Judge William D. Wallace
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Exhibits must be presented on one side only and may not be printed front and back.
Exhibits are to be presented on one side only. NO FRONT AND BACK
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
7. All exhibits should be marked and exchanged prior to trial. All exhibits shall clearly identify the sponsoring party and exhibit number. Not necessary to remark exhibits because of election to not introduce some, i.e. can introduce 1, 2, and 4 without 3.
Summary: All exhibits must clearly identify the sponsoring party and exhibit number, although an unremarked exhibit may be skipped when the introducing party elects not to use it.
Document Filing Requirements8 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Before requesting a contested final hearing setting, parties must complete the online co-parenting class and provide documentation to the court, except in IV-D child-support cases.
1.4 The parties are ordered to take and complete the "Between Two Homes" online co-parenting class and provide documentation to this court before requesting a setting for any contested final hearing, except for IV-D (child support) cases.
Document Type
Contested Final Hearing Setting Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
A party declining to prepare proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law must notify the court in writing of the declination within ten days of the request.
9. If Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law are requested of the Court by either Party, the other Party is Ordered to be noticed and each is Ordered to prepare proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in a form appropriate for the Judge's signature within ten (10) days of request. If either Party wishes to exercise an option to not prepare proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, then that Party is Ordered to notify the Court in writing that the declination is made within said ten (10) days.
Document Type
Written Notice Of Declination
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Within ten days of a request for Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, the requesting and responding parties must prepare proposed findings in a form suitable for the judge's signature.
9. If Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law are requested of the Court by either Party, the other Party is Ordered to be noticed and each is Ordered to prepare proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in a form appropriate for the Judge's signature within ten (10) days of request.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Each party must furnish the court a list of all requested relief without commentary or reasons, with specified shorthand references preferred.
4. Each Party shall furnish the Court a list of all relief requested without commentary or the reason for the request; Shorthand references such as standard or expanded visitation; Standard code conservator rights; Ellis County standard injunctions, etc. are acceptable and preferred.
Document Type
List Of Relief Requested
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Unless the parties agree or the court orders otherwise, the prevailing party must draft the order.
13. In the absence of an agreement or unless otherwise ordered by the court, the prevailing party will draft the order.
Document Type
Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
A). Submit a proposed scheduling order for approval of the court
Summary: Contested divorce and SAPCR matters expected to require more than two hours at final trial must submit a proposed scheduling order for court approval.
Document Type
Proposed Scheduling Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
2. All Motions for Continuance and Motions to Sign must include a “Certificate of Conference” documenting that the parties have made a good faith effort to resolve the dispute at issue and have failed.
Summary: Every motion for continuance must include a certificate of conference documenting the parties' good-faith but unsuccessful effort to resolve the dispute.
Document Type
Motion For Continuance
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
13. In the absence of an agreement or unless otherwise ordered by the court, the prevailing party will draft the order. If the prevailing party is pro se, and the requesting party is represented, then the counsel for the requesting party will draft the order.
Summary: When the prevailing pro se party's request is being pursued by a represented party, counsel for the requesting party must draft the order absent an agreement or contrary court order.
Document Type