Tarrant County, TX
All 134 county-scoped rules
Every published instrument scoped to Tarrant County, newest effective date first. 3 region-wide and 1,248 statewide instruments also apply here — search all three layers together. Procedural information only; not legal advice.
Published rules, newest effective date first
Showing 51–100 of 134 · page 2 of 3
Justice Court, Precinct 7 (Tarrant County) — Local Rule: Electronic Filing (preferred filing method; attorneys must e-file) (eff. Jan. 2, 2023)
Judge Kenneth D. Sanders's e-filing local rule for Justice Court Precinct 7 (effective Jan. 2, 2023): e-filing is the court's preferred filing method for all cases — paper filings accepted but strongly discouraged; all attorneys are required to e-file debt claims, evictions, small claims and subsequent filings; non-attorney litigants are strongly encouraged to use Guide and File/eFile; a kiosk serves parties without computer access.
Tarrant County Veterans Treatment Court — Policy and Procedure Manual (rev. Sept. 1, 2022)
The manual governs the Tarrant County Veterans Treatment Court (TCVTC), a post-arrest diversion program in lieu of prosecution: eligibility, the participant agreement's required and prohibited acts, treatment phases, drug screening, sanctions and incentives, fees, and graduation.
Justice Court, Precinct 1 (Tarrant County) — Standing Judicial Order 2022-0001: Defendant's Extension to Pay, Payment Plans and Modification of Payments (eff. July 21, 2022)
Judge Ralph Swearingin Jr.'s standing order 2022-0001 for Justice Court Precinct One: for any defendant pleading guilty, nolo contendere or no contest in person or by first-class mail with a request for time to pay (after the CCP art. 103.0033 application), the pay schedule is Option 1 by amount due ($99 or less — 30 days; $100–$299 — 1–3 months; $300–$499 — 4–5 months; $500 or more — 6 months), Option 2 monthly payments of $50 or 20% whichever is greater due the 30th, or Option 3 payment in full within 30 days; a 20%/$50 initial payment establishes the plan; capias pro fine defendants pay in full unless the judge approves otherwise; longer plans need the judge's approval; one modification of up to 10 days; no extensions by telephone; a $15 time-payment fee applies after the 30th day from judgment (Loc. Gov't Code § 133.103).
342nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Docket Call Procedure for Jury and Non-Jury Trials (trial documents due Monday noon of pretrial week; deposition objections by Wednesday 5 p.m.; in-person pretrial Thursday 1:30; exhibit binders; jury charge criteria)
Judge Kimberly Fitzpatrick's 342nd District Court docket call procedure (dated June 17, 2022; the current posting): all trial documents e-filed by noon Monday of the pretrial-conference week — exhibit and witness lists, motions in limine, proposed charge or findings, and a letter to the judge reporting the parties' conferral on pre-admitted exhibits and disputed limines and any pretrial motions — with deposition page-and-line designations filed and objections to opposing designations delivered (highlighted condensed transcripts, yellow for plaintiff and orange for defendant, plus a proposed order) by 5 p.m. the Wednesday before trial; proposed charge or findings e-mailed in Word with case type, days needed and witness count; trial check-in 8:15 a.m., juror cards by e-mail from 3 p.m. the day before, shuffle requests by 8 a.m.; an in-person pretrial conference Thursday at 1:30 p.m. the week before trial; a signed Rule 11 settlement agreement filed before the pretrial hearing to leave the docket; reset requests by 5 p.m. Wednesday; exhibits per Local Rule 3.03(c) in binders for the court, reporter and each opposing party, redacted, pre-marked, tabbed and indexed, numbered without alphabetical sub-parts; oversized exhibits with letter-size copies and physical exhibits with photos; audio in mp3 and video in mp4 on USB drives, no links. The companion Jury Charge Criteria sheet requires the charge in Book Antiqua 12-point with one-inch margins and footer page numbers, e-mailed in Word by Monday noon of the pretrial week or the trial may be reset.
Criminal District Court No. 1 (Tarrant County) — Court's Standing Omnibus Order on Discovery (Apr. 26, 2022)
Judge Elizabeth Beach's standing omnibus discovery order for Criminal District Court No. 1: in all pending cases the State may release medical records, grand jury records, CPS records, criminal histories and juvenile records to defense counsel without a formal motion (the State may withhold if it requests a formal hearing); defense counsel may not disclose protected information or use it for anything but the case, and must return or destroy the records when the case concludes.
Justice Court, Precinct 1 (Tarrant County) — Local Rule: Mandatory Electronic Communications via eFile Texas, E-mail or Fax (eff. Aug. 1, 2021)
Judge Ralph Swearingin Jr.'s local rule for Justice Court Precinct One (dated Feb. 1, 2021; effective Aug. 1, 2021): all communications between the court and litigants in every case must be sent through eFile Texas (preferred), e-mail or fax and must include a valid e-mail address; pro se litigants and attorneys alike are required to communicate electronically; court notices, copies and judgments issue from JP1court@tarrantcounty.com, and litigants must immediately report any change to their e-mail address.
Justice Court, Precinct 1 (Tarrant County) — Local Rule: Non-Recording of Court Proceedings and Staff Communication (eff. Mar. 15, 2021)
Judge Ralph Swearingin Jr.'s local rule for Justice Court Precinct One (effective Mar. 15, 2021; bilingual English/Spanish notice): recording, taping or photographing by any means is strictly prohibited for any party participating in a court proceeding, remotely or in person, and for any party communicating with court staff at any time by any means; violators may be held in contempt.
