Travis County District Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
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Document Format Requirements21 rules
Any show cause or other order setting a case presented for signature to a judge must be on a separate page and not combined with a pleading.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Any show cause or other order setting a case presented for signature to a judge must be on a separate page and not combined with a pleading. Even if a judge signs such an order, the setting must be made with the Court Administrator's office.
Any show cause or other order setting a case presented for signature to a judge must be on a separate page and not combined with a pleading.
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.
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.
The word "entered" must not be used to show the date on which a judgment, decree, or order is signed.
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.
A draft of an order must not be typed on the same page with a pleading, motion, certificate of service, or any part thereof
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.
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.
Orders to Appear before answer day must be on a separate page
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.
In all cases, the attorneys shall, prior to the trial or hearing, insure that all exhibits, intended for introduction, have an exhibit label affixed thereto.
Any show cause or other order setting a case presented for signature to a judge must be on a separate page and not combined with a pleading.
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
A party may object to an Associate Judge hearing any trial on the merits, and the objection must be in writing.
Court's wording
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.
Document Filing Requirements288 rules
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.
Court's wording
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.
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.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
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.”
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.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
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.”
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.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
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”
The court retains discretion to strike any setting in which the motion (or an amended version of the motion) does not include such certificates.
For jury trials, the total announced time must include time for pretrial, voir dire, evidence, charge conference, closing argument, and deliberation.
Each request for a setting must include an estimate of the total time required for the entire hearing, on all matters, for all participants.
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.
Court's wording
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.
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:
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.
Court's wording
(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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
(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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
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.
Court's wording
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;
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.
Court's wording
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.
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;
- Document
- Motion to substitute attorney
Must include
- •Certificate of service
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.
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 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.
An ex parte application must fully disclose the circumstances, including prior applications, potential conflicts with prior orders, and whether the opposing party has counsel.
Court's wording
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.
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.
- Document
- Motion to withdraw minor funds
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
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.
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.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
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.
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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
The Chapter 10 case notice must identify the parties and their attorneys and provide specified attorney contact and related-case assignment information.
Court's wording
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
(d) If notice is not provided pursuant to Subsection (c), a statement of the reason for any failure to provide notice.
If notice is not provided pursuant to Subsection (c), a statement of the reason for any failure to provide notice.
(i) do not include a statement regarding oral argument
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
(ii) do include a glossary of technical terms, which is not counted in determining the limit on the length of the 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.
Court's wording
(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.
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.
Draft orders must be on a separate page from pleadings/motions/certificates and must have a heading showing cause number, case style, and court.
Court's wording
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.
Each attorney’s signature block on these documents must identify the parties represented by that attorney.
- Placement
- Signature block
Draft orders approved as to form must be presented to the judge who decided the matter unless instructed to present it to any 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. Each attorney's signature block on these documents must identify the parties represented by that attorney.
- Document
- Draft judgment decree or order
- Placement
- Signature block
Announcements of time for jury or non-jury long docket settings must state whether mediation has been completed.
Court's wording
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.
During docket call announcements for jury or non-jury long docket settings, all parties must state whether mediation has been completed.
Court's wording
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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
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.
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.
Court's wording
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.
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.
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.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Documents provided to a judge for action (e.g., motions) must first be filed with the District Clerk, and then a copy provided to the judge's staff; providing documents to a judge does not file them.
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's staff.
Page 4 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
Even when a judge signs an order setting a case, the setting itself must be made with the Court Administrator's office.
Even if a judge signs such an order, the setting must be made with the Court Administrator's office.
Page 9 | 2.5 Orders Setting Cases
The Chapter 10 notice to the Local Administrative Judge may be submitted by hand delivery, mail, or email to LocalAdministrativeJudge@traviscountytx.gov.
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.
Page 30 | 10.2 Assignment of Cases
Each party must deliver its brief digitally or in hard copy as instructed by the assigned judge.
(f) Each party must deliver their brief either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge.
Page 32 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
Proposed orders must not be filed with the clerk; they are instead submitted by email under this Standing Order.
Proposed orders must not be filed, as provided in Local Rule 11.1.
Page 1 | 4. Motion Required
Submissions must be made by email to the appropriate Court with a file-stamped motion and proposed order attached, subject line 'SUBMISSION' plus cause number and case style, copying all counsel and self-represented parties.
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. All counsel of record and self-represented parties shall be copied.
Page 1 | 5. Submission
Each party must deliver its administrative appeal brief either digitally or in hard copy, following the assigned judge's instructions.
Each party must deliver their brief either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge.
Page 31 | Chapter 10 - Judicial Review of Actions of Administrative Agencies
Proposed or draft orders must not be filed as stand-alone documents with the clerk and may be filed only 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.
Page 34 | Chapter 11 - Drafts of Judgments, Decrees, and Orders to be Signed by Judge / 11.1 No Filing of Proposed Orders
Each party must deliver their brief either digitally or in hard copy, as instructed by the assigned judge.
Each party must deliver their brief either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge.
Page 32 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
If email is unavailable, submission may be made by letter.
In the rare case in which email is not available, submission may be made by letter.
Page 1 | 5. Submission
Settings for jury and non-jury Central Docket matters are obtained from the Court Administrator by written request through Civil Calendaring Online or by oral request, and are docketed in the order requests are received.
All jury and non-jury matters on the Central Docket will be set by the Court Administrator upon written request through Civil Calendaring Online on the Travis County Civil District Courts' website or upon oral request of any party, and will be placed on the docket for each week, day, or half-day in the order in which such requests are received.
Page 7 | Chapter 2 - Setting Cases on the Central Docket
A joint written request to assign a case (or part of a case) to a particular judge must be filed and also submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by hand delivery, mail, or email, and should generally be made at the beginning of the case.
The written request, explaining the unusual characteristics, must be filed and also submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by: (a) Delivering the notice to the attention of the Local Administrative Judge at the Office of the District Judges at the Civil and Family Courts Facility; (b) Mailing the notice to the Local Administrative Judge at P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748; or (c) Emailing the notice to: Loca lAdministradve!udg:e@trayiscountytx.gov.
