Court Rules
Judge

Judge Brook Fulks

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Collin County District Courts

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Trial Summary
1 pgs

Adjournments

  • The court generally will not continue an agreed trial setting except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.
  • Resetting or continuing the initial trial setting will not alter established deadlines unless the court orders otherwise after a motion showing good cause.
  • The court ordinarily will not continue an agreed trial date unless an emergency or other good cause is shown.
  • +5 more

Request must include

Reason For Request

Communication

Email

Clerk

470@co.collin.tx.us
SchedulingEmergencies
Phone

Clerk

972-548-5670
Emergencies
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsConferencesLettersJuryTRO/InjunctionRedactionsProposed Orders

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

The trial summary should be limited to one page.

This summary is intended to be an aid for the Court and should be limited to one page.

Trial Summary

1 pages

Document Format Requirements5 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Proposed jury instructions, definitions, and questions must be emailed to the court coordinator in editable Word format.

Proposed jury charges (instructions, definitions, and questions) emailed in editable Word format to the court coordinator.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Audio and video exhibits must be provided to the court reporter on a flash drive because the court will not accept recordings in any other format.

If you are offering audios or videos as exhibits, please provide the court reporter your exhibits on a flash drive. The Court cannot accept as an exhibit any video or audio recording that is not on a flash drive.

470thcourtpolicies · p. 2
|SecCourtroom Technology
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Audio or video recording devices and transcription programs are prohibited in the courtroom.

Recording devices (audio or video) and transcription programs (Otter.ai; Temi; Amberscript; etc.) are prohibited in the Courtroom.

470thcourtpolicies · p. 8
|SecRecording Devices / Transcription Programs
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Exhibits must be labeled chronologically, and subparts or sub-exhibits must not use labels such as Exhibit 1a or Exhibit 1.a.i.

Please have your exhibits labeled or have exhibit stickers already applied and ready to be labeled. When labeling, please label chronologically (i.e., Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, Exhibit 3). Do not label Exhibit 1a, Exhibit 1b, Exhibit 1.a.i, Exhibit 1.a.ii, Exhibit 1.a.iii, etc.

470thcourtpolicies · p. 3
|SecExhibit Copies and Labeling
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

The Court requests both the printed property-division spreadsheet and an editable version, such as an Excel spreadsheet.

In addition to the printed property division spreadsheet, the Court requests an editable format, such as an Excel spreadsheet.

470thcourtpolicies · p. 7
|SecProperty Division

Document Filing Requirements36 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A party's requested property division must be provided to the court at trial and must state the division of all assets and liabilities by characterization.

 A Proposed Property Division shall be provided to the Court at trial stating a party’s requested division of all assets and liabilities, whether community, separate, or mixed character.

Document Type

Proposed Property Division

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thtbcdiscoverycontrolplan4f4d0ed987ea4d0b9292d24437a23a9f · p. 2
|SecSworn Inventory and Proposed Property Division
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Each party must produce specified materials at the pretrial conference.

Each party must produce the following at the pre-trial conference:

Document Type

Pretrial Conference Submissions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A requested child interview must be included in the pretrial scheduling order or docketed in advance, and same-day requests will not be considered.

If a child interview is requested in the pleadings, it must be listed in your pre-trial scheduling order or docketed on the court’s docket in advance. Requests made on the day of trial will not be considered.

Document Type

Child Interview Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 1
|SecChild Interview
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A completed Default Judgment checklist must be filed with the court before a hearing to finalize a default judgment can be scheduled.

Before you can schedule a hearing to finalize a default judgment, you must complete the Default Judgment checklist (located at https://www.collincountytx.gov/Courts/District-Courts/470dc) and file it with the court.

Document Type

Default Judgment Checklist

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 2
|SecDefault Judgments
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

For a motion set for hearing by submission, the movant must submit a Notice of Court Proceeding.

For any motion set for hearing by submission, the movant shall submit a Notice of Court Proceeding.

Document Type

Notice Of Court Proceeding

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 4
|SecHearings by Submission
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

In every case involving children, the parties must file a pleading or statement describing the children's health insurance.

In every case involving children, the parties must file a pleading or statement describing the children’s health insurance.