231st District Court (Tarrant County) — Standing Order Regarding Self-Represented Litigants (DRO review; cases filed on or after Mar. 1, 2021)
The 231st District Court's standing order (Mar. 1, 2021): in uncontested divorces, modifications and suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed on or after March 1, 2021 where neither party has an attorney and the final order uses the Supreme Court/TexasLawHelp form, the self-represented litigants must have their proposed final orders reviewed by the Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office (Legal Support Services, 817-884-1879) and hand the completed Uncontested Docket Checklist to the court immediately before prove-up; no prove-up is conducted without it.
Tarrant County District Courts — Administrative Order Regarding the Clerk of the Magistrates (No. 2612, filed Nov. 16, 2020)
Administrative order of the Tarrant County district courts establishing the Clerk of the Magistrates for Article 15.17 proceedings in the county jail: the history of centralized magistration, the magistrates' duties on probable cause, bail and rights, and the clerk's record-keeping and reporting responsibilities.
324th District Court (Tarrant County) — Standing Order Regarding Self-Represented Litigants (DRO review; cases filed after Mar. 1, 2020)
The 324th District Court's standing order (2020): in uncontested divorces, modifications and SAPCRs filed after March 1, 2020 where neither party has an attorney and the final order uses the Supreme Court/TexasLawHelp form, self-represented litigants must have their final documents reviewed by the Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office (Legal Support Services, 817-884-1879) and hand the completed Uncontested Docket Checklist to the court immediately before an in-person prove-up — or e-file it if the hearing is virtual; no prove-up without it.
325th District Court (Tarrant County) — Standing Order Regarding Self-Represented Litigants (DRO review; divorces filed after Mar. 1, 2020)
The 325th District Court's standing order (Mar. 2020): in uncontested divorces filed after March 1, 2020 where neither party has an attorney and the decree uses the Supreme Court/TexasLawHelp form, self-represented litigants must have their final divorce documents reviewed by the Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office (Legal Support Services, 817-884-1879) and hand the completed Uncontested Docket Checklist to the court immediately before prove-up; no prove-up without it.
233rd District Court (Tarrant County) — Standing Order Regarding Self-Represented Litigants (DRO review; divorces filed after Jan. 1, 2020)
The 233rd District Court's standing order (signed Nov. 2019): in uncontested divorces filed after January 1, 2020 where neither party has an attorney and the decree uses the Supreme Court/TexasLawHelp form, self-represented litigants must have their final divorce documents reviewed by the Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office (Legal Support Services, 817-884-1879) and hand the completed Uncontested Docket Checklist to the court immediately before prove-up; no prove-up without it.
Justice Court, Precinct 1 (Tarrant County) — Local Rule: Electronic Filing via eFile Texas and eFile Texas Self-Help (eff. July 1, 2019; modified Sept. 4, 2025)
Judge Ralph Swearingin Jr.'s e-filing local rule for Justice Court Precinct One (in force since July 1, 2019; this edition modified Sept. 4, 2025 and dated Sept. 5, 2025): e-filing is the preferred method for all cases with limited exceptions; electronic court documents have been the official record since May 16, 2019; pro se litigants and attorneys are strongly encouraged to file evictions, small claims, debt claims and all later filings through eFile Texas Self-Help or eFile Texas; a litigant unable or electing not to e-file may request to file in person and the court decides case by case whether to grant an exception; a kiosk in the court office serves litigants without computer access; filings the systems cannot process are submitted in person.
Justice Courts of Tarrant County — Turnover and Receiver Local Rule (eff. March 26, 2019)
A county-wide Justice Court local rule governing post-judgment applications for turnover orders and appointment of receivers in aid of judgment collection, drawn from Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 31.002 (the turnover statute) and Chapter 64 (receivership).
Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2 — Pro Se Policy (as of Jan. 1, 2018)
Probate Court No. 2's Pro Se Policy (as of Jan. 1, 2018, issued under Judge Brooke Allen and still posted with the court's decedent-estate forms): no personal representative of a decedent's estate is appointed unless represented by a Texas-licensed attorney (Steele v. McDonald); a pro se applicant may represent only themself, never other beneficiaries; a pro se may probate a will as a muniment of title only if four years have not elapsed, the original self-proved will signed by the decedent and two witnesses is filed, the applicant is the sole beneficiary and the only debts are secured by real-estate liens; filing with the Probate Clerk (Rm. B90), the posting period, setting the hearing by telephone, completing the Proof and Order in advance, and the in-person hearing procedure.
Tarrant County Probate Court No. 1 — Standing Order No. 17-AF00001-1 Amending the Time for Filing Hearing Documents in Uncontested Applications (five business days; Oct. 4, 2017)
Probate Court No. 1's standing order (Oct. 4, 2017) amending Section VII of the Uniform Standing Order on Court Rules for E-Filing so that all documents required for a hearing on an uncontested application (proofs, oath, order) must be e-filed as lead documents at least five business days before the hearing, replacing the three-day requirement of the 2014 rules.
