Judge Sonya L. Aston
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Hand Delivery
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements11 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
All motions and proposed orders must be double-spaced.
All Motions and Proposed Orders MUST be double spaced.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
All oral hearings are in-person only.
All Oral hearings are In-Person ONLY.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
All hearings are held in person.
All hearings are held in person
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
Motions for summary judgment must be heard by submission only.
Motions for Summary Judgment are to be heard by Submission ONLY.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
Pleas to the jurisdiction and Rule 91A motions must be heard on the oral docket only.
Pleas to the Jurisdictions and 91A Motions are to be heard on the Oral Docket ONLY.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Mark plaintiff exhibits with red Plaintiff’s Exhibit stickers and defendant exhibits with blue Defendant’s Exhibit stickers.
Plaintiff’s exhibits are to be marked with red “Plaintiff’s Exhibit” stickers. Defendant’s exhibits are to be marked with blue “Defendant’s Exhibit” stickers.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Multi-page exhibits should be stapled, bound, or otherwise assembled for accurate preservation.
Exhibits with multiple pages should be stapled, bound and/or assembled so that they may be accurately preserved.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Use numbers, not letters, to mark exhibits.
Use only numbers when marking exhibits instead of letters.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Video depositions should be edited to remove long pauses between questions and answers.
Further, please edit the video depositions to remove long pauses between questions and answers, etc.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Only after assignment to trial, the parties should arrange with the Trial Coordinator to email their proposed jury charge to the court in Microsoft Word format for compilation during trial.
Only when actually assigned to trial, the parties should make arrangements with the Trial Coordinator to e-mail their proposed charge to the court in Microsoft Word format so that the court may compile the court’s charge as the trial proceeds.
DOCX
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
For an oversized exhibit, identify an 8.5-by-11-inch copy as an exhibit.
For over-sized exhibits, identify an 8.5 x 11 sized copy as an exhibit.
Document Filing Requirements85 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A final order must state that it disposes of all claims and parties and is intended to be final and appealable.
Final orders MUST state that the order disposes of all claims and all parties and is intended to be a final, appealable order.
Document Type
Final Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
After scheduling a hearing date with the clerk, file a notice of oral hearing or, when applicable, a notice of written submission.
Once you have scheduled any hearing date with the court clerk, follow up with a notice of oral hearing or (if applicable) notice of written submission.
Document Type
Hearing Notice
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A Rule 106 substituted-service motion must include an accompanying affidavit containing the specified information.
All motions for substituted service under Rule 106 must be accompanied by an affidavit that includes the following information:
Document Type
Rule 106 Substituted Service Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A severance motion and order must state the severed case’s status and whether it will be interlocutory or final and appealable upon severance.
Indicate the severance case's status, and whether the new case file is interlocutory (not a final appealable matter) or whether severance will cause the newly severed matter to be final and appealable upon severance.
Document Type
Severance Motion And Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Non-suit motions, notices, and orders should expressly state that they are filed under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 162.
Motions and notices of non-suit as well as orders of non-suit should expressly state that they are being filed pursuant to Rule 162 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Document Type
Non Suit Motion Notice Or Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A certificate of conference must expressly describe efforts to resolve the motion with all other parties or counsel before filing.
All certificates of conference must be explicit as to the party’s efforts to resolve the motion with all other parties/counsel prior to filing.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The conference-certificate requirement extends to motions, pleas, and special exceptions, except for the listed categories.
The certificates of conference required by the TRCP are extended to all motions, pleas and special exceptions except summary judgments, default judgments, agreed judgments, motions for voluntary dismissal or non-suit, post-verdict motions and motions involving service of citation.
Document Type
Motions Pleas And Special Exceptions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Trial or pretrial-deadline continuance motions must include an appropriate affidavit unless agreed.
Motions for trial or pretrial deadline continuances MUST to be accompanied by an appropriate affidavit, unless they are agreed.
Document Type
Trial Or Pretrial Deadline Continuance Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Non-suits, dismissals, and judgments should be titled as interlocutory or final.
All non-suits, dismissals and judgments should be titled as interlocutory or final.