Document Type

Health Insurance Pleading Or Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 4
|SecHealth Insurance and Cash Medical Support
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A pleading requesting ex parte relief must include a Certificate of Ex Parte Relief confirming compliance with Collin County Local Rule 3.4.

Please attach a Certificate of Ex Parte Relief to your pleading which indicates that the party or attorney has complied with Collin County Local Rule 3.4.

Document Type

Certificate Of Ex Parte Relief

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
470thcourtpolicies · p. 4
|SecEx Parte Relief – TROs, etc.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A motion-to-compel conference certification must state the date of the attorneys’ attempted resolution phone call and is separate from any deficiency letter.

The Conference Requirement certification for a motion to compel must include the date of a phone call between the two attorneys made in an effort to resolve the dispute, which is in addition to any deficiency letter which may have been sent.

Document Type

Motion To Compel

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
470thcourtpolicies · p. 5
|SecMotions to Compel
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A scheduling order must identify the mediator by name.

Scheduling orders without a mediator’s name will be rejected.

Document Type

Scheduling Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A request for property division must include a proposed division identifying every asset and debt and its value.

If you are asking the Court to divide property, you must provide a proposed property division which lists all assets and debts and their values.

Document Type

Proposed Property Division

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 7
|SecProperty Division
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A party who does not bring a proposed property division to trial must complete one before the trial begins.

If you do not bring a proposed property division with you on the date of your trial, you will be required to fill one out prior to trial.

Document Type

Proposed Property Division

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 7
|SecProperty Division
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The Court will not sign an order granting child possession solely by agreement; the non-primary or possessory conservator must have a set possession schedule.

The Court will not sign any order where possession of a child or children is solely by agreement of the parties. The non-primary or possessory conservator must have a set possession schedule.

Document Type

Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 7
|SecPossession Schedules
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Filings other than the qualifying petitions must not contain unredacted sensitive data and must not be marked as containing sensitive data.

All other filings should not contain unredacted sensitive data and should not be marked CONTAINS SENSITIVE DATA.

Document Type

Other Filing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 8
|SecSensitive Data and Children’s Initials
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

All pleadings must redact sensitive data, use each child’s initials, and avoid a sensitive-data marking as a substitute for redaction.

You must redact the sensitive data and use initials for each child’s name in all pleadings. Do not mark filings as containing sensitive data– it is not a substitute for redacting.

Document Type

Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 8
|SecSensitive Data and Children’s Initials
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Parent-child and divorce petitions involving children must state the child’s name and birth date and are the only filings that may contain that information and bear the sensitive-data notice.

Tex. Fam. Code § 102.008(b)(2) requires a child’s name and date of birth to be included in a petition in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship or a divorce petition involving children. These are the only filings that should contain a child’s name or birth date. Since the inclusion of unredacted sensitive data is required, these petitions are the only filings that should be marked “NOTICE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS SENSITIVE DATA.”

Document Type

Petition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 8
|SecSensitive Data and Children’s Initials
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan must be completed and signed when the jury trial is set.

A Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order must be completed and signed when the trial is set.

Document Type

Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 9
|SecSettings — Jury Trials
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

When setting a trial, the court’s Scheduling Order must be e-filed with the trial date and mediation details completed.

Please e-file the Court’s form Scheduling Order with the trial date and mediation details filled in.

Document Type

Scheduling Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 9
|SecSettings — Trial
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

A completed notice of court proceeding with the date must be e-filed before the coordinator will add the case to the court’s calendar.

Please e-file a notice of court proceeding with the date filled in. The coordinator does not add the case to the Court’s calendar until a completed notice of court proceeding is submitted.

Document Type

Notice Of Court Proceeding

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 9
|SecSettings — Hearing
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

If opposing counsel or a party will not sign the order or agree to a trial date, a party must file a letter describing its efforts and submit a proposed scheduling order to the court.

If you cannot get an opposing counsel or party to sign this order or agree to a trial date, please file a letter describing your efforts and submit your proposed scheduling order to the court

Document Type

Scheduling Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
470th-tbc-discovery-control-plan-2026-01-06-civil · p. 2
|SecBENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

At trial, each party must provide the court with a proposed property division stating the requested division of all assets and liabilities by characterization.

