Williamson County District Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Document Filing Requirements70 rules
The motion must specify the funds necessary for expert or investigator services, and the estimated cost should include all projected costs and expenses.
Court's wording
The motion must contain sufficient information to allow the Court to make an appropriate decision regarding (1) the need for an expert/investigator services, including specific facts that give rise to the need for these services, and (2) the funds necessary for these services. The estimated cost should include any and all costs/expenses that are projected to be incurred.
If additional funds are needed, the Attorney must supplement their initial motion and seek Court approval before such funds are expended.
The motion must contain sufficient information to allow the Court to make an appropriate decision regarding (1) the need for an expert/investigator services, including specific facts that give rise to the need for these services
For services (i.e., meetings/testimony/evidence review/phone calls, etc.), at a minimum the date the services were provided must be included with the amount of time being compensated-for.
invoices supporting the request must be ===== PAGE 24 ===== sufficiently detailed as to allow the Court to make a determination of the accuracy and appropriateness of the request.
For supplies purchased, a receipt for the supplies must be included.
For travel, receipts for any costs incurred (i.e., hotel, etc.) and proof of mileage for requested reimbursement must be included.
If you are applying for the Appellate List, list the cause numbers and styles in which you were personally the author of briefs.
Your most recent reporting year CLE report from the State Bar of Texas
The application must include an attorney certification under oath attesting that the application information is correct, the Plan's qualifications were read and understood, and the applicant meets the qualifications for the appointment level sought.
Court's wording
I, the undersigned attorney, hereby state under oath that all of the information provided in my “Application for Public Appointment to Represent Indigent Defendants in the Williamson County Courts” is correct, that I have read and understand the qualifications set out in the Williamson County District Courts and County Courts at Law Amended Fair Defense Plan (“the Plan”), and that I meet the qualifications for the appointment level which I seek.
Please note that an application is not complete unless it is accompanied by any and all required attachments, as listed below.
If you have ever been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for any offense other than a class C level traffic offense, attach copies of all final orders (or those deferring adjudication) and judgments.
If a Court has found that you have provided in effective assistance of counsel in the last 10 years, attach any applicable documents and, if desired, a written explanation.
If you have been sanctioned for failure to appear before a Court in the last 10 years, attach any applicable court documents and, if desired, a written explanation.
If you are applying for an appointment list (A, B, C, Misdemeanor, or Mental Health), attach a document listing the cause number and styles of trials for the level(s) at which you are seeking appointments and your role in the case (i.e. lead counsel, second chair, etc.).
If you have been sanctioned by the Bar Grievance Committee in the last 10 years, attach the decision(s) by the Committee and, if desired, a written explanation.
If you have ever been convicted of or placed on deferred adjudication for any offense other than a class C level traffic offense, attach copies of all final orders (or those deferring adjudication) and judgments.
If you have been sanctioned by the Bar Grievance Committee in the last 10 years, attach the decision(s) by the Committee and, if desired, a written explanation.
Please note that an application is not complete unless it is accompanied by any and all required attachments, as listed below.
If a Court has found that you have provided in effective assistance of counsel in the last 10 years, attach any applicable documents and, if desired, a written explanation.
If you have been sanctioned for failure to appear before a Court in the last 10 years, attach any applicable court documents and, if desired, a written explanation.
I, the undersigned attorney, represent and certify to this court that I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, that I was appointed by the Court in this case, that the above information is true and accurate, and that the requested fees comport with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.
An expense-payment request must include the Court's authorization and detailed invoices stating applicable hours and services provided.
Court's wording
A request for payment for expenses must be accompanied by a copy of Court’s authorization for expenses incurred and detailed invoices, to include number of hours of time expended (if applicable) and information about services provided.
Time: Detailed invoices including hours of time expended and general description of services provided must be submitted with this form.
Expenses: Detailed invoices, including receipts or number of hours/services provided, must be submitted if requesting payment for expenses.