Document Type
Non Suit Dismissal Or Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A filing seeking relief must include a certificate of service, any TRCP-required certificate of conference, and a proposed order.
File your motion or other document with a certificate of service, (include certificate of conference as required by the TRCP) and a proposed order each time you ask the Court to grant or deny relief.
Document Type
Motion Or Other Document Seeking Relief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
If the other side cannot be reached before filing, the certificate should describe communication efforts and be supplemented as soon as possible after conferral occurs.
If a party was unable to reach the other side prior to filing the motion, the certificate should state the efforts to communicate with that party, and should always be supplemented as soon as possible after the parties have actually conferred.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Motions must include certificates of conference when required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and local rules.
Motions must have certificates of conference as required by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and our local rules.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Discovery motions and discovery-hearing requests must include a certificate stating that a reasonable attempt to resolve the dispute without Court intervention failed.
All discovery motions or requests for hearings relating to discovery must contain a certificate by the party filing the motion or request that a reasonable effort has been made to resolve the dispute without the necessity of Court intervention and the effort failed.
Document Type
Discovery Motion Or Hearing Request
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
An agreed motion and order should include signature blocks for all parties agreeing to the requested relief and the specified agreement language.
If a motion is actually agreed, the motion and order should contain signature blocks for all parties that are agreed to the relief requested, and should state “AGREED AS TO SUBSTANCE AND FORM AND ENTRY REQUESTED.”
Document Type
Agreed Motion And Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A Rule 106 motion should include the Court’s form order.
Any Rule 106 Motion should be accompanied by the court’s form order.
Document Type
Rule 106 Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
An interlocutory order should expressly identify the parties and claims dismissed and those remaining.
Interlocutory orders should expressly list which parties and claims are being dismissed and which remain (if any).
Document Type
Interlocutory Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange the listed trial materials before Docket Call.
The Court requires the parties to actually exchange proposed Jury Charges, Motions in Limine, Exhibit Lists, actual exhibits, party/attorney lists, Witness Lists, and deposition excerpts BEFORE the Docket Call.
Document Type
Trial Materials
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
In a non-jury trial, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be filed before trial.
In a non-jury trial, proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law MUST be filed prior to trial to enable the court to follow along during trial.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The standard docket control order requires the parties to complete alternative dispute resolution.
The court’s standard docket control order requires the parties to complete ADR.
Document Type
Adr
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Violations of these procedures or other court orders or instructions are punishable by contempt.
Violations of these procedures (or of other orders and/or instructions of the court) are punishable by contempt.
Document Type
Case Conduct
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
An exhibit related to any witness’s criminal conviction must be shared with opposing counsel no later than Docket Call.
Any exhibit related to a criminal conviction of any witness MUST be shared with opposing counsel NO LATER than Docket Call.
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Deposition excerpts for any witness expected to testify by deposition must be provided to opposing counsel before Docket Call.
Provide to opposing counsel deposition excerpts for any witness anticipated to testify by deposition PRIOR to the docket call.
Document Type
Deposition Excerpts
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Applicants seeking inclusion on the Court’s list must submit a written request and complete resume, should list special capabilities, and must confirm current professional liability coverage.
Those wishing to be included in the Court’s list must submit a written request with a complete resume that details the nature of the applicant’s experience as a civil trial practitioner. Special capabilities, such as fluency in languages other than English, background in finance, and the like, also should be listed. Applicants also must confirm that professional liability coverage is in effect and will remain current.
Document Type
Application
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
If only one side believes the matter is an emergency, that party must file a motion for an emergency hearing.
If only one side thinks it is an emergency, file a motion for emergency hearing.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Provide accurate exhibit lists to Judge Aston and the court reporter.
Accurate exhibit lists should be furnished to Judge Aston and to the court reporter.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Provide the court reporter with deposition page-and-line designations and a non-condensed transcript before offering the testimony.
Page/line designations of deposition testimony, along with a non-condensed copy of the transcript, are to be furnished to the court reporter prior to the offer.
Document Type
Deposition Testimony Offer
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
If opposing counsel does not return repeated calls or messages, describe the efforts to confer in the certificate.
