Wichita County District Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- A continuance, postponement, or reset request may be granted only with consent from counsel for all parties or notice to all non-requesting parties with an opportunity to object.
- Even an agreed continuance is not automatically approved, and the Court may deny it or require a hearing.
- A party seeking a continuance without written consent from all counsel and court approval must file a motion under the applicable cited rules with an order setting a hearing; otherwise, the motion will be denied without prejudice.
- +6 more
Request must include
Document Filing Requirements28 rules
A copy of this document shall be attached to any newly filed family law matter so as to constitute appropriate notice to all parties of the Court's standing order.
Every motion must include a certificate describing unsuccessful efforts to resolve the dispute, including the date, action, and method of each effort, subject to a procedure for an unresponsive pro se opponent.
Court's wording
All motions shall contain a certificate by the party filing same that efforts to resolve the dispute without Court intervention have been attempted and failed and shall set forth specifically the efforts taken by date, action and method. If an opposing party is pro se, and that party does not respond to efforts to confer, counsel may certify that the pro se party failed to respond.
A submitted order must be signed by the submitting attorney as to form, while a Rule 11 agreement must be signed by the attorneys as to both form and content.
Court's wording
Any Order submitted to the Court shall be signed by the attorney submitting the Order, approving the Order as to ===== PAGE 12 ===== form, unless it is submitted as a Rule 11 Agreement, in which case the attorneys shall sign the Order, approving it as to form and content.
When required by the specific judge, the parties must complete and file a court-promulgated plea information form with the District Clerk and Court Administrator before scheduling a plea hearing.
Court's wording
The District Attorney and counsel for the defendant shall coordinate the scheduling of pleas with the Court Administrator, and as required by the specific judge, shall complete a plea information form promulgated by the courts. If required by the specific judge, a completed plea information form shall be filed with the District Clerk and the Court Administrator. In the courts requiring a plea information form, no plea hearing shall be scheduled until a completed plea information form has been filed with the proper designee.
Any motion omitting such certificate shall not be set for hearing until such certification has been filed.
Within ten (10) calendar days after receipt by opposing counsel, opposing counsel shall deliver the order to the Court for signature, or deliver to the Court and all counsel specific written objections to the form of the proposed order.
Counsel presenting any application for an ex parte order shall, at the time the application is presented to the Court, certify in writing that:
Temporary orders shall be reduced to writing within (10) calendar days, and within five (5) calendar days after receipt by opposing counsel, shall be forwarded to the Court in the same fashion.
Within twenty (20) calendar days after rendition, announcement of the Court’s ruling or announcement of settlement by counsel, all final judgments and decrees shall be reduced to writing by counsel designated by the Court and forwarded to the Court and opposing counsel for approval as to form.
The parties are to serve objections to the above referenced items, including objections to each party’s exhibits, no later than seven (7) days after receipt of the above-referred items.
No ex-parte order shall be presented to the court unless accompanied by a copy of the application or motion.
Unless otherwise ordered specifically, at least 14 days prior to the pre-trial conference, the parties shall serve or exchange the following things: 1. Exhibit lists (and make exhibits available for inspection); 2. Witness lists; 3. Designation of deposition excerpts (written or video tape); 4. Motions in Limine.
- Document
- Pretrial disclosure
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Copies of that party’s federal income tax returns for the two calendar years prior to the temporary hearing; and/or
A statement of monthly income and expenses;
Each party completing the course shall file a certificate of completion with the court within thirty (30) days of completion of the course, or prior to the final hearing on the merits of the case.
All payroll statements, pay stubs, W2 forms, and/or 1099 forms which evidence that party’s earnings for the calendar year prior to the temporary hearing and from January 1 of the current year through the date of the temporary hearing.
the forms containing this information MUST be presented to the Court at the time the judgment is presented for signature, and then filed with the Clerk along with the judgment.
Before using artificial-intelligence-generated information, a self-represented litigant or attorney must attach a signed certification to each AI-generated pleading confirming verification of all AI-assisted material through traditional legal sources and acknowledging responsibility and potential sanctions for noncompliance.