I, the undersigned attorney, represent and certify to this court that I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, that I was appointed by the Court in this case, that the above information is true and accurate, and that the requested fees comport with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.
• Expenses: Detailed invoices, including receipts or number of hours/services provided, must be submitted if requesting payment for expenses.
• Time: Detailed invoices including hours of time expended and general description of services provided must be submitted with this form.
The appointed attorney must certify licensure, court appointment, accuracy of the information, and compliance with the Fair Defense Plan and fee schedule.
Court's wording
I, the undersigned attorney, represent and certify to this court that I am an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, that I was appointed by the Court in this case, that the above information is true and accurate, and that the requested fees comport with the Fair Defense Plan and District Court Fee Schedule.
TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FEES THAN STANDARD RATE ATTACH TO PAGE ONE ITEMIZED STATEMENT TO SUPPORT HOURLY RATE ($100 per hour) FOR CONTESTED MATTERS OR TO DEVIATE FROM STANDARD FEE SCHEDULE
I certify the above information is true and correct.
Absent an entry hearing, the Court will not sign an order that does not contain either the signature of all attorneys as to form or proof of notice that said order has been presented to all attorneys of record requesting same to file written objections within ten (10) days.
Before using AI-generated information in a court submission or proceeding, self-represented litigants and attorneys must verify its accuracy, sign the Certificate Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence, and attach the certificate to any filing using that information.
- Document
- Filing using AI generated information
Must include
- •AI disclosure
Court's wording
As a result, 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, ensure that such information is accurate and correctly portrayed to the court, and shall sign and submit the Certificate Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence (Exhibit A) and attach it to any filing where AI-generated information is used.
Counsel must include a line for a trial date in the order retaining the case.
- Document
- Order retaining case
Must include
- •A line for a trial date
Movant shall present to the Court a proposed order setting hearing.
Must include
- •Proposed order
The Court Administrator will not set any pre-trial matter for hearing unless it is accompanied by one of the foregoing certificates.
If the motion will be opposed, the moving party shall include at the end of his pleading one of the following certificates:
The title of the Motion shall be “Motion to Modify Conservatorship Pursuant to TFC Sec. 156.006(b)(1)”.
The required certificate must either record an unsuccessful substantive conference, describe attempts to reach opposing counsel, or, in a multiparty case, state that an attached letter was sent to all counsel of record.
Court's wording
i. “A conference was held on (date) with (name), attorney for opposing party, on the substance of this motion. We are not able to agree; therefore, the matter is presented to the Court for determination," or ii. “I was unable to reach Opposing Counsel, (name), to confer about the merits of this matter, after the following attempts: (briefly state the dates and nature of the unsuccessful attempts to contact Opposing Counsel),” or iii. In multi-party cases, "Before setting this matter for hearing, I attempted to resolve this dispute by sending the attached letter to all counsel of record.”
Movant shall file the motion to modify and accompanying affidavit.
If the motion will not be opposed, the moving party shall submit a proposed order signed by Counsel for all parties affected by the order agreeing to the order as to form and substance.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
A party receiving child support through wage assignment must present the wage-assignment order to the judge when the governing order is signed.
Court's wording
The party receiving child support through a wage assignment is responsible for presenting the wage assignment order to the judge, at the time an order in a suit affecting parent-child relationship, decree of divorce, or order modifying a prior order is signed.
Movant shall be responsible for obtaining the written order setting the temporary orders hearing pursuant to TFC 156.006(b)(1).
The party who is responsible for preparing any final order in a family law case for the judge to sign is also responsible for completing any vital statistics forms and other documents required by the District Clerk’s office.
The party receiving child support shall complete all necessary documents with the District Clerk’s office for the wage assignment order.
The party who is to receive a portion of another party's retirement benefit through a domestic relations order is responsible to present the order, at the time the decree of divorce is signed.
