitted matter to Uncontested Docket or setting it for hearing, notify the Court by email that the submission is withdrawn, using “WITHDRAWAL” in the subject line.
No submitted matter may be taken to Uncontested Docket or set for bearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn, by email to the Court with "WITHDRAWAL" in the subject line.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Counsel must notify the court coordinator on the day of the jury docket call if the jail is to provide indigent clothing.
that the jail provide indigent clothing, counsel must notify the court coordinator on the day of the jury docket call.
CRITICAL
Agreed and other uncontested orders for the Duty Judge’s signature must be presented only during the uncontested docket times posted on the court website.
All agreed orders or other uncontested orders submitted to the Duty Judge for signature must be presented to the Duty Judge only at the times specified on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website for the uncontested docket.
CRITICAL
A Duty Judge hears ex parte relief requests and other emergency matters by appointment only in cases filed with the District Clerk; the Court will not consider an unfiled motion.
A Duty Judge will be available by appointment to hear requests for ex pa rte relief and other emergency matters in cases on file with the District Clerk. The Court will not consider any motion in a case that has not been filed with the District Clerk.
CRITICAL
Counsel must notify the Court Administrator when all counsel agree to pass an announced setting.
Counsel must notify the Court Administrator of an agreement to pass a setting.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to duty judge
Emergency and ex parte requests, except those by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be emailed to the Duty Judge using the court’s submission email address.
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage.
CRITICAL
The Department of Family & Protective Services must present ex parte requests to the CPS Docket judge or designee as directed regarding manner and timing.
Requests for ex parte relief by the Department of Family & Protective Services must be presented to the judge hearing the CPS Docket, or that judge's designee, in the manner and at the times that judge directs.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Objections to a Visiting Judge assignment must be delivered in writing or by email to the Court Administrator (not filed with the District Clerk) before the case is called for hearing.
An objection to the assignment of a Visiting Judge to hear any case will be timely if the objection is delivered in writing or by email to the Court Administrator before the case is called for hearing. Objections must not be filed with the District Clerk.
CRITICALCriminal cases
For Spanish-language hearings requiring an interpreter, other than pleas or sentencing, the attorney must request the interpreter when the hearing is set and before the hearing date.
In Spanish language cases that are set for any type of hearing, other than plea or sentencing, where an interpreter is needed, the attorney is required to make a request for an interpreter on the setting prior to the actual hearing date.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to duty judge
Ex parte and emergency requests must be emailed to the Duty Judge's submission email address, except DFPS requests, which must be presented to the CPS Docket judge (or designee) and may go to the Duty Judge only if that judge is unavailable.
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage. Requests for ex parte relief by the Department of Family & Protective Services must be presented to the judge hearing the CPS Docket, or that judge's designee, in the manner and at the times that judge directs. Only when the judge hearing the CPS Docket is unavailable to hear or designate a judge to hear an urgent matter may the Department seek ex parte relief from the Duty Judge.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Submit other motions and proposed orders by email to the Court shown in the case style, using the specified court-number submission address format.
All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is flied (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: "courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov"; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx,KoV,
CRITICALCriminal cases
When the accused is incarcerated, the defense must inform the Judicial Aide or Court Coordinator whether the defendant’s presence is necessary for any requested setting.
In all cases in which the accused in incarcerated, the defense must inform The Judicial Aide/Court Coordinator as to whether or not the presence of the defendant is necessary any setting requested.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Withdrawal of a submission requires email to the Court with 'WITHDRAWAL' in the subject line before the matter may go to Uncontested Docket or be set for hearing.
No submitted matter may be taken to Uncontested Docket or set for bearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn, by email to the Court with "WITHDRAWAL" in the subject line.
CRITICAL
In cases involving an incarcerated party, a party seeking a hearing setting must contact the Court Administrator at least 30 days beforehand unless the court grants leave for good cause.
In all cases in which a party is incarcerated, the party wishing to set a hearing must communicate with the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed date for hearing, except with leave of court with good cause shown.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Include all necessary evidence in the submission email.