- Document
- Pleading
Must include
- •AI disclosure
Court's wording
All self-represented litigants and attorneys who utilize any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in connection with a case shall, before using any Al-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, sign and submit the form hereinbelow as an attachment to each pleading generated utilizing artificial intelligence, certifying that: 1. All language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analysis created or contributed to by generative artificial intelligence were before submission verified as accurate through traditional (non-AD legal sources, and 2. That the person understands and acknowledges that they are and will be held responsible, and potentially sanctioned, for their or their co-counsel's failure to comply with this Order.
The filer must acknowledge responsibility and possible sanctions or contempt for failing to comply with the Court's Standing Order or the certification.
Court's wording
3.. I understand that 1 will be held responsible and subject to possible sanctions under Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure. 10, and the inherent power of the Court, or for contempt of court, for failing to. comply. with the Court's Standing Order or this certification.
2. All information created or contributed to by génerative artificial intelligence : - including language, quotations,2 sources, citations, arguments, and legal analysis - was before submission. to the Court verified as accurate using traditional (non-artificial intelligence) legal sources by a human being.
Include
- •AI disclosure
1. I reviewed and understand this Court's Standing Ordér Regarding Artificial Intelligence. I will comply with the Standing Order throughout this case.
Include
- •AI disclosure
All self-represented litigants and attorneys who utilize any form of artificial intelligence for legal research or drafting in connection with a case shall, before using any AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, sign and submit the form hereinbelow as an attachment to each pleading generated utilizing artificial intelligence, certifying that:
- Document
- Pleading
Must include
- •AI disclosure
Any generative-AI-created or AI-contributed information must be verified by a human being using traditional non-AI legal sources before submission to the Court.
Include
- •AI disclosure
Court's wording
All information created or contributed to by generative artificial intelligence – including language, quotations, sources, citations, arguments, and legal analysis – was before submission to the Court verified as accurate using traditional (non-artificial intelligence) legal sources by a human being.
I reviewed and understand this Court's Standing Order Regarding Artificial Intelligence. I will comply with the Standing Order throughout this case.
I, an attorney or self-represented litigant in the above numbered and titled cause, hereby certify as follows:
The filer must acknowledge responsibility and possible professional, procedural, court-sanction, or contempt consequences for noncompliance with the standing order or certification.
Court's wording
I understand that I will be held responsible and subject to possible sanctions under Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 10, and the inherent power of the Court, or for contempt of court, for failing to comply with the Court's Standing Order or this certification.
Agreed orders of any kind shall be approved by all counsel as to form and content. All other orders shall be approved as to form.
Such emails shall include the full name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable) and State Bar of Texas number (if applicable)
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Written docket-call announcements must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday immediately preceding docket call.
Written announcements for docket call may be made to the Court Administrator and Coordinator provided the written announcements are received at or before 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday immediately preceding the docket call.
Page 10 | RULE 1.5 TRIAL SETTINGS
Unless the court orders otherwise or law requires a different date, a jury-trial setting request must be filed by the docket call two months before the requested jury trial.
Except upon order of the Court, or where otherwise required by law, such request shall be filed by the date of the docket call 2 months prior to the date of the requested jury trial (i.e. for a March jury trial, the request must be received by the January docket call).
Page 10 | RULE 1.5 TRIAL SETTINGS
Within 10 calendar days after receiving a proposed order, opposing counsel must send it to the court for signature or submit specific written objections.
Within ten (10) calendar days after receipt by opposing counsel, opposing counsel shall deliver the order to the Court for signature, or deliver to the Court and all counsel specific written objections to the form of the proposed order.
Page 12 | RULE 1.9 ORDERS AND DECREES – TIME FOR SUBMISSION
Temporary orders must be reduced to writing within 10 calendar days and, after opposing counsel receives the order, forwarded to the court within 5 calendar days.
Temporary orders shall be reduced to writing within (10) calendar days, and within five (5) calendar days after receipt by opposing counsel, shall be forwarded to the Court in the same fashion.
Page 12 | RULE 1.9 ORDERS AND DECREES – TIME FOR SUBMISSION
Counsel designated by the court must reduce final judgments and decrees to writing and send them to the court and opposing counsel within 20 calendar days after the triggering event.
Within twenty (20) calendar days after rendition, announcement of the Court’s ruling or announcement of settlement by counsel, all final judgments and decrees shall be reduced to writing by counsel designated by the Court and forwarded to the Court and opposing counsel for approval as to form.
Page 12 | RULE 1.9 ORDERS AND DECREES – TIME FOR SUBMISSION
Each party must complete the approved parent education and family stabilization course before the final hearing on the merits.
Each party shall complete the course prior to a final hearing on the merits of the case.
Page 21 | RULE 5.2 PARENT EDUCATION AND FAMILY STABILIZATION COURSE/VIDEO c. Deadline for Completion
A party completing the course must file a certificate of completion within 30 days after completion or before the final hearing on the merits, whichever applies.
Each party completing the course shall file a certificate of completion with the court within thirty (30) days of completion of the course, or prior to the final hearing on the merits of the case.
Page 21 | RULE 5.2 PARENT EDUCATION AND FAMILY STABILIZATION COURSE/VIDEO d. Verification of Attendance
The respondent must complete and file the composite inventory with the court and serve the petitioner at least 7 days before trial.
The Respondent shall complete and file the composite inventory with the court and serve a copy of the same on the Petitioner not less than seven (7) days prior to trial.
Page 22 | RULE 5.3 INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT b. Composite Inventory and Appraisement
The petitioner must initiate and send the composite inventory to the respondent for completion at least 14 days before trial.
The Petitioner shall initiate the composite inventory and forward it to the Respondent for completion not less than fourteen (14) days prior to trial.
Page 22 | RULE 5.3 INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT b. Composite Inventory and Appraisement
When property or debts are in issue, each party must file a sworn inventory and appraisement at least 30 days before trial.
In all cases in which the character, value or division of property or debts is in issue, each party shall file, not less than thirty (30) days prior to trial, a sworn inventory and appraisement of all of the separate and community property owned or claimed by the parties and all debts and liabilities owed by the parties.
Page 22 | RULE 5.3 INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT a. Inventory and Appraisement Required
Non-jury settings generally require at least 10 days’ notice to opposing counsel and/or parties, subject to statutory or Rules of Civil Procedure exceptions.
All matters to be heard on regular non-jury days shall be set with the Court’s Coordinator. Except where provided by statute or the Rules of Civil Procedure, all non-jury settings shall be on at least 10 days notice to opposing counsel and/or parties.
Page 33 | RULE 1.5 TRIAL SETTINGS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Unless the court orders otherwise, the parties must serve or exchange exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition-excerpt designations, and motions in limine at least 14 days before the pretrial conference, and make exhibits available for inspection.
b. Unless otherwise ordered specifically, at least 14 days prior to the pre-trial conference, the parties shall serve or exchange the following things: 1. Exhibit lists (and make exhibits available for inspection); 2. Witness lists; 3. Designation of deposition excerpts (written or video tape); 4. Motions in Limine.
Page 13 | RULE 2.2 PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
When no substitute attorney will be retained or the party does not consent to withdrawal, the withdrawing attorney must give written notice that the court will be asked to sign the withdrawal order no earlier than 10 days later, and the notice must be sent by certified mail with return receipt requested.
If another attorney is not to be substituted as attorney for the party, or if the party does not consent to the motion to withdraw, the withdrawing attorney shall notify the client in writing that the Court will be requested to sign an order granting the withdrawal on or after ten (10) days following the date of such notice. Notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
Page 14 | RULE 2.3 WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
A responsive party's application for a temporary order and notice of hearing must be served on the adverse party under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 5 and 21a.
An application to the court for a temporary order and notice of any hearing thereupon which is presented by a party responding to an application for temporary orders in which that party is seeking affirmative relief shall be served on the adverse party in accordance with Rule 5 and Rule 21a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.
Page 20 | RULE 5.1(b) TEMPORARY HEARINGS — NOTICE REQUIRED WHEN RESPONDING PARTY SEEKING AFFIRMATIVE RELIEF
Emails sent to the judge in response to the judge's inquiry must be copied to every attorney of record and every self-represented party.