If opposing counsel refuses to return numerous phone calls or other messages, describe your efforts to confer in your certificate of conference.
Document Type
Certificate Of Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Unopposed and agreed motions should be titled to identify them as unopposed or agreed.
All unopposed or agreed motions should be titled as such.
Document Type
Unopposed Or Agreed Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Redact exhibits before offering them.
Redactions should be made prior to the exhibit being offered.
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
An exhibit redacted after admission must be marked as an “A” exhibit, and the court reporter keeps the original unredacted exhibit for the record.
Exhibits redacted after the exhibit is admitted (subject to redaction or without initial objection) are to be marked as an “A” exhibit and the original, unredacted exhibit is kept by the court reporter for the record.
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Ad litems and other appointees must use the Texas Supreme Court form to report their fees and who pays them.
The Texas Supreme Court has created a new form for ad litems (of all types) and other appointees to fill out regarding the amounts of their fees and by whom they are paid.
Document Type
Ad Litem Or Other Appointee Fee Form
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
An assigned exhibit number cannot be reused, even if the original exhibit is withdrawn or unused.
Once an exhibit number has been assigned, the same exhibit number may not be used for another exhibit, even if the original exhibit is withdrawn or not used in the hearing or trial.
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
When dismissing or nonsuiting a minor’s claim, provide information on whether the minor is receiving a settlement so the Court can assess appointment of a guardian ad litem.
If you are seeking to dismiss or nonsuit a minor's claim, the Court will want to know whether the minor is receiving a settlement to determine whether a guardian ad litem should be appointed.
Document Type
Motion Or Request To Dismiss Or Nonsuit Minor Claim
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
When reading written deposition testimony aloud, say “Question” before each question and “Answer” before each answer.
When one person is reading from written deposition testimony, the reader must say “Question” prior to reading each question and “Answer” prior to reading each answer.
Document Type
Written Deposition Testimony
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Filings with exhibits should include an exhibit index.
Please index your exhibits.
Document Type
Filing With Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Exposed undergarments are not permitted in court.
No exposed undergarments
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
If objections to deposition excerpts remain, the party seeking exclusion should file a motion as soon as possible for a ruling before Voir Dire.
If objections remain, then the party seeking to exclude the testimony should file a motion to rule on the objections as soon as possible so that the court can promptly rule on the objections prior to Voir Dire.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Video deposition excerpts should be prepared before trial and kept as short as possible.
Prepare video deposition excerpts prior to trial, keeping the length as short as possible.
Document Type
Video Deposition Excerpts
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Ripped clothing is not permitted in court.
No ripped clothing
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
If the parties cannot agree on deposition form objections, the party seeking to overrule an objection should file a motion for a ruling.
Separately, if there are “form” objections in the deposition transcript that cannot be agreed upon, the party seeking to overrule the objection should file a motion for a ruling on these objections.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Witnesses and support staff should be informed of courtroom decorum and limit activity while witnesses are questioned and attorneys address the jury.
Please make witnesses and support staff aware of courtroom decorum and limit activity while witnesses are being questioned and while attorneys are addressing the jury.
Document Type
Courtroom Conduct
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
A party who believes its case is definitely unsuitable for mediation should file an objection as soon as practicable and place it on the submission docket.
If you believe that your case is definitely not appropriate for mediation, file an objection to mediation as soon as practicable and put it on the submission docket.
Document Type
Mediation Objection
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Midriff-baring and suggestive clothing are not permitted in court.
No midriffs or suggestive clothing
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Clothing with offensive language or images, or advertising alcohol or drugs, is not permitted in court.
No clothing with offensive language or images, or advertising alcohol or drugs
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Counsel are expected to wear professional attire and should advise parties, witnesses, and support staff to dress appropriately.
Cousnel are expected to wear professional attire. Please advise all parties, witnesses, and support staff to dress appropriately as well.
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Any jury questionnaire questions the parties cannot agree on should be presented to Judge Aston by submission or oral hearing before Docket Call.
If there are any questions not agreed on, present the questions to Judge Aston by submission or oral hearing PRIOR to the docket call.