A Proposed Property Division shall be provided to the Court at trial stating a party’s requested division of all assets and liabilities, whether community, separate, or mixed character.

Document Type

Proposed Property Division

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

In divorce cases, each party must serve a sworn inventory on the other party within 30 days of the order, identifying and valuing all property and listing all debts with creditors and amounts.

For Divorce cases, each party shall serve the other party within 30 days of this order with a sworn inventory setting forth a description, identification of characterization (community; separate; mixed) and value of all property (real or personal) owned or claimed by the parties and a list of all debts (stating the creditor and amount) owed by the parties.

Document Type

Sworn Inventory

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

If opposing counsel or a party will not sign the order or agree to a trial date, a party must file a letter describing its efforts and submit a proposed scheduling order.

If you cannot get an opposing counsel or party to sign this order or agree to a trial date, please file a letter describing your efforts and submit your proposed scheduling order to the court

Document Type

Letter

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
470thtbcdiscoverycontrolplan-civil(2026-01-06) · p. 2
|SecBench Trial Discovery Control Plan
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

The court will not hear pretrial motions on the day of jury selection without prior leave of court.

The Court will not hear pre-trial motions on the day of jury selection without prior leave of court.

Document Type

Pretrial Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

A party must check in with the bailiff before the hearing, provide a copy of the summary of requested relief, and give the bailiff a cell phone number if leaving the courtroom.

Check in with the bailiff before the time of your hearing. Provide a copy of your summary of requested relief. If you plan to leave our courtroom, give the bailiff your cell phone number.

Document Type

Summary Of Requested Relief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 3
|SecDocket – Checking In and Calling Cases
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

At least three copies of each exhibit and an exhibit list must be brought for the court reporter.

Please bring at least three copies of each exhibit and an exhibit list for the court reporter.

Document Type

Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
470thcourtpolicies · p. 3
|SecExhibit Copies and Labeling
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

A proposed order in Word should be emailed to the court coordinator two days before the hearing.

A proposed order in Word should be submitted to the court coordinator at 470@co.collin.tx.us two days before the hearing.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 5
|SecMotions to Enter / Sign
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Objections to a proposed order should be filed one day before the hearing.

Any objections to a proposed order should be on file one day before the hearing.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 5
|SecMotions to Enter / Sign
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

If several attempts do not produce an agreed trial date, e-file a proposed scheduling order accompanied by a letter describing those efforts.

If, after several attempts, you are unable to get an agreed date, please e-file a proposed scheduling order with a letter describing your efforts.

Document Type

Proposed Scheduling Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 9
|SecSettings — Trial
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Note

The court prefers descriptive exhibit markings, such as “H-1” for a husband’s exhibits or “M-1” for a mother’s exhibits.

The Court prefers descriptive marking, for example “H-1” for husband’s exhibits or “M-1” for mother’s exhibits, as appropriate.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Any expert not properly disclosed will not be permitted to testify. A testifying expert disclosure must include all information required by the rules.

Summary: Undisclosed experts cannot testify, and testifying-expert disclosures must include all information required by the rules.

Document Type

Testifying Expert Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thjurydiscoverycontrolplan81a5e412c638440ea41307bee0058a83 · p. 1
|SecJury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Only file an identification of your exhibits. Do not file your trial exhibits.

Summary: Before the pretrial conference, only an exhibit identification should be filed, not the trial exhibits themselves.

Document Type

Exhibit Identification

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thjurydiscoverycontrolplan81a5e412c638440ea41307bee0058a83 · p. 1
|SecJury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Completed witness lists and exhibit lists.

Summary: Completed witness lists and exhibit lists must be produced at the pretrial conference.

Document Type

Pretrial Conference Submissions

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

A trial summary for any cause of action outside the Family Code, including each element of each cause of action and defense and, if appropriate, a precise legal standard for measure of damages.

Summary: For causes of action outside the Family Code, a trial summary must address each element of each claim and defense and, if appropriate, the legal damages standard.

Document Type

Trial Summary

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

All exhibits present and pre-marked for identification (for the purpose of stipulating to the authenticity and admissibility of exhibits).

Summary: All exhibits must be present and pre-marked for identification at the pretrial conference.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Please do not file any proposed order on the motion until you receive a ruling.

Summary: A proposed order should not be filed with a summary-judgment motion until the court issues its ruling.

Document Type

Summary Judgment Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
470thcourtpolicies · p. 6
|SecMotions for Summary Judgment
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

No additional affirmative defenses, inferential rebuttal defenses, or any other defensive theories shall be pled after this date without prior leave of court based upon a showing of good cause or by written Rule 11 agreement of the parties.

Summary: Additional defenses or defensive theories may not be pleaded after the response deadline without prior leave of court based on good cause or a written Rule 11 agreement.

Document Type

Response To Amended Pleadings

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

When an agreed trial date cannot be obtained after several attempts, a proposed scheduling order and an efforts letter must be e-filed.

If, after several attempts, you are unable to get an agreed date, please e-file a proposed scheduling order with a letter describing your efforts.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9 | Settings — Trial

The notice of court proceeding with the agreed date must be e-filed.

Please e-file a notice of court proceeding with the date filled in.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 9 | Settings — Hearing

The completed court Scheduling Order must be e-filed when setting a trial.

Please e-file the Court’s form Scheduling Order with the trial date and mediation details filled in.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 9 | Settings — Trial

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Applicable pretrial disclosures must be completed and filed before the pretrial conference.

All pretrial disclosures (for cases filed between 1/1/2021 & 8/31/2023 or for cases with causes of action not governed by the Texas Family Code) must have been timely completed and filed before the pretrial conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order

A responsive pleading to a motion set for submission is due at 11:59 p.m. on the day before the setting unless the Court orders another deadline.

Any responsive pleading to the set motion is due at 11:59 p.m. the day before the setting unless another deadline is ordered by the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | Hearings by Submission

Summary-judgment motions must be filed sufficiently early for the court to rule at least 31 days before trial.

All motions for summary judgment must be filed in such a time that the Court can rule at least 31 days before trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | Motions for Summary Judgment

All motions to deem admissions admitted must be both filed and heard at least 15 days before trial.

All Motions to Deem Admissions Admitted must be filed and heard at least 15 days before trial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Amended pleadings asserting new claims or defenses must be filed and served on all other parties at least 30 days before discovery ends.

Amended Pleadings – Parties shall file with the Court and serve all other parties with any amended pleadings asserting new causes of action or defenses no later than thirty (30) days before the end of the discovery period.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Objections or complaints about initial disclosures are waived unless filed at least 30 days before trial.

All objections or complaints about initial disclosures must be filed at least 30 days before trial or they are waived.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Responses to amended pleadings, including affirmative defenses or special exceptions, must be filed within two weeks after the amended-pleading deadline.

Responses to such Amended Pleadings, including any and all affirmative defenses and/or special exceptions may be filed within two (2) weeks after this deadline.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Expert challenges must be filed at least 28 days before trial.

All expert challenges (Daubert/Dupont) must be filed at least 28 days before trial

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Dispositive motions must be filed early enough for responses to be due and must be heard no later than 31 days before trial.

All dispositive motions (summary judgment, plea to jurisdiction, plea in abatement, etc.) must be filed in such a time that all responses are due and the motion is heard no later than 31 days before trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Expert challenges must be filed at least 28 days before trial and heard at least 14 days before trial or they are waived.

All expert challenges (Daubert/Dupont) must be filed at least 28 days before trial and heard at least 14 days before trial or they are waived.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Amended pleadings asserting new claims or defenses must be filed with the court and served on all other parties no later than 30 days before the discovery period ends.

Amended Pleadings – Parties shall file with the Court and serve all other parties with any amended pleadings asserting new causes of action or defenses no later than thirty (30) days before the end of the discovery period.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Amended Pleadings

All motions to deem admissions admitted must be filed and heard at least 15 days before trial.

All Motions to Deem Admissions Admitted must be filed and heard at least 15 days before trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Discovery

Dispositive motions must be filed early enough for all responses to be due and for the motion to be heard no later than 31 days before trial.