Tarrant County Justice Courts — Local Rules for Discovery (eff. July 1, 2015; signed by the justices of the peace)
The county-wide Justice Courts Local Rules for Discovery, effective July 1, 2015 and signed by the justices of the peace (the signature page names Hon. Sergio De Leon, Precinct 5; Hon. Matt Hayes, Precinct 7; Hon. Gary Ritchie, Precinct 6, among the signers): court-approved pretrial discovery only (TRCP 500.9 as then numbered); an objection-proof General Disclosure Request; a discovery period from the signed order to 30 days before trial; six deposition hours and fifteen interrogatories, fifteen requests for production and fifteen requests for admission per party; supplementation within 14 days and no later than 21 days before trial with exclusion of late material absent good cause or lack of surprise; a mandatory Certificate of Discovery Conference on every discovery motion; telephone or electronic discovery hearings on written request; and 30-day post-judgment discovery objections. Precincts 1 and 2 re-issued the same text as court-specific revisions in 2026 (TOPICs docs 2950 and 2952).
Tarrant County Probate Courts — Uniform Standing Order on Use of Depositions on Written Questions (No. 2015-AF00001; Jan.–Feb. 2015) with the Procedure for Proof by Deposition on Written Questions
The two probate courts' uniform standing order (No. 2015-AF00001; signed Jan. 27 and Feb. 5, 2015, file-marked Feb. 9, 2015) adopting the attached Procedure for Proof by Deposition on Written Questions and directing the Probate Clerk to give a copy to every pro se filer: a party offering testimony by deposition on written questions must follow Estates Code § 51.203 (decedents' estates) or § 1051.253 (guardianships), which controls over TRCP; the procedure applies to proving a will's execution or the testator's handwriting and other uncontested proof; the attorney coordinates with the deposition official in the witness's location, files the written questions, a notice of intent and the clerk's information filing form; the clerk posts the notice and after the 10-day posting period furnishes a Package Envelope and a certified copy of the will; the attorney transmits the certified deposition and envelope to the deposition official with a prepaid return envelope (FedEx, UPS or USPS Delivery Confirmation); the official swears the witness, supervises the answers, completes the jurat, seals and returns the package to the Probate Clerk; at the hearing the attorney asks the court to take judicial notice of the answers. Attached forms: notice of intent, written questions for a subscribing witness, package envelope.
Tarrant County Probate Courts — Court Rules for E-Filing (Uniform Standing Order No. 14-AF00014-1 and 2; eff. Oct. 1, 2014)
The statutory probate courts' Court Rules for E-Filing (promulgated by Uniform Standing Order No. 14-AF00014-1 and 2 under TRCP 21; effective Oct. 1, 2014, under Judges Steve M. King and Patrick W. Ferchill and still posted by Probate Court No. 1): all attorney filings are e-filed except original wills and codicils (a copy e-filed, the original delivered to the clerk within three business days with a chain-of-custody re-stapling protocol), trust originals, citation returns, surety bonds, subpoenas, exemplified documents, transferred matters and trial exhibits; sensitive data redacted by the filer (motion to redact for wills), sensitive information (medical certificates, ad litem and visitor reports, criminal-history and APS records) handled as non-public and mental-health and emergency-protective-services filings never e-filed; text-searchable unlocked PDFs with a document footer and a full attorney block; electronic signatures, notarizations and unsworn declarations; lead documents filed separately (never scanned together) with proposed orders as lead documents in the same transaction; cover letters as lead documents for citation, letters and copy instructions; a motion and order required for every private process server; e-service completes on transmission but the three-day notice-of-hearing rule still applies; settings requested and confirmed by e-mail to the coordinators with the requester notifying all parties; contract court reporters and interpreters, cancellations at least 24 hours ahead; vacation notices to the clerk and court; ad litem filings fee-waived; guardianship information letters and guardian-of-the-person reports by non-attorneys; step-by-step checklists for wills, muniments, administrations, heirships and guardianships with hearing documents e-filed three days ahead (Probate Court No. 1 later moved this to five business days by Standing Order No. 17-AF00001-1).
Tarrant County Probate Courts — Uniform Standing Order No. 14-AF00015-1 and 2: Waiver of Filing Fees of Attorneys Ad Litem and Guardians Ad Litem (2014)
The probate courts' uniform standing order (No. 14-AF00015-1 and 2, issued with the 2014 e-filing rules) waiving all county clerk filing fees and deposits for filings by court-appointed attorneys ad litem and guardians ad litem in every proceeding before the courts, extending the guardianship waiver of Estates Code § 1052.051(e) to all proceedings; the e-filing rules add that an ad litem must designate a 'waiver' account in the e-filing provider to secure the waiver.
Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts — Local Rules (eff. Jan. 1, 2012)
The county-wide Local Rules for the Justice of the Peace Courts of Tarrant County (effective Jan. 1, 2012, promulgated under Gov't Code § 27.061; posted on the county's Justice Courts document page): courtroom conduct and decorum defaults where a precinct has no written code of its own; attorney conduct; broadcast requests decided case by case; the civil, criminal, administrative and magistration jurisdiction map with the governing statutes; telephone hearings on advance written request (the judge never initiates the call); drafting rules for judgments and orders; motions to withdraw granted without hearing only with client and opposing consents and a last-known-address certificate; civil and criminal transfers between precincts at the judges' discretion (10 days for a defendant to object in criminal cases); criminal filing venue by precinct of offense (school-attendance cases anywhere in the county), docket call and setting practice with 24-hour reset requests, written jury waivers, clerk-set pretrial dockets, and standard fine lists.