Each party in a divorce suit must prepare and deliver a signed Proposed Property Division, or the parties may submit one Agreed Proposed Division signed by both.
Court's wording
In a divorce suit, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Property Division using the form attached hereto as Exhibit “D”, or other form which clearly identifies the division of property being requested by the party, fully completed, and signed by the party, or a single Agreed Proposed Division, signed by both parties.
In a suit requiring a determination of child support or spousal maintenance, each party shall prepare and deliver a Proposed Support Decision using the form attached hereto as Exhibit “E”, fully completed, and signed by the party, or a single Agreed Proposed Support Decision signed by both parties.
If all support issues are agreed and the setting remains on the docket, the parties must give the Court Administrator either their signed written agreement or one jointly signed Proposed Support Decision and Information.
Court's wording
If the parties have an agreement on all issues pertaining to support, and the setting remains on the Court's docket at the time when the Proposed Support Decision and Information forms must be delivered, the parties shall deliver to the Court Administrator either a signed copy of their written agreement or a single Proposed Support Decision and Information stating their agreement and signed by both parties.
At least one day prior to the date set for a hearing of a family case, each party shall deliver to the opposing party the following pre-trial forms and any amended pleadings. Each party shall bring a printed copy of the forms to present to the judge at the hearing.
Each party shall also prepare and deliver a Proposed Disposition of Issues, which shall state separately in brief complete sentences each trial decision that is sought by the party that is not covered by the Proposed Property Division or Proposed Support Decision using the form attached hereto as Exhibit “F”.
If the motion or special exception will not be opposed, the moving party shall submit a proposed order signed by a Counsel for all parties affected the order indicating approval of same.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
If the motion or special exception will be opposed, the moving party shall include at the end of his pleading one of the following certificates:
The designation must include the information listed in Rule 194.2(f).
Expert witness designations are required
1.0.4 For initial appointment, and each year for renewal, the attorney must sign and submit a document indicating that they have reviewed the qualifications
1.0.2 The attorney must submit a completed application, sworn or attested to under penalty of perjury, to the CPS Judge whose list the attorney is requesting to be included. The attorney shall affirmatively represent that the Attorney is qualified as defined by the CPS Local Rules.
By November 1 each year, attorneys on the appointment list must file a Certificate of Compliance with the designated Williamson County Court Coordinator attesting to required CLE, unless they submit qualifying board-certification documentation.
Court's wording
All attorneys on the appointment list shall file by November 1st of each year the “Certificate of Compliance” with the designated Williamson County Court Coordinator attesting to the completion of the required CLE or submit documentation showing that the attorney is board-certified in family law and/or child welfare law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization or other certifying organization recognized as such by the State Bar of Texas.
The styles (appropriately redacted as necessary) and cause numbers of these cases shall be listed on the Williamson County Application for Public Appointment form.
An appointed attorney seeking compensation or reimbursement not adequately covered by presumptively reasonable fixed fees must file an ex parte motion under oath requesting court pre-approval under the Alternative Fee Calculation.
Court's wording
If an attorney who has been appointed to represent an indigent person by a Williamson County District or County Court at Law believes certain tasks or expenses are required to adequately represent an indigent client, and such are not adequately compensated by the Fixed Fees identified as presumptively reasonable and necessary in the applicable fee schedule, the attorney shall file an ex parte motion under oath with the Court seeking pre-approval to be paid and/or reimbursed for such tasks and/or expenses under the Alternative Fee Calculation articulated in 6.2.1, above.
The motion must fully and completely set forth the basis for the request, compliant with 6.5.3, 6.6 and/or 6.7 above, and be accompanied by documentation that makes a particularized showing with respect to any factual basis supporting the motion.
Each payment request must include an attorney's sworn certification that the time and expenses were accurately stated, reasonable, properly incurred, and compliant with the applicable CPS Local Rules and fee schedule, and the request constitutes acceptance of those rules.