Page 8 | 2.6 Assignment of All or Part of Case to a Particular Judge
Each party must deliver its brief digitally or in hard copy as instructed by the assigned judge.
(f) Each party must deliver their brief either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge.
Page 31 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A party may request a setting only after filing the motion with the required certifications or by filing it immediately, and must file it no later than 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.
Page 8 | 2.3 Requesting a Setting and Time Estimate Requirement
A party may not request a setting unless the motion with required certifications is already filed or is filed no later than 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.
Page 8 | Chapter 2: Setting Cases on the Central Docket
Settings will not be accepted after the Friday preceding the announcement period, except by agreement of all parties or where a statute requires a hearing prior to the next available setting week.
No setting will be accepted after the Friday preceding the announcement period except by agreement of all parties, unless it is governed by a statute requiring a hearing prior to the next available week on which settings may be scheduled.
Page 10 | 2.7 Deadline for Setting; Announcement Required
In cases involving an incarcerated party, the party wishing to set a hearing must communicate with the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed hearing date, unless leave of court is granted for good cause.
In all cases in which a party is incarcerated, the party wishing to set a hearing must communicate with the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed date for hearing, except with leave of court with good cause shown.
Page 14
The hearing-setting communication must occur at least 30 days before the proposed hearing date, unless the court allows otherwise for good cause.
In all cases in which a party is incarcerated, the party wishing to set a hearing must communicate with the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed date for hearing, except with leave of court with good cause shown.
Page 14 | 2.16 When a Party is Incarcerated
Motions submitted for consideration without a hearing must first be filed with the District Clerk's office; the Court will not consider any motion in a case that has not been filed with the District Clerk.
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.
Page 22 | 7.1 Uncontested Submission Procedures
A party receiving notice of a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at least 7 days before the noticed dismissal date.
Parties receiving notice of a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 26 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation
Objections to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date.
Any objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 26 | Chapter 8: Dismissal for Want of Prosecution by the Court, Motion to Retain subsection (b)
A party filing a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at the same time.
Parties filing motions to retain must file any objection to mediation simultaneously with a motion to retain.
Page 26 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation
A motion to retain must be filed at least 14 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
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.
Page 26 | Chapter 8: Dismissal for Want of Prosecution by the Court, Motion to Retain subsection (a)
Parties responding to a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at least 7 days before the dismissal date.
Parties receiving notice of a motion to retain must file any objection to mediation at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 26 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation
A motion to retain must state its factual and legal basis and be filed at least 14 days before the noticed 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.
Page 26 | 8.5 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain
An objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days before the noticed dismissal date.
Any objection to a motion to retain must be filed at least 7 days prior to the dismissal date specified in the notice of dismissal.
Page 26 | 8.5 Motions to Retain and Objections to Motions to Retain
All briefing must be filed and delivered to the court at least 30 days before the merits hearing, unless the assigned judge instructs otherwise.
Unless otherwise instructed by the assigned judge, all briefing must be filed and delivered to the court at least 30 days prior to the date of the hearing on the merits.
Page 32 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
Unless the assigned judge directs otherwise, all briefing must be filed and delivered to the court at least 30 days before the merits hearing.
(c) Unless otherwise instructed by the assigned judge, all briefing must be filed and delivered to the court at least 30 days prior to the date of the hearing on the merits.
Page 32 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
A hearing on a motion objecting to automatic referral to mediation must be set and heard before the docket announcement period for the trial date, or the objection is deemed waived.
A hearing on the objection must be set and heard before the beginning of the docket announcement period for the date of trial or the objection to the referral is deemed waived.
Page 41 | Chapter 13: Referral of Cases to Mediation or Other Alternative Dispute Resolution
An objection must be filed on or before ten days after receipt of either specified notice.
The time for filing an objection is: (i) On or before ten days from receipt of a notice of setting on the Family docket; or (ii) On or before ten days from receipt of notice that a judge referred a specific case to an Associate Judge for a trial on the merits.
Page 61 | 22.3 Objections to Associate Judges
An objection to an Associate Judge must be filed within ten days of receipt of the notice of setting on the Family docket or of notice of referral to an Associate Judge for trial on the merits.
The time for filing an objection is: (i) On or before ten days from receipt of a notice of setting on the Family docket; or (ii) On or before ten days from receipt of notice that a judge referred a specific case to an Associate Judge for a trial on the merits.
Page 61 | 22.3 Objections to Associate Judges
Each party must file required pre-trial forms and any pleading amendments before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday two weeks before the week of trial.
(i) Each party must file the required pre-trial forms and any amendment to pleadings before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday two weeks before the week of the trial setting.
Page 66 | 23.3(c) When to File
Required pre-trial forms and any amendments to pleadings must be filed before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday two weeks before the week of the trial setting.
Each party must file the required pre-trial forms and any amendment to pleadings before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday two weeks before the week of the trial setting.
Page 66 | Chapter 23: Pre-Trial Procedure in Family Law Cases (i)
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The party obtaining a setting must notify all parties of its date, time, and estimated total duration in accordance with the applicable procedural and local rules; the court and Court Administrator do not send notice.
Neither the court nor the Court Administrator sends notices of settings. The party who obtains the setting pursuant to Local Rule 2.3 must give notice to all parties of the time and date of a setting and the total time needed for the entire hearing for all participants. Notice must be given in the manner and within the time provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and these Local Rules, including Local Rule 1.4.
Page 8 | 2.4 Notice of Setting to be Provided by Party Obtaining the Setting
The court does not send setting notices; the party obtaining the setting must notify all parties of the time, date, and total hearing time as required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rule 1.4.
Neither the court nor the Court Administrator sends notices of settings. The party who obtains the setting pursuant to Local Rule 2.3 must give notice to all parties of the time and date of a setting and the total time needed for the entire hearing for all participants. Notice must be given in the manner and within the time provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and these Local Rules, including Local Rule 1.4.