Tarrant County Statutory Probate Courts — Uniform Standing Order Regarding Pro Se Applicants (rev. Aug. 17, 2011)
The Statutory Probate Courts of Tarrant County's Uniform Standing Order Regarding Pro Se Applicants (revised Aug. 17, 2011; posted by Probate Court No. 1): applicants for letters testamentary, letters of administration, heirship determinations and guardianships must be represented by a licensed attorney because a fiduciary acts for others — pro se fiduciary applications are the unauthorized practice of law and will not be allowed; the same policy covers next friends under TRCP 44, assigned claims, trustees and non-attorney amici; counsel is appointed only where state law mandates it, never for indigency; the clerk must accept pro se filings but the court takes no action on them without an attorney of record; pro se representation is permitted only for oneself — a sole-beneficiary muniment of title with no unsecured debts, a contestant not seeking appointment, a non-corporate creditor's claim, or a non-corporate party in an ancillary civil action; on a motion to withdraw with no substitute counsel the court takes the motion under advisement for 30 days and orders the representative to retain counsel within 30 days or face citation and show cause for removal; in contested matters a pro se appearance may be continued by written order up to 60 days to retain counsel, with dismissal for want of prosecution if none appears.
Tarrant County Criminal Courts — Notice to Defendant Released Prior to Appointment of Lawyer (report in person today or the next business day, 9–11:30 a.m. or 1:30–4 p.m., to the Auxiliary Courtroom, 7th floor, Justice Center, to complete the indigence questionnaire; appointments by the end of the next business day; no need to report if hiring counsel)
The criminal courts' notice handed to defendants released from custody before their request for appointed counsel is processed (revised May 22, 2009): no attorney has yet been appointed and the defendant must qualify under the county financial guidelines; a defendant claiming inability to afford counsel completes a financial questionnaire (pay stubs or W-2 may be required) and the judge rules on eligibility, with possible repayment of appointed-counsel fees; because attorneys are appointed by the end of the business day following the request, the defendant must report in person today or the next business day, Monday–Friday 9–11:30 a.m. or 1:30–4 p.m. (next business day after a weekend or holiday release), to the Auxiliary Courtroom on the 7th floor of the Tarrant County Justice Center, 401 W. Belknap; defendants hiring their own attorney need not report.
Tarrant County Family District Courts — Local Rule on Application for and Refusal of Title IV-D Child Support Services (adopted Dec. 18, 2006; approved Misc. Docket No. 07-9023, Jan. 30, 2007)
Local rule of the Tarrant County Family District Courts, adopted by the seven family judges on Dec. 18, 2006 and approved by the Supreme Court of Texas (Misc. Docket No. 07-9023, Jan. 30, 2007): every final divorce decree signed on or after Oct. 16, 2000 that orders child support, and every final paternity decree not obtained by a IV-D agency that orders child support, is deemed to include an application for Title IV-D child support services through the Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office and the Office of the Attorney General (Family Code ch. 231); an obligee may decline by filing a written Refusal of Child Support Services and may later apply to the Attorney General directly. Supersedes the 2000 rule (Misc. Docket No. 00-9063).
Tarrant County Local Rules of Court — Part 1: General Rules (eff. Jan. 1, 1999; approved Misc. Docket No. 99-9164)
Part 1 of the Local Rules of Court of Tarrant County — standing orders of every district court and statutory county court in the county (Rule 1.01), adopted by the trial judges in Council under Gov't Code § 74.093 and approved by the Supreme Court of Texas (Misc. Docket No. 99-9164, Sept. 13, 1999). It binds pro se parties to the same requirements as counsel and deems mail to a pro se litigant's address of record constructively received (Rule 1.02); assigns cases by random selection with fixed rules for juvenile, delinquent-tax, bill-of-review, garnishment and transfer matters (Rule 1.03); sets jury and non-jury weeks (1.04); requires counsel to telephone the coordinator and give written notice within three days of a bankruptcy filing (1.05); requires pleadings to be filed with the Clerk, briefs and proposed orders to go to the Court Coordinator, and every motion for affirmative relief to carry a proposed order (1.06); prescribes which discovery responses are filed and which are only served with a Certificate of Written Discovery (1.07); ranks conflicting settings (1.10); and governs attorney vacations (1.11) and judicial absences (1.12).
Tarrant County Local Rules of Court — Part 3: Rules for Disposition of Civil Cases (eff. Jan. 1, 1999; approved Misc. Docket No. 99-9164)
Part 3 of the Tarrant County Local Rules governs civil cases in the civil district courts and county courts at law: ADR referral on the court's motion or agreement (3.01(a)); trial settings on written request no sooner than 75 days out, with seven-day objection windows (3.01(c)–(e)); continuance motions filed by the Wednesday before trial and heard Thursday at 2:00 p.m. (3.02); trial procedure — dilatory pleas heard 30 days before trial, witness and exhibit lists, motions in limine and charge requests delivered when parties report for trial, and page-and-line designations for videotaped depositions 14/10/7 days out (3.03); settlement prove-ups and unliquidated default hearings scheduled through the Court Coordinator (3.04); stipulation duties (3.05); certificate-of-conference motion practice, coordinator-set hearings, telephone hearings and submission by agreement (3.06); deposition guidelines — Tarrant County depositions, expert-report fees, ten-day notice presumption and a required conference recital in every notice (3.11); sanctions for frivolous discovery objections (3.12); matters requiring immediate action and ex parte certificates (3.30); private process servers (3.40); and 30-day notice before dismissal for want of prosecution (3.90).