All necessary evidence must be included in the same email.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Before taking a submitted matter to a docket or setting it for hearing, notify the Court by email that the submission is withdrawn and include “WITHDRAWAL” in the subject line.
No submitted matter may be taken to any docket or set for hearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn by email to the Court with “WITHDRAWAL” in the subject line.
CRITICALCriminal cases
When civilian clothes are needed, the attorney must notify the bailiff and coordinator at least 24 hours before the appearance date.
In instances where civilian clothes are necessary, the attorney must notify the bailiff and coordinator of that need for clothing at least 24 hours prior to the appearance date.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
Announcements are only taken between Monday at 8:00 a.m. and Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Announcements will be taken beginning Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ending Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
CRITICALCriminal cases
For bond matters involving violent crime, sexual offenses, or another alleged victim, counsel must notify the District Attorney’s office of the presentation date and time.
In situations that involve violent crime, sexual offenses, and any other matters involving an alleged victim, counsel for the accused must notify the District Attorney’s office of the date and time in which the bond request or matter is to be presented to the Court.
CRITICALCriminal cases
Attorneys must contact the coordinator or judicial aide when interpreter services are needed for scheduled jail visits or court appearances.
The attorney shall also contact the coordinator/judicial aide when such services are needed for scheduled jail visits and or court appearances.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A party filing a Notice of Withdrawal must email the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov with a file-stamped copy of the notice attached.
A party who files a Notice of Withdrawal must notify the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov and attach a file-stamped copy of the Notice of Withdrawal.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A party filing a Notice of Withdrawal must email the Court and attach a file-stamped copy of the notice.
A party who files a Notice of Withdrawal must notify the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov and attach a file-stamped copy of the Notice of Withdrawal.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The movant and nonmovant must send the draft proposed order by email to the Court.
Both the movant and nonmovant must send a draft proposed order in Word and PDF formats to 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A party seeking an extension to respond to a summary judgment motion must notify the Court by email.
If a responding party seeks an extension of time to respond to a motion for summary judgment, the responding party must file a motion requesting the relief sought and notify the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A responding party seeking an extension of time to respond to an MSJ must notify the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
If a responding party seeks an extension of time to respond to a motion for summary judgment, the responding party must file a motion requesting the relief sought and notify the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force
- Contact
No submitted matter may be taken to ~~Uncontested~~ Dany docket or set for hearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn, by email to the Court with "WITHDRAWAL" in the subject line.
No submitted matter may be taken to ~~Uncontested~~ Dany docket or set for hearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn, by email to the Court with "WITHDRAWAL" in the subject line.
CRITICAL
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All communications regarding a hearing set in this Court should be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima by email to Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov with the following reference: “HEARING;” cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested. Any questions about a scheduled hearing, these procedures, or information requested herein also should be directed to this email address, with this reference.
All communications regarding a hearing set in this Court should be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima by email to Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov with the following reference: “HEARING;” cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested. Any questions about a scheduled hearing, these procedures, or information requested herein also should be directed to this email address, with this reference.
CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force
- Contact
For all other motions and proposed orders, email the Court where the case is filed using the specified court-number submission address format.
All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is filed (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: "courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov"; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
CRITICALCivil cases
Court staff must not be contacted to set hearings or trials or to make docket announcements for Central Docket matters; the Local Rules govern those procedures.
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials, or to make docket announcements for matters on the Central Docket. See the Local Rules for instructions on setting hearings and trials and handling announcements on the Central Docket.
CRITICAL
- Contact
Only counsel, parties (and their spouses if they are individuals, or one representative of each organizational party), and witnesses should be provided the Zoom link and password and permitted to attend the Zoom hearing. Any person who receives the links and passwords is prohibited from disseminating them to anyone other than those listed here without express prior approval of the Court. Others may be given the link to the Court’s YouTube channel to view the livestream of the proceedings.
Only counsel, parties (and their spouses if they are individuals, or one representative of each organizational party), and witnesses should be provided the Zoom link and password and permitted to attend the Zoom hearing. Any person who receives the links and passwords is prohibited from disseminating them to anyone other than those listed here without express prior approval of the Court. Others may be given the link to the Court’s YouTube channel to view the livestream of the proceedings.