Page 8 | 2.4 Notice of Setting to be Provided by Party Obtaining the Setting
The party requesting a hearing setting must notify all other parties.
The party requesting the setting must give notice to all other parties.
Page 14 | 2.16 When a Party is Incarcerated
The party requesting a hearing setting (in a case involving an incarcerated party) must give notice of the setting to all other parties.
The party requesting the setting must give notice to all other parties.
Page 14
A continuance movant must still deliver a copy of the motion and give hearing notice in the manner and time required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
This Rule does not relieve a movant of the burden of delivering a copy of the motion and giving notice of the hearing in the manner and within the time provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 16 | 3.3 Motions for Continuance
Notice of post-trial pleadings must be given to the trial judge by delivering a copy to the Office of the District Judges at the Civil and Family Courts Facility, by mail to P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748, or by email to the trial court's submission email address with the required subject line.
Notice must be given to the trial judge by the party filing the pleading by: (a) Delivery of a copy of the pleading to the attention of the trial judge at the Office of the District Judges at the Civil and Family Courts Facility; (b) Mail addressed to the trial judge at P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748; or (c) Email to the trial court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage, with "Request for Post Trial Hearing" in the subject line of the email.
Page 19 | 5.2 How to Notify (Notice to Trial Judge of Post-Trial Pleadings)
A party applying for an ex parte order must fully advise the opposing party of the relief and hearing sought, unless the court waives this notice requirement.
A party presenting any application for an ex parte order must fully advise the opposing party of the relief and hearing sought, unless at the time the hearing is sought or scheduled, the court waives this notice requirement.
Page 24 | 7.7 Fully Advise the Opposing Party
A party seeking an ex parte order must fully advise the opposing party of the relief and hearing sought unless the court waives notice when the hearing is sought or scheduled.
A party presenting any application for an ex parte order must fully advise the opposing party of the relief and hearing sought, unless at the time the hearing is sought or scheduled, the court waives this notice requirement.
Page 24 | 7.7 Fully Advise the Opposing Party
Copies of notices, motions, and pleadings required under this Chapter must also be delivered to the Court Administrator.
A copy of notices, motions, and pleadings required to be filed by this Chapter also must be delivered to the Court Administrator.
Page 25 | 8.2 Copies to Court Administrator
Prior notice of an application to restrain governmental action must be given to counsel for the governmental entity.
(e) In all cases, prior notice must be given to counsel for a governmental entity of any application to restrain governmental action.
Page 31 | 10.3
Notice of a hearing to restrain agency action must be provided to the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
(f) Notice of any hearing to restrain agency action must be provided to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Page 31 | 10.3
Notice of any hearing to restrain agency action must be provided to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Notice of any hearing to restrain agency action must be provided to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Page 31 | Chapter 10 – Rule 10.3 (Notice)
In all cases, prior notice must be given to counsel for a governmental entity of any application to restrain governmental action.
In all cases, prior notice must be given to counsel for a governmental entity of any application to restrain governmental action.
Page 31 | Chapter 10 – Rule 10.3 (Notice)
Advance notice of a temporary restraining order application must be provided by email and telephone to the agency-proceeding parties and, if represented there, their counsel.
(c) Advance notice of the application for a temporary restraining order must be provided by email and by telephone to the party or parties to the agency proceeding and to counsel if the party was represented at agency proceeding.
Page 31 | 10.3
Appendices in administrative appeals must be served on all parties but need not be filed with the Clerk.
Appendices must be served on all parties but are not required to be filed with the Clerk.
Page 33 | 10.7 Optional Appendices to Administrative Appeal Briefing
Appendices must be served on all parties and need not be filed with the Clerk.
(b) Appendices must be served on all parties but are not required to be filed with the Clerk.
Page 33 | 10.6
A copy of the recording request must be delivered to the court, Court Administrator, counsel of record, and self-represented parties.
A copy of the request must also be delivered to the court, Court Administrator, all counsel of record and all self-represented parties.
Page 48 | 16.3(b) Written Order Required
A copy of the recording request must be delivered to the court, Court Administrator, all counsel of record, and all self-represented parties.
A copy of the request must also be delivered to the court, Court Administrator, all counsel of record and all self-represented parties.
Page 48 | 16.3 When Recording, Broadcasting, or Photographing Permitted
A person requesting a de novo hearing must deliver a copy of the request to the Court Administrator on the day it is filed with the District Clerk.
A person requesting a de novo hearing before a District Judge must deliver a copy of the request to the Court Administrator on the same day that the request is filed with the District Clerk.
Page 56 | 19.4 Delivery of Request for De Novo Hearing
For matters outside a limited appearance, service must be made on the party at the address in the notice; notice to the attorney is ineffective.
Whenever service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney who has filed a Notice of Limited Appearance, service regarding matters outside the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance must be made on the party. Any notice upon an attorney regarding matters outside the scope of the Notice of Limited Appearance is not effective notice on that party. Service upon a party must be at the address listed for the party in the Notice of Limited Appearance.
Page 58 | 20.4 Responsibilities of Opposing Counsel regarding service
Filing Fees and Waivers
A $20 personal bond fee applies when the bail amount is below $1,350.
Due to the circumstances appurtenant to residing in Travis County such as: the high and continuously rising cost of living, including the expensive costs of housing and transportation, and, the increasing poverty rate within our jurisdiction, good cause does exist, under the requirements of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 17.42, Sec. 4 (a), to assess the lesser fee of twenty dollars to be applied in all cases with a bail amount set below $1350.00.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER (LOCAL RULES AND GENERAL ORDERS)
A $40 bond fee applies when the bail bond is set above $1,350.
In all other cases with a bail bond set above $1350.00, the bond fee amount shall be fixed at forty dollars.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER (LOCAL RULES AND GENERAL ORDERS)
Fees for preparing the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report must be paid as directed by the Family Court Services Manager.
The fees for preparation of a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report must be paid as directed by the Family Court Services Manager.
Page 72 | 25.3 Procedures
Fees for preparation of the pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report must be paid as directed by the Family Court Services Manager.
The fees for preparation of a pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive report must be paid as directed by the Family Court Services Manager.
Page 71 | Chapter 25 - Adoptions and Terminations, Section 25.3(d)
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If a party must forward a document to a judge or wants to bring it to the judge’s attention, the party must deliver a file-marked courtesy copy to the judge’s staff; filing it with the District Clerk alone is insufficient.
Please note that documents filed with the District Clerk are not forwarded to a judge; if a party is required to forward a document to a judge or intends for a document to be brought to a judge’s attention, the party must deliver a courtesy copy of the file-marked document to the judge’s staff, and not simply file it.
Page 4 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
A party who needs to bring a document to a judge's attention must deliver a courtesy copy of the file-marked document to the judge's staff rather than simply filing it.
if a party is required to forward a document to a judge or intends for a document to be brought to a judge's attention, the party must deliver a courtesy copy of the file-marked document to the judge's staff, and not simply file it.
Page 4 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
Documents provided to a judge for action must first be filed with the District Clerk, after which a copy must be provided to the judge’s staff.
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’s staff.
Page 4 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
A courtesy copy of any pleading or document a party wishes the court to consider must be provided to both the judge and opposing counsel.
Provide the judge and opposing counsel with a courtesy copy of any pleadings and other documents you wish the court to consider.
Page 18 | 4.3 Courtesy Copies
Provide the judge and opposing counsel a courtesy copy of any pleading or other document you want the court to consider.
Provide the judge and opposing counsel with a courtesy copy of any pleadings and other documents you wish the court to consider.
Page 18 | 4.3 Courtesy Copies
Copies of all notices, motions, and pleadings filed under Chapter 8 must also be delivered to the Court Administrator.
A copy of notices, motions, and pleadings required to be filed by this Chapter also must be delivered to the Court Administrator.
Page 25 | 8.2 Copies to Court Administrator
When delivering copies of the opening brief, the Plaintiff must also deliver the required appendix to the judge, either digitally or in hard copy (sentence continues beyond this excerpt).
When the Plaintiff delivers the copies of the opening brief, the Plaintiff must also deliver to the judge, either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the
Page 32 | 10.6 Required Appendix to Administrative Appeal Briefing
A copy of any request for a de novo hearing before a District Judge must be delivered to the Court Administrator on the same day the request is filed with the District Clerk.
A person requesting a de novo hearing before a District Judge must deliver a copy of the request to the Court Administrator on the same day that the request is filed with the District Clerk.
Page 56 | Proceedings Before Tax Masters in Delinquent Property Tax Collection Cases and Proceedings Before Associate Judges in Other Civil Cases
The required pre-trial form must be delivered to the judge at the time of 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.
Page 67 | Chapter 23: Pre-Trial Procedure in Family Law Cases
A party who must forward a document to a judge or wants to bring it to the judge’s attention must deliver a file-marked courtesy copy; filing it with the District Clerk alone is insufficient.
Please note that documents filed with the District Clerk are not forwarded to a judge; if a party is required to forward a document to a judge or intends for a document to be brought to a judge's attention, the party must deliver a courtesy copy of the file-marked document to the judge, and not simply file it.
Page 4 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
A courtesy copy of any pleadings or other documents the party wants the court to consider must be provided to the judge and opposing counsel.
Provide the judge and opposing counsel with a courtesy copy of any pleadings and other documents you wish the court to consider.
Page 17 | 4.3 Courtesy Copies
Provide the judge and opposing counsel a courtesy copy of pleadings and other documents submitted for the court’s consideration.
Provide the judge and opposing counsel with a courtesy copy of any pleadings and other documents you wish the court to consider.
Page 17 | 4.3 Courtesy Copies
Copies of notices, motions, and pleadings required to be filed under the dismissal-for-want-of-prosecution chapter must also be delivered to the Court Administrator.
A copy of notices, motions, and pleadings required to be filed by this Chapter also must be delivered to the Court Administrator.
Page 24 | Chapter 8 - Dismissal for Want of Prosecution by the Court, Rule 8.2 Copies to Court Administrator
In addition to filing, the notice must be submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by:
In addition to filing, the notice must be submitted to the Local Administrative Judge by:
Page 28 | 10.2(b) Delivery to Local Administrative Judge
When delivering its opening brief, the plaintiff must also deliver to the judge, digitally or in hard copy per the assigned judge's instructions, a separate clearly labeled appendix containing courtesy copies of materials incorporated by reference in the order and the plaintiff's motion for rehearing filed with the agency (or the portion showing the briefed points of error).
When the Plaintiff delivers the copies of the opening brief, the Plaintiff must also deliver to the judge, either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge, in a separate clearly labeled appendix, courtesy copies of: ... incorporated or adopted by reference in the order; and (ii) The Plaintiffs motion for rehearing filed with the agency, or that portion of the motion necessary to show that the points of error briefed were included in the motion.
Page 31 | 10.6 Required Appendix to Administrative Appeal Briefing
When delivering copies of the opening brief, the plaintiff must deliver the judge a separate, clearly labeled appendix with courtesy copies of the agency’s final order and the relevant motion for rehearing, digitally or in hard copy as instructed by the judge.
(a) When the Plaintiff delivers the copies of the opening brief, the Plaintiff must also deliver to the judge, either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge, in a separate clearly labeled appendix, courtesy copies of: (i) The agency's final order, including any report or recommendation incorporated or adopted by reference in the order; and (ii) The Plaintiffs motion for rehearing filed with the agency, or that portion of the motion necessary to show that the points of error briefed were included in the motion.
Page 31 | 10.6 Required Appendix to Administrative Appeal Briefing
A copy of any request for a de novo hearing must be delivered to the Court Administrator on the same day the request is filed with the District Clerk.
Any person requesting a de nova hearing before a judge must also deliver a copy of the request to the Court Administrator on the same day that the request is filed with the District Clerk.
Page 61 | 22.6 Request for De Novo Hearing
The required appendix includes courtesy copies of the agency’s final order and the relevant rehearing motion; appendices must be served on all parties but need not be filed with the Clerk.
courtesy copies of: (i) The agency's final order, including any report or recommendation incorporated or adopted by reference in the order; and (ii) The Plaintiff's motion for rehearing filed with the agency, or that portion of the motion necessary to show that the points of error briefed were included in the motion. (b) Appendices must be served on all parties but are not required to be filed with the Clerk.
Page 33 | 10.6
In administrative appeals, parties may optionally provide the judge courtesy copies of a clearly labeled appendix containing record excerpts, statutes, and material authorities, digitally or in hard copy per the judge's instructions.
In addition to the required appendix, any party may also provide to the judge, either digitally or in hard copy, pursuant to the instructions of the assigned judge in a separate clearly labeled appendix, courtesy copies of: (i) Material excerpts from the administrative record pertinent to the points briefed; (ii) Material statutes, rules, regulations, and other law sources that may not be readily accessible; and (iii) Authorities that the party’s counsel considers to be particularly material to the argument.
Page 33 | 10.7 Optional Appendices to Administrative Appeal Briefing
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The District Clerk maintains files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records in every adoption suit and every suit in which an authorized agency seeks termination of the parent-child relationship.
The District Clerk will maintain the files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records: (a) In every suit in which the petition includes a prayer seeking adoption of a child; (b) In every suit in which any authorized agency seeks termination of the parent- child relationship.
Page 71 | 25.1 Confidential Records
Pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports must be maintained as confidential records.
All pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports will be maintained as confidential records.
Page 71 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
All pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports are maintained as confidential records.
All pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports will be maintained as confidential records.
Page 71 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
The District Clerk must maintain files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records in suits seeking adoption and suits in which an authorized agency seeks termination of the parent-child relationship.
The District Clerk will maintain the files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records: (a) In every suit in which the petition includes a prayer seeking adoption of a child; (b) In every suit in which any authorized agency seeks termination of the parent- child relationship.
Page 71 | 25.1 Confidential Records
Pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports must be maintained as confidential records.
All pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports will be maintained as confidential records.
Page 70 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
The District Clerk must maintain files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records in adoption suits and suits where an authorized agency seeks termination of the parent-child relationship.
The District Clerk will maintain the files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records: (a) In every suit in which the petition includes a prayer seeking adoption of a child; (b) In every suit in which any authorized agency seeks termination of the parent- child relationship.
Page 70 | 25.1 Confidential Records
The District Clerk automatically maintains files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records in adoption suits and in suits where an authorized agency seeks termination of the parent-child relationship.
The District Clerk will maintain the files, docket sheets, and minutes as confidential records: (a) In every suit in which the petition includes a prayer seeking adoption of a child; (b) In every suit in which any authorized agency seeks termination of the parent- child relationship.
Page 70 | 25.1 Confidential Records
Pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports are maintained as confidential records.
All pre-adoptive home screening and post-placement adoptive reports will be maintained as confidential records.
Page 70 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
Before allowing a person to view a document or another witness’s statement, the person possessing it must redact the listed personal and identifying information.
Before allowing that person to view a document or the witness statement of another under this subsection, the person possessing the information shall redact the address, telephone number, driver's license number, social security number, date of birth, and any bank account or other identifying numbers contained in the document or witness statement.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | Art. 39.14. Discovery.
In termination suits that do not seek adoption, files, docket sheets, and minutes are not confidential or sealed unless the court orders otherwise.
In all other suits seeking termination but not adoption, the files, docket sheets, and minutes will not be confidential or sealed unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Page 71 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
In termination suits that do not seek adoption, the files, docket sheets, and minutes are not confidential or sealed unless the court orders otherwise.
In all other suits seeking termination but not adoption, the files, docket sheets, and minutes will not be confidential or sealed unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Page 71 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
In termination suits that do not seek adoption, the files, docket sheets, and minutes are not confidential or sealed unless the court orders otherwise.
In all other suits seeking termination but not adoption, the files, docket sheets, and minutes will not be confidential or sealed unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Page 70 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
In termination suits that do not seek adoption, files, docket sheets, and minutes are not confidential or sealed unless the court orders otherwise.
In all other suits seeking termination but not adoption, the files, docket sheets, and minutes will not be confidential or sealed unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Page 70 | 25.2 Non-Confidential Records
Filing Bundling Requirements
Parties filing motions to retain must file any objection to mediation simultaneously with a motion to retain.
Parties filing motions to retain must file any objection to mediation simultaneously with a motion to retain.
Page 26 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation
Proposed or draft orders may not be filed alone; they may be filed only 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.
Page 35 | 11.1 No Filing of Proposed Orders
All necessary evidence must be bundled into the same email as the submission request.
All necessary evidence must be included in the same email.
Page 1 | 5. Submission
Parties filing motions to retain must file any objection to mediation simultaneously with a motion to retain.
Parties filing motions to retain must file any objection to mediation simultaneously with a motion to retain.
Page 25 | 8.6 Objection to Mediation
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
No party should ask a particular judge to accept assignment of a case or part of a case unless all parties have previously conferred and have agreed to jointly make the request.
No party should ask a particular judge to accept assignment of a case or part of a case unless all parties have previously conferred and have agreed to jointly make the request.
Page 10 | 2.6 Assignment of All or Part of Case to a Particular Judge
The Department may seek ex parte relief from the Duty Judge only if the CPS Docket judge cannot hear or designate a judge to hear the urgent matter.
Only when the judge hearing the CPS Docket is unavailable to hear or designate a judge to hear an urgent matter may the Department seek ex parte relief from the Duty Judge.
Page 23 | 7.4 Emergency Matters to Be Heard by Duty Judge and Those to Be Heard by Judge Hearing CPS Docket
Before setting a final merits hearing in an administrative appeal, all counsel must confer on the hearing date, the amount of time requested, and (if multiple parties) the order of presentation.
Before setting a final hearing on the merits of an administrative appeal, all counsel must confer regarding: (i) the date of any hearing; (ii) the amount of time to be requested for the hearing (although the time to be allotted to argument is in the discretion of the court); and (iii) if there are multiple parties, the order of presentation.
Page 31 | 10.4 Hearings
Parties must brief administrative appeals before the hearing on the merits.
(a) Administrative appeals must be briefed by the parties in advance of the hearing on the merits.
Page 32 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
The motion must be set for hearing by a judge, with notice to all parties as required by the applicable rules of civil procedure.
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 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.
Page 62 | 22.3 Objections to Associate Judges
Absent good cause, a Motion to Confer with a Child must be set for the same day as its related temporary-orders hearing or final merits trial, and that hearing's judge rules on the motion.
Absent good cause shown, all Motions to Confer with a Child must be set on the same day as the hearing such motion is related to (temporary orders or final merits trial). The specific judge who will be hearing the temporary orders hearing or final merits trial will rule on the Motion to Confer with a Child.
Page 69 | 23.9 Motion to Confer with a Child
Motions to Confer with a Child must be set on the same day as the related hearing (temporary orders or final merits trial) and will be ruled on by the judge hearing that matter, absent good cause.
Absent good cause shown, all Motions to Confer with a Child must be set on the same day as the hearing such motion is related to (temporary orders or final merits trial). The specific judge who will be hearing the temporary orders hearing or final merits trial will rule on the Motion to Confer with a Child.
Page 69 | 23.9 Motion to Confer with a Child
Requests to be heard on motions challenging a prior ruling (new trial, modify/correct/reform/reconsider, etc.), except one by default, must be presented to the judge who made the ruling; contact the Court Administrator's office to determine visiting judge availability.
A request to be heard on a motion for new trial; motion to modify, correct, reform, or reconsider; or any other motion challenging a prior ruling, except one by default, must be presented to the judge who made the ruling, including a visiting judge, if available. Contact the Court Administrator's office to determine if the visiting judge who made the ruling is available.
Page 4 | 1.5 Motions Challenging a Prior Ruling
Before setting a hearing, parties must make reasonable efforts to speak about the setting details and the motion’s substance to narrow disputes.
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.
Page 6 | 2.2 Certification Requirements
Before setting a hearing or trial, the parties must confer (or make reasonable efforts to confer) about the date, time, format, and substance of the motion in a genuine effort to narrow disputes.
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.
Page 6 | SETTING CASES ON THE CENTRAL DOCKET - 2.2 Certification Requirements
Before requesting a setting in a case assigned under Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, the moving party must first confer with the judge's staff (District Judges' Office for visiting judges) to determine availability.
Before requesting the setting from the Court Administrator of a case assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, the moving party must confer with the judge's staff to determine the judge's availability. For visiting judges, the District Judges' Office serves as the judge's staff.
Page 11 | Chapter 2 - Setting Cases on the Central Docket (paragraph preceding Rule 2.12)
Counsel may not repeat or address subject matter covered by the pre-trial standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.
Counsel must not repeat or otherwise address the subject matter contained in the standing order except to seek a modification of the standing order.
Page 17 | 4.2 Jury Trial Pre-Trial Scheduling Order and Motions in Limine
No hearings may be set during the week before a bench or jury trial, except hearings on motions for continuance.
No hearings may be set during the week before a bench or jury trial, except for hearings on motions for continuance.
Page 17 | 4.1 No Motions the Week Before Trial
Before setting a final hearing on the merits of an administrative appeal, all counsel must confer on the hearing date, the time to be requested, and (for multiple parties) the order of presentation.
Before setting a final hearing on the merits of an administrative appeal, all counsel must confer regarding: (i) the date of any hearing; (ii) the amount of time to be requested for the hearing (although the time to be allotted to argument is in the discretion of the court); and (iii) if there are multiple parties, the order of presentation.
Page 30 | 10.4 Hearings
A withdrawal motion must be presented at a hearing after notice to the client and all other parties unless the specified filings are made.
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:
Page 57 | 20.5 Withdrawal and Substitution
Motions to Confer with a Child must be set on the same day as the related temporary orders or final merits hearing absent good cause, and the judge presiding over that hearing rules on the motion.
Absent good cause shown, all Motions to Confer with a Child must be set on the same day as the hearing such motion is related to (temporary orders or final merits trial). The specific judge who will be hearing the temporary orders hearing or final merits trial will rule on the Motion to Confer with a Child.
Page 68 | 23.9 Motion to Confer with a Child
Unless good cause is shown, a Motion to Confer with a Child must be set on the day of its related temporary-orders hearing or final merits trial.
Absent good cause shown, all Motions to Confer with a Child must be set on the same day as the hearing such motion is related to (temporary orders or final merits trial).
Page 68 | 23.9 Motion to Confer with a Child
Parties must try to agree on a briefing schedule and notify the assigned judge of the agreed dates.
(b) The parties must attempt to establish a briefing schedule by agreement and must notify the judge to whom the case is assigned of the agreed dates.
Page 32 | 10.5 Briefing for Administrative Appeals
Motions in limine requesting additional limine relief or modification of the pre-trial standing order will be heard by the trial judge at the time of trial.
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 at the time of trial.
Page 17 | 4.2 Jury Trial Pre-Trial Scheduling Order and Motions in Limine
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Once announced, settings may not be passed except by agreement of all counsel. Counsel must notify the Court Administrator of an agreement to pass a setting.
Once announced, settings may not be passed except by agreement of all counsel. Counsel must notify the Court Administrator of an agreement to pass a setting.
Page 13 | 2.14(b) Agreement to Pass a Setting
Continuance motions must be set on the Central Docket unless the case is specially assigned under Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, and if no Central Docket setting can be obtained the continuance may be heard by the Duty Judge upon request.
Motions for continuance must be set on the Central Docket unless a case is specially assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2. If a Central Docket setting cannot be obtained under these rules, the continuance may be heard by the Duty Judge upon request to the Duty Judge.
Page 16 | 3.3 Motions for Continuance
Continuance motions must be set on the Central Docket, except for specially assigned cases; if no Central Docket setting is available, the Duty Judge may hear the motion upon request.