Tarrant County Statutory Probate Courts — Local Rules (dated Aug. 10, 1993; approved Misc. Docket No. 93-0187)
The Local Rules of the Statutory Probate Courts of Tarrant County (dated Aug. 10, 1993; approved by the Supreme Court of Texas, Misc. Docket No. 93-0187, on a temporary basis; posted by Probate Court No. 1 under "Court Policies"), standing orders of both probate courts: pro se parties bound as counsel (1.02); case assignment equalized between the two courts with related cases to the prior court and an "A" suffix for ancillary matters (1.03); transfers between the probate courts by agreement of the judges, and § 5B transfers from district or county courts on motion (1.04); bankruptcy notice within three days (1.06); all papers filed with the Clerk, proposed orders presented after filing with ten days for objection unless approved by all counsel (1.07); conflicting-setting priorities with mental-health cases preferentially set (1.08); vacations, judicial absences, one-year dismissal dockets (1.09–1.11); attorney ad litem notice, reports and security for costs (1.12); Part 2 contested and ancillary matters — ADR referral, docket control orders, trial settings on 45 days' notice with 7-day objections, continuance motions five days before trial, dilatory pleas heard 30 days out, single second settings, exchange of witness/exhibit lists and video designations, certificate-of-conference motion practice, deposition guidelines (Tarrant County depositions, expert fees, ten-day notice presumption), ex parte certificates, and private process servers.
153rd District Court (Tarrant County) — Policies (security screening, sign-in, etiquette, dress code, electronic devices, recording ban, food and beverages)
The 153rd District Court's posted policies: all participants pass security screening and sign in with the bailiff, who seats them; calm and civil conduct; business attire (suits, dresses, blouses or sweaters with skirts or tailored slacks; suits or sport coats with collared shirt, tie and dress slacks), attorneys not so dressed may be excluded from hearings and trials; phones and devices off except counsel's on silent at the tables; no photographs or recording without the judge's express permission; no food, beverages other than water in a spill-proof container, gum or candy; discourteous conduct may bring removal or arrest under Penal Code § 38.13.
153rd District Court (Tarrant County) — Trial Guidelines (trial hours, courtroom access, equipment, podium, voir dire, exhibits, depositions, witnesses, charge in Word)
The 153rd District Court's trial guidelines: trial hours 9:30–4:30 with lunch 11:45–1:00 and a day's notice if trial will run past 5:00; witnesses and parties stay out of restricted areas and in assigned conference rooms; the courtroom's presentation equipment (document camera, touch-screen monitors, HDMI/VGA, Wi-Fi, WebEx with the judge's approval), no office supplies; counsel stand at the podium and ask permission to move, approach a witness or the bench; a voir dire package from the bailiff, group then individual voir dire with no cause challenges before the panel; voir dire reported only on request; exhibits numbered per the exhibit list, displayed digitally, oversized exhibits with letter-size copies retained by the reporter; demonstratives not marked by opponents; deposition excerpts tendered before reading, video depositions with a marked transcript for the reporter; witnesses remain seated unless permitted; interim summations in long trials; each side's proposed charge in Microsoft Word to the reporter and a copy of the charge to each juror.
213th District Court (Tarrant County) — Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial (objections, language, in-custody clothing, voir dire, bench conferences)
The 213th District Court's trial-conduct rules as posted on its court page (page last modified May 14, 2015): be on time, brief legal objections, stand to object, no responding to objections without leave, no talking over others, no racist, sexist, obscene or profane language except when quoting the facts; bring appropriate clothing for in-custody clients to the bailiff before trial; challenges for cause at the conclusion of voir dire; witnesses present, ready and dressed appropriately (no shorts or T-shirts); no bench conferences except in extraordinary circumstances; no pointing firearms at anyone in the courtroom; ask permission to approach a witness or the court reporter.
297th District Court (Tarrant County) — Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial (in-custody clothing 24 hours ahead, voir dire, sequestration, approaching)
The 297th District Court's trial-conduct rules (page last modified June 30, 2023): be on time, brief legal objections, stand to object or address the court; bring appropriate clothing for in-custody clients to the bailiff before trial, or advise the court at least 24 hours before trial if unable; challenges for cause at the end of voir dire, with questionnaires and seating charts provided by the court; witnesses present, ready and appropriately dressed; counsel responsible for unsworn witnesses' compliance when the sequestration rule is in effect; no pointing firearms at anyone in the courtroom; ask permission to approach a witness or the court reporter.
324th District Court (Tarrant County) — Court Procedures (orders, TROs, pretrials, e-mails, associate court, withdrawal, prove-ups, interpreters, DWOP)
The 324th District Court's posted procedures: final orders signed by all parties are walked through (attorneys' e-filed proposed orders are no longer processed; self-represented litigants may still e-file); extraordinary-relief TROs walked through, never e-filed; represented litigants need not attend pretrials, scheduling orders carry mediation and a status conference 8–9 weeks before trial; hearing dates obtained by e-mail to the coordinator with all counsel copied and a Notice of Court Proceeding (never e-filed) before a setting is docketed; associate-court hearings at 8:30 a.m. with protective orders and enforcements on Wednesdays; withdrawal by client letter setting an 8:30 a.m. date with proof of notice and an order carrying the client's e-mail and future settings; motions to enter instead of 10-day letters when all parties are represented; prove-ups and defaults at 8:30 except adoptions; interpreters arranged two weeks ahead; an Order to Appear on any MSA or agreement; DWOP cleared by a Motion for Pretrial Scheduling Order and contact with the coordinator within 3 days.
325th District Court (Tarrant County) — FAQ: Court Policies (no formal docket call, trial-docket cases called about ten days before; legislative guidelines followed in waiver and default divorces absent explanation; no fixed time limits; telephone conferences for non-evidentiary matters by agreement; under-three possession guidelines on request; parenting-class certificates before final decree, waivable for good cause)
The 325th District Court's FAQ on court policies (page last modified June 22, 2015): no formalized docket call — cases on the monthly trial docket are usually called ten days before the Monday of the week requested but may be called as late as 24 hours before; the court expects the legislative possession and child-support guidelines to be followed in waiver and default divorces unless there is a satisfactory explanation for deviating; no predetermined time limits, though the court may hold attorneys to the time announced and may impose limits at the start of a hearing on a pre-trial motion or associate-judge appeal; telephone conferences are encouraged for any non-evidentiary motion if all counsel agree, scheduled through the coordinator; the court's guidelines for possession of children under three are available on request as a starting point; most divorcing parents must attend a class on the effect of divorce on children, other classes ordered case by case, the class waived where unavailable, and for good cause the court has signed decrees without certificates on file.
325th District Court (Tarrant County) — FAQ: Procedures and Filings (no filings by fax or e-mail; preferential settings only for compelling reasons; expedited hearings by motion with notice; pre-trial conferences at six months with a scheduling order, mostly Fridays, attorneys may appear by phone; continuances of final trial in writing signed by attorney and client; mediation referrals absent abuse allegations)
The 325th District Court's FAQ on procedures and filings (page last modified June 22, 2015): the court does not accept filings by fax or e-mail (arrangements are with the District Clerk); preferential settings require a compelling reason such as out-of-area litigants or witnesses, age of case or sensitivity; an expedited hearing is requested by motion detailing the need, accompanied by a notice of hearing; cases approaching six months are set for pre-trial conference by the court (attorneys may request one anytime), a pre-trial scheduling order issues at its conclusion, litigants and attorneys must know the contested issues, whether a jury is needed and the trial length, most conferences are on Fridays and attorneys may appear by telephone; requests to continue a final trial are in writing, signed by the attorney and client, made as soon as the need appears, and decided on the facts; unless abuse toward a spouse or child is alleged most cases are referred to mediation with a consensus mediator, and a case may be referred to ADR before temporary orders on request or the court's motion.
342nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Friendly/Minor Prove-Up Hearing Requirements (documents due noon two days before; GAL report contents; expense and fee scrutiny)
The 342nd District Court's requirements for minor settlement (friendly suit) prove-ups: all required documents must reach the court by noon the day before the hearing or it is cancelled, with the listed documents due by noon two days before — the guardian ad litem's report (injuries, last treatment date, other recovery sources, whether bills are paid with a residual breakdown, liability facts) and fee order e-filed; the settlement agreement, final judgment with all signatures, expense list if not waived, payout breakdown and minor information sheet e-mailed to the court; counsel not waiving case expenses must explain and itemize them; attorneys charging a minor more than one-third of the proceeds must be prepared to explain the case's complexity.
342nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Requesting a Hearing and Notices of Hearing (in-person, Zoom or submission; responses by noon the day before; notebooks for filings over 50 pages)
The 342nd District Court's hearing instructions: confirm the date before sending a notice of hearing; the notice states whether the hearing is in person, by Zoom or by submission, which motions will be heard and the time allotted; orders and responses filed per the Rules of Civil Procedure or by noon the day before; where the motion and response exceed 50 pages a notebook is delivered two days before the hearing (9–11 a.m. or 2–4 p.m.); hearings are requested by e-mail or phone with the cause number and style, motions, filing date, lead attorney, desired timeframe, format and time needed; some hearings must be in person; Zoom links go out about a day before.
342nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Temporary Restraining Order Procedure (five documents on file, including the Local Rules ex parte certificate, before presentment; TRO heard by phone, Zoom or in person)
The 342nd District Court's TRO procedure: the plaintiff's original petition, application for TRO, supporting affidavit, certificate of conference under the Tarrant County Local Rules for ex parte relief, and proposed order granting the TRO must all be on file before the TRO is presented; counsel then calls the court to set a time, and the judge may hear the TRO by phone, Zoom or in person. The court's companion Certificate of Conference form tracks the three Local Rule 3.30(c) alternatives (opponent unrepresented; opposing counsel notified and does not wish to be heard; diligent unsuccessful attempts to notify).
348th District Court (Tarrant County) — Court's Policies and Procedures (proposed orders in Word; hearing binders over 50 pages; exhibit guidelines; audio/video MP3/MP4 up to 10 GB)
The 348th District Court's posted policies (page last modified June 16, 2026): proposed orders submitted in Word by e-mail to 348DC@tarrantcountytx.gov; when a motion, response, reply and exhibits together exceed 50 pages, the party requesting the hearing must deliver a tabbed binder with a table of contents by noon the day before or the hearing may be cancelled; all exhibits in hard copy except audio/video files, numerically marked, tabbed and in binders, two copies (witness/jury/court reporter and a courtesy copy for the judge); Zoom-hearing exhibits e-mailed to the court at least one hour before; audio and video exhibits in MP3 or MP4 up to 10 GB per the Second Court of Appeals' requirements, brought on a flash drive for the court reporter.
352nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Arriving at the Courthouse: Procedures, Decorum & Attire (security screening at the Justice Center; quiet, dignified conduct; no shorts, short skirts, low-cut or sleeveless tops or hats; no food or drink; devices silent, no calls, texting, photographs or recording without permission; removal for disruption)
The 352nd District Court's posted procedures, decorum and attire sheet: visitors pass the security station and metal detectors at the Tarrant County Justice Center (weapons forbidden; pockets emptied and bags screened; allow time for screening and elevators); conduct in the hallways and courtrooms is quiet, calm and dignified; no shorts, short skirts, low-cut blouses, sleeveless shirts, hats or other inappropriate attire; no food or beverages in most courtrooms; no newspapers or distracting activity in the gallery; cell phones, pagers and devices off or silent, no calls, no texting or electronic communication without the judge's explicit permission, no photographs or audio or visual recording without the judge's express permission; the judge and bailiff control the courtroom and may remove noisy, sleeping, disruptive or gesturing visitors; questions for Judge Burgess go through the bailiff, and he answers what he is ethically permitted to answer.
352nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Remote Hearing Procedures (and Inclement Weather Policy)
Judge Josh Burgess's 352nd District Court remote hearing procedures: Zoom hearings hosted by the court reporter (Michelle Escobar); the coordinator must have a participant's e-mail at least 72 hours before any hearing; telephone-only participation coordinated with the reporter the day before; exhibits e-mailed to all parties, the coordinator and the reporter by 4:00 p.m. the day before in .pdf with the cause number and "Plaintiff's/Defendant's Exhibits" in the subject, or the court cannot consider them; witnesses must appear by video on their own feed with identification ready. The court's separate inclement-weather policy follows the Fort Worth ISD closure schedule.
352nd District Court (Tarrant County) — Scheduling Order standing provisions (new parties six months before trial; expert objections within 30 days of the report or deposition and heard 30 days before trial or waived; mediation four weeks before trial with sanctions for non-participation; dispositive motions heard 30 days before trial; 'Judge's Copy' of filings over 50 pages)
The standing provisions of the 352nd District Court's Rule 166 scheduling order form (Judge Josh Burgess): new parties joined and served six months before trial, the joining party serving a copy of the order; any objection to an expert's qualifications or the reliability of an opinion made within 30 days after receiving the report or the deposition (or within 30 days of the order if those dates have passed) and heard no later than 30 days before trial, or waived, the objecting party being responsible for obtaining the hearing; discovery per the TRCP level unless modified; mediation or a hearing on an objection to mediation four weeks before trial, with a court-appointed mediator failing agreement and sanctions for non-participation; dispositive motions heard 30 days before trial; for every hearing or trial a courtesy copy of any filing over 50 pages marked 'Judge's Copy' delivered to chambers; the trial week setting is not preferential and unreached cases are reset by the court.
360th District Court (Tarrant County) — Guidelines Concerning Notice of Proceedings (TRCP 21d) and Evidence Formats
The 360th District Court's guidelines on Rule 21d notices of proceedings: evidence is taken only after both sides have proper notice; the notice should tell parties that evidence is submitted under the Texas Rules of Evidence; the court's bailiffs are the Rule 21d "designated persons"; all hearings are in person unless extraordinary circumstances exist and the remote-proceeding rules are followed; exhibits marked by number with copies to each party, the amicus/ad litem and the court reporter; complex property cases need an Excel spreadsheet of assets; audio in MP3 and video in MP4 (no .mov; 5 GB cap); in hybrid or remote evidentiary settings, documentary evidence goes to the court reporter and all counsel by 10:00 a.m. the business day before as text-searchable, unencrypted PDFs (OCR'd scans; 100 MB cap) with account and Social Security numbers redacted. The court states the language is "not mandatory" and that non-compliance "is not an independent ground for exclusion of evidence."
371st District Court (Tarrant County) — Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial (objections, language, in-custody clothing, cause challenges developed in voir dire, bench conferences)
The 371st District Court's trial-conduct rules as posted on its court page (page last modified May 14, 2015): be on time, brief legal objections, stand to object, no responding to objections without leave, no talking over others, no racist, sexist, obscene or profane language except when quoting the facts; bring appropriate clothing for in-custody clients to the bailiff before trial; any basis for a challenge for cause must be completely developed during voir dire of the panel; witnesses present, ready and dressed appropriately; no bench conferences except in extraordinary circumstances; no pointing firearms at anyone in the courtroom; ask permission to approach a witness or the court reporter.
396th District Court (Tarrant County) — Rules of Conduct for Counsel While in Trial (trial schedule, in-custody clothing, voir dire, witnesses)
The 396th District Court's trial-conduct rules (page last modified June 12, 2025): be on time, brief legal objections, stand to object or address the court; the typical trial week — Monday morning jury selection with hearings outside the jury's presence in the afternoon, openings and testimony Tuesday afternoon then daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a large touchscreen TV with two HDMI inputs for both parties; counsel must bring appropriate clothing for in-custody clients to the bailiff before trial, or advise the court at least 24 hours before if unable; the court covers juror qualifications, exemptions, scheduling and basic constitutional issues before the parties' voir dire; challenges for cause at the end of voir dire; questionnaires and seating charts provided early; a digital timer for jury selection and argument; witnesses present, ready and appropriately dressed; no pointing firearms at anyone in the courtroom; ask permission to approach a witness.
