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Division 7: notice in probate - copies of the petition served with the notice, the Clerk's notices, special or temporary letters, heirs without known addresses, handwritten and foreign wills, and the wording of probate orders (7.1.1 to 7.1.6); papers and the proposed order filed or lodged at least four (4) court days before the hearing (7.1.7); verified petitions submitted without an appearance except on confirmation of sale and appointment of a guardian or conservator, proposed orders delivered two (2) court days before (7.1.8); family allowance (7.1.9); petitions for appointment of a temporary guardian presented no later than 10:00 a.m. (7.1.10); fees and commissions, an extraordinary fee not exceeding $750 normally without an appearance (7.2.1 to 7.2.7); creditor's claims and sales (7.3.1 and 7.3.2); petitions for final distribution and the form of accounts (7.4.1 to 7.4.3); community property petitions and petitions to establish the fact of death (7.5.1 to 7.5.3); adoptions - a necessity of consent hearing within sixty (60) calendar days, and investigation charges of $300 for a stepparent adoption, $300.00 to declare a minor free and $450.00 for both (7.6.1 to 7.6.6); withdrawal of funds (7.7.1); and guardianship and conservatorship investigations - $600.00 for a guardianship investigation, $400 for a conservatorship investigation, an orientation for proposed conservators, Live Scan, and companion cases for multiple minors (7.8.1 to 7.8.8)
California > Fifth Appellate District > Madera County > Superior Court of California, County of Madera
DIVISION 7 PROBATE, ADOPTION AND RELATED MATTERS Chapter 1 Probate Filings and Orders. 7.1.1 Additional Notice Requirements. A copy of the petition shall be served with each notice of hearing when served on a person requesting special notice or where the petition is the accounting of a testamentary trustee. Where the fiduciary or attorney is requesting fees or commissions other than those computed by Probate Code §§ 10800 et seq., the notice of hearing and a copy of the petition shall be served on all interested parties. The proof of service shall show service of the copy of the petition as well as the notice of hearing. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.1.2 Notice by Clerk. The moving party shall prepare and submit to the Clerk as many copies of notices to be posted, published or mailed by the Clerk as the Clerk is required to post, publish or mail. Where the notice is to be mailed the moving party shall furnish to the Clerk envelopes addressed to those required to receive notice, with postage prepaid, and with the Clerk’s address as the return address. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.1.3 Notice Required for Special or Temporary Letters. The party seeking special letters of administration, or temporary letters of guardianship or conservatorship shall give notice of the application to the surviving spouse, proposed ward or proposed conservatee, other persons who might be expected to seek letters and any other person who appears to be equitably entitled to notice. Unless otherwise ordered, the notice given shall be the notice required under the applicable provisions of the Probate Code. When a petition for special or temporary letters has been filed, there must appear in the petition for special or temporary letters a showing of good cause why a petition for permanent letters has not also been filed. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/13) 7.1.4 Heirs without Known Addresses. Where notice is mailed to an heir, devisee, or legatee at the County seat, an affidavit or declaration shall be filed with the proof of mailing showing due diligence made to locate that person. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.1.5 Copies of Handwritten Wills and Codicils; Translation of Foreign Wills. A typewritten copy of the will or codicil shall accompany the petition for probate if the document is handwritten. If the document is in a foreign language, it shall be accompanied by a translation, signed by the translator, together with an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury showing the qualifications of the translator. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.1.6 Wording of Probate Orders. Probate orders shall be worded so that their general effect may be determined without reference to the petition on which they are based. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.1.7 Time for Submitting Papers and Orders. Except for petitions for temporary guardianship orders (as noted in Local Rule 7.1.10), all papers relating to a probate hearing, including the proposed order prepared by the moving party, shall be filed or lodged with the Clerk at least four (4) court days before the date of hearing. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/24, 7/1/25) 7.1.8 Uncontested Matters. (a) Appearance of Counsel. Except as otherwise provided by law, all verified petitions in probate matters shall be deemed submitted without an appearance, except that the attorney, if represented, shall appear on a petition for confirmation of sale of (1) real property or (2) personal property valued in excess of $100. The petitioner and the petitioner’s attorney shall appear on all petitions for appointment of a guardian or conservator. As used in this rule, “verified” means verified by the petitioner. Before denying any petition where there is no appearance under this rule, the Court will continue the matter one (1) week or until the next succeeding calendar day, whichever is later, to give the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney an opportunity to appear. If there is no appearance or other response by the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney at the continued hearing, the Court may drop the matter from the calendar. (b) Proposed Order in Matters Submitted Without an Appearance. In matters submitted without an appearance by a party or the party’s attorney pursuant to Rule 7.1.8(a), an original and one (1) copy of a proposed order bearing the date of submission shall be delivered to the Clerk for presentation, together with the case file, to the Judge at least two (2) court days before the hearing. Comment: It is the responsibility of the attorney to determine whether the matter has been approved or continued. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/13) 7.1.9 Orders for Family Allowance. The duration of an order for family allowance is limited to six (6) months if no inventory and appraisement has been filed and to one (1) year if an inventory and appraisement has been filed. Comment: The Court discourages requests for retroactive (nunc pro tunc) payment of family allowance. Requests for a family allowance should be made in a timely fashion. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.1.10 Petitions for Appointment of Temporary Guardian. If the court finds good cause to dispense notice as required by probate code 2250(e), Petitions for Appointment of Temporary Guardian shall be presented to the Clerk’s office no later than 10:00 a.m. to be scheduled for hearing no sooner than the second court day after the filing of the petition. This will allow determination to be made as to whether a referral to the local child welfare agency pursuant to Probate Code 1513(b) is necessary. All petitions for appointment of temporary guardian in which notice is being given pursuant to probate code 2250(e) will be given a tentative hearing no sooner than 10 court days after the filing of the petition. The hearing will be scheduled when proof of service is filed. Proof of service shall be filed no later than 10:00 a.m. 2 days before the tentative hearing. Note that Local Rule 7.1.7 does not apply to the filing of petitions for temporary guardianship orders. (Formerly 3.1.8, Effective 7/1/24.) Chapter 2 Fees and Commissions. 7.2.1 Fees and Commissions in General. Assignments of property to attorneys or personal representatives in place of fees or commissions will not ordinarily be approved. All attorney’s fees or personal representative’s commissions shall be set forth as such and approved by the Court. All attorney’s fees and personal representative’s commissions shall be stated, along with an explanation of how the fees or commissions were calculated, even if an accounting is waived. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.2.2 Fees and Commissions in Advance. (a) Decedents Estates. There is no authority for the payment of any fees or commissions in decedents estate in advance of a court order authorizing the same, unless the written consent of the residuary beneficiaries is filed with the Court and the amounts paid are reasonable and proper or unless it can be shown that payment of such fees was to the benefit of the estate. (b) Trusts. Fees or commissions shall be paid only after the services to which they relate have been performed. The payment shall be in conformity with the compensation provided in the trust instrument, if any, or otherwise be reasonable in amount. (c) Guardianships and Conservatorships. Periodic payment of fees or commissions may be made with prior court authority pursuant to Probate Code § 2643. Without such prior authority, the Court will apply the same rule as in decedent’s estates. The Court prefers that requests for fees for ordinary services be deferred until the first account. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.2.3 Fees or Commissions Based on Fluctuating Values. In all accountings wherein fees or commissions are requested by the accounting party or his attorney based upon the fluctuating values of items constituting capital assets of the estate or trust, rather than the original or appraised values, the papers shall contain the following: (a) A detailed statement, setting forth the original or appraised value of each item; (b) A statement, showing the value of each item used as a basis for the request for fees or commissions, together with the date of valuation of the item; and, (c) Proof by declaration or affidavit of service by mail at least ten (10) days before the hearing of said petition of a notice of the date of hearing and a copy of the accounting on all persons having a beneficial interest in the trust. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.2.4 Allowance on Account of Fees and Commissions. Allowances on account of statutory fees or commissions will be granted by the Court only in proportion to the work actually completed. Moreover, the last twenty-five percent (25%) of statutory fees or commissions will not be allowed before the approval of the final account and the decree of distribution, unless it can be shown that payment of a greater amount will benefit the estate. Until the final account is settled, the Court is unable to fix the total amount of statutory fees or commissions. Any allowance made before that time shall be low enough to avoid the possibility of overpayment. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.2.5 Determination of Statutory Fees and Commissions. If an accounting is waived, the statutory fee is to be based upon only the stated inventory. In such cases, no fees are to be paid on gains on sales or on receipts by the estate. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.2.6 Determination of Extraordinary Fees and Commissions. No appearance by the attorney or the parties will normally be requested where such petition is verified by the party and the fee does not exceed $750. However, all fees requested for extraordinary services shall be supported by a detailed description of such services. Each item that constitutes an extraordinary service shall be individually stated in the petition with a specific fee request for such service. The description shall indicate criteria that the Court may consider in awarding fees, such as complexity, size of the estate, result obtained, particular expertise brought to bear on the problem, time involved, and novelty of the issues. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.2.7 Probate Code § 13650 Proceedings. In proceedings under Probate Code § 13650, for confirmation of community property to surviving spouse, all services shall be treated as extraordinary and described in detail. (Effective 7/1/08) Chapter 3 Claims and Sales. 7.3.1 Creditor’s Claims by Personal Representative. A noticed motion for approval of a creditor’s claim filed by the personal representative, with service of the notice of motion on the heirs, is required unless: (a) The claim is for reimbursement of funeral and last illness expenses and proof of payment is attached to the claim; (b) The claim, together with all other claims of the personal representative except for reimbursement of funeral and last illness expenses, is less than $1,000; and, (c) All persons beneficially interested in the estate approve the claim in writing. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.3.2 Sale or Encumbrance of Estate Property. All petitions for the sale or encumbrance of estate property must be accompanied by a declaration under oath that the property sought to be sold is not specifically devised or bequeathed real or personal property. No specifically devised or bequeathed real or personal property shall be encumbered or offered for sale unless first approved by the Court on seven (7) court days’ notice to the specific devisee or legatee. (Effective 7/1/08) Chapter 4 Accounts and Distribution. 7.4.1 Required Matters in a Petition for Final Distribution. In addition to items otherwise required by law, a petition for final distribution shall contain the following matters, unless set forth in the account and report: (a) A full and complete description of all assets on hand. (b) Facts specifically showing the entitlement of each heir to the portion of the estate to be distributed to that heir, including any information concerning predeceased children. (c) A computation of the attorney fees and representative commissions requested. (d) An accounting if assets are to be distributed to a trustee, conservator or guardian. (e) An agreement to the distribution signed by each heir with each signature acknowledged if distribution of assets is to be made in kind and all persons will not share equally in each asset. (f) A schedule of names showing the name of the claimant, amount claimed, date presented, date allowed, and if paid, the date of payment. As to any claims rejected, the date of rejection must be set forth and the original of the notice of rejection with an affidavit of mailing to the creditor must be filed. (g) The terms of any testamentary trust must be set out in full in the petition and order and not merely incorporated by reference. (h) An itemization of costs for which counsel is seeking reimbursement. Ordinary overhead items, including but not limited to costs of duplication of documents, telephone calls, and automobile mileage are not proper cost items. (i) A schedule showing the proration of taxes, fees, and costs. (j) A statement of what property is separate and what is community. (k) If distribution is to be made pursuant to an assignment of interest, the assignment shall be filed and acknowledged and the details of the consideration set forth. (l) If distribution is to be made to a trust, either an acknowledged statement by the trustee accepting the property under the terms of the trust or a petition by the executor or administrator for the designation of a substitute trustee. (m) If distribution is to be made to a minor or an incompetent, either facts showing compliance with Probate Code §§ 3300 et seq. or current certified copies of letters of conservatorship or guardianship shall be filed. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.4.2 Required Form of Accounts. All accounts filed in probate proceedings, including guardianships, conservatorships and trust accounts, shall contain a summary or recapitulation showing: (a) Amount of inventory and appraisement, if first account, or amount chargeable from prior account. (b) Amount of receipts excluding capital items. (c) Gain on sales or other disposition of assets. (d) Amount of disbursement. (e) Loss on sales or other disposition of assets. (f) Amount of property on hand. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.4.3 Suggested Form of Summary. A suggested form of summary is as follows: SUMMARY OF ACCOUNT The petitioner is chargeable, and is entitled to the credits, respectively as set forth in this summary of account. The attached supporting schedules are hereby incorporated herein by reference: CHARGES Amount of Inventory and Appraisement (OR, If subsequent account, amount chargeable from prior account) $________________ Receipts during Account Period (Schedule “A”) $________________ Gain on Sales (Schedule ”B”) $________________ TOTAL CHARGES $________________ CREDITS Disbursements during Account Period (Schedule “C”) $________________ Loss on Sales (Schedule “D”) $________________ Other Credits: (Property distributed, Homestead or other property set apart-Schedule “E”) $________________ Property on Hand (Schedule “F”) $________________ TOTAL CREDITS $________________ The summary should be supported by detailed schedules. The schedules of receipts and disbursements should show the nature or purpose of each item and date thereof. The schedule of property on hand should describe each item and indicate the appraised value. (Effective 7/1/08) Chapter 5 Disposition Without Administration. 7.5.1 Required Allegations in Support of Claimed Property as Community. The Court may require any person submitting a petition to determine and/or to confirm community property to provide to the Court the following information in addition to that required by law. Counsel should be prepared to provide such information, if it is requested, at the first hearing on the petition in a form which would be admissible as evidence at an uncontested hearing: (a) Date and place of marriage; (b) Decedents occupation at time of marriage; (c) Whether decedent owned any real or personal property on date of marriage and, if so, its description and approximate value at the time of marriage and whether it is still a part of the estate; (d) Decedent’s net worth at time of marriage; (e) Whether decedent ever received any property after the date of marriage by gift, bequest, devise, descent, proceeds of life insurance or joint tenancy survivorship and, if so, its description, approximate value, dates of receipt, and whether it is still a part of the estate; (f) A copy of any document on which the claim is based; (g) The date decedent first came to California; and, (h) Any additional facts upon which claim of community property is based. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.5.2 Notice in Proceedings to Set Aside Community Property. Prior to the hearing on a petition to determine and/or confirm community property, the petitioner shall file a declaration showing compliance with the notice requirements of Probate Code § 13655. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.5.3 Petition to Establish Fact of Death. A petition to establish the fact of death (terminate a joint tenancy or life estate) shall be verified and shall have attached as exhibits: (a) A copy of any instrument relating to any interest in the property, and (b) A copy of the death certificate. Comment: There is no statutory provision for the determination by a court of attorney fees in proceedings for termination of joint tenancy or a life estate. No request for fees for service of this character should be made. (Effective 7/1/08) Chapter 6 Adoptions 7.6.1 Stepparent Adoption under Family Code §§ 9000, et seq. (a) If a petition for adoption is filed under Family Code § 9000 without first having had a petition and order under Family Code §§ 7800 et seq., there shall be a special hearing entitled “necessity of consent” hearing. (b) The Clerk shall immediately notify Family Court Services Division of the Court of the filing of the petition and the Family Court Services investigator shall report in the same manner as provided in Family Code § 7850. (c) A citation in the form provided by Family Code § 7880 shall be issued on the filing of the petition and shall be served on the persons and in the manner described in Family Code §§ 7881 and 7882. The citation shall require the persons served to show cause, if any, why the minor shall not be found to be abandoned and the consent of the named parent to the adoption is unnecessary. (d) The hearing date shall be on the regular adoptions calendar and the date selected shall be within sixty (60) calendar days of the filing of the petition. (e) The proceeding under this rule is in addition to that required by Family Code § 9000. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.6.2 Adoption where Natural Father not Found. If it is claimed that an alleged natural father cannot be found, or is unidentifiable, the petitioner shall file a petition under Family Code § 7664 and the Clerk shall set a hearing on the regular adoptions calendar, to be scheduled within sixty (60) calendar days of the filing of the adoption petition, to determine whether notice to any alleged natural father may be dispensed with and if the father is unidentifiable. The petitioner shall appear and present evidence at the hearing. (Effective 7/1/08) 7.6.3 Military Affidavit. An affidavit under the Servicemembers Relief Act is required in all adoption and abandonment proceedings where citations have been issued and the parties served have not appeared in the proceedings. If the petitioner or someone on his behalf is unable to make an affidavit that the parent served is not in the military service, the Court will accept the certificate alluded to in 50 USC App. section 521 et seq. of said Act. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 7/1/13) 7.6.4 Charges for Investigations in Stepparent Adoptions. There shall be a charge of $300 for each investigation conducted by the Family Court Services Division of this Court or by any court-appointed investigator for a stepparent adoption pursuant to Family Code §§ 9000, et seq. [formerly Civil Code § 227.10, et seq.]. This charge may increase from time to time by Policy Memorandum. Upon referral to Family Court Services, it is the parties’ responsibility to contact Family Court Services to initiate the intake process. Please see section 5.1.29 for instructions regarding fee waivers. If no fee waiver has been approved, payment is due at the time of the first appointment. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/17, 7/1/18, 1/1/20) 7.6.5 Charges for Investigations in Declare Minor Free Petitions. There shall be a charge of $300.00 for each investigation conducted by the Family Court Services Division of this Court or by any court-appointed investigator pursuant to Family Code §§ 7820, et seq. This charge may increase from time to time by Policy Memorandum. Upon referral to Family Court Services, it is the parties’ responsibility to contact Family Court Services to initiate the intake process. (Effective 7/1/18) 7.6.6 Charges for Investigations in Dual Stepparent Adoptions/Declare Minor Free Petitions. There shall be a charge of $450.00 for each investigation conducted by the Family Court Services Division of this Court or by any court-appointed investigator pursuant to Family Code §§ 9000, et seq. and Family Code §§ 7820, et seq. This charge may increase from time to time by Policy Memorandum. Upon referral to Family Court Services, it is the parties’ responsibility to contact Family Court Services to initiate the intake process. (Effective 7/1/18) Chapter 7 Orders for Withdrawal of Funds. 7.7.1 Application. When application is made for the withdrawal of funds on deposit under Probate Code § 1510, a deputy clerk shall submit the original court file together with the application for withdrawal of funds to the Judge who approved the compromise. If the Judge is not available, the application shall be submitted to any available Judge of this Court. (Effective 7/1/08) Chapter 8 Guardianship & Conservatorship Investigations. 