All dispositive motions (summary judgment, plea to jurisdiction, plea in abatement, etc.) must be filed in such a time that all responses are due and the motion is heard no later than 31 days before trial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Dispositive Motions

Objections or complaints about initial disclosures for causes of action not governed by the Texas Family Code must be filed at least 30 days before trial or are waived.

All objections or complaints about initial disclosures (for causes of action not governed by the Texas Family Code) must be filed at least 30 days before trial or they are waived.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Initial Disclosures

A motion for a child interview under Texas Family Code section 153.009 must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial or the request is waived.

Any motion for child interview under Tex. Fam. Code 153.009 must be filed and heard at least 30 days before trial or the request is waived.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Interview of Child

Daubert or Dupont expert challenges must be filed at least 28 days before trial and heard at least 14 days before trial or be waived.

All expert challenges (Daubert/Dupont) must be filed at least 28 days before trial and heard at least 14 days before trial or they are waived.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Expert Challenges

Mediation is required in all cases at least 45 days before the trial date.

Mediation is required in ALL cases at least 45 days prior to the trial date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Mediation

Responses to amended pleadings, including affirmative defenses or special exceptions, may be filed within two weeks after the amended-pleadings deadline.

Responses to such Amended Pleadings, including any and all affirmative defenses and/or special exceptions may be filed within two (2) weeks after this deadline.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Amended Pleadings

Motions to compel must be filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

All Motions to Compel must be filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order

Initial-disclosure objections must be filed at least 30 days before trial or are waived.

All objections or complaints about initial disclosures (for causes of action not governed by the Texas Family Code) must be filed at least 30 days before trial or they are waived.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order

Dispositive motions must be filed early enough for responses to be due and must be heard no later than 31 days before trial.

All dispositive motions (summary judgment, plea to jurisdiction, plea in abatement, etc.) must be filed in such a time that all responses are due and the motion is heard no later than 31 days before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order

Pretrial motions must be filed at least 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at that conference.

All pre-trial motions (motions in limine, etc.) shall be filed at least 10 days before the formal pre-trial conference and will be heard at the formal pre-trial conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Expert challenges must be heard by the formal pretrial conference absent good cause, with written objections filed at least 10 days before the hearing.

Unless good cause is shown, all expert challenges (Daubert/Dupont) shall be heard no later than the formal pre-trial, and written objections must be on file at least 10 days before hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Formal Pre-Trial Conference

Mediation must occur at least 45 days before trial.

Mediation is required at least 45 days before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | Mediation

All motions to compel must be both filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

All Motions to Compel must be filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Expert challenges must be heard at least 14 days before trial or they are waived.

and heard at least 14 days before trial or they are waived.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

All motions to compel must be filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

All Motions to Compel must be filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Discovery

Service and Proof of Service Rules

In divorce cases, each party must serve the other party with a sworn inventory within 30 days of the order.

 Sworn Inventory: For Divorce cases, each party shall serve the other party within 30 days of this order with a sworn inventory setting forth a description, identification of characterization (community; separate; mixed) and value of all property (real or personal) owned or claimed by the parties and a list of all debts (stating the creditor and amount) owed by the parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Sworn Inventory and Proposed Property Division

Proof of notice must be filed or offered as a court-reporter exhibit before proceeding with a motion or hearing without the opposing side present.

If you want to go forward on a motion/hearing without the other side present, you must tender proof of notice to the court either by filing your proof of notice or by offering it as an exhibit for the court reporter.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 7 | Proof of Notice

All other parties must be served with amended pleadings asserting new causes of action or defenses.

Amended Pleadings – Parties shall file with the Court and serve all other parties with any amended pleadings asserting new causes of action or defenses no later than thirty (30) days before the end of the discovery period.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

In divorce cases, each party must serve the other party with the required sworn inventory within 30 days after the order.

For Divorce cases, each party shall serve the other party within 30 days of this order with a sworn inventory setting forth a description, identification of characterization (community; separate; mixed) and value of all property (real or personal) owned or claimed by the parties and a list of all debts (stating the creditor and amount) owed by the parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Sworn Inventory

Notice of the order must be posted outside the courtroom and served upon lead counsel.