Motions for continuance must be set on the Central Docket unless a case is specially assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2. If a Central Docket setting cannot be obtained under these rules, the continuance may be heard by the Duty Judge upon request to the Duty Judge.
Page 16 | 3.3 Motions for Continuance
Continuances for Family Docket settings are heard Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.; continuances of longer than 3-hour merits settings are heard the Thursday one week before the setting, and all other continuances are heard the Thursday before the next week's setting.
Continuances for settings on the Family Docket are heard every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Continuances of longer than 3 hour merits settings are heard the Thursday one week before the setting. All others are heard the Thursday before the next week setting.
Page 60 | 21.3 Continuances
The Court Administrator may not extend the deadline for delivering pretrial forms.
The Court Administrator is not authorized to extend the time for delivering pretrial forms.
Page 68 | 23.6 No Extensions or Waivers by Court Administrator or by Agreement
The Court Administrator may not extend the deadline for delivering pre-trial forms, and the parties may not waive or modify these pre-trial form requirements by agreement.
The Court Administrator is not authorized to extend the time for delivering pretrial forms. The parties may not by agreement waive or modify the provisions or requirements of these rules.
Page 68 | 23.6 No Extensions or Waivers by Court Administrator or by Agreement
An announced setting may be passed only if all counsel agree, and counsel must notify the Court Administrator of that agreement.
Once announced, settings may not be passed except by agreement of all counsel. Counsel must notify the Court Administrator of an agreement to pass a setting.
Page 12 | 2.14(b) Agreement to Pass a Setting
Announced settings may only be passed (continued) by agreement of all counsel, and counsel must notify the Court Administrator of any agreement to pass a setting.
Once announced, settings may not be passed except by agreement of all counsel. Counsel must notify the Court Administrator of an agreement to pass a setting.
Page 12 | 2.14 Duty to Notify Court Administrator
Motions for continuance must be set on the Central Docket unless an exception applies; if that setting cannot be obtained, the Duty Judge may hear the motion on request, and the movant must still deliver a copy and provide notice as required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Motions for continuance must be set on the Central Docket unless a case is specially assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2. If a Central Docket setting cannot be obtained under these rules, the continuance may be heard by the Duty Judge upon request to the Duty Judge. This Rule does not relieve a movant of the burden of delivering a copy of the motion and giving notice of the hearing in the manner and within the time provided by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 15 | 3.3 Motions for Continuance
Motions for continuance must be set on the Central Docket unless the case is specially assigned under Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, and if no Central Docket setting can be obtained the Duty Judge may hear the continuance upon request.
Motions for continuance must be set on the Central Docket unless a case is specially assigned pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2. If a Central Docket setting cannot be obtained under these rules, the continuance may be heard by the Duty Judge upon request to the Duty Judge.
Page 15 | 3.3 Motions for Continuance
Family Docket continuances are heard Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.; longer-than-three-hour merits settings are heard the Thursday one week before the setting, and all others the Thursday before the next week setting.
Continuances for settings on the Family Docket are heard every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Continuances of longer than 3 hour merits settings are heard the Thursday one week before the setting. All others are heard the Thursday before the next week setting.
Page 59 | 21.3 Continuances
The Court Administrator cannot extend pretrial form delivery deadlines, and parties cannot waive or modify these pretrial requirements by agreement.
The Court Administrator is not authorized to extend the time for delivering pretrial forms. The parties may not by agreement waive or modify the provisions or requirements of these rules.
Page 67 | 23.6 No Extensions or Waivers by Court Administrator or by Agreement
Cases must be tried as scheduled unless a written continuance motion by the State or Defense is granted.
All cases shall be tried when set before the Court unless a written State or Defense motion for continuance is granted.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | (e) Trial Before the Court With Witnesses
A pre-trial hearing will occur as scheduled unless the Court grants a written continuance motion filed by the State or Defense.
All pre-trial hearings will be held on the date set and at a time specified by the Court unless a written State or Defense motion for continuance has been granted by the Court.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | (d) Pre-Trial With Witnesses
The State and Defense must either announce ready or file a written motion for continuance on or prior to
The State and Defense must either announce ready or file a written motion for continuance on or prior to
Criminal cases
Page 12 | (h) Jury Trial
A continuance motion must be written, sworn, and presented in open court with all parties present; it may be granted only for sufficient statutory cause at the Court’s discretion, must be presented as early as possible, and in jury cases is due by the jury docket call unless the Court permits otherwise.
A motion for continuance must be in writing, under oath, and presented in open court with all parties present, as required by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 29. A continuance shall only be granted for sufficient cause shown, as defined by the statute, and at the discretion of the Court. Motions for Continuance must be presented at as much time prior to the setting as possible. In jury cases, the Motion for Continuance shall be presented no later than the jury docket call setting unless permission to do otherwise has been granted by the Court.
Criminal cases
Page 13 | Motion for Continuance
Matters that the court determines cannot reasonably be heard within the announced time will 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.
Page 8 | Chapter 2: Setting Cases on the Central Docket
Lack of the required notice may be argued by opposing counsel as a basis for a continuance.
notice may be argued by opposing counsel as a basis for continuance.
Page 9
Family Docket continuances are heard Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.; continuances of merits settings longer than three hours are heard the Thursday one week before the setting, and all others the Thursday before the next week’s setting.
Continuances for settings on the Family Docket are heard every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Continuances of longer than 3 hour merits settings are heard the Thursday one week before the setting. All others are heard the Thursday before the next week setting.
Page 60 | 21.3 Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
In cases involving an incarcerated party, a party seeking a hearing setting must contact the Court Administrator at least 30 days beforehand unless the court grants leave for good cause.
In all cases in which a party is incarcerated, the party wishing to set a hearing must communicate with the Court Administrator at least 30 days before the proposed date for hearing, except with leave of court with good cause shown.
Page 14 | 2.16 When a Party is Incarcerated
Jury trial settings on the Central Docket must be announced during the week that is three weeks before the jury trial setting.