7.8.1 Investigation of Proposed Guardian or Proposed Conservator. In conducting the investigation required under Probate Code § 1513 or Probate Code §1826 the Court investigator in his/her discretion may require the proposed guardian or guardians or proposed conservator or conservators to submit a fingerprint card, and/or or undergo a background check through the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). The results of this check may be referred to in the investigator’s report to the Court. Upon referral to Family Court Services, it is the parties’ responsibility to contact Family Court Services to initiate the intake process. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/17, 1/1/22, 1/1/25) 7.8.2 Charges for Guardianship Investigations. There shall be a charge of $600.00 for each investigation conducted pursuant to Probate Code § 1513 charged to the petitioner. This charge shall be paid to the Family Court Services Division at the time an appointment is made for an interview. This charge may increase from time to time by Policy Memorandum. Please see section 5.1.29 for instructions regarding fee waivers. If no fee waiver has been approved, payment is due at the time of the first appointment. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 7/1/18, 1/1/20) 7.8.3 Preparation and Filing of Order Appointing Guardianship Investigator. In each guardianship case where the petition seeks the appointment of a guardian of the person, the petitioner shall prepare an Order Appointing Guardianship Investigator, and serve a copy on the office of Family Court Services, or on the office of Madera County Child Protective Services, as instructed by the Court. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/20) 7.8.4 Charges for Conservatorship Investigation. Pursuant to Probate Code § 1851.5, there shall be a charge of $400 for each conservatorship investigation conducted by a court investigator with respect to that conservatee. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/15) 7.8.5 Ability to Pay. If a party, who is required to pay an investigation charge under Local Rule 7.8.2 or 7.8.4, believes that neither the party nor the estate has the ability to pay the cost of the investigation, the party requesting relief shall submit a request for relief in compliance with Local Rule 5.1.28 and/or 5.1.8. Please see section 5.1.29 for instructions regarding fee waivers. If no fee waiver has been approved, payment is due at the time of the first appointment. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 1/1/13, 1/1/15, 7/1/18, 1/1/20) 7.8.6 Required Orientation for Proposed Probate Conservators. All persons who are proposed conservators of either the person or the estate of a proposed conservatee shall, unless attendance is waived by the Court, attend an orientation at the office of the Family Court Services. Any proposed conservator will be required to show proof of having read the Judicial Council publication, “Handbook for Conservators,” pursuant to Probate Code, § 1835, which is available on the Madera County Superior Court website. (Effective 7/1/08, amended 7/1/13, 1/1/15, 1/1/17) 7.8.7 Background Check/Electronic Fingerprint Scan. A background check through the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) or an electronic fingerprint scan will be required when a petition for a name change, or adoption has been filed. The purpose of the background check is to verify that the petitioner is not on probation, parole or a registered sex offender. (Code Civ. Proc. §1279.5 (e).) A Live Scan, or CLETS, consists of a check of electronic fingerprint records maintained by the Department of Justice, the Child Abuse Central Index and possibly the FBI. Live Scan locations can be obtained from Family Court Services or on the Department of Justice website (doj.ca.gov) by typing “Live Scan Locations” in the search box. The individual subject to Live Scan shall pay the fee charged by the Live Scan provider. The individual subject to Live Scan shall complete the Live Scan application form with the requested information and provide the Live Scan provider valid photo identification. Failure to provide the requested information will delay the petition and/or otherwise preclude the completion of the required investigation. For Child Custody Evaluations, Conservatorships, and Guardianships, this information will be obtained by Family Court Services through CLETS at the Madera Sheriff’s Office. (Effective 1/1/17, amended 1/1/22). 7.8.8 Guardianship Filings Involving Multiple Minors. In the event multiple minors are involved in a guardianship proceeding, the same case number will be assigned if both parents (mother and father) are the same. However, if the minors share one parent, but the other parent is different or unknown, then the guardianship for each minor must be filed under separate case numbers, but marked as companion cases so that the issues will be heard in the same department. (Effective 1/1/20)