Document Type
Jury Questionnaire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Tank tops and halter-style garments are not permitted in court.
No tank tops or halter-style garments
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Excessively low-rise pants, skirts, and shorts are not permitted in court.
No excessively low-rise pants, skirts, or shorts
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Draft proposed jury charges should be exchanged before the Docket Call date.
Drafts of proposed jury charges should be exchanged PRIOR to the docket call date.
Document Type
Jury Charges
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note
The parties should be prepared to identify to Judge Aston the exhibit numbers to which they have no objection.
Be prepared to advise Judge Aston of exhibit numbers for which you have no objection.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note
Proposed findings and conclusions may be revised and filed after trial as allowed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
These proposed findings and conclusions may, of course, be revised and filed subsequent to the trial as allowed by the TRCP.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note
Courtroom attendees are asked to bathe and avoid excessive perfume.
Bathe, do not over-perfume
Document Type
Courtroom Attire
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note
The Court asks parties to tailor motions in limine to the issues in the case rather than filing boilerplate motions.
Please work diligently to hone your Motion in Limine to the issues in the case rather than a boilerplate “everything but the kitchen sink” motion.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note
An agreed motion objecting to mediation will almost always be granted.
Document Type
Mediation Objection Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
New case number, court number, case type and new style name;
Summary: A severance motion and order must state the new case number, court number, case type, and style name.
Document Type
Severance Motion And Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Identity of persons who were present at the subject address and what was said; and
Summary: The Rule 106 affidavit must identify persons present at the address and state what was said.
Document Type
Rule 106 Affidavit
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Efforts taken to verify that defendant actually lives or works at the subject address;
Summary: The Rule 106 affidavit must describe efforts to verify that the defendant lives or works at the address.
Document Type
Rule 106 Affidavit
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Indicate attorney name, address and bar number to whom costs for the severance are to be assessed; and
Summary: A severance motion and order must identify the attorney name, address, and bar number for assessment of severance costs.
Document Type
Severance Motion And Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
An indication of whether or not the client consents to the motion;
Summary: A withdrawal motion and order must state whether the client consents.
Document Type
Motion And Proposed Order To Withdraw
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All documents must be filed electronically through efiletexas.gov, subject to the stated Texas Supreme Court rule exceptions.
All documents shall be filed electronically through efiletexas.gov except as permitted by the Texas Supreme Court's e-filing rules effective January 1, 2014.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | FILINGS AND COURTESY COPIES
It is preferable to file documents electronically for emergency filings; if time is short and e-filing is impractical, contact the court clerk for instructions.
If time is short and e-filing is impractical, please contact our court clerk for further instructions. Keep in mind that processing times for e-filing have shortened a great deal lately, so it is preferable to file your documents electronically and then bring the filing to the clerk's attention.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Emergency Hearings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Continuance motions should be filed early.
Continuance motions should be filed early.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS — Trial Continuances
Submission docket filings are due Mondays at 8:00 AM with proper notice.
Submissions are Mondays at 8:00 AM with proper notice.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Law Day/Submission Dockets
Expert-exclusion motions should be filed and set for hearing well before trial.
All motions to exclude experts should be filed AND set for hearing WELL IN ADVANCE OF TRIAL.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS — Daubert Motions
The Court is unlikely to consider an expert-exclusion motion on the eve of trial or the morning of trial.
The court is not likely to consider such a motion on the eve, or morning, of trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS — Daubert Motions
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Every pleading filed must be served on the opposing attorney or party.
You must send a copy of every pleading you file with the court to the opposing attorney, or party (if they do not have an attorney).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026
Page 1 | Information For Self-Represented Litigants
If an emergency hearing is granted, the movant must provide proper notice of the hearing to all parties.
If an emergency hearing is granted, the movant is responsible for providing proper notice of the hearing to all parties.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Emergency Hearings
Notify the opposing side when requesting a daily copy.
You must notify the other side of your request.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | COURT DECORUM
Courtesy Copy Requirements
The Court does not accept paper or emailed courtesy copies.