Jury trial settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week that is three weeks before the jury trial setting.
Page 15 | 3.2 Announcements
Announcements are accepted only during the window from Monday at 8:00 a.m. until Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Announcements will be taken beginning Monday at 8:00 a.m. and ending Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Page 15 | 3.2 Announcements
Non-jury settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties during the week prior to the hearing.
Non-jury settings on the Central Docket must be announced by the parties the week prior to the hearing.
Page 15 | 3.2 Announcements
Objections to a Visiting Judge assignment must be delivered in writing or by email to the Court Administrator (not filed with the District Clerk) before the case is called for hearing.
An objection to the assignment of a Visiting Judge to hear any case will be timely if the objection is delivered in writing or by email to the Court Administrator before the case is called for hearing. Objections must not be filed with the District Clerk.
Page 17 | 3.5 Notice of Visiting Judge Assignment and Procedure for Objection
The filing party must directly notify the trial judge when filing any of the listed post-trial pleadings.
Notice must be given directly to the trial judge when a party files one or more of the following post-trial pleadings: (a) Request for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 296); (b) Notice of Past Due Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (TEX. R. CIV. PROC. 296); (c) Any affidavit of indigence filed in connection with an appeal (TEX. R. APP. PROC. 20.1); (d) Motion for New Trial, or Motion to Modify, Correct, or Reform Judgment; (e) Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict; or (f) Motions to Enter Judgment.
Page 19 | 5.1 When to Notify
Email notice of post-trial pleadings must be sent to the trial court's submission email address (found on each court's webpage) with "Request for Post Trial Hearing" in the subject line.
(c) Email to the trial court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage, with "Request for Post Trial Hearing" in the subject line of the email.
Page 19 | 5.2 How to Notify (Notice to Trial Judge of Post-Trial Pleadings)
The filing party must notify the trial judge by delivering or mailing a copy of the pleading, or emailing the court’s submission address with the specified subject line.
Notice must be given to the trial judge by the party filing the pleading by: (a) Delivery of a copy of the pleading to the attention of the trial judge at the Office of the District Judges at the Civil and Family Courts Facility; (b) Mail addressed to the trial judge at P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767-1748; or (c) Email to the trial court’s submission email address, which may be found on each court’s webpage, with “Request for Post Trial Hearing” in the subject line of the email.
Page 19 | 5.2 How to Notify
Emergency or time-sensitive matters must not be sent through the submission-email process and must instead be presented under the remaining procedures of Chapter 7.
Matters requiring emergency relief, urgent attention, quick approval, or approval by a definite date must not be forwarded for submission but must be presented pursuant to the remainder of this chapter.
Page 22 | 7.1 Uncontested Submission Procedures
Emergency requests, other than requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be emailed to the Duty Judge’s submission email address.
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court’s submission email address, which may be found on each court’s webpage.
Page 23 | 7.4 Emergency Matters to Be Heard by Duty Judge and Those to Be Heard by Judge Hearing CPS Docket
Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting court staff directly, except as provided in Local Rule 23.2.
For requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter to be presented to the Duty Judge, the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting the court staff directly, unless the request meets the exception stated in Local Rule 23.2.
Page 23 | 7.5 Scheduling Appointment with Duty Judge for Emergency Matter
The Department of Family & Protective Services must present ex parte requests to the CPS Docket judge or designee as and when that judge directs.
Requests for ex parte relief by the Department of Family & Protective Services must be presented to the judge hearing the CPS Docket, or that judge's designee, in the manner and at the times that judge directs.
Page 23 | 7.4 Emergency Matters to Be Heard by Duty Judge and Those to Be Heard by Judge Hearing CPS Docket
Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting court staff directly before presenting any ex parte or emergency request, unless Local Rule 23.2 applies.
For requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter to be presented to the Duty Judge, the applicant must schedule an appointment with the Duty Judge by contacting the court staff directly, unless the request meets the exception stated in Local Rule 23.2.
Page 23 | 7.5 Scheduling Appointment with Duty Judge for Emergency Matter
Ex parte and emergency requests must be emailed to the Duty Judge's submission email address, except DFPS requests, which must be presented to the CPS Docket judge (or designee) and may go to the Duty Judge only if that judge is unavailable.
Requests for ex parte relief or any other emergency matter, except requests by the Department of Family Protective Services, must be presented to the Duty Judge by email to that court's submission email address, which may be found on each court's webpage. Requests for ex parte relief by the Department of Family & Protective Services must be presented to the judge hearing the CPS Docket, or that judge's designee, in the manner and at the times that judge directs. Only when the judge hearing the CPS Docket is unavailable to hear or designate a judge to hear an urgent matter may the Department seek ex parte relief from the Duty Judge.
Page 23 | 7.4 Emergency Matters to Be Heard by Duty Judge and Those to Be Heard by Judge Hearing CPS Docket
Copy all counsel of record and self-represented parties on the submission email.
All counsel of record and self-represented parties shall be copied.
Page 1 | Submission
Submissions go to the assigned judge's court, or otherwise to the court where the case is filed, by email in the format courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge’s Court. All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is filed (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: “courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov”; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
Page 1 | 7. Appropriate Court for Submission
A submitted matter cannot be docketed or set for hearing until the Court is advised of the withdrawal by email with 'WITHDRAWAL' in the subject line.
No submitted matter may be taken to any docket or set for hearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn by email to the Court with “WITHDRAWAL” in the subject line.
Page 1 | 6. Withdrawal
For a case assigned to a specific judge under Chapters 2 or 10, submit the motion and proposed order to that judge’s Court.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge’s Court.
Page 1 | Appropriate Court for Submission
Submit a file-stamped motion and proposed order to the appropriate Court by email requesting approval, with “SUBMISSION,” the cause number, and the case style in the subject line.
A file-stamped copy of the motion (along with a proposed order) shall be submitted to the appropriate Court attached to an email requesting approval on submission, with the following subject line: “SUBMISSION”, cause number, and style of the case.
Page 1 | Submission