Court's wording
Each request for payment must include a sworn certification by the attorney seeking payment that the request truthfully and accurately represents time spent on the identified matter(s), that the time spent was reasonable and ===== PAGE 18 ===== necessary, that expenses for which reimbursement is sought were reasonable and actually incurred on the identified matter(s), and that the request complies with the CPS Local Rules and fee schedule of Williamson County in effect at the time the services were rendered or expenses incurred. Each request for payment shall also constitute the attorney’s acceptance of the CPS Local Rules and willingness to abide by the same.
Attorneys are responsible for monitoring the authorized use of funds and should not approve services in excess of authorized funds.
Attorney should include date of service, service performed and amount of time.
The District Attorney's office must provide defense counsel with a discovery-material checklist and file that list with the court when discovery is complete.
Court's wording
To encourage the expeditious disposal of cases, to promote judicial economy, and without the diluting the rights of Defendants and in the interest of justice, the District Attorney's office will provide a check list of discovery material provided to the defense attorney and the list will be filed with the Court upon completion of discovery.
Attorneys should review invoices related to expert/investigative services and should ensure that appropriate supporting documentation is included. See IDC Plan IX (B)(5)(a).
Attorneys should take care to ensure that policies regarding travel are followed. See IDC Plan IX (B)(3)(b).
The forms are not required for any hearing before a Title IVD Master.
Qualifying experience may consist of paid or pro bono representation including those in which an attorney serves as pro bono 2nd chair to a court-appointed counsel for indigent persons in a CPS case in Williamson County.
CERTIFICATION REGARDING USE OF ARTELLIGENCE I, an attorney or self-represented litigant in the ________ Judicial District Court/County Court at Law # _________, hereby certify as follows:
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Counsel must comply with the Sensitive Data requirements of Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c.
Counsel are specifically directed to the Sensitive Data requirements of Tex. R. Civ. P. 21c.
Page 9 | H. E-FILING OF COURT DOCUMENTS
Electronic filings must comply with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21 and other applicable electronic-filing rules and standards.
Electronic filings must comply with Tex. R. Civ. P. 21 and any other applicable electronic filing rules or standards.
Page 9 | H. E-FILING OF COURT DOCUMENTS
Attorneys must file court documents through the electronic filing system.
Attorneys must use the electronic filing system.
Page 9 | H. E-FILING OF COURT DOCUMENTS
Self-represented litigants may file electronically or submit documents directly to the clerk's office.
Self-represented litigants may use electronic filing or file documents directly with the clerk’s office.
Page 9 | H. E-FILING OF COURT DOCUMENTS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Unless the court orders otherwise, decisions and announced settlements must be reduced to writing and submitted to the court for signature within 30 days after the order is rendered or the settlement is announced.
Unless ordered otherwise, within thirty (30) days after rendition of an order or an announced settlement by the parties, the decisions or settlements shall be reduced to writing and be provided to the court for signature.
Page 9 | I. SUBMISSION OF ORDERS AND SETTLEMENT DOCUMENTS
All pretrial motions must be filed at least seven days before the pretrial hearing.
All pre-trial motions must be filed at least seven (7) days before the date of the pre-trial hearing.
Page 31
All discovery must be completed before the discovery period ends.
All discovery must be conducted before the end of the discovery period.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
An attorney's written vacation designation must be filed with the Clerk and copies provided to all Court Administrators at least 90 days before the vacation.
The written designation must be filed with the Clerk with a copy to all Court Administrators no less than ninety (90) days in advance of the vacation.
Page 8 | F. VACATION OF COUNSEL
Any motion to avoid ADR should be filed with the court and a hearing held at least 60 days prior to the date of trial.
Any motion to avoid ADR should be filed with the court and a hearing held at least 60 days prior to the date of trial.
Page 19 | 5. ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The court permits discovery after the discovery deadline when the parties agree.
Counsel may conduct discovery beyond this deadline by agreement.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
Incomplete discovery does not justify postponing the trial.