Notice of this order shall be given by its posting outside the courtroom and service upon lead counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | VI. NOTICE OF THIS ORDER

If the OAG was previously a party, it must be served with all pleadings and noticed for all hearings and trial until the court orders otherwise or the OAG asks to be excused.

If the OAG was ever a party in the case, the OAG must be served with all pleadings and noticed for all hearings and trial until further order of the Court or until the OAG requests to be excused.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Office of the Attorney General (OAG)

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Attorneys may not file documents containing unredacted sensitive data.

Under TRCP 21c, attorneys are prohibited from filing documents containing unredacted sensitive data.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | Sensitive Data and Children’s Initials

A motion to seal a civil case must allege the grounds specified by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a.

A motion to seal case must allege the grounds in Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 76a.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | Sealing Cases

The court will not seal a case before final trial.

Cases will not be sealed before final trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | Sealing Cases

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Resetting or continuing the initial trial setting will not alter established deadlines unless the court orders otherwise after a motion showing good cause.

Reset or continuance of the Initial Trial Setting will not alter any deadlines established in this Order or established by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, unless specifically provided by Order after Motion showing good cause.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Bench Trial

A continuance, even an agreed one, in a case filed more than nine months ago requires a hearing and court approval.

Any continuance (even if agreed) for a case that was filed more than 9 months ago requires a hearing and court approval.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Continuances

Failure to mediate or to schedule mediation does not justify a continuance.

Failure to mediate or failure to schedule mediation are not grounds for a continuance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Continuances

The court ordinarily will not grant a continuance of an agreed trial date except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

It is the policy of this Court not to grant a continuance of any trial setting when such date has been agreed to by the parties or attorneys, except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

Resetting or continuing the initial trial setting does not alter deadlines in the order or Texas Rules of Civil Procedure unless a court order entered after a good-cause motion provides otherwise.

Reset or continuance of the Initial Trial Setting will not alter any deadlines established in this Order or established by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, unless specifically provided by Order after Motion showing good cause.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | BENCH TRIAL DISCOVERY CONTROL PLAN AND SCHEDULING ORDER - CIVIL

The court generally will not continue an agreed trial setting except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

It is the policy of this Court not to grant a continuance of any trial setting when such date has been agreed to by the parties or attorneys, except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Bench Trial

The court ordinarily will not continue an agreed trial date unless an emergency or other good cause is shown.

It is the policy of this Court not to grant a continuance of any trial setting when such date has been agreed to by the parties or attorneys, except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Bench Trial

Failure to schedule or attend mediation before final trial does not support a continuance.

Failure to schedule mediation or attend mediation prior to final trial are not grounds for a continuance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | Mediation

The court generally will not continue an agreed trial setting except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

It is the policy of this Court not to grant a continuance of any trial setting when such date has been agreed to by the parties or attorneys, except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Bench Trial

Chambers Communication Rules

When requesting ex parte relief by e-filing, the filer must call or email the court coordinator to notify the coordinator that action is requested.

If you file a motion requesting ex parte relief and submit your proposed order through e-filing, please call (972-548-5670) or email the court coordinator (470@co.collin.tx.us) to let her know that you want action taken on the request.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | Ex Parte Relief – TROs, etc.

When requesting ex parte relief by e-filing, the filer must call or email the court coordinator to notify the coordinator that action is requested.

Request for ex parte relief will be decided on the pleadings and will be reviewed by submission. If you file a motion requesting ex parte relief and submit your proposed order through e-filing, please call (972-548-5670) or email the court coordinator (470@co.collin.tx.us) to let her know that you want action taken on the request.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | Ex Parte Relief – TROs, etc.

A party with a fever-causing illness must not come to the courthouse and may request a remote Zoom appearance by emailing the court promptly after learning of the illness.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, have the flu, strep throat, or any other illness causing fever, DO NOT come to the courthouse. You may request to appear remotely by Zoom. Contact the court at 470@co.collin.tx.us as soon as you know.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | Illness

A request to seal a case must be coordinated with the court coordinator by email at 470@co.collin.tx.us to schedule the hearing.