CRITICAL
Hearing and trial settings and announcements must be made with the Court Administrator for the Civil District Courts, not with a particular judge's staff, except in Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases.
Except in 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases (and a very few other situa�ons, including those in Local Rule 1.5), se�ngs and announcements must be made with the Court Administrator for the Civil District Courts, and not with a par�cular judge’s staff.
CRITICALCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force
- Contact
Submit a file-stamped motion and proposed order to the appropriate Court by email, with the specified subject line information.
A file-stamped copy of the motion (along with a proposed order) shall be submitted to the appropriate Court attached to an email requesting approval on submission, with the following subject line: "SUBMISSION", cause number, and style of the case.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Contact
Court staff may not be contacted to set hearings or trials or to make docket announcements for Central Docket matters; the Local Rules govern those procedures.
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials, or to make docket announcements for matters on the Central Docket. See the Local Rules for instructions on setting hearings and trials and handling announcements on the Central Docket.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A document intended for delivery to a judge by email should be sent to the judge’s submission email address or staff, not directly to the judge.
To deliver a document to the judge by email, it should be emailed to the judge’s submission email address or the judge’s staff, not to the judge directly.
WARNINGCriminal cases
When the court will be out for an extended period, counsel should consult its judicial aide or court coordinator for directions about presenting assigned bond matters.
In situations in which the Court is to be out for an extended period of time, Counsel should consult with the judicial aide/court coordinator of that Court for any specific directions given regarding the presentation of bonds assigned to that Court.
WARNING
The Department may seek ex parte relief from the Duty Judge only if the CPS Docket judge cannot hear or designate a judge for the urgent matter.
Only when the judge hearing the CPS Docket is unavailable to hear or designate a judge to hear an urgent matter may the Department seek ex pa rte relief from the Duty Judge.
WARNING
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
All matters on the Central Docket, including in-order and preferential settings, must be announced by the parties as required by Chapter 3.
All matters, including in-order and preferential settings, on the Central Docket must be set pursuant to Chapter 2 of these rules, and announced by the parties pursuant to this Chapter.
WARNING
Questions about case assignments or the location of hearings or trials in non-specially-assigned cases must be directed to the Court Administrator, not to a particular court.
Questions about case assignments or location of hearings or trials in cases not specially assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2 must be directed to the Court Administrator, not a particular court.
WARNING
Jury and non-jury Central Docket matters may be set by written request through Civil Calendaring Online or by oral request, and requests are docketed in the order received.
All jury and non-jury matters on the Central Docket will be set by the Court Administrator upon written request through Civil Calendaring Online on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website or upon oral request of any party, and will be placed on the docket for each week, day, or half-day in the order in which such requests are received.
WARNING
If email is unavailable, submission may be made by letter.
In the rare case in which email is not available, submission may be made by letter.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
To deliver a document to the judge by email, it should be emailed to the judge's submission email address or the judge's staff, not to the judge directly.
To deliver a document to the judge by email, it should be emailed to the judge's submission email address or the judge's staff, not to the judge directly.
WARNINGCriminal cases
To resolve a conflicting setting, the Court may require documentation or communication with the other court or courts.
The Court may require documentation or communication with the other Court(s) to resolve the conflict.
WARNING
- Contact
(iii) Emailing the notice to: Lo ca lAdmini stra tiveludg:e@travi sco untytx.gov.
(iii) Emailing the notice to: Lo ca lAdmini stra tiveludg:e@travi sco untytx.gov.
WARNING
Questions about case assignments or the location of hearings or trials (in cases not specially assigned) must be directed to the Court Administrator, not to a particular court.
Questions about case assignments or location of hearings or trials in cases not specially assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2 must be directed to the Court Administrator, not a particular court.
WARNINGCriminal cases
A contested-hearing preferential setting requires Court permission and must be requested with all parties present at the setting; the Court expects it to proceed on the approved date unless the Court changes it beforehand.
Preferential settings are hearings to be heard before all other settings on that docket. Preferential settings are subject to the permission of the Court, and specified by the Court in which the case is to be heard. A request for a preferential setting of any contested hearing must be made to the Court with all parties present at the time of the setting. The expectation of the Court is that the preferential setting will be heard on the date approved by the Court unless changed by the Court PRIOR to that date.
WARNING
A case setting must be made with the Court Administrator's office even if a judge signs the order.
Even if a judge signs such an order, the setting must be made with the Court Administrator's office.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Excessively emailing chambers (e.g., to chase a pending hearing request) will likely cause the Court to deprioritize the party's case.
If a party submits a request for a hearing but does not hear back from the Court, that is an indication that the Court is backlogged and has prioritized other urgent matters. Excessively emailing or calling chambers will likely cause the Court to deprioritize one's case.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Excessive emails or calls to chambers may cause the Court to deprioritize the case.
Excessively emailing or calling chambers will likely cause the Court to deprioritize one’s case.
WARNING
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- 512-854-2484
Non-jury and jury trial settings for 2027 must be set on the central docket by contacting the Court Administrator’s Office.
NON-JURY SETTINGS OR JURY TRIAL SETTINGS FOR 2027 NEED TO BE SET ON THE CENTRAL DOCKET BY CONTACTING THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AT 512-854-2484.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If the parties require a different hearing date, please email the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
If the parties require a different hearing date, please email the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties requiring a different MSJ hearing date must email the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
If the parties require a different hearing date, please email the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
WARNINGCivil cases
Emergency matters (other than specially assigned cases) must be directed to the designated Duty Judge through the Duty Judge's staff, who is listed on the Travis County civil district dockets page.
The designated Duty Judge handles all emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases), and should be contacted through their staff. The Duty Judge is listed at www.traviscountytx.gov/courts/files/dockets/civil-district.
WARNINGCivil cases
Do not contact Court staff to set Central Docket hearings or trials or to make Central Docket announcements.
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials, or to make docket announcements for matters on the Central Docket. See the Local Rules for instructions on setting hearings and trials and handling announcements on the Central Docket.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Court staff must not be copied on emails disputing the form of orders; counsel should instead forward a redlined order with comments about the disagreement.
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must notify the Court if they, a litigant, or a witness lack access to a computer, tablet, smartphone, or reliable internet; “Zoom rooms” at the courthouse may be arranged for their use.
If you, a litigant, or a witness do not have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, or do not have reliable internet service, notify the Court. There are “Zoom rooms” available at the courthouse, and arrangements may be made for their use by those who do not have access to Zoom otherwise.
WARNING
Except in Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases, emergencies should be directed to the week's Duty Judge, whose contact information is posted with the weekly docket.
Emergencies in all cases, except in 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases, should be directed to the week’s Duty Judge, whose informa�on will be posted with the weekly docket, linked below.
WARNINGCivil cases
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about an order’s form; forward the redlined order and comments instead.
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
WARNINGCivil cases
For emergency matters other than specially assigned cases, contact the designated Duty Judge through the judge’s staff.
The designated Duty Judge handles all emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases), and should be contacted through their staff. The Duty Judge is listed at www.traviscountytx.gov/courts/files/dockets/civil-district.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must notify the Court if they request a record of the proceeding; if no record is requested, no court reporter will be present.
Notify the Court if you request a record of the proceeding. If no record is requested, then a Court Reporter will not be present for the hearing.
WARNINGCivil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email documents to a judge’s submission address or staff, not directly to the judge.
To deliver a document to the judge by email, it should be emailed to the judge's submission email address or the judge's staff, not to the judge directly.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Hearing-related communications should be emailed to the Judicial Executive Assistant with the specified reference information, copying all counsel of record and self-represented parties.
All communications regarding a hearing set in this Court should be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima by email to Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov with the following reference: “HEARING;” cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested. All counsel of record and self-represented parties must be copied on correspondence with the Court.
WARNING
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If counsel or a self-represented litigant seeks to limit public access to a hearing or portion(s) of a hearing, the request should be made to the Court as soon as possible, stating the reasons for the request, and if the Court finds that the evidence or subject matter is of such a nature that the protection of the evidence overcomes the presumption of public presentation, the livestream will not be activated or will be interrupted or terminated.
If counsel or a self-represented litigant seeks to limit public access to a hearing or portion(s) of a hearing, the request should be made to the Court as soon as possible, stating the reasons for the request, and if the Court finds that the evidence or subject matter is of such a nature that the protection of the evidence overcomes the presumption of public presentation, the livestream will not be activated or will be interrupted or terminated.
WARNING
- Contact
Orders should be sent to the specified email address.
Send ORDERS to: 455.submission@traviscountytx.gov
WARNINGCivil cases
Emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases) go to the designated Duty Judge, who is contacted through their staff and listed on the county website.
The designated Duty Judge handles all emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases) and should be contacted through their staff. The Duty Judge is listed at www.traviscountytx.gov/courts/files/dockets/civil-district.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If counsel cannot agree on the form of the order within a week, a redlined version of the order, with comments about the basis of the disagreement, should be forwarded by email to the Briefing Attorney within a week, unless the Court has specified a different deadline.
If counsel cannot agree on the form of the order within a week, a redlined version of the order, with comments about the basis of the disagreement, should be forwarded by email to the Briefing Attorney within a week, unless the Court has specified a different deadline.
WARNINGCivil cases
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about an order’s form; instead, forward a redlined order with comments explaining the disagreement.
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If counsel cannot agree on the form of the order within a week, a redlined version of the order, with comments about the basis of the disagreement, should be forwarded by email to the Briefing Attorney within a week, unless the Court has specified a different deadline.
If counsel cannot agree on the form of the order within a week, a redlined version of the order, with comments about the basis of the disagreement, should be forwarded by email to the Briefing Attorney within a week, unless the Court has specified a different deadline.
WARNINGCivil cases
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials or make docket announcements for Central Docket matters; follow the Local Rules instead.
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials, or to make docket announcements for matters on the Central Docket. See the Local Rules for instructions on setting hearings and trials and handling announcements on the Central Docket.
WARNINGCivil cases
Emergency matters for the Civil District Courts, except specially assigned cases, should be directed to the designated Duty Judge through the Judge’s staff.
The designated Duty Judge handles all emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases) and should be contacted through their staff.
INFO
Parties may jointly request assignment to one judge when unusual case characteristics make that assignment particularly suitable.
If a party or parties believe that a case, or part of a case, has unusual characteristics that make it particularly suitable for assignment to one judge, the party or parties jointly may request the Local Administrative Judge to assign the case to one judge.
INFO
- Contact
Announcements may be made through Civil Calendaring Online, by email to TC.CivilDistrictAnnounce@traviscountytx.gov, in person at the Office of the Court Administrator, or by telephone at (512) 854-2484.
Announcements may be made: (i) Through Civil Calendaring Online on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website; (ii) By email to TC.CivilDistrictAnnounce@traviscountytx.gov; (iii) In person at the Civil and Family Courts Facility at the Office of the Court Administrator; or (iv) By telephone at (512) 854-2484.
INFO
- Contact
Requests for assignment of a case to a particular judge may be submitted by email to LocalAdministrativeJudge@traviscountytx.gov.
(c) Emailing the notice to: LocalAdministrativeJudge@traviscountytx.gov.
INFOCriminal cases
Attorneys should observe ethics canons concerning media discussions of cases and improper ex parte communications with the Judge.
Attorneys should observe the letter and spirit of all canons of ethics, including those dealing with discussion of cases with representatives of the media and those concerning improper ex parte communications with the Judge.
INFO
A Duty Judge is available to sign orders and hear specified uncontested matters at the times and on the days posted on the court website.
At the times and days posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website, a Duty Judge will be available to sign orders and to hear uncontested divorces, uncontested name changes, agreed orders in pending cases, orders concerning service of citation, notices of hearing for temporary orders prior to answer day, orders to appear, friendly suits, and other such uncontested matters.
INFO
- Contact
Parties may submit a motion to be considered without a hearing in uncontested divorces, uncontested name changes, agreed orders in pending cases, orders concerning service of citation, notices of hearing for temporary orders prior to answer day, orders to appear, friendly suits, and other such uncontested matters, as outlined in the “Standing Order for Submission Procedures in Civil and Family Cases,” located on the Court Forms and Documents portion of the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website. Each court’s submission email address is listed on its webpage.
Parties may submit a motion to be considered without a hearing in uncontested divorces, uncontested name changes, agreed orders in pending cases, orders concerning service of citation, notices of hearing for temporary orders prior to answer day, orders to appear, friendly suits, and other such uncontested matters, as outlined in the “Standing Order for Submission Procedures in Civil and Family Cases,” located on the Court Forms and Documents portion of the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website. Each court’s submission email address is listed on its webpage.
INFOCriminal cases
If the court interpreter is not readily available, the coordinator will contact an alternate interpreter from the court-administration list.
If the court interpreter is not readily available, the coordinator will contact an alternate selection from the interpreter list provided by court administration.
INFO
- Contact
Parties may submit specified uncontested motions for consideration without a hearing under the referenced standing order, using the court’s submission email address listed on its webpage.
Parties may submit a motion to be considered without a hearing in uncontested divorces, uncontested name changes, agreed orders in pending cases, orders concerning service of citation, notices of hearing for temporary orders prior to answer day, orders to appear, friendly suits, and other such uncontested matters, as outlined in the "Standing Order for Submission Procedures in Civil and Family Cases," located on the Court Forms and Documents portion of the Travis County Civil District Courts' website. Each court's submission email address is listed on its webpage.
INFOCriminal cases
If the court has given no specific direction, counsel may present the bond request to another Criminal District Court judge unless the originating court prohibits it.
In the absence of any such direction, Counsel may present such request to another Criminal District Court Judge for consideration unless specifically prohibited from doing so by the originating Court.
INFOCriminal cases
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- 512-854-9669
Questions about jury impaneling or jury service may be directed to the jury office by phone at 512-854-9669.
Questions about the jury impaneling process and jury service may be addressed to the jury office at 512-854-9669.
INFO
- Contact
Parties may submit a motion to be considered without a hearing in uncontested divorces, uncontested name changes, agreed orders in pending cases, orders concerning service of citation, notices of hearing for temporary orders prior to answer day, orders to appear, friendly suits, and other such uncontested matters, as outlined in the "Standing Order for Submission Procedures in Civil and Family Cases," located on the Court Forms and Documents portion of the Travis County Civil District Courts' website. Each court's submission email address is listed on its webpage.
Parties may submit a motion to be considered without a hearing in uncontested divorces, uncontested name changes, agreed orders in pending cases, orders concerning service of citation, notices of hearing for temporary orders prior to answer day, orders to appear, friendly suits, and other such uncontested matters, as outlined in the "Standing Order for Submission Procedures in Civil and Family Cases," located on the Court Forms and Documents portion of the Travis County Civil District Courts' website. Each court's submission email address is listed on its webpage.
INFO
Parties may request assistance of the Civil Courts’ IT staff well in advance of the time of the court proceeding.
Parties may request assistance of the Civil Courts’ IT staff well in advance of the time of the court proceeding.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- Batool Fatima (JEA): 512.854.9712; Elliott Beck (Staff Attorney): 512.854.9892; Michelle Williamson (Court Reporter): 512.854.9373
Hearings/trials on specially assigned matters and follow-ups on matters heard in this Court may be scheduled or pursued by contacting the JEA (Batool Fatima), Staff Attorney (Elliott Beck), or Court Reporter (Michelle Williamson) by phone or email.
To set hearings or trials on matters specially assigned to this Court pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, or to follow up on a matter that was heard in this Court, you may contact: Batool Fatima, JEA: 512.854.9712, batool.fatima@traviscountytx.gov Elliott Beck, Staff Attorney: 512.854.9892, elliott.beck2@traviscountytx.gov Michelle Williamson, Ct Reporter: 512.854.9373; michelle.williamson@traviscountytx.gov
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Parties unsure of the Court's expectations or preferences may check with the JEA or Staff Attorney.
If in doubt about the Court's specific expectations or preferences, please feel free to check with the JEA or Staff Attorney.
INFO
Parties may request assistance from Civil Courts IT staff well in advance of the proceeding.
Parties may request assistance of the Civil Courts’ IT staff well in advance of the time of the court proceeding.
INFO
Parties may contact the assigned court's staff for assignment information only after the Court Administrator assigns the matter, which generally occurs at the end of the week before a hearing or about ten days before a jury trial.
Once the Court Administrator has assigned a mater to a par�cular judge for a hearing (generally at the end of the week prior to the hearing) or trial (approximately ten days before the jury trial), then you may contact that Court’s staff for informa�on about the par�cular assignment.
INFO
- Contact
- Phone
- 512-854-8324
Technical assistance with Box is available from Courts-Help by email or phone.
For Technical Assistance with BOX, please contact Courts-Help (courts-help@traviscountytx.gov) at 512-854-8324.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 512.854.9712
For specially assigned matters, contact the listed Court personnel to set hearings or trials or follow up on matters heard by the Court.
To set hearings or trials on matters specially assigned to this Court pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, or to follow up on a matter that was heard in this Court, you may contact: Batool Fatima, JEA: 512.854.9712, batool.fatima@traviscountytx.gov Elliott Beck, Staff Attorney: 512.854.9892, elliott.beck2@traviscountytx.gov Michelle Williamson, Ct Reporter: 512.854.9373; michelle.williamson@traviscountytx.gov
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
Please arrive early if you need assistance, so that Court staff can request assistance from the IT department for you.
Please arrive early if you need assistance, so that Court staff can request assistance from the IT department for you.
INFOCivil cases
- Phone
- 512-854-8324
For technical assistance with Box, contact Courts-Help by email or phone.
If you need technical assistance with Box, you may contact Courts-Help at courts-help@traviscountytx.gov or 512-854-8324.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
Technical assistance with Box is available from Courts-Help by email at courts-help@traviscountytx.gov.
If you need technical assistance with Box, you may contact Courts-Help at courts-help@traviscountytx.gov or 512-854-8324.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
When in doubt about the Court's specific expectations or preferences, counsel may check with the JEA or Briefing Attorney.
If in doubt about the Court's specific expectations or preferences, please feel free to check with the JEA or Briefing Attorney.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
For specially assigned matters, contact the listed court staff to set hearings or trials or follow up on a matter heard by the Court.
To set hearings or trials on matters specially assigned to this Court pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, or to follow up on a matter that was heard in this Court, you may contact: Shannon Matusek-Steele, JEA: shannon.matusek-steele@traviscountytx.gov Keri Ward, Briefing Attorney: keri.ward@traviscountytx.gov Alicia Dubois, Ct Reporter: alicia.dubois@traviscountytx.gov
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
To set hearings or trials on specially assigned matters or to follow up on a matter heard in this Court, counsel may email the JEA, Briefing Attorney, or Court Reporter.
To set hearings or trials on matters specially assigned to this Court pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, or to follow up on a matter that was heard in this Court, you may contact: Shannon Matusek-Steele, JEA: shannon.matusek-steele@traviscountytx.gov Keri Ward, Briefing Attorney: keri.ward@traviscountytx.gov Alicia Dubois, Ct Reporter: alicia.dubois@traviscountytx.gov
INFO
Case announcements may be made through Civil Calendaring Online, by email to TC.CivilDistrictAnnounce@traviscountytx.gov, in person at the Office of the Court Administrator, or by telephone.
Announcements may be made: (i) Through Civil Calendaring Online on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website; (ii) By email to TC.CivilDistrictAnnounce@traviscountytx.gov; (iii) In person at the Civil and Family Courts Facility at the Office of the Court Administrator; or (iv) By telephone at (512) 854-2484.
How may parties contact Travis County District Courts?
Travis County District Courts: Before requesting a setting in a case assigned under Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, the moving party must confer with the judge’s staff about availability; for visiting judges, the District Judges’ Office serves as staff.
Judge Cory Liu: The rule lists email 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov. A party filing a Notice of Withdrawal must email the Court at 250.submission@traviscountytx.gov with a file-stamped copy of the notice attached.
Judge Maya Guerra Gamble: Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
128 more rules answer this question.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.