Incomplete discovery will not delay the trial.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Before presenting a TRO or other request for relief, the attorney must notify the represented opposing attorney and provide copies of the pleadings and proposed order.
Before presenting a TRO or any request for relief, the attorney must notify and provide a copy of the pleadings and proposed orders to the opposing attorney, if respondent is represented.
Page 7 | 2. TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS IN NON-FAMILY CIVIL CASES; 3. NOTICE
Notice of a dismissal-docket setting must be transmitted to every attorney of record and every self-represented party.
Notice of the Dismissal Docket setting shall be transmitted to each attorney of record and to each party not represented by counsel.
Page 10 | K. DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION — 1. CASES SET FOR DISMISSAL
The party or attorney setting a case must give notice to opposing counsel in accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure.
The party or attorney setting the case shall give notice to Opposing Counsel according to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 11 | 3. MOTIONS TO RETAIN
The District Clerk must notify a Jane Doe applicant of the hearing time and place no later than the fifth business day after filing, unless the applicant seeks postponement.
The District Clerk shall notify the “Jane Doe" applicant of the time and place of the hearing on the application, which shall be no later than the fifth business day after the day the application is filed, unless an application for postponement is filed by the applicant.
Page 12 | 4. NOTIFICATION OF THE HEARING
The assigned court must notify the appointed guardian and attorney ad litem of the hearing time and place.
The Court to which the case is assigned shall notify the individual or individuals appointed to serve as guardian and attorney ad litem of the time and place of the hearing on the application.
Page 12 | 4. NOTIFICATION OF THE HEARING
Discovery requests must be served early enough for the response deadline to fall within the discovery period.
Parties seeking discovery must serve requests sufficiently far in advance of the end of the discovery period that the deadline for responding will be within the discovery period.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
The party causing a joinder must provide a copy of the scheduling order when service occurs.
THE PARTY CAUSING THE JOINDER SHALL PROVIDE A COPY OF THIS SCHEDULING ORDER AT THE TIME OF SERVICE.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
Expert witness designations must be served by the corresponding dates stated in the scheduling order.
Expert witness designations are required and must be served by the following dates.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
All parties must be joined and served by the date specified in the scheduling order.
All parties must be added and served, whether by amendment or third-party practice, by this date.
Page 52 | Docket Control Order
Subpoenas must be served through the Williamson County District Clerk or Constables Offices, with private-process-server service and reimbursement permitted only if the court pre-approves the service.
Subpoenas shall be served through the Williamson County District Clerk and Constables Offices and not through private process servers. A reimbursement for fees associated with service of subpoena using private process servers is not a permissible expense, unless service is pre-approved by the court.
Civil cases
Page 16 | 7.1.2 Service of Subpoena
Notice of a motion to withdraw or substitute counsel must be delivered to the State when the motion is set.
Notice of such motions shall be delivered to the State when the motion is set.
Page 30 | C. WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL
Filing Fees and Waivers
An attorney submitting an hourly-fee compensation form must attach detailed invoices and, when the request exceeds the cap, a copy of the court’s authorization.
When submitting Hourly Fee Compensation Form, attorney must attach detailed invoices, to include number of hours of time expended, general description of services provided, & a copy of Court’s authorization if total request exceeds cap.
Criminal cases
Page 46 | Fee and Expense Payment Process
An expense-payment request must include the court’s authorization and detailed invoices identifying applicable hours and services.
A request for payment for expenses must be accompanied by a copy of Court’s authorization for expenses incurred and detailed invoices, to include number of hours of time expended (if applicable) and information about services provided.
Criminal cases
Page 46 | Fee and Expense Payment Process
Hourly work is compensated at $155 per hour, subject to a $7,500 cap per case.
Hours of work at $155/hr. cap of $7,500 per case.
Criminal cases
Page 46 | Fee and Expense Payment Process
The court may authorize expenses in other categories, such as investigator expenses, on a case-by-case basis.