If you are requesting to seal a case, please contact the court coordinator at 470@co.collin.tx.us to schedule the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | Sealing Cases

To set a trial, email the court coordinator, obtain the court’s available dates, and work with the other side to agree on a date.

To set a trial, please email the court coordinator at 470@co.collin.tx.us. You will be provided with the Court’s available dates and should work with the other side to get an agreed date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9 | Settings — Trial

To set a hearing, email the court coordinator, obtain the court’s available dates, and work with the other side to agree on a date.

To set a hearing, please email the court coordinator at 470@co.collin.tx.us. You will be provided with the Court’s available dates and should work with the other side to get an agreed date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9 | Settings — Hearing

Before trial, email the court coordinator to ensure that a required child interview is properly scheduled on the court calendar.

Contact the court coordinator at 470@co.collin.tx.us before your trial date to ensure the child interview is properly scheduled on the Court’s calendar.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Child Interview

After the Default Judgment checklist and documents required to be filed have been completed and filed, email the court coordinator to schedule the default.

Once it has been completed and filed, including filing documents required to be filed, email the court coordinator at 470@co.collin.tx.us to schedule your default.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | Default Judgments

A party must appear at the in-person DWOP docket unless the court coordinator removes the case after the party follows the notice instructions.

The DWOP docket is held in person on the date/time stated in the notice. Every case is called. You must appear for the DWOP docket unless you have been removed from the DWOP docket by the court coordinator after following the instructions in the DWOP notice.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Dismissal for Want of Prosecution (DWOP)

The court may call expert or professional witnesses out of order to accommodate their other duties and reduce litigants' costs.

The court will allow these witnesses to be called out of order to respect their other duties and reduce cost to the litigants.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Docket – Checking In and Calling Cases

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 48 rules apply across Collin County District Courts. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 24
  • Applies to
    Confidential material

    A party seeking confidentiality for a document, item, information, or material must mark it “Confidential” with the party’s name or initials immediately preceding that designation on the first page or outer cover.

  • Applies to
    Deposition testimony

    Deposition testimony concerning confidential documents must be designated during the deposition and transcribed in a separately marked confidential volume, while corresponding blank pages are inserted in the main transcript.

  • Applies to
    Confidential deposition notice

    A party may designate deposition information as confidential by giving all parties written notice, within 30 days after receiving the transcript, identifying the specific pages and lines to be treated as confidential.

Sealing

All 10
  • Documents designated as Confidential that are used in filed papers must be submitted in a labeled, sealed envelope and maintained under court seal.

  • Attorneys and self-represented litigants must redact sensitive data before filing and must submit a redacted substitute if unredacted sensitive information was previously filed.

  • A document may carry a sensitive-data notice when inclusion of the data is required by law, but the notice is prohibited when no such legal requirement applies.

Filing Timing

All 4
  • An ex parte application must be filed and assigned to a court before presentation to a judge, and the applicant must notify the judge whether related litigation is pending.

  • Within 30 days after reported settlement, rendition, or verdict, the parties must submit a written final judgment stating whether all parties approve it as to form or substance.

  • If the defense files a written motion for additional particularized discovery concerning a matter not addressed in the Standing Order, it must be presented at the earliest opportunity before trial.

E-Filing

All 3
  • Attorneys must file documents through the electronic filing system.

  • Self-represented litigants may elect electronic filing or submit documents directly to the district clerk.

  • Every electronic filing must comply with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21 and all other applicable electronic-filing rules and standards.

About Judge Brook Fulks

- Court: 470th District Court - Address: 2100 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney, Texas, 75071 - Main: (972) 548-5670 - Court coordinator: Stacey Samples - Coordinator phone: (972) 548-5670 - Coordinator email: 470@collincountytx.gov

Common questions about Judge Brook Fulks's rules

What page or word limits apply to trial summary before Judge Brook Fulks?

Judge Brook Fulks' rule states these limits: 1 pages. The trial summary should be limited to one page.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Brook Fulks?