Emails sent to the Judge’s email address in response to an inquiry by the Judge shall be copied to all attorneys of record as well as any pro se parties.
Page 26 | RULE 1.1(d) Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited; Inquiries Directed to the Court
The Respondent must file the completed composite inventory with the court and serve a copy on the Petitioner no later than seven days before trial.
The Respondent shall complete and file the composite inventory with the court and serve a copy of the same on the Petitioner not less than seven (7) days prior to trial.
Page 45 | RULE 5.3 INVENTORY AND APPRAISEMENT — b. Composite Inventory and Appraisement
The attorney submitting an order must provide every opposing counsel or pro se party with a clerk-file-stamped copy.
In all cases, the attorney submitting the Order shall provide to all opposing counsel and/or pro se parties a copy of the Order bearing the Clerk’s file stamp.
Page 12 | RULE 1.8 ORDERS SENT TO JUDGES
Filing Fees and Waivers
The District Clerk may set and collect legally authorized reasonable fees when a suit affecting the parent-child relationship is filed.
Such reasonable fees as allowed by law, may be set and collected by the District Clerk at the time a suit affecting the parent-child relationship is filed.
Page 23 | RULE 5.4(b) Fees for Services
Filing Bundling Requirements
Unless responding to an existing court ruling or order, an order may not be filed without an accompanying motion stating the relief sought and supporting grounds.
Except in response to a ruling or order entered by the Court, no order shall be filed without an accompanying Motion clearly setting forth the relief sought and the specific grounds in support of the relief.
Page 11 | RULE 1.8 ORDERS SENT TO JUDGES
An ex parte order must be accompanied by a copy of the underlying application or motion when presented to the court.
b. No ex-parte order shall be presented to the court unless accompanied by a copy of the application or motion.
Page 13 | RULE 2.1
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A motion lacking the required conference certificate cannot be set for hearing until the certificate is filed.
Any motion omitting such certificate shall not be set for hearing until such certification has been filed.
Page 11 | RULE 1.6 CONFERENCE REQUIRED – CIVIL CASES ONLY
In civil cases, counsel generally must confer with all affected parties before filing a motion, subject to specified exceptions.
Except for motions expressly allowed by law to be filed ex-parte, before filing any motion, counsel for a moving party shall confer with the counsel for all parties affected by the requested relief to determine whether or not the contemplated motion will be opposed. Such conference is required for all motions except motions to dismiss the entire action, motions for summary judgment and motions for new trial.
Page 11 | RULE 1.6 CONFERENCE REQUIRED – CIVIL CASES ONLY
Before requesting a setting, counsel must attempt to coordinate the proposed setting with opposing counsel.
Prior to requesting a setting, counsel shall attempt to coordinate a setting with opposing counsel.
Page 11 | RULE 1.5
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance, postponement, or reset request may be granted only with consent from counsel for all parties or notice to all non-requesting parties with an opportunity to object.
No request for a continuance, to pass, postpone or reset any trial, pretrial, or other hearing shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object.
Page 6 | RULE 1.2 REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT
A party seeking a continuance without written consent from all counsel and court approval must file a motion under the applicable cited rules with an order setting a hearing; otherwise, the motion will be denied without prejudice.
Unless counsel for all parties consent in writing to the request for a continuance and the same is approved by the Court, a motion must be filed pursuant to Rule 251, et seq. of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended or Article 29.01, et seq. of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, as applicable, and the motion must be accompanied by an order setting the motion for a hearing. Any motion that does not meet these requirements will be denied without prejudice to the right to refile.
Page 6 | RULE 1.2 REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT
Trial counsel must attend the pretrial conference, and any announcement that the case is not ready must be accompanied by a motion for continuance.
d. Trial counsel are ordered to attend the pre-trial conference and discuss all aspects of the trial and shall be prepared to make an announcement of “ready” or “not ready”. Any announcement of “not ready” shall be accompanied by a motion for continuance.
Page 13 | RULE 2.2 PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
A continuance, pass, postponement, or reset request requires consent from all counsel or notice and an opportunity for nonjoining parties to object, and judicial approval is not automatic even when counsel agree.
No request for a continuance, to pass, postpone or reset any trial, pretrial, or other hearing shall be granted unless counsel for all parties consent, or unless all parties not joining in such request have been notified and have had an opportunity to object. Agreement by counsel for all parties to a continuance does not mean automatic approval by the Court, and the Court reserves the right to deny or require a hearing even on agreed continuances.
Page 29 | RULE 1.2 REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT — a. Consent or Notice Required
A docket-call announcement that a matter is not ready must be accompanied by a motion for continuance.
Any announcement of “Not Ready” shall be accompanied by a motion for continuance.
Page 33 | RULE 1.5 TRIAL SETTINGS
Trial counsel must attend the pretrial conference, be prepared to declare readiness, and accompany any not-ready announcement with a continuance motion.
Trial counsel are ordered to attend the pre-trial conference and discuss all aspects of the trial and shall be prepared to make an announcement of “ready” or “not ready”. Any announcement of “not ready” shall be accompanied by a motion for continuance.
Page 36 | RULE 2.2(d) PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
Even an agreed continuance is not automatically approved, and the Court may deny it or require a hearing.
Agreement by counsel for all parties to a continuance does not mean automatic approval by the Court, and the Court reserves the right to deny or require a hearing even on agreed continuances.
Page 6 | RULE 1.2 REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE OR POSTPONEMENT
The order-submission deadlines may be extended by a written motion showing good cause.
The foregoing time limits may be expanded upon written motion for good cause shown.
Page 12 | RULE 1.9 ORDERS AND DECREES – TIME FOR SUBMISSION
If a temporary order, final judgment, or decree is not furnished on time, the court may continue the case or place it on the dismissal docket.
Upon failure to furnish the Court with a temporary order, final judgment, or decree, within the applicable time period, the Court may continue the case or place the case on the Court’s dismissal docket, at the Court’s discretion.
Page 12 | RULE 1.9 ORDERS AND DECREES – TIME FOR SUBMISSION
Chambers Communication Rules
All ex-parte communications with the Court, including electronic communications, are prohibited.
All ex-parte communications with the Court by attorneys, pro se parties, and any other persons are prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, electronic communications.
Page 3 | RULE 1.1(d) Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited; Inquiries Directed to the Court
Information requests to the Court must be directed to the Court Coordinator.
Any person seeking information from the Court regarding any matter whatsoever shall direct such inquiry to the Court Coordinator for the Court.
Page 3 | RULE 1.1(d) Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited; Inquiries Directed to the Court
Un solicited emails sent to the judge may be deleted without being opened.
Unsolicited emails, sent to the Judge’s email address, may be deleted without being opened.
Page 3 | RULE 1.1(d) Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited; Inquiries Directed to the Court
A responsive email to the judge must be copied to all attorneys of record and pro se parties and must include the sender's full name, mailing address, telephone number, applicable fax number, and applicable State Bar of Texas number.
Emails sent to the Judge’s email address in response to an inquiry by the Judge shall be copied to all attorneys of record as well as any pro se parties. Such emails shall include the full name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if applicable) and State Bar of Texas number (if applicable) of the sender.
Page 3 | RULE 1.1(d) Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited; Inquiries Directed to the Court
The judge may require communications to be sent by first-class or certified mail and may refuse communications made by other means.
The Judge may, at any time, require all communications to be by first class mail or certified mail and may refuse to accept any communication made by any other means.
Page 4 | RULE 1.1(d) Ex-Parte Communications Prohibited; Inquiries Directed to the Court
Written misdemeanor docket-call announcements may be sent to the Court Coordinator by writing, fax, or email.
Written announcements for misdemeanor docket call may be made to the Court Coordinator in writing or by fax or email.
Page 19 | RULE 4.2 DOCKET CALL
Counsel handling mental health or probate matters should contact the applicable court coordinators for case-specific guidelines.
Counsel handling these cases should contact the Court Coordinators of the respective courts for specific guidelines applicable to those cases.
Page 25 | RULE 7.7 MENTAL HEALTH AND PROBATE