Expenses in other categories (i.e. investigator) may be authorized by the court on a case-by-case basis.
Criminal cases
Page 46 | Fee and Expense Payment Process
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Counsel must provide the court one courtesy copy of an appellate brief in a Williamson County criminal case by email.
When counsel submits an appellate brief regarding a criminal case in the Williamson County District Courts, they shall provide a courtesy copy of that brief to the court via electronic mail.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER ON APPELLATE BRIEFS IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BEFORE THE DISTRICT COURTS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A motion for approval of investigator or expert expenses must be submitted under seal when allowed by law and must follow the procedures in the IDC Plan.
Expenses incurred related to use of an investigator or expert in the defense of a case shall follow the procedures set forth in the Williamson County District Courts and County Courts at Law Indigent Defense Plan ("IDC Plan") (see Sec. IX (B)(2) and (3)), including filing a motion for approval of such costs, submitted under seal as allowed by law.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER ON MOTIONS FOR EXPENSES RELATED TO INVESTIGATORS AND EXPERTS IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BEFORE THE DISTRICT COURTS
The order does not authorize either party to seal court filings or proceedings.
This Order does not authorize either party to seal court filings or court proceedings.
Page 35 | Exhibit B – Qualified Protective Order for Protected Health Information
The Court will determine whether there is good cause to allow filing protected health information under seal if the parties request it.
The Court will make a good cause determination for filing under seal if the parties seek to file Plaintiff’s protected health information under seal.
Page 35 | Exhibit B – Qualified Protective Order for Protected Health Information
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before a pre-trial matter may be set for hearing, the moving party must communicate with opposing counsel to determine whether the contemplated motion will be opposed.
No pre-trial matter will be set for hearing unless the moving party has first communicated with Opposing Counsel to determine whether a contemplated motion will be opposed.
Page 16 | II.B.3 ATTEMPT TO CONFER
Before setting a pre-trial matter for hearing, the moving party must communicate with opposing counsel about whether the contemplated motion or special exception will be opposed.
No pre-trial matter will be set for hearing unless the moving party has first communicated with Opposing Counsel to determine whether a contemplated motion or special exception will be opposed.
Page 22 | B. SETTING THE CASE — 3. ATTEMPT TO CONFER
The attempt-to-confer rule does not apply when no opposing attorney has appeared or when the matter involves family violence, habeas corpus, attachment, contempt of court, or a temporary restraining order.
This rule does not apply to cases in which no opposing attorney has entered an appearance, or to matters involving family violence, habeas corpus, attachment, contempt of court, or Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
Page 16 | II.B.3 ATTEMPT TO CONFER
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A final hearing setting from the dismissal docket may not be changed unless the court grants a formal motion for continuance under the Rules of Civil Procedure.
If, at the calling of the dismissal docket, a case is set for final hearing, that final hearing setting SHALL NOT be changed except upon the granting of a formal motion for continuance pursuant to the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 11 | 3. MOTIONS TO RETAIN
A criminal trial continuance motion must be filed with the clerk at least seven days before jury selection, and counsel must notify the Court’s Administrator by email after filing, although the Court may set a hearing as necessary.
All Motions for Continuance shall be filed with the Clerk at least 7 days prior to the date on which the jury is to be selected. Counsel shall inform the Court via electronic mail to the Court's Administrator when such a Motion has been filed. The Court reserves the right to set a hearing on the motion if deemed necessary.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TRIAL CONTINUANCES IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BEFORE THE DISTRICT COURTS
Every criminal trial continuance motion must comply with Chapter 29 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and must be submitted in writing under oath.
All Motions for Continuance shall comply with Chapter 29, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including the requirement than any such motion be submitted in writing under oath (see Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Art. 29.08).
Criminal cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TRIAL CONTINUANCES IN CRIMINAL MATTERS BEFORE THE DISTRICT COURTS