Judge Brook Fulks' formatting rule includes file format docx. Proposed jury instructions, definitions, and questions must be emailed to the court coordinator in editable Word format.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Formal Pre-Trial Conference

What must be included with proposed property division filings before Judge Brook Fulks?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A party's requested property division must be provided to the court at trial and must state the division of all assets and liabilities by characterization.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Sworn Inventory and Proposed Property Division

What must be included with testifying expert disclosure filings before Judge Brook Fulks?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Undisclosed experts cannot testify, and testifying-expert disclosures must include all information required by the rules.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order

How may parties contact Judge Brook Fulks' chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Brook Fulks' clerk. The rule lists phone 972-548-5670. When requesting ex parte relief by e-filing, the filer must call or email the court coordinator to notify the coordinator that action is requested.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Ex Parte Relief – TROs, etc.

How does Judge Brook Fulks handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Brook Fulks. A motion to seal a civil case must allege the grounds specified by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Sealing Cases

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Brook Fulks?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request. Resetting or continuing the initial trial setting will not alter established deadlines unless the court orders otherwise after a motion showing good cause.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Bench Trial

Is electronic filing required before Judge Brook Fulks?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. The notice of court proceeding with the agreed date must be e-filed.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Settings — Hearing

What filing deadlines does Judge Brook Fulks set?

Initial-disclosure objections must be filed at least 30 days before trial or are waived.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Jury Trial Discovery Control Plan and Scheduling Order

What rule applies to service for sworn inventory before Judge Brook Fulks?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. In divorce cases, each party must serve the other party with a sworn inventory within 30 days of the order.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Sworn Inventory and Proposed Property Division
Complete rules summary for Judge Brook Fulks

In divorce cases, each party must serve the other party with a sworn inventory within 30 days of the order.

A party's requested property division must be provided to the court at trial and must state the division of all assets and liabilities by characterization.

The court generally will not continue an agreed trial setting except in an emergency or for other good cause shown.

Resetting or continuing the initial trial setting will not alter established deadlines unless the court orders otherwise after a motion showing good cause.

The court ordinarily will not continue an agreed trial date unless an emergency or other good cause is shown.

If opposing counsel or a party will not sign the order or agree to a trial date, a party must file a letter describing its efforts and submit a proposed scheduling order.

Initial-disclosure objections must be filed at least 30 days before trial or are waived.

Motions to compel must be filed and heard at least 31 days before trial.

Undisclosed experts cannot testify, and testifying-expert disclosures must include all information required by the rules.

Dispositive motions must be filed early enough for responses to be due and must be heard no later than 31 days before trial.

Applicable pretrial disclosures must be completed and filed before the pretrial conference.

Before the pretrial conference, only an exhibit identification should be filed, not the trial exhibits themselves.

Pretrial motions must be filed at least 10 days before the formal pretrial conference and will be heard at that conference.

The court will not hear pretrial motions on the day of jury selection without prior leave of court.

Expert challenges must be heard by the formal pretrial conference absent good cause, with written objections filed at least 10 days before the hearing.

Each party must produce specified materials at the pretrial conference.

Proposed jury instructions, definitions, and questions must be emailed to the court coordinator in editable Word format.

Completed witness lists and exhibit lists must be produced at the pretrial conference.

All exhibits must be present and pre-marked for identification at the pretrial conference.

The court prefers descriptive exhibit markings, such as “H-1” for a husband’s exhibits or “M-1” for a mother’s exhibits.

For causes of action outside the Family Code, a trial summary must address each element of each claim and defense and, if appropriate, the legal damages standard.

The trial summary should be limited to one page.

Before trial, email the court coordinator to ensure that a required child interview is properly scheduled on the court calendar.

A continuance, even an agreed one, in a case filed more than nine months ago requires a hearing and court approval.

Failure to mediate or to schedule mediation does not justify a continuance.

A requested child interview must be included in the pretrial scheduling order or docketed in advance, and same-day requests will not be considered.

Audio and video exhibits must be provided to the court reporter on a flash drive because the court will not accept recordings in any other format.

A completed Default Judgment checklist must be filed with the court before a hearing to finalize a default judgment can be scheduled.

After the Default Judgment checklist and documents required to be filed have been completed and filed, email the court coordinator to schedule the default.

A party must appear at the in-person DWOP docket unless the court coordinator removes the case after the party follows the notice instructions.

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