67th District Court (Tarrant County) — Courthouse Dress and Decorum (security screening, attire, no food or drink, devices silent, no recording, removal for disruption)
The 67th District Court's posted dress-and-decorum sheet: visitors pass security screening at the Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building and should plan for the metal detectors and elevators; quiet, dignified conduct in hallways and courtroom; no shorts, short skirts, low-cut or sleeveless tops, hats or other inappropriate attire; no food or beverages; phones and devices off or silent, no calls, texting or other electronic communication without the judge's explicit permission; no photographs or audio/visual recording without the judge's express permission; the judge and bailiff control the courtroom and may remove noisy, sleeping or disruptive visitors.
67th District Court (Tarrant County) — Procedures for Remote Hearings
Judge Don Cosby's 67th District Court remote hearing procedures: Zoom hearings hosted by the court reporter (Monica Brantley); the coordinator must have a participant's e-mail at least 72 hours before the hearing; telephone-only participation coordinated with the reporter the day before; exhibits e-mailed to all parties and the reporter by 4:00 p.m. the day before in .pdf with the cause number and "Plaintiff or Defendant Exhibits" in the subject, or the court cannot consider them; witnesses must appear by video on a separate feed with identification ready.
96th District Court (Tarrant County) — Instructions When Called to Trial (pretrial conference Monday 8:30 a.m., jury at 9; pretrial documents filed by 3 p.m. the Friday before; confer on exhibit and limine objections; standing limine order governs; exhibits marked, tabbed and bound with whole numbers; experts may testify by Zoom; charge in Word to the reporter and coordinator by 3 p.m. Friday)
The 96th District Court's instructions when a case is called to trial (page last modified Aug. 4, 2025): parties appear for the pretrial conference at 8:30 a.m. on the trial Monday in the Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building, 4th floor, with the jury called for 9 a.m.; pretrial documents — motions in limine, jury questions, instructions and definitions, witness and exhibit lists — must be filed no later than 3 p.m. the Friday before trial; the parties confer on exhibit and limine objections beforehand and review the court's standing limine order, only matters not covered there being heard; at the pretrial conference exhibits must be marked, tabbed and bound, using whole numbers only (no decimals or subparts); the court's policy allows expert witnesses to testify by Zoom, objections heard at pretrial; parties using the court's audio-visual equipment arrange an advance visit; the proposed charge is e-mailed in Word to the court reporter and court coordinator by 3 p.m. the Friday before trial.
96th District Court (Tarrant County) — Scheduling Order standing provisions (joining party serves the order; expert lists; discovery deadline; pleading cutoff; mediation by an agreed mediator; exhibits and fact-witness lists exchanged, unlisted fact witnesses barred absent good cause; authentication objections within three business days or admitted; agreed reset within ten days if not reached)
The standing provisions of the 96th District Court's scheduling order form (J. Patrick Gallagher, Judge Presiding): the order applies unless modified, items without dates follow the TRCP, and compliance does not substitute for supplementation; all parties are added and served by the joinder date and the joining party serves a copy of the order; expert designations by party; responses to all discovery served by the discovery deadline, incomplete discovery not delaying trial; pleading amendments by the cutoff, responsive pleadings excepted; mediation completed with a mutually agreed mediator; all trial exhibits and fact-witness lists (name, address, phone, topic) exchanged by the set date, unlisted fact witnesses barred absent good cause, and any counsel requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify the offering counsel in writing within three business days after the exhibit is made available or authenticity is admitted; if the case is not reached the parties submit an agreed reset date in writing within ten days.
Justice Court, Precinct 1 (Tarrant County) — Procedures for E-Court and In-Person Hearings/Trials (Zoom, exhibits three business days out, witnesses by video)
Justice Court Precinct 1's e-court procedures (page last modified Jan. 15, 2025): for Zoom settings the court must have the party's e-mail by noon the last business day before, shared with the other party; exhibits e-mailed to all parties and e-filed at least three business days before the hearing in legible .pdf, or they may not be considered; witnesses must appear by video with a separate feed and identification; continuance motions e-filed at least two days before trial, in writing and served; non-English speakers may need to bring a certified interpreter; the public may obtain access codes but recording is prohibited. The court's companion "Hearings and Trials" page (last modified Dec. 23, 2024) adds that the court currently cannot accept video exhibits except by e-mail, and its "E-Court Video Conference Request" page (last modified Apr. 4, 2025) sets the request process: requests by form, Adobe Sign or eFile; jury trials do not qualify; parties log in at least 15 minutes before the setting.
Justice Court, Precinct 2 (Tarrant County) — Instructions if the defendant is located outside Tarrant County: plaintiff supplies the serving agency's name, county and precinct, address and phone, and its service fee by money order or cashier's check, one form per defendant
Justice Court Precinct 2's instruction sheet: when a defendant in a small claims or debt claim case is to be served outside Tarrant County it is the plaintiff's responsibility to give the court the agency name, county and precinct number of the constable, sheriff or other agency that will serve the citation, its address and phone number, and the agency's service fee, paid by money order or cashier's check payable as that agency instructs; a copy of the form is submitted for each defendant; the sheet refers filers to the court's pamphlet on filing a justice court suit.