DIVISION 7 PROBATE, ADOPTION AND RELATED MATTERS Chapter 1 Probate Filings and Orders. 7.1.1 Additional Notice Requirements. A copy of the petition shall be served with each notice of hearing when served on a person requesting special notice or where the petition is the accounting of a testamentary trustee. Where the fiduciary or attorney is requesting fees or commissions other than those computed
Reviewer note: Composed 2026-10-15 (California T4 Madera build 2026-10-15) from BenchPath custody ca/t4/ca-madera/docs/local-rules/final-madera-superior-court-local-rules-effective-january-1-2026-july-1-2026.pdf (the court's rule book, its cover “SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF MADERA LOCAL RULES OF COURT ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE January 1, 2026 (Version remains in effect July 1, 2026)”, as fetched 2026-10-15; 917952 bytes, sha256 09e571d1d3d274fb9327738b46ba46823820c85e97926c20e3350d7c5ac18500; 135 pages; this part PDF pages 98 to 110, page numbers 98 to 110) with the shared verbatim composer (v2 reflow): the rules (PDF pages 18 to 118) composed as one text and cut at the division headings, and in Divisions 2, 4 and 5 at a chapter heading (“Chapter 7 Telephone Hearings in Selected Departments Using CourtCall System.”, “Chapter 2 Traffic Matters”, “Chapter 2 Juvenile Dependency Cases -Appointment of Counsel”), each matched once as a whole line; every page's three-line running head (“Superior Court of California”, “County of Madera”, “Local Rules of Court”, named) and page number (“18” to “118”, named) removed as chrome - 404 chrome lines; lines reflowed into the rules' paragraphs, each rule number and lettered or numbered subdivision starting a line; the strike report (review/strike-report-2026-10-15.txt) finds no struck run in the book; the SymbolMT font's trademark sign after “CourtCall” in Rule 2.7.2(c) and “COURTCALL” in Rule 2.7.4 (PDF pages 44 and 45), a private-use code point in the text layer, read as the “™” it prints (the composer's glyph map, applied to the text and the proof's layer alike); 6 whitespace-only fixes (build/book-fixes.json: two rule numbers cited at a line's head - “1.6.9” and “7.1.7” - rejoined to their sentences, Rule 1.3.1(i)'s “1.3.1(a)-(h)” rejoined, the end of Rule 1.6.4's fee table and the paragraph after it split, a row of Rule 1.6.7's fee schedule split from the next row's label, and Rule 4.2.10(f)'s mailing address split into its lines); the vertical-gap, short-line, page-break, false-break, structural-break and row-join audits (review/book-gap-audit-2026-10-15.txt, review/book-short-lines-2026-10-15.txt, review/book-extra-audits-2026-10-15.txt) list candidates read one by one (build/book_fixes.py) - the rest kept as printed; proof 1 (whitespace-only) and proof 2 (same character multiset as the text layer minus chrome) pass. The cover with the judges of the court (PDF page 1), the instructions for filing (2), the table of contents (3 and 4), the list of effective rules (5 to 17), the index (119 and 120) and the lists of local forms (121 to 135) belong to no card.
Division XI: information forms for data processing (Rule 11.2); required action - action taken on all calendared cases and a future date always set (Rule 11.19); and pro tem judges - an attorney named as a plaintiff in a civil or small claims case may not sit as a judge pro-tem during the case or within six months following its resolution, nor one named as a defendant in two or more such cases (Rule 11.22). Rules 11.1, 11.3 to 11.5, 11.7 to 11.18, 11.20 and 11.21 are repealed, and Rule 11.6 (voluntary arbitration; see Local Rule 10.2) was repealed and renumbered.
Duval County's indigent-defense and magistration rules under the Texas Fair Defense Act (S.B. 7): who may be booked into the county jail and on what paper; arrest-case numbering; presentment to a magistrate within 48 hours (art. 15.16); the magistrate's warnings, counsel inquiry, interpreter duty, indigence determination and appointment of counsel within 24 hours of a request; the alternative appointment plan under art. 26.04(g)-(h) with annual applications, seven attorney categories (capital, first and second degree, third degree/state jail/misdemeanor, competency, appeals, post-conviction, extradition), CLE and experience standards, random rotation within each category, written acceptance within 48 hours, first contact by the end of the next working day, replacement and suspension of counsel, fee applications within five days of completing services and the compensation attachment ($500 pleas; $175/$150 hourly; $1,400 per jury-trial day; appellate caps); bail schedules by offense class with a personal bond office (fee $20 or 3%), pre-trial supervision and revocation hearings within two working days; arraignment settings and notice; repeal of conflicting rules.