The Court no longer accepts paper courtesy copies or e-mails of courtesy copies.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | FILINGS AND COURTESY COPIES
If a courtesy copy is necessary, bring a paper copy.
If a courtesy copy is necessary, please bring a paper copy.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | FILINGS AND COURTESY COPIES
Courtesy copies of the proposed findings and conclusions should be emailed to the Trial Coordinator in Microsoft Word format.
Courtesy copies should be filed via e-mail to the Trial Coordinator in Microsoft Word format.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law
Filing Bundling Requirements
The parties are asked to eliminate duplicate exhibits by agreement when possible.
Please eliminate duplicate exhibits if possible by agreement.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Orders/Exhibits/Motions in Limine
The parties are asked to work with opposing counsel or self-represented parties to narrow motion-in-limine issues by agreement.
Then work with opposing counsel or pro se parties to narrow those issues by agreement.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Orders/Exhibits/Motions in Limine
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Default judgments are placed on the submission docket unless unliquidated damages must be proved up.
Default judgments are set on the submission docket unless you need to prove up unliquidated damages.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS — Default Judgments
Agreed or unopposed motions, including unopposed continuance motions, are presented expeditiously without a hearing.
These motions are expeditiously presented to Judge Aston without the necessity of a hearing (this includes unopposed motions for continuance).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | AGREED AND UNOPPOSED MOTIONS
Agreed and unopposed motions need not be placed on the oral-hearing or submission docket.
Agreed or unopposed motions do not have to be placed on the court’s oral hearing or submission docket.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | AGREED AND UNOPPOSED MOTIONS
A late expert-exclusion motion will not be considered without a motion for leave showing exceptionally good cause.
The court will NOT consider such motions filed after the deadline in the docket control order without a motion for leave demonstrating exceptionally good cause.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS — Daubert Motions
Before an emergency hearing, parties must consult with each other, preferably lead attorney to opposing lead attorney.
Parties must consult with each other about the matter (preferably lead attorney on the case to opposing lead attorney on the case).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Emergency Hearings
Non-suit motions are presented immediately to Judge Aston without submission or an oral hearing.
These motions are immediately presented to Judge Aston without the necessity of submission or oral hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | VOLUNTARY NON-SUITS/DISMISSALS/JUDGMENTS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
When passing (adjourning) a hearing, call the court clerk and all parties as soon as possible.
When passing a hearing, call the court clerk and all parties as soon as possible.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Law Day/Submission Dockets
Chambers Communication Rules
If both sides agree to an emergency hearing, call the court clerk to set up a conference by phone or in person with Judge Aston.
If both sides agree to an emergency hearing, call the court clerk to set up a conference, by phone, or in person with Judge Aston.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Emergency Hearings
Unopposed or non-agreed motions are set on the Monday oral hearing docket; call the clerk at 832-927-2680 to set a hearing and do not request a hearing within the motion itself.
All motions that are unopposed or not agreed to are set on the Court's Monday oral hearing docket. Please call the clerk at 832-927-2680 to set a hearing. Please do not request a hearing in your motion.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Law Day/Submission Dockets
Notify the court reporter one week before a hearing or trial if a daily copy is required.
Please advise the court reporter a week before a hearing or trial if a daily copy is required.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | COURT DECORUM
Contact the Court Clerk at 832-927-2680 for inquiries about hearings, signed orders, or rulings.
For inquiries about hearings, signed orders, or rulings, please contact the Court Clerk at 832-927-2680.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | General Inquiries
If a party needs more than 60 jurors, it should notify the Trial Coordinator at least 45 days before trial so the ceremonial courtroom can be reserved.
If you need a panel larger than 60, please advise the Trial Coordinator at least 45 days before trial so that we may reserve the ceremonial courtroom.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Jury Panel
Self-represented litigants must not communicate privately with the judge; ex parte communications are returned unread and the other side is notified.
Do not attempt to communicate privately with the judge. The term “communication” includes contact by means of phone calls, letters, voice mail messages, faxes, e-mail messages, and direct conversations. You may communicate with the judge if all parties and their attorneys (if they are represented) are present. Any such unilateral contