Travis County District Courts Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission email

The submitting party must certify in the email body that it has complied with the Standing Order.

The submitting party must certify in the body of the email that it has compiled with the requirements of this Standing Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Every motion must include a certification about conferring on the setting, and every non-dispositive motion must also include one of two specified certifications about conferring on the relief sought.

To that end, every motion must include a certification that "counsel has conferred with (or made reasonable efforts to confer with) all parties about the date, time, and format of the setting", and every motion (other than dispositive motions) must also certify either: (a) "Counsel has conferred with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues raised."; or (b) "Counsel has made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion but has been unable to do so."

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial information form

In every termination suit, except those brought by CPS, and in all adoption suits, the petitioner must file a completed pretrial information form with the District Clerk and serve a copy on the Family Court Services Manager fourteen days before the final hearing.

In every termination suit, except those brought by CPS, and in all adoption suits, the petitioner must file a completed pretrial information form with the District Clerk and serve a copy on the Family Court Services Manager fourteen days before the final hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion for consideration without a hearing must first be filed with the District Clerk in a new or existing case; the Court will not consider an unfiled motion.

All motions submitted for consideration without a hearing pursuant to this Local Rule must be filed in a new or existing case with the District Clerk's office prior to being submitted to the Court. The Court will not consider any motion in a case that has not been filed with the District Clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed dismissal order cps case

Must include

proposed order

When the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the adoptive parent(s)' attorney must send a proposed CPS case dismissal order to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

If the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent(s) of the child must send a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues listing in separate brief complete sentences each requested trial decision not covered by the other specified proposed documents.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division, Proposed Support Decision, or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A motion to withdraw requires a hearing unless it complies with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 10 and is filed with written client consent, written consent of all appearing parties, a certificate of the client's last known address (address, phone, email, fax if available), and a certification that no court rulings remain unwritten.

A hearing is required for a motion to withdraw unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by the withdrawing attorney's client(s); (b) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (c) A certificate of last known address of the client(s), containing the client's address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A substitution motion requires a hearing unless it complies with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 10 and is filed with the specified consent and certificate of service.

A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (b) A certificate of service notifying withdrawing attorney of the motion to substitute;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A withdrawal motion requires a hearing unless it complies with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 10 and is filed with the specified consents, client contact-information certificate, and certification about unwritten rulings.

A hearing is required for a motion to withdraw unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by the withdrawing attorney’s client(s); (b) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (c) A certificate of last known address of the client(s), containing the client’s address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of chapter 10 case to local administrative judge

The Chapter 10 notice must list all parties, their attorneys of record with addresses, phone numbers, and emails, and for related agency-docket or rule-challenge cases, the style, cause number, and assignment status.

The notification must contain: (i) A list of all parties to the case; (ii) Their attorneys of record; (iii) The attorneys' addresses, telephone numbers, and electronic mail addresses, if applicable; and (iv) For any case arising from the same or related agency docket or challenging the same rules or rulemaking procedure: 1. the style and cause number, 2. whether it has been assigned, and 3. if so, to whom.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

A motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting it may be considered on submission, except for agreed judgments.

Except for the submission of an agreed judgment, a motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting the motion may be considered on submission.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

All motions except dispositive motions must also certify either that counsel conferred in good faith to resolve or narrow the issues, or that reasonable efforts to confer were made but unsuccessful.

every motion (other than dispositive motions) must also certify either: (a) “Counsel has conferred with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues raised.”; or (b) “Counsel has made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion but has been unable to do so.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Administrative appeal brief

Administrative appeal briefs must not include a statement regarding oral argument.

(i) do not include a statement regarding oral argument

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income documents

Unless income or net resources are agreed or stipulated, each party must furnish four preceding payroll statements/paystubs and the preceding year's income tax return (if filed) to the judge at the hearing (without filing them) and to the opposing party before the hearing.

Additionally, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish copies of the party's preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the party's preceding year's income tax return (if the tax return has been filed) to the judge (but not file) at the time of the hearing and to the opposing party prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Required pretrial form

Each party must deliver the required form to both the opposing party and the judge hearing the case.

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party and to the judge hearing the case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An ex parte application must fully advise the court of the circumstances, including any previous application for the same relief and whether the opposing party has counsel.

A party presenting any application for an ex parte order must fully advise the court of the circumstances, particularly as to whether there has been any previous application for the ... whether the opposing party has counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial forms

Before a final trial on the merits in any divorce or parent-child suit, each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings.

Before the final trial on the merits in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits), each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Setting request

Each setting request must estimate the total hearing time for all matters and participants.

Each request for a setting must include an estimate of the total time required for the entire hearing, on all matters, for all participants.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary restraining order or injunction request

TRO and temporary injunction requests must not repeat or address subject matter covered by the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek modification of that order.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Proposed or draft orders may not be filed as stand-alone documents and may only be filed as attachments to other pleadings.

Proposed or draft orders must not be filed with the clerk as stand-alone documents. Proposed or draft orders may be filed with the clerk only as attachments to other pleadings.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to substitute attorney

Paragraph (d) of a motion to substitute attorney must state that the substituting attorney has assumed responsibility for all uncompleted matters within the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance and must be signed by both the withdrawing and substituting attorneys.

paragraph (d) must state that the substituting attorney has assumed responsibility for all uncompleted matters within the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance, and it must be signed by both the withdrawing and the substituting attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Docket call announcement

All parties must include a statement of whether mediation has been completed in their docket call announcement for jury or non-jury long docket settings.

When making an announcement for either a jury setting or a non-jury long docket setting during the announcement period, all parties must include in their announcement of time a statement as to whether or not mediation has been completed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed property division spreadsheet

A Proposed Property Division spreadsheet must be provided to the court in editable electronic format at the beginning of trial.

If a spreadsheet is used in lieu of the Proposed Property Division form, then a copy of such spreadsheet must be provided to the court in an editable electronic format at the beginning of the trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial forms and amended pleadings

Before final trial on the merits in a divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship, each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings, with the detailed requirements continuing beyond this excerpt.

Before the final trial on the merits in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits), each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Administrative appeal brief

Administrative appeal briefs must conform to the Requisites of Briefs in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including the appellate limits on length (subject to the two exceptions stated in the same subsection).

Briefs must conform to the "Requisites of Briefs," in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including the limits on length, as they apply to an administrative appeal in the courts of appeal

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Agreed proposed orders must contain 'Agreed' in the title and be signed 'Agreed as to Form and Substance' by all counsel and self-represented parties.

If agreed, the proposed order shall contain "Agreed" in the title and be signed "Agreed as to Form and Substance" by all counsel and self­ represented parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission email

Must include

local rule certificate

The submitting party must include a certification in the email body that it has complied with this Standing Order.

The submitting party must certify in the body of the email that it has complied with the requirements of this Standing Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission email

The submitting party must certify in the email body that it complied with the Standing Order.

The submitting party must certify in the body of the email that it has complied with the requirements of this Standing Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for order to record broadcast or photograph

Must include

proposed order

When consent is sought, court-adopted forms must document consent; original signed party forms must accompany the filed request, and witness forms must be obtained as directed by the court.

If the recording, broadcasting, or photographing is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the court must be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses. Original signed consent forms of the parties must be attached to and filed with the request for order. Consent forms of the witnesses must be obtained in the manner directed by the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Administrative appeal brief

Administrative appeal briefs must include a glossary of technical terms, which is excluded from the brief length limit.

(ii) do include a glossary of technical terms, which is not counted in determining the limit on the length of the brief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Before seeking a hearing setting, parties must make reasonable efforts to confer, and every motion must include the specified setting-conference certification; non-dispositive motions must also include one of the specified issue-conference certifications.

Prior to setting a hearing, the parties must make reasonable efforts to actually speak to one another regarding the date, time, and format (i.e., whether in-person or remote) of a hearing or trial and the substance of the motion in a genuine effort to narrow their disputes before seeking court intervention. To that end, every motion must include a certification that “counsel has conferred with (or made reasonable efforts to confer with) all parties about the date, time, and format of the setting”, and every motion (other than dispositive motions) must also certify either: (a) “Counsel has conferred with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues raised.”; or (b) “Counsel has made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion but has been unable to do so.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Objection to associate judge

An objection to the assignment of an Associate Judge to hear a trial on the merits must be in writing.

A party may file an objection to the assignment of an Associate Judge to hear any trial on the merits. A trial on the merits is any trial in which a party seeks a final adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of appeals. The objection must be in writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to establish account

When spousal or child support is ordered, the receiving party must provide the Domestic Relations Office a 'Request to Establish an Account' containing the information that office requires.

At the time any spousal or child support is ordered, the party who is to receive the support must provide to the Domestic Relations Office a "Request to Establish an Account" containing the information required by that office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Administrative appeal briefs must follow the applicable appellate brief requisites and length limits, omit an oral-argument statement, and include a glossary of technical terms excluded from the length limit.

(d) Briefs must conform to the "Requisites of Briefs," in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including th~ limits on length, as they apply to an administrative appeal in the courts of appeal, except: (i) do not include a statement regarding oral argument; and (ii) do include a glossary of technical terms, which is not counted in determining the limit on the length of the brief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Recording request

Recording, broadcasting, or photographing in a courtroom requires a written court order, and the person seeking it must file a request with the District Clerk.

Recording, broadcasting, or photographing is permitted only on written order of the court. A person wishing to record, broadcast, or photograph any person, object, or proceeding in a physical or virtual courtroom must file with the District Clerk a request to do so in the particular proceeding.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Required pretrial form

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party before the case is called and to the judge at the hearing.

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party before the case is called for hearing, and to the judge at the time of the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Setting request

Jury trial setting requests must include announced time covering pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

For jury trials, the total announced time must include time for pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Required forms

Each party must file the required forms with the District Clerk and deliver a copy to the opposing party.

Each party must file the required forms with the District Clerk and deliver a copy to the opposing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Setting request

Each setting request must include the estimated total hearing time for all matters and participants.

Each request for a setting must include an estimate of the total time required for the entire hearing, on all matters, for all participants.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing temporary orders

Notices of Hearing for Temporary Orders requiring appearance after answer day do not need an accompanying order and must not be submitted to a judge for signature.

Notices of Hearing for Temporary Orders that require appearance after answer day do not require an order and must not be presented to a judge for signature.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

The stated exception includes filing the client's written consent to withdrawal.

(b) Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed dismissal order

Must include

proposed order

If the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the adoptive parents' attorney must send a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

If the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent( s) of the child must send a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues stating separately, in brief complete sentences, each trial decision sought that is not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues listing separately, in brief complete sentences, each requested trial decision not covered by the specified other proposed decisions or plan.

(v) Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division, Proposed Support Decision, or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Pre trial hearing

The Defense must file the necessary motions and subpoena all witnesses needed for the hearing, including law enforcement officers, unless the parties agree otherwise.

The Defense shall file the requisite motions and subpoena all witnesses, including law enforcement officers necessary for the hearing, unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial forms and amended pleadings

Before final trial, each party in a divorce or parent-child relationship suit must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings.

Before the final trial on the merits in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits), each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for withdrawal of minors funds

Must include

proposed order

Motions to withdraw a minor's court registry funds must be accompanied by a proposed order and a Summary of Minor's Bank Account from the District Clerk showing account status and any previous withdrawals.

When a request is to be made for withdrawal of funds maintained in the Registry of the Court for the benefit of a minor who has not yet reached legal age, the applicant must bring to the court, with the motion and proposed order, a Summary of Minor's Bank Account obtained from the District Clerk reflecting the status of the minor's account and indicating previous withdrawals, if any.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Media coverage

Media coverage requires a written court order.

Media coverage is permitted only on written order of the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Administrative appeal brief

Briefs must conform to the "Requisites of Briefs," in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including th~ limits on length, as they apply to an administrative appeal in the courts of appeal, except: (i) do not include a statement regarding oral argument; and

Briefs must conform to the "Requisites of Briefs," in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including th~ limits on length, as they apply to an administrative appeal in the courts of appeal, except: (i) do not include a statement regarding oral argument; and

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The petitioner must attach a copy of the standing order to the original petition and every copy of the petition.

The petitioner in a divorce case or SAPCR shall attach a copy of this Order to the original petition filed in the case and each copy of the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A withdrawal motion requires a hearing unless it complies with Rule 10 and is filed with the specified consents, address certificate, and certification.

A hearing is required for a motion to withdraw unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by the withdrawing attorney's client(s); (b) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (c) A certificate of last known address of the client(s), containing the client's address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for assignment to particular judge

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. The written request, explaining the unusual characteristics, must be filed and also submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by:

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. The written request, explaining the unusual characteristics, must be filed and also submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial pleading

When filing specified post-trial pleadings (requests/notices regarding findings of fact and conclusions of law, affidavits of indigence on appeal, motions for new trial or to modify judgment, JNOV motions, and motions to enter judgment), the party must give notice directly to the trial judge because the District Clerk does not forward filings.

Pleadings that are filed with the District Clerk are not forwarded by the District Clerk to the trial judge. 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

Applies to

Return of service

When a return is required, the authorized process server must state their age, lack of an interest in the suit, and written-order authorization number in the return.

When a return is required, a person authorized to serve process must state in his or her return that he or she is (a) Not less than eighteen years of age; (b) Not a party to or interested in the outcome of t~e suit; and (c) Authorized by written order to serve process, and the number of such blanket written order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Adoption

Must include

proposed order

For an adoption of a child formerly under CPS conservatorship, counsel must present a proposed CPS dismissal order at the adoption in Travis County or send it to the Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after an out-of-county adoption is granted.

Upon the adoption of a child who was under the conservatorship of CPS, if the adoption is in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent(s) of the child must present to the court handling the adoption a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case at the time of the adoption. If the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent(s) of the child must send a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate

For a substitution in a limited appearance, the paragraph (d) certificate must state the substituting attorney’s responsibility for uncompleted matters within the notice’s scope and be signed by both attorneys.

If an attorney is substituting in a limited appearance, the certificate required by paragraph (d) must state that the substituting attorney has assumed responsibility for all uncompleted matters within the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance, and it must be signed by both the withdrawing and the substituting attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

Contested matters may not be forwarded for submission unless the Court expressly authorizes it.

No contested matters shall be forwarded for submission unless expressly authorized by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary restraining order application

If the required advance notice is not provided, the application must state the reason for the failure.

(d) If notice is not provided pursuant to Subsection (c), a statement of the reason for any failure to provide notice.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Chapter 10 case notice

The Chapter 10 case notice must identify the parties and their attorneys and provide specified attorney contact and related-case assignment information.

The notification must contain: (i) A list of all parties to the case; (ii) Their attorneys of record; (iii) The attorneys' addresses, telephone numbers, and electronic mail addresses, if applicable; and (iv) For any case arising from the same or related agency docket or challenging the same rules or rulemaking procedure: 1. the style and cause number, 2. whether it has been assigned, and 3. if so, to whom.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Draft order

Must include

caption, case number

Each draft order must have a heading showing the cause number, the style of the case, and the court in which it is pending.

each such draft must have a heading showing the cause number, the style of the case, and the court in which it is pending.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Draft order

Must include

caption, case number

Draft orders must be on a separate page from pleadings/motions/certificates and must have a heading showing cause number, case style, and court.

A draft of an order must not be typed on the same page with a pleading, motion, certificate of service, or any part thereof, and each such draft must have a heading showing the cause number, the style of the case, and the court in which it is pending.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

Before presenting an order (including a Show Cause Order or TRO) that sets a hearing before the answer date, a tentative date must first be procured from the Court Administrator's Office and included in the order.

(a) A setting before answer date. Prior to presenting an order (including a Show Cause Order or Temporary Restraining Order) that contains a date for a hearing prior to the answer date, a tentative date must first be procured from the Court Administrator's Office and such tentative date must be included in the order prior to presentment to the court for consideration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Before seeking a setting, parties must confer about the date, time, and format of the hearing, and every motion must include a certification of that conferral.

Prior to setting a hearing, the parties must make reasonable efforts to actually speak to one another regarding the date, time, and format (i.e., whether in-person or remote) of a hearing or trial and the substance of the motion in a genuine effort to narrow their disputes before seeking court intervention. To that end, every motion must include a certification that “counsel has conferred with (or made reasonable efforts to confer with) all parties about the date, time, and format of the setting”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application to restrain agency action

If the required notice was not provided, a statement of the reason for the failure to provide notice must be included.

If notice is not provided pursuant to Subsection (c), a statement of the reason for any failure to provide notice.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission email

The submitting party must include a certification of compliance with the Standing Order in the body of the submission email.

The submitting party must certify in the body of the email that it has compiled with the requirements of this Standing Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income and net resources supporting documents

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party in a child-support or spousal-maintenance suit must furnish the specified materials to the court without filing them and to opposing parties at trial.

Additionally, in any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party’s income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish to the court (but not file), and to opposing parties, copies of the following at the time of trial:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues stating separately, in brief complete sentences, each requested trial decision not covered by the other specified forms.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Signed order or decree

After the support order or decree is signed, the receiving party must deliver a signed copy of it to the Domestic Relations Office.

After the order or decree is signed, that party must deliver to the Domestic Relations Office a signed copy of the order or decree.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Financial records

The required trial disclosures also include specified payroll and tax records for the trial calendar year from January 1 through trial.

All payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1 for the calendar year of the trial from January 1 through the date of the trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed dismissal order

Must include

proposed order

In Travis County adoptions of a child formerly under CPS conservatorship, the adoptive parents' attorney must present a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case to the adoption court at the time of the adoption.

Upon the adoption of a child who was under the conservatorship of CPS, if the adoption is in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent( s) of the child must present to the court handling the adoption a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case at the time of the adoption.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed support decision

In suits involving child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a fully completed and signed Proposed Support Decision using the court's posted form.

In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written jury waiver

If the defendant waives a jury at docket call, counsel and the defendant must sign a written waiver and present it at that setting.

If the defendant waives jury at the docket call, a written waiver, signed by counsel and defendant must be presented at that setting.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application

If the required advance notice is not provided, the applicant must state the reason for the failure.

(d) If notice is not provided pursuant to Subsection (c), a statement of the reason for any failure to provide notice.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to record broadcast or photograph

Must include

case number

Recording or broadcasting is permitted only on written court order, and a request stating the case style and number, proceeding date and time, requester name, type of recording, and equipment must be filed with the District Clerk.

Recording, broadcasting, or photographing is permitted only on written order of the court. A person wishing to record, broadcast, or photograph any person, object, or proceeding in a physical or virtual courtroom must file with the District Clerk a request to do so in the particular proceeding. The request must state: (i) The case style and number; (ii) The date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (iii) The name of the requesting individual or entity; (iv) The type of recording, broadcasting, or photographing; and (v) The type and extent of equipment to be used.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing or trial

Hearing and trial notices must not direct parties to the court number in the case style; they must identify the specially assigned court or otherwise direct parties to the facility and/or the court designated in the posted docket schedule.

Notices of hearings and trials provided by parties pursuantto Local Rule 2.4 must not direct the parties to the court listed in the case style (i.e., the number randomly assigned when the case was filed and listed at the top of each pleading). If a case is specially set in a particular court pursuant to Local Rules 2.6 or 10.2, that court must be listed in the notice. Otherwise, the notice of setting must direct the parties to appear at the Civil and Family Courts Facility and/ or before the court designated in the docket schedule posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website and in the Civil and Family Courts Facility prior to the time of the hearing or trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission email

Must include

caption, case number, proposed order

Submissions must be made by email attaching a file-stamped copy of the motion and proposed order, with a subject line containing 'SUBMISSION', the cause number, and the style of the case.

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

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

In qualifying child conservatorship or possession-and-access suits, each party must prepare and deliver either a completed and signed Proposed Parenting Plan, a jointly signed agreed plan, or a summary of requested relief in a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues; the posted form is acceptable and other forms may be acceptable.

(iv) In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting plan signed by both parties, or must summarize the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues. The form parenting plan posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A request to withdraw registry funds held for a minor must be accompanied by the motion, proposed order, and a District Clerk account summary showing the account status and any previous withdrawals.

When a request is to be made for withdrawal of funds maintained in the Registry of the Court for the benefit of a minor who has not yet reached legal age, the applicant must bring to the court, with the motion and proposed order, a Summary of Minor's Bank Account obtained from the District Clerk reflecting the status of the minor's account and indicating previous withdrawals, if any.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to record broadcast or photograph

Must include

case number

A request to record, broadcast, or photograph a courtroom proceeding must be filed with the District Clerk, state the specified information, and receive a written court order before coverage is permitted.

Recording, broadcasting, or photographing is permitted only on written order of the court. A person wishing to record, broadcast, or photograph any person, object, or proceeding in a physical or virtual courtroom must file with the District Clerk a request to do so in the particular proceeding. The request must state: (i) The case style and number; (ii) The date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (iii) The name of the requesting individual or entity; (iv) The type of recording, broadcasting, or photographing; and (v) The type and extent of equipment to be used.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of limited appearance

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a Notice of Limited Appearance stating the hearing covered and, if the appearance does not cover all issues, identifying the discrete issues covered; an attorney may file such a Notice for more than one hearing in a case.

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a Notice of Limited Appearance. The Notice must state the hearing to which the limited appearance pertains, and, if the appearance does not extend to all issues to be considered at the hearing, the Notice must identify the discrete issues covered by the appearance. An attorney may file a Notice of Limited Appearance for more than one hearing in a case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A withdrawal motion ordinarily requires a hearing after notice to the client and all other parties; the stated filing conditions provide an exception.

A motion to withdraw from representation or from a limited appearance must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and to all other parties unless the moving attorney: (a) Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties; (b) Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; (c) Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client; and (d) Files a certificate stating that he or she has completed all the tasks required by a Notice of Limited Appearance, if any, including obtaining a ruling and filing an order on any matter presented.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Media coverage request

A person seeking media coverage must file a request with the District Clerk stating the case details, proceeding date and time, requester, coverage type, and equipment details.

A person wishing to broadcast, televise, record or photograph a court proceeding must file with the District Clerk a request to cover the proceeding. The request must state: (A) the case style and number; (B) the date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (C) the name of the requesting person or organization; (D) the type of coverage requested (for example, televising, recording or photographing); and (E) the type and extent of equipment to be used.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial forms

Before any hearing on temporary or interim orders in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship, each party must prepare and deliver the specified pre-trial forms.

Before any hearing on temporary or interim orders in any divorce suit divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits) each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Notices of hearings and trials must not direct parties to the court in the case style; if specially set under Local Rules 2.6 or 10.2 the notice must list that court, otherwise it must direct parties to the Civil and Family Courts Facility and/or the court designated in the posted docket schedule.

Notices of hearings and trials provided by parties pursuant to Local Rule 2.4 must not direct the parties to the court listed in the case style (i.e., the number randomly assigned when the case was filed and listed at the top of each pleading). If a case is specially set in a particular court pursuant to Local Rules 2.6 or 10.2, that court must be listed in the notice. Otherwise, the notice of setting must direct the parties to appear at the Civil and Family Courts Facility and/or before the court designated in the docket schedule posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website and in the Civil and Family Courts Facility prior to the time of the hearing or trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

In suits involving conservatorship or possession of and access to a child, each party must deliver a signed Proposed Parenting Plan (individually or agreed), or summarize the requested relief in a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues.

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting plan signed by both parties, or must summarize the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues. The form parenting plan posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

If the proposed order is agreed, its title must include “Agreed” and all counsel and self-represented parties must sign it “Agreed as to Form and Substance.”

If agreed, the proposed order shall contain “Agreed” in the title and be signed “Agreed as to Form and Substance” by all counsel and self-represented parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues listing, in separate brief complete sentences, each requested trial decision not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

If the petitioner has not attached the standing order, the District Clerk must attach it to the petition and every copy presented when the petition is filed.

At the time the petition is filed, if the petitioner has not attached a copy of this Order to the petition, the District Clerk shall ensure that a copy of this Order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Chapter 10 case notice

An applicant seeking a temporary restraining order or other emergency relief must provide the Rule 10.2 notice contemporaneously with or immediately after seeking relief.

If seeking a temporary restraining order or other emergency relief, the applicant must, contemporaneously with or immediately after seeking a temporary restraining order or other emergency relief, provide the notice described in Rules 10.2.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed property division

In a divorce suit, each party must deliver a Proposed Property Division on the court's form (or a substantially compliant spreadsheet), fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed version signed by both parties.

(i) In a divorce suit, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website or spreadsheet in substantial compliance with such form, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed Proposed Property Division, signed by both parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to retain

Motions to retain must state the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and be filed at least 14 days before the dismissal date.

Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case and must be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of limited appearance

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a Notice of Limited Appearance stating the hearing it pertains to and, if it does not cover all issues, the discrete issues covered; a Notice may cover more than one hearing.

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a Notice of Limited Appearance. The Notice must state the hearing to which the limited appearance pertains, and, if the appearance does not extend to all issues to be considered at the hearing, the Notice must identify the discrete issues covered by the appearance. An attorney may file a Notice of Limited Appearance for more than one hearing in a case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Announcement

Announcements must include an announcement of ready and an updated estimate of time required for the entire hearing for all matters set and all participants.

During this period, parties must give their announcement of ready and an updated estimate of time required for the entire hearing, on all matters set,for all participants.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Consent form

Court-adopted consent forms must be used to document the parties’ and witnesses’ consent to media coverage.

If media coverage is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the Court shall be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

For substitution in a limited appearance, the paragraph (d) certificate must state that the substituting attorney assumed responsibility for all uncompleted matters within scope and be signed by both attorneys.

If an attorney is substituting in a limited appearance, the certificate required by paragraph (d) must state that the substituting attorney has assumed responsibility for all uncompleted matters within the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance, and it must be signed by both the withdrawing and the substituting attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to substitute attorneys

A substitution motion must include the substituting attorney's contact and bar information and a certification that no court rulings remain to be reduced to writing.

(c) The substituting attorney's name, State bar number; address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

Must include

specific language

An ex parte application must fully disclose the circumstances, including prior applications, potential conflicts with prior orders, and whether the opposing party has counsel.

A party presenting any application for an ex parte order must fully advise the court of the circumstances, particularly as to whether there has been any previous application for the same or similar relief or whether the relief sought will conflict with any previous order, or whether the opposing party has counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to substitute attorneys

Must include

certificate of service

A substitution motion requires a hearing unless it complies with Rule 10 and is filed with the specified consent and certificate of service.

A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (b) A certificate of service notifying withdrawing attorney of the motion to substitute;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must also deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues that states separately, in brief complete sentences, each sought trial decision not covered by the Proposed Property Division, Proposed Support Decision, or Proposed Parenting Plan.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division, Proposed Support Decision, or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Letter report

When the Texas Family Code does not require a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report, the Family Court Services Manager must file a letter report stating that the pleadings have been reviewed.

In every termination suit in which the Texas Family Code does not require the preparation or filing of a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report, the Family Court Services Manager must file with the District Clerk a letter report stating that he or she has reviewed the pleadings filed in

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues stating separately, in brief complete sentences, each trial decision sought that is not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Support Decision or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion to substitute counsel

A motion to substitute counsel that will cause delay requires a hearing, and the Court has discretion over it.

A motion to substitute counsel that will cause delay requires a hearing and is subject to the discretion of the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

The stated exception includes filing written consent to withdrawal signed by all other parties.

(a) Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order setting case

A judge must not be asked to sign an order setting a case unless a show-cause order is necessary or a rule of law requires judicial signature.

Judges must not be requested to sign orders setting cases except when a show cause order is necessary, or when some rule of law requires that an order for a setting be signed by a judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of chapter 10 case to local administrative judge

A TRO or emergency relief applicant must provide the Rule 10.2 notice to the Local Administrative Judge contemporaneously with or immediately after seeking the relief.

If seeking a temporary restraining order or other emergency relief, the applicant must, contemporaneously with or immediately after seeking a temporary restraining order or other emergency relief, provide the notice described in Rules 10.2.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed disposition of other issues

Each party must also deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues stating separately, in brief complete sentences, each sought trial decision not covered by the other required pretrial forms.

Additionally, each party must also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues, which must state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division, Proposed Support Decision, or Proposed Parenting Plan.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed property division

In divorce suits, each party must prepare and deliver a fully completed and signed Proposed Property Division using the court's posted form or a substantially compliant spreadsheet, or a single agreed version signed by both parties.

In a divorce suit, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website or spreadsheet in substantial compliance with such form, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed Proposed Property Division, signed by both parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed support decision

In suits requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must deliver a Proposed Support Decision on the court's form, fully completed and signed by the party.

(ii) In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for order

The parties must attach and file the required materials with the request for order, and witness consent forms must be obtained as the court directs.

parties must be attached to and filed with the request for order. Consent forms of the witnesses must be obtained in the manner directed by the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Orders to appear

Orders to Appear before answer day must contain the language in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

Orders to Appear before answer day must be on a separate page and must contain the language in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial forms

Before a hearing on temporary or interim orders in the specified suits, each party must prepare and deliver the required pre-trial forms.

Before any hearing on temporary or interim orders in any divorce suit divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits) each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms as follows:

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bond request

Bond requests involving pre-trial services must be accompanied by information about the accused and his circumstances.

In all matters involving pre-trial services, the information regarding the accused and his circumstances must be presented to the Court along with any bond requests.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

The court may strike any setting if the underlying motion does not include the required conferral certifications.

The court retains discretion to strike any setting in which the motion (or an amended version of the motion) does not include such certificates.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed support decision

In a suit requiring a child support or spousal maintenance determination, each party must prepare and deliver a completed, signed Proposed Support Decision using the court-posted form.

In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

An application for an ex parte order must fully advise the court of the circumstances, including prior similar applications, conflicts with prior orders, and whether the opposing party has counsel.

A party presenting any application for an ex parte order must fully advise the court of the circumstances, particularly as to whether there has been any previous application for the same or similar relief or whether the relief sought will conflict with any previous order, or whether the opposing party has counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Tro request served with citation

In family law cases, a TRO request to be served with citation may be presented ex parte at the uncontested docket only if supported by an affidavit and the relief would not affect possession of or access to a child.

Notwithstanding Chapter 7, in a family law case, a request for a TRO to be served with citation may be presented ex parte at the uncontested docket if supported by an affidavit and if the relief would not affect the possession of or access to a child.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Announcement of time

Announcements of time for jury or non-jury long docket settings must state whether mediation has been completed.

When making an announcement for either a jury setting or a non-jury long docket setting during the announcement period, all parties must include in their announcement of time a statement as to whether or not mediation has been completed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw and substitute

In a withdrawal-and-substitution motion, the paragraph (d) certificate must state that the substituting attorney has assumed responsibility for all uncompleted limited-appearance matters and must be signed by both the withdrawing and substituting attorneys.

paragraph (d) must state that the substituting attorney has assumed responsibility for all uncompleted matters within the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance, and it must be signed by both the withdrawing and the substituting attorney.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written request for bond condition records

A defendant’s attorney may request bond-condition compliance information in writing and must name the assigned Assistant District Attorney.

We hereby ORDER Travis County Pretrial Services to provide information regarding a defendant’s compliance with bond conditions, including any records of violations on Ignition Interlock, Portable Alcohol Monitor, SCRAM-CAM, GPS or EM, on the written request of the defendant’s attorney for any case filed in Travis County District Courts. The defense attorney making the request shall also name the assigned Assistant District Attorney.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

Before disposition, an appointed or retained attorney seeking to withdraw must file a written motion and appear with the Defendant before the Court to address it.

If, prior to the disposition of a case, an appointed or retained attorney has reason to withdraw, the attorney must file a written motion to withdraw with the Court and appear before the Court with the Defendant to address the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order to appear

Orders to Appear before answer day must include the language set out in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

must contain the language in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial forms

Before a final trial on the merits in a divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship, each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings (specific requirements follow in the source).

Before the final trial on the merits in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits), each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

The stated exception includes filing a certificate that all required tasks under any Notice of Limited Appearance are complete, including obtaining rulings and filing orders on matters presented.

(d) Files a certificate stating that he or she has completed all the tasks required by a Notice of Limited Appearance, if any, including obtaining a ruling and filing an order on any matter presented.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Original petition

Petitioners in divorce and SAPCR cases must attach a copy of this standing order to the original petition and every copy of the petition; if not attached at filing, the District Clerk will ensure a copy is attached.

The petitioner in a divorce case or SAPCR shall attach a copy of this Order to the original petition filed in the case and each copy of the petition. At the time the petition is filed, if the petitioner has not attached a copy of this Order to the petition, the District Clerk shall ensure that a copy of this Order is attached to the petition and every copy of the petition presented.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed support decision

In suits requiring a child-support or spousal-maintenance determination, each party must prepare and deliver a fully completed and signed Proposed Support Decision using the court-posted form.

(i) In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website, fully completed and signed by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Consent form for recording broadcasting or photographing

If recording is sought with consent, the court-adopted consent forms must be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses.

If the recording, broadcasting, or photographing is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the court must be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to substitute attorney

Must include

certificate of service

A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 10 and is filed with written consent of all appearing parties and a certificate of service notifying the withdrawing attorney; this chapter does not apply to limited appearances governed by Chapter 20.

A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (b) A certificate of service notifying withdrawing attorney of the motion to substitute;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to record broadcast or photograph

Must include

case number

Recording, broadcasting, or photographing is permitted only by written court order, and a request must be filed with the District Clerk stating the case style and number, date and time of the proceeding, requester's name, type of coverage, and equipment to be used.

Recording, broadcasting, or photographing is permitted only on written order of the court. A person wishing to record, broadcast, or photograph any person, object, or proceeding in a physical or virtual courtroom must file with the District Clerk a request to do so in the particular proceeding. The request must state: (i) The case style and number; (ii) The date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (iii) The name of the requesting individual or entity; (iv) The type of recording, broadcasting, or photographing; and (v) The type and extent of equipment to be used.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Chapter 10 case notice

A party filing a Chapter 10 case must notify the Local Administrative Judge in writing and provide notice again after all parties answer, except when seeking a temporary restraining order or emergency relief under Rule 10.3.

A party who files a Chapter 10 Case must notify in writing the Local Administrative Judge, as specified below in section (b). A notice under this Subsection also must be provided after all parties have answered, unless a party seeks a temporary restraining order or emergency relief pursuant to Rule 10.3.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Administrative appeal brief

Administrative appeal briefs must include a glossary of technical terms, which is excluded from the brief length limit.

(ii) do include a glossary of technical terms, which is not counted in determining the limit on the length of the brief

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial form

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party and the judge hearing the case.

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party and to the judge hearing the case.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Appointed attorneys must disclose all compensation received on the indigent defendant’s behalf to the Court and the designated appointing authority.

Attorneys appointed to represent indigent defendants must disclose to the Court and to the designated appointing authority any and all compensation received from any source on behalf of the indigent defendant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

Emergency, urgent, and date-certain matters may not be submitted and must instead be set for hearing or presented under Chapters 2 or 7 of the Local Rules.

Matters requiring emergency relief and those requiring urgent attention or approval by a definite date shall not be forwarded for submission. Instead, such matters shall be set for hearing (in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Local Rules) or presented pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Local Rules.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income records

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must furnish specified payroll and tax records to the judge at the hearing and to the opposing party beforehand, without filing them.

Additionally, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to -furnish copies of the party's preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the party's preceding year's income tax return (if the tax return has been filed) to the judge (but not file) at the time of the hearing and to the opposing party prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

Before presenting an order setting a hearing before the answer date, obtain a tentative date from the Court Administrator’s Office and include it in the order.

Prior to presenting an order (including a Show Cause Order or Temporary Restraining Order) that contains a date for a hearing prior to the answer date, a tentative date must first be procured from the Court Administrator’s Office and such tentative date must be included in the order prior to presentment to the court for consideration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte application

Applications for ex parte orders must fully advise the court of the circumstances, including any prior similar applications, conflicts with prior orders, and whether the opposing party has counsel.

A party presenting any application for an ex parte order must fully advise the court of the circumstances, particularly as to whether there has been any previous application for the same or similar relief or whether the relief sought will conflict with any previous order, or whether the opposing party has counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Return of service

A required return of service must state that the server is at least 18, is not a party or interested in the suit’s outcome, and is authorized by written order, including the order number.

When a return is required, a person authorized to serve process must state in his or her return that he or she is (a) Not less than eighteen years of age; (b) Not a party to or interested in the outcome of the suit; and (c) Authorized by written order to serve process, and the number of such blanket written order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice to local administrative judge

Parties filing a Chapter 10 administrative review case must give written notice to the Local Administrative Judge, again after all parties answer unless TRO or emergency relief is sought.

A party who files a Chapter 10 Case must notify in writing the Local Administrative Judge... A notice under this Subsection also must be provided after all parties have answered, unless a party seeks a temporary restraining order or emergency relief pursuant to Rule 10.3.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial form

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party before the case is called for hearing and to the judge at the hearing.

Each party must deliver the required form to the opposing party before the case is called for hearing, and to the judge at the time of the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Notices of hearings/trials must not direct parties to the court listed in the case style; if specially set, the particular court must be listed, and otherwise the notice must direct parties to the Civil and Family Courts Facility and/or the court designated in the posted docket schedule.

Notices of hearings and trials provided by parties pursuantto Local Rule 2.4 must not direct the parties to the court listed in the case style (i.e., the number randomly assigned when the case was filed and listed at the top of each pleading). If a case is specially set in a particular court pursuant to Local Rules 2.6 or 10.2, that court must be listed in the notice. Otherwise, the notice of setting must direct the parties to appear at the Civil and Family Courts Facility and/ or before the court designated in the docket schedule posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website and in the Civil and Family Courts Facility prior to the time of the hearing or trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of limited appearance

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a notice identifying the relevant hearing and, if applicable, the discrete issues covered; one notice may cover multiple hearings.

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a Notice of Limited Appearance. The Notice must state the hearing to which the limited appearance pertains, and, if the appearance does not extend to all issues to be considered at the hearing, the Notice must identify the discrete issues covered by the appearance. An attorney may file a Notice of Limited Appearance for more than one hearing in a case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed property division

In a divorce suit, each party must prepare and deliver a completed, signed Proposed Property Division, or the parties may use one agreed division signed by both.

In a divorce suit, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website or spreadsheet in substantial compliance with such form, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed Proposed Property Division, signed by both parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Draft judgment decree or order

An attorney’s signature block on a draft judgment, decree, or order must identify the parties the attorney represents.

Each attorney’s signature block on these documents must identify the parties represented by that attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Signed copy of order or decree

After the support order or decree is signed, the receiving party must deliver a signed copy of it to the Domestic Relations Office.

After the order or decree is signed, that party must deliver to the Domestic Relations Office a signed copy of the order or decree.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Setting request

Every setting request must include an estimate of total hearing time for all matters and participants, keeping in mind that a half-day generally provides fewer than three hours and a full-day fewer than six hours of actual hearing time.

Each request for a setting must include an estimate of the total time required for the entire hearing, on all matters, for all participants. Please note that a half-day hearing usually includes a break, and a full-day hearing includes breaks in the morning and afternoon as well as a lunch break. As a result, a half-day hearing generally provides fewer than three hours, and a full-day hearing generally provides fewer than six hours.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Except for an agreed judgment, a motion must be filed with the District Clerk before its proposed order may be considered on submission.

Except for the submission of an agreed judgment, a motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting the motion may be considered on submission.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Tro or temporary injunction

When requesting a TRO or temporary injunction in a family law case, counsel must not repeat or address the subject matter of the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek modification of the order.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek a modification of such Standing Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

Must include

local rule certificate

A motion to withdraw from representation or from a limited appearance must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and to all other parties unless the moving attorney: (a) Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties; (b) Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; (c) Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client; and (d) Files a certificate stating that he or she has completed all the tasks required by a Notice of Limited Appearance, if any, including obtaining a ruling and filing an order on any matter presented.

A motion to withdraw from representation or from a limited appearance must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and to all other parties unless the moving attorney: (a) Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties; (b) Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; (c) Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client; and (d) Files a certificate stating that he or she has completed all the tasks required by a Notice of Limited Appearance, if any, including obtaining a ruling and filing an order on any matter presented.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion to substitute counsel

Must include

certificate of service

The motion must include an attached certificate of service showing notice to previous counsel in the case and the District Attorney.

The motion must also have attached a certificate of service showing notice to both previous counsel in the case and the District Attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Administrative appeal briefs must follow the appellate rules for briefs and length, omit an oral-argument statement, and include a glossary of technical terms excluded from the length limit.

(d) Briefs must conform to the "Requisites of Briefs," in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, including the limits on length, as they apply to an administrative appeal in the courts of appeal, except: (i) do not include a statement regarding oral argument; and (ii) do include a glossary of technical terms, which is not counted in determining the limit on the length of the brief.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Designation of lead attorney

When more than one attorney represents a Defendant, the lead attorney must file a designation of lead attorney.

In the event more than one attorney represents a Defendant, the lead attorney shall file with Court a designation of lead attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary restraining order or injunction request

TRO and temporary injunction requests must not repeat or address subject matter covered by the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek modification of that order.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek a modification of such Standing Order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Request for order

Original signed consent forms of the parties shall be attached to and filed with the request for order.

Original signed consent forms of the parties shall be attached to and filed with the request for order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Witness consent form

Witness consent forms must be obtained in the manner directed by the Court.

Consent forms of the witnesses shall be obtained in the manner directed by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed support decision

Each party in a suit requiring a child-support or spousal-maintenance determination must prepare and deliver a completed, signed Proposed Support Decision using the court-posted form.

In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website, fully completed and signed by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial form

Issues not stated in the required pre-trial forms are deemed waived unless the party shows good cause for the failure to comply.

All issues not stated in pre-trial forms as required by these procedures will deemed waived except upon a showing of good cause for failure to comply with these rules.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for authority to serve process

Applications for authority to serve process must be made on the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website and submitted to the Local Administrative Judge.

A form application for authority to serve process in Travis County, Texas, is posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website. Completed applications must be submitted to the Local Administrative Judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to retain

Must include

legal argument, statement of facts

A motion to retain must state the factual and legal basis for retaining the case.

Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case

CRITICAL

Applies to

Financial documents

Unless income and/or net resources are agreed or stipulated, each party in a child support or spousal maintenance suit must furnish to the court (without filing) and to opposing parties, at trial, federal income tax returns for the prior two years or, if none were filed, all payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1s for those years.

(iii) Additionally, in any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish to the court (but not file), and to opposing parties, copies of the following at the time of trial: 1. The party's federal income tax returns for the previous two calendar years, or if no such return(s) have been filed, then all payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1 for such years; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of limited appearance

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a notice identifying the hearing and, when applicable, the discrete issues covered.

An attorney making a limited appearance must file a Notice of Limited Appearance. The Notice must state the hearing to which the limited appearance pertains, and, if the appearance does not extend to all issues to be considered at the hearing, the Notice must identify the discrete issues covered by the appearance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Objection

An objection to an Associate Judge’s assignment for a trial on the merits must be in writing.

A party may file an objection to the assignment of an Associate Judge to hear any trial on the merits. A trial on the merits is any trial in which a party seeks a final adjudication from which an appeal may be taken to a court of appeals. The objection must be in writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Draft order

A draft order approved as to form must be presented to the judge who decided the matter, unless instructed otherwise to present it to any judge.

Draft orders approved as to form must be presented to the judge who decided the matter unless instructed to present it to any judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to retain

A motion to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case.

Motions to retain must set forth the factual and legal basis for retaining the case

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Every non-dispositive motion must additionally certify either a good-faith conferral to resolve or narrow the issues, or that reasonable efforts to confer were unsuccessful.

every motion (other than dispositive motions) must also certify either: (a) "Counsel has conferred with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion in a good faith effort to resolve or narrow the issues raised."; or (b) "Counsel has made reasonable efforts to confer with all parties who may be affected by the relief sought in this motion but has been unable to do so."

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Notice of retention

The new attorney must notify prior counsel of the retention.

The new attorney shall also notify prior counsel of his retention.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income documents

Unless income is agreed or stipulated, each party must furnish the preceding four payroll statements/paystubs and prior year income tax return (if filed) to the judge (delivered but not filed) at the hearing and to the opposing party before the hearing.

Additionally, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to -furnish copies of the party's preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the party's preceding year's income tax return (if the tax return has been filed) to the judge (but not file) at the time of the hearing and to the opposing party prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Letter report

When the Texas Family Code does not require a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement report, the Family Court Services Manager must file a letter report containing the specified review, investigation, findings, and recommendations.

In every termination suit in which the Texas Family Code does not require the preparation or filing of a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report, the Family Court Services Manager must file with the District Clerk a letter report stating that he or she has reviewed the pleadings filed in the suit, describing his or her investigation, and reporting his or her findings and recommendations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw or substitute

number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial form

Issues omitted from required pre-trial forms are waived absent good cause for noncompliance.

All issues not stated in pre-trial forms as required by these procedures will deemed waived except upon a showing of good cause for failure to comply with these rules.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Trial setting

An estimate of the hearing’s required time must be provided when the setting is made.

An estimate of the time required for the hearing must be given at the time of the setting.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice of retention

Immediately upon being retained, a retained attorney must notify the previously appointed attorney and the Court in writing.

A retained attorney shall notify in writing, the previously appointed attorney and the Court of his/her retention immediately upon being retained.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order containing hearing date before answer date

Orders (including Show Cause Orders or TROs) containing a hearing date prior to the answer date must include a tentative date first procured from the Court Administrator's Office before presentment to the court.

(a) A setting before answer date. Prior to presenting an order (including a Show Cause Order or Temporary Restraining Order) that contains a date for a hearing prior to the answer date, a tentative date must first be procured from the Court Administrator's Office and such tentative date must be included in the order prior to presentment to the court for consideration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

In suits involving conservatorship or possession and access, each party must deliver a fully completed and signed Proposed Parenting Plan (or a single agreed plan signed by both parties) or summarize the requested relief in a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues; the form posted on the court's website is acceptable and other forms may also be acceptable.

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting plan signed by both parties, or must summarize the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues. The form parenting plan posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Announcement of time

During docket call announcements for jury or non-jury long docket settings, all parties must state whether mediation has been completed.

When making an announcement for either a jury setting or a non-jury long docket setting during the announcement period, all parties must include in their announcement of time a statement as to whether or not mediation has been completed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Tro or temporary injunction

Parties in Travis County divorce and parent-child suits are subject to the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases, and counsel requesting a TRO or temporary injunction must not repeat or address the standing order's subject matter except to seek its modification.

The parties in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits) filed in Travis County are subject to the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases and any amendments thereto. This and other applicable Standing Orders may be found on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website. When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Case transfer order

A transfer between Travis County Criminal District Courts must be made by written order and requires the consent of the participating judges.

The transfer of cases between Criminal District Courts of Travis County shall be done by written order upon consent of the judges in those courts participating in the transfer.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial information form

In non-CPS termination suits and all adoption suits, the petitioner must file the completed prescribed pretrial information form and serve the Family Court Services Manager 14 days before the final hearing.

In every termination suit, except those brought by CPS, and in all adoption suits, the petitioner must file a completed pretrial information form with the District Clerk and serve a copy on the Family Court Services Manager fourteen days before the final hearing. Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption must be in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

For suits involving conservatorship, possession, or access, each party must provide a completed, signed Proposed Parenting Plan, the parties may provide one agreed plan signed by both, or the requested relief may be summarized in brief complete sentences in a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues.

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting plan signed by both parties, or must summarize the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion to have another matter heard originally by a District Judge must be written, state its grounds, and be set for hearing with notice to all parties under the applicable civil procedure rules.

A party may file a motion to have any other matter heard originally before a District Judge instead of an Associate Judge. The motion must be in writing and LOCAL RULES effective November 15, 2024 61 ===== PAGE 62 ===== must specify the grounds in support of the motion. The party filing the motion must set the motion for hearing by a judge with notice to all parties as required by the applicable rules of civil procedure.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

The court may strike any setting if the motion (or an amended motion) does not include the required conference certificates.

The court retains discretion to strike any setting in which the motion (or an amended version of the motion) does not include such certificates.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed property division

Each party in a divorce suit must prepare and deliver a completed, signed Proposed Property Division form or substantially compliant spreadsheet, unless the parties submit one agreed document signed by both.

In a divorce suit, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website or spreadsheet in substantial compliance with such form, fully completed and signed by the party, or a single agreed Proposed Property Division, signed by both parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed support decision

In suits involving child support or spousal maintenance, each party must deliver a fully completed and signed Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

In any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website, fully completed and signed by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

local rule certificate

A party may not request a setting unless the motion has been filed with the certifications required by Local Rule 2.2 (or will be filed within 24 hours after obtaining the setting).

A party must not request a setting unless the party has filed the motion with the certifications required in Local Rule 2.2 or will file the motion immediately, but in no event later than 24 hours after obtaining the setting.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury trial setting request

A jury trial setting is not permitted where a non-jury trial setting was obtained after the answer date and before the jury fee was paid, unless a written agreement to strike the non-jury setting is presented to the Court Administrator when the jury setting is requested.

(b) A setting for a jury trial if a non-jury trial setting has been obtained after answer date and before a jury fee was paid, unless a written agreement to strike the non-jury setting is presented to the Court Administrator when the jury setting is requested.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice of retention

Upon employment in a retained case, the Defense Attorney must give written notice to the Court, District Clerk, and Court Coordinator in the court where the case is filed.

In retained cases, upon employment, the Defense Attorney shall give written notice thereof to the Court, the District Clerk and the Court Coordinator in the Court in which the case is filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Recording request

A recording request must identify the case, proceeding date and time, requester, requested recording type, and equipment.

The request must state: (i) The case style and number; (ii) The date and time when the proceeding is to begin; (iii) The name of the requesting individual or entity; (iv) The type of recording, broadcasting, or photographing; and (v) The type and extent of equipment to be used.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for setting

Every setting request must include an estimate of the total hearing time for all matters and all participants (half-day settings generally provide fewer than 3 hours and full-day settings fewer than 6 hours).

Each request for a setting must include an estimate of the total time required for the entire hearing, on all matters, for all participants. Please note that a half-day hearing usually includes a break, and a full-day hearing includes breaks in the morning and afternoon as well as a lunch break. As a result, a half-day hearing generally provides fewer than three hours, and a full-day hearing generally provides fewer than six hours.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw minor funds

Must include

proposed order

A motion to withdraw a minor's registry funds must include a proposed order and be accompanied by a Summary of Minor's Bank Account from the District Clerk showing the account status and any previous withdrawals.

When a request is to be made for withdrawal of funds maintained in the Registry of the Court for the benefit of a minor who has not yet reached legal age, the applicant must bring to the court, with the motion and proposed order, a Summary of Minor's Bank Account obtained from the District Clerk reflecting the status of the minor's account and indicating previous withdrawals, if any.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to substitute attorney

Must include

certificate of service

A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (b) A certificate of service notifying withdrawing attorney of the motion to substitute; ... number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

A hearing is required for a motion to substitute attorneys unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the substitution signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (b) A certificate of service notifying withdrawing attorney of the motion to substitute; ... number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

The stated exception includes filing a certificate with the client's last known mailing address.

(c) Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Announcement

Announcements must state ready and include an updated estimate of time required for the entire hearing on all matters set for all participants, accounting for the fact that half-day hearings generally provide less than three hours and full-day hearings less than six hours.

During this period, parties must give their announcement of ready and an updated estimate of time required for the entire hearing, on all matters set, for all participants. Please note that a half-day hearing usually includes a break, and a full-day hearing includes breaks in the morning and afternoon as well as a lunch break. As a result, a half-day hearing generally provides less than three hours, and a full-day hearing generally provides less than six hours.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

In suits involving conservatorship or possession and access, each party must provide one of the specified parenting-plan or requested-relief alternatives; the court-posted form is acceptable and other forms may also be acceptable.

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting plan signed by both parties, or must summarize the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues. The form parenting plan posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A motion to withdraw from representation or from a limited appearance must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and to all other parties unless the moving attorney: (a) Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties; (b) Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; (c) Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client; and (d) Files a certificate stating that he or she has completed all the tasks required by a Notice of Limited Appearance, if any, including obtaining a ruling and filing an order on any matter presented.

A motion to withdraw from representation or from a limited appearance must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and to all other parties unless the moving attorney: (a) Files written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties; (b) Files a written consent to the withdrawal signed by the client; (c) Files a certificate stating the last known mailing address of the client; and (d) Files a certificate stating that he or she has completed all the tasks required by a Notice of Limited Appearance, if any, including obtaining a ruling and filing an order on any matter presented.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

In suits concerning conservatorship or possession and access, each party must prepare and deliver a completed, signed Proposed Parenting Plan, an agreed plan signed by both parties, or summarize the requested relief in a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues; the posted form is acceptable and other forms may be acceptable.

In any suit requiring a determination or modification of conservatorship, or possession and access to a child, each party must prepare and deliver a Proposed Parenting Plan, pursuant to Texas Family Code §153.603, fully completed and signed by the party, a single agreed Proposed Parenting plan signed by both parties, or must summarize the requested relief in brief complete sentences as part of a Proposed Disposition of Other Issues. The form parenting plan posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed property division

If a spreadsheet replaces the Proposed Property Division form, provide the court an editable electronic copy at the beginning of trial.

If a spreadsheet is used in lieu of the Proposed Property Division form, then a copy of such spreadsheet must be provided to the court in an editable electronic format at the beginning of the trial.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion to substitute counsel

An attorney retained to replace existing counsel must file a motion to substitute counsel naming both the incoming attorney and the attorney to be relieved.

If an attorney is retained to replace existing counsel, the attorney must file a motion to substitute counsel, naming both himself and the attorney to be relieved.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Financial records

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must furnish specified financial records to the court without filing them and to opposing parties at trial.

Additionally, in any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish to the court (but not file), and to opposing parties, copies of the following at the time of trial:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial information form

The petitioner’s pretrial form in termination and adoption suits must use the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website.

Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption must be in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

Submissions must contain all information and materials necessary for the Court to evaluate the proposed order, and incomplete submissions will not be granted.

Submissions must include all information and materials necessary for the Court to evaluate the proposed order. Incomplete submissions will not be granted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for authority to serve process

Applicants for authority to serve process in Travis County must comply with the Texas Supreme Court certification requirements administered by the Texas Process Service Review Board.

All persons seeking authority to serve process in Travis County, Texas must comply with the certification requirements for Persons Authorized to Serve Process as promulgated by the Texas Supreme Court and administered by the Texas Process Service Review Board.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

Must include

proposed order

A motion must be filed with the District Clerk before its proposed order can be considered on submission; the proposed order itself need not be filed.

A motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting the motion may be considered on submission. A proposed order need not be filed.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Pre trial hearing setting request

A request to set a pre-trial hearing must include an estimate of the total time required for the hearing.

All requests for a pre-trial hearing setting must also include an estimate of the time required for the hearing in its entirety.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Return of service

A return of service must state the server is at least 18 years old, not a party to or interested in the suit, and authorized by written order to serve process, including the blanket order number.

When a return is required, a person authorized to serve process must state in his or her return that he or she is (a) Not less than eighteen years of age; (b) Not a party to or interested in the outcome of the suit; and (c) Authorized by written order to serve process, and the number of such blanket written order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Setting request

For jury trials, the announced time estimate must include pretrial, voir dire, evidence, the charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

For jury trials, the total announced time must include time for pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Draft judgment decree or order

So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge. Each attorney's signature block on these documents must identify the parties represented by that attorney.

So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge. Each attorney's signature block on these documents must identify the parties represented by that attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to establish account

When spousal or child support is ordered, the receiving party must submit a 'Request to Establish an Account' with the required information to the Domestic Relations Office.

At the time any spousal or child support is ordered, the party who is to receive the support must provide to the Domestic Relations Office a "Request to Establish an Account" containing the information required by that office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of chapter 10 case to local administrative judge

Parties filing a Chapter 10 (administrative agency judicial review) case must notify the Local Administrative Judge in writing, with an additional notice required after all parties answer unless TRO/emergency relief is being sought under Rule 10.3.

A party who files a Chapter 10 Case must notify in writing the Local Administrative Judge, as specified below in section (b). A notice under this Subsection also must be provided after all parties have answered, unless a party seeks a temporary restraining order or emergency relief pursuant to Rule 10.3.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial forms

Before any hearing on temporary or interim orders in divorce or parent-child suits (including modification, paternity, and original suits), each party must prepare and deliver the required pre-trial forms.

Before any hearing on temporary or interim orders in any divorce suit divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits) each party must prepare and deliver pre-trial forms as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Every motion must include a certification that counsel conferred (or made reasonable efforts to confer) with all parties about the date, time, and format of the setting.

every motion must include a certification that "counsel has conferred with (or made reasonable efforts to confer with) all parties about the date, time, and format of the setting"

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw as attorney

A hearing is required for a motion to withdraw as attorney unless the motion complies with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 10 and is filed with written client consent, written consent of all appearing parties, a certificate of the client's last known address, and a certification that no rulings remain unwritten; this chapter does not apply to limited appearances governed by Chapter 20.

A hearing is required for a motion to withdraw unless the motion complies with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and is filed with: (a) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by the withdrawing attorney's client(s); (b) A written consent to the withdrawal signed by all other parties in the action who have appeared; (c) A certificate of last known address of the client(s), containing the client's address, telephone number, email address, and, if available, fax number; and (d) A certification that there are no rulings of the court that have yet to be reduced to writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

A motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting it may be considered for submission.

A motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting the motion may be considered on submission.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Draft judgment decree or order

So far as practicable, every draft judgment, decree, or order must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge.

So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Adoption

Must include

proposed order

For a Travis County adoption of a child formerly under CPS conservatorship, the adoptive parent’s attorney must present a proposed CPS-case dismissal order to the adoption court at the time of adoption.

Upon the adoption of a child who was under the conservatorship of CPS, if the adoption is in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent( s) of the child must present to the court handling the adoption a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case at the time of the adoption.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Chapter 10 case notice

A party filing a Chapter 10 Case must notify the Local Administrative Judge in writing, provide an additional notice after all parties answer unless seeking a TRO or emergency relief, and include the specified party, attorney, and related-case information.

A party who files a Chapter 10 Case must notify in writing the Local Administrative Judge, as specified below in section (b). A notice under this Subsection also must be provided after all parties have answered, unless a party seeks a temporary restraining order or emergency relief pursuant to Rule 10.3. The notification must contain: (i) A list of all parties to the case; (ii) Their attorneys of record; (iii) The attorneys' addresses, telephone numbers, and electronic mail addresses, if applicable; and (iv) For any case arising from the same or related agency docket or challenging the same rules or rulemaking procedure: 1. the style and cause number, 2. whether it has been assigned, and 3. if so, to whom.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

Emergency and urgent matters may not be submitted; they must be set for hearing or presented under Local Rules Chapters 2 or 7.

Matters requiring emergency relief and those requiring urgent attention or approval by a definite date shall not be forwarded for submission. Instead, such matters shall be set for hearing (in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Local Rules) or presented pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Local Rules.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

If the proposed order is agreed, its title must include “Agreed” and all counsel and self-represented parties must sign it as to form and substance.

If agreed, the proposed order shall contain "Agreed" in the title and be signed "Agreed as to Form and Substance" by all counsel and self­ represented parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Documents provided to judge for action

Documents submitted to a judge for action must first be filed with the District Clerk, and then a copy must be provided to the judge.

Also note that providing documents to a judge does not file them; documents provided to a judge for action (e.g., motions) must first be filed with the District Clerk, then a copy provided to the judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed dismissal order cps case

Must include

proposed order

When the adoption is in Travis County, the adoptive parent(s)' attorney must present a proposed CPS case dismissal order to the adoption court at the time of the adoption.

Upon the adoption of a child who was under the conservatorship of CPS, if the adoption is in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent(s) of the child must present to the court handling the adoption a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case at the time of the adoption.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A request to withdraw funds held for a minor must be accompanied by the motion, proposed order, and a District Clerk-obtained bank-account summary showing the account status and any prior withdrawals.

When a request is to be made for withdrawal of funds maintained in the Registry of the Court for the benefit of a minor who has not yet reached legal age, the applicant must bring to the court, with the motion and proposed order, a Summary of Minor's Bank Account obtained from the District Clerk reflecting the status of the minor's account and indicating previous withdrawals, if any.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Income and resources documents

Unless the parties agree or stipulate to income or net resources, each party must provide the judge at the hearing (without filing) and the opposing party before the hearing with the preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the preceding year’s filed income tax return, if any.

(ii) Additionally, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party’s income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish copies of the party’s preceding four payroll statements or paystubs and the party’s preceding year’s income tax return (if the tax return has been filed) to the judge (but not file) at the time of the hearing and to the opposing party prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Adoption

Must include

proposed order

If the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the adoptive parent’s attorney must send the proposed CPS-case dismissal order to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

If the adoption is not filed in Travis County, the attorney representing the adoptive parent( s) of the child must send a proposed dismissal order of the CPS case to the Travis County Presiding CPS Court Judge immediately after the adoption is granted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Financial records

The required trial disclosures include federal tax returns for the prior two calendar years or, if none were filed, specified payroll and tax records for those years.

The party's federal income tax returns for the previous two calendar years, or if no such return(s) have been filed, then all payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1 for such years; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing temporary orders

Notices of Hearing for Temporary Orders requiring appearance after answer day need no order and must not be presented to a judge for signature.

Notices of Hearing for Temporary Orders that require appearance after answer day do not require an order and must not be presented to a judge for signature.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Chapter 10 case notice

In addition to filing the notice, the party must submit it to the Local Administrative Judge by delivery, mail, or email using one of the specified destinations.

In addition to filing, the notice must be submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by: (i) 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; (ii) Mailing the notice to the Local Administrative Judge at P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748; or (iii) Emailing the notice to: LocalAdministrativeJudge@traviscountytx.gov.

WARNING

Applies to

Draft judgment decree or order

When practicable, all parties must sign a draft judgment, decree, or order to evidence approval as to form before presentation to the judge.

So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion to substitute counsel

A motion to substitute counsel will be granted without a hearing if the Defendant and both attorneys sign the order and the motion states that the incoming attorney accepts the case's next setting.

The motion will be granted without hearing if the order is signed by the defendant, as well as the incoming and outgoing attorneys, and the motion states that the incoming attorney accepts the case's next setting.

WARNING

Applies to

Temporary restraining order or temporary injunction

A request for a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction must not repeat or address the Travis County family-law standing-order subject matter unless seeking a modification.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek a modification of such Standing Order.

WARNING

Applies to

Judgment decree or order

Do not use the word “entered” to indicate the date a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

The word "entered" must not be used to show the date on which a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

WARNING

Applies to

Pre adoptive home screening and post placement adoptive report

In adoptions of children placed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Department must prepare the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report.

In each suit seeking adoption of a child placed for adoption by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (the Department), the pre- adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report must be made by the Department.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

The court may strike a setting if the motion or an amended motion lacks the required certificates.

The court retains discretion to strike any setting in which the motion (or an amended version of the motion) does not include such certificates.

WARNING

Applies to

Pre adoptive home screening and post placement adoptive report

In suits brought by or involving placements from a child placing agency (other than CPS), the child placing agency must prepare the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report.

In each suit brought by a child placing agency (other than CPS) that seeks to terminate the parent-child relationship, and in each suit that seeks adoption of a child placed by a child placing agency, the child placing agency must prepare the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

The judge's signature line on proposed orders must be on a page containing other text, not on a separate page.

The signature line for the judge to sign proposed orders must not be on a separate page but must be on a page with other text.

WARNING

Applies to

Family law case

Parties in divorce suits and suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed in Travis County are subject to the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases and its amendments.

The parties in any divorce suit or suit affecting the parent-child relationship (which include, but are not limited to, modification suits, paternity suits, and original suits) filed in Travis County are subject to the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases and any amendments thereto.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial information form

The pretrial information form in termination and adoption suits must be the Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

In every termination suit, except those brought by CPS, and in all adoption suits, the petitioner must file a completed pretrial information form with the District Clerk and serve a copy on the Family Court Services Manager fourteen days before the final hearing. Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption must be in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Chapter 6’s withdrawal and substitution procedures do not apply to attorneys who made a limited appearance; Chapter 20 governs those matters.

This Chapter does not apply to a withdrawal or substitution by an attorney who has made a limited appearance; Chapter 20 governs withdrawal and substitution of a limited appearance.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial form

The parties may not agree to waive or modify the provisions or requirements of these rules.

The parties may not by agreement waive or modify the provisions or requirements of these rules.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial information form

The Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption must use the official form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption must be in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion to withdraw or substitute

Even with unanimous consent or full compliance with Rules 6.2 or 6.3, the court retains discretion to grant or deny a withdrawal motion and to require the motion to be set for hearing.

(a) Even if all parties and counsel agree to a motion to withdraw, the court retains discretion to grant or deny a motion to withdraw. (b) Even if all requirements of Rules 6.2 or 6.3 are met, the court retains discretion to require the motion to be set for hearing.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Counsel requesting a temporary restraining order or injunction must not repeat or address the subject matter of the Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases unless seeking to modify it.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in Travis County Standing Order for Family Law Cases except to seek a modification of such Standing Order.

WARNING

Applies to

Request for setting

For jury trials, the announced time estimate must cover pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation; matters that cannot be heard within the announced time may be rescheduled at the court's discretion.

Any matter which the court determines cannot reasonably be heard within the announced time will be rescheduled at the discretion of the court. For jury trials, the total announced time must include time for pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

WARNING

Applies to

Submission

Only Uncontested Docket matters not requiring testimony are eligible for submission.

Matters appropriate for Uncontested Docket that do not require testimony are eligible for submission under the terms of this Standing Order.

WARNING

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing for temporary orders requiring an appearance after answer day needs no order and must not be presented to a judge for signature.

Notices of Hearing for Temporary Orders that require appearance after answer day do not require an order and must not be presented to a judge for signature.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial information form

The petitioner's pretrial form in a termination or adoption suit must use the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website.

Petitioner's Pretrial Form in Suit for Termination and Adoption must be in the form posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts’ website.

WARNING

Applies to

Temporary restraining order or temporary injunction

A request for a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction must not repeat or address the standing-order subject matter unless seeking a modification.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial form

Pre-trial forms are not required for hearings on the Travis Domestic Relations Office, CPS, IV-D, or Travis County Protective Order dockets.

Pre-trial forms are not required for any hearing on the Travis Domestic Relations Office docket, the CPS docket, the IV-D court docket, and the Travis County Protective Order docket.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Trial motion

The defendant is expected to execute necessary trial motions with the District Clerk and file other necessary motions, including the listed examples, by the time required by statute.

The defendant is expected to execute all necessary trial motions with the District Clerk, and have filed other motions, such as: motions in-limine, an application for probation, an election of punishment, and any other motions necessary, at the statutorily required time.

WARNING

Applies to

Draft judgment decree or order

When practicable, every draft judgment, decree, or order must bear all parties’ signatures approving its form before presentation to the judge.

So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion

Counsel requesting a temporary restraining order or injunction must not repeat or address the standing order’s subject matter unless seeking to modify the order.

When requesting a temporary restraining order or temporary injunction, counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.

WARNING

Applies to

Financial documents

A Schedule K-1 covering the calendar year of the trial (January 1 through the trial date) must be provided (fragment of a larger pre-trial financial document requirement continuing from the prior page).

Schedule K-1 for the calendar year of the trial from January 1 through the date of the trial.

WARNING

Applies to

Pre adoptive home screening and post placement adoptive report

Pre-adoptive home screenings and post-placement adoptive reports must be prepared according to criteria established by the Family Court Services Manager under the supervision of the District Judges.

Each pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report made pursuant to Section 25.3 (d) must be prepared according to criteria established by the Family Court Services Manager under the supervision of the District Judges.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must not be filed.

Proposed orders must not be filed, as provided in Local Rule 11.1.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion to withdraw and substitute

In a withdrawal-and-substitution motion, the substituting attorney's appearance satisfies the client-consent and client-address requirements but does not satisfy the requirement of written consent signed by all other parties.

If a motion to withdraw and to substitute another attorney includes an appearance by another attorney pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, that appearance will satisfy the requirements of subparagraphs (b) and (c) above but will not satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (a).

WARNING

Applies to

Brief

An issue not briefed for the merits hearing is waived, but an issue not argued at the hearing is not waived.

(e) Failure to brief an issue for the merits hearing waives the issue, but failure to argue an issue at the merits hearing does not waive the issue.

WARNING

Applies to

Pretrial form

The listed agencies are not required to file pre-trial forms for cases set on the Family Law Docket.

Pre-trial forms are not required to be filed by the Travis County Domestic Relations Office, CPS, the Texas Attorney General's Office or the County Attorney Protective Order Division for cases set on the Family Law Docket.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion in limine

Motions in limine must not repeat standing-order subject matter except to seek modification, and any such motion will be heard by the trial judge.

Standing orders, posted online, govern the pre-trial schedule for jury trials and motions in limine. Any motion in limine requesting additional limine or a modification of the standing order will be heard by the trial judge. Counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.

WARNING

Parties may not waive or modify these rules by agreement.

The parties may not by agreement waive or modify the provisions or requirements of these rules.

WARNING

Applies to

Objection

An objection to recording, broadcasting, or photographing must identify the specific, demonstrable injury alleged.

Objections to the recording, broadcasting, or photographing must not be conclusory but must state the specific and demonstrable injury alleged to result from the recording, broadcasting, or photographing.

WARNING

Applies to

Submission

Only uncontested matters not requiring oral testimony, friendly suits, and agreed divorces with filed sworn testimony are eligible for submission.

Uncontested matters that do not require oral testimony are eligible for submission, as are friendly suits and agreed divorces accompanied by sworn written testimony that has been filed with the District Clerk.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion to withdraw and substitute

A substitute attorney's appearance satisfies the client-consent and client-address-certificate requirements for withdrawal but does not satisfy the requirement of written consent from all other parties.

If a motion to withdraw and to substitute another attorney includes an appearance by another attorney pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, that appearance will satisfy the requirements of subparagraphs (b) and (c) above but will not satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (a).

WARNING

Applies to

Motion to withdraw and substitute

An appearing substitute attorney satisfies the client-consent and client-address-certificate conditions, but not the consent of all other parties.

If a motion to withdraw and to substitute another attorney includes an appearance by another attorney pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, that appearance will satisfy the requirements of subparagraphs (b) and (c) above but will not satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (a).

WARNING

Applies to

Judgment decree or order

The word 'entered' must not be used to show the date a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

The word "entered" must not be used to show the date on which a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

WARNING

Applies to

Notice to local administrative judge

Must include

case number

The Chapter 10 notice must list all parties, their attorneys and contact information, and details of related agency-docket cases including style, cause number, and assignment status.

The notification must contain: (i) A list of all parties to the case; (ii) Their attorneys of record; (iii) The attorneys' addresses, telephone numbers, and electronic mail addresses, if applicable; and (iv) For any case arising from the same or related agency docket or challenging the same rules or rulemaking procedure: 1. the style and cause number, 2. whether it has been assigned, and 3. if so, to whom.

WARNING

Applies to

Proposed order

Agreed proposed orders must contain 'Agreed' in the title and be signed 'Agreed as to Form and Substance' by all counsel and self-represented parties.

If agreed, the proposed order shall contain “Agreed” in the title and be signed “Agreed as to Form and Substance” by all counsel and self-represented parties.

WARNING

Applies to

Discovery responses

The financial-records requirements do not replace any obligation to respond to discovery requests.

This Rule does not supersede any requirement to respond to discovery requests.

WARNING

Applies to

Tro request

In family law cases, a request for a TRO to be served with citation may be presented ex parte at the uncontested docket if supported by an affidavit and the relief would not affect possession of or access to a child.

Notwithstanding Chapter 7, in a family law case, a request for a TRO to be served with citation may be presented ex parte at the uncontested docket if supported by an affidavit and if the relief would not affect the possession of or access to a child.

WARNING

Applies to

Setting request

For jury trials, the announced time estimate must account for pretrial, voir dire, evidence, the charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

For jury trials, the total announced time must include time for pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.

WARNING

Applies to

Pre adoptive home screening and post placement adoptive report

In all other termination or adoption suits, the Family Court Services Manager must prepare the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report, and the Domestic Relations Office may designate private providers to do so.

In every other suit seeking termination of the parent-child Relationship or adoption of a child, the Family Court Services Manager must prepare the pre- adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report. The Domestic Relations Office may designate private providers to prepare the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report.

WARNING

The presenting party must inform the court if a matter is expected to take more than five minutes, and the court may require a scheduled hearing.

If any matter presented to the Duty Judge is anticipated to take more than five minutes, the presenting party must so inform the court, and the court may require a hearing to be scheduled on the matter.

WARNING

Applies to

Judgment decree or order

Do not use the word “entered” to indicate the date a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

The word "entered" must not be used to show the date on which a judgment, decree, or order is signed.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Objection

Objections to media coverage should identify the specific, demonstrable injury alleged rather than state only a conclusion.

Objections to media coverage should not be conclusory but should state the specific and demonstrable injury alleged to result from media coverage.

WARNING

Applies to

Objection to recording broadcast or photograph

Objections to recording, broadcasting, or photographing must state the specific and demonstrable injury alleged to result from the coverage and may not be conclusory.

Objections to the recording, broadcasting, or photographing must not be conclusory but must state the specific and demonstrable injury alleged to result from the recording, broadcasting, or photographing.

WARNING

Applies to

Draft order

Approved draft orders must be presented to the judge who decided the matter unless otherwise instructed.

Draft orders approved as to form must be presented to the judge who decided the matter unless instructed to present it to any judge.

WARNING

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A substituting attorney's appearance satisfies the client-consent and address-certificate requirements, but not the consent of all other parties.

If a motion to withdraw and to substitute another attorney includes an appearance by another attorney pursuant to the·Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, that appearance will satisfy the requirements of subparagraphs (b) and (c) above but will not satisfy the requirement of subparagraph (a).

WARNING

Applies to

Motion for out of rotation assignment

If all parties do not agree to an out-of-rotation assignment request, a written motion must set forth reasons why assigning a particular judge serves judicial economy.

(3) if all parties do not agree to such a request, upon a written motion that sets forth reasons why in the interest of judicial economy a particular judge should be assigned.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Adoption order

A nonsignatory judge may adopt the Order by executing a written adoption order, filing it with their Clerk, and providing copies to the other two Clerks; adoption takes effect when filed with the District Court Clerk.

Any District Court Judge, County Court Judge, or Municipal Court Judge acting as a magistrate who is not a signatory to this Order may become a signatory to this Order by executing a written order adopting this Order for such Judge and filing such adoption order with their Clerk, with copies to the other two Clerks. Such adoption shall become effective as of the date of filing with the District Court Clerk.

INFO

Applies to

Chapter 10 case

Chapter 10 (administrative agency review) cases are excluded from referral to mediation under Chapter 13.

Chapter 10 cases are not referred for mediation pursuant to Chapter 13 of these Rules.

INFO

Applies to

Pretrial form

Pre-trial forms are not required for hearings on the Domestic Relations Office, CPS, IV-D, and Protective Order dockets, and need not be filed by the Domestic Relations Office, CPS, the Texas Attorney General's Office, or the County Attorney Protective Order Division on the Family Law Docket.

Pre-trial forms are not required for any hearing on the Travis Domestic Relations Office docket, the CPS docket, the IV-D court docket, and the Travis County Protective Order docket. Pre-trial forms are not required to be filed by the Travis County Domestic Relations Office, CPS, the Texas Attorney General's Office or the County Attorney Protective Order Division for cases set on the Family Law Docket.

INFO

Applies to

Submission

Submitted orders are approved, rejected, or denied at the Court's discretion, with notice to counsel and self-represented parties.

The submitted order will be approved, rejected, or denied at the Court's discretion, and counsel and self-represented parties will be notified by the Court

INFO

Applies to

Proposed order

If no hearing is required under Local Rules 6.2 or 6.3, a party may present an order for signature in accordance with Local Rules Chapter 7.

If no hearing is required under Local Rules 6.2 or 6.3, a party may present an order for signature in accordance with Local Rules Chapter 7.

INFO

Applies to

Order

When no hearing is required under Rule 6.2 or 6.3, a party may present an order for signature under Chapter 7.

If no hearing is required under Local Rules 6.2 or 6.3, a party may present an order for signature in accordance with Local Rules Chapter 7.

INFO

Applies to

Letter report

In termination suits where the Texas Family Code does not require a pre-adoptive home screening or post-placement adoptive report, the Family Court Services Manager must file a letter report with the District Clerk stating that the pleadings were reviewed (text continues beyond this chunk).

In every termination suit in which the Texas Family Code does not require the preparation or filing of a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report, the Family Court Services Manager must file with the District Clerk a letter report stating that he or she has reviewed the pleadings filed in

INFO

Applies to

Proposed order

Uncontested matters are ordinarily considered in the order proposed orders are brought to the courtroom clerk.

These matters will ordinarily be considered in the order in which the proposed orders are brought to the courtroom clerk.

INFO

Applies to

Proposed parenting plan

The court-posted parenting plan form is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

The form parenting plan posted on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website is acceptable, and other forms may also be acceptable.

INFO

Applies to

Motion to withdraw or substitute

Chapter 6's withdrawal and substitution procedures do not apply to attorneys who have made a limited appearance; Chapter 20 governs those withdrawals and substitutions instead.

This Chapter does not apply to a withdrawal or substitution by an attorney who has made a limited appearance; Chapter 20 governs withdrawal and substitution of a limited appearance.

INFO

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order does not need to be filed.

A proposed order need not be filed.

CRITICAL

Unless income is stipulated, parties in child support or spousal maintenance suits must furnish (but not file) tax returns for the prior two years or substitute payroll records, plus a Schedule K-1 for the trial year, to the court and opposing parties at the time of trial.

Additionally, in any suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, unless the parties agree or stipulate to a party's income and/or net resources as defined by the Texas Family Code, each party is required to furnish to the court (but not file), and to opposing parties, copies of the following at the time of trial: 1. The party's federal income tax returns for the previous two calendar years, or if no such return(s) have been filed, then all payroll statements, pay stubs, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and Schedule K-1 for such years; and Schedule K-1 for the calendar year of the trial from January 1 through the date of the trial.

CRITICAL

A motion to have a matter heard by a District Judge instead of an Associate Judge must be in writing.

A party may file a motion to have any other matter heard originally before a District Judge instead of an Associate Judge. The motion must be in writing and must set the motion for hearing by a judge with notice to all parties as required by the applicable rules of civil procedure.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Consent form

When coverage is sought with consent, court-adopted consent forms must be used and original signed consent forms of the witnesses must be obtained in the manner directed by the court.

If the recording, broadcasting, or photographing is sought with consent, consent forms adopted by the court must be used to evidence the consent of the parties and witnesses. Original signed consent forms of the witnesses must be obtained in the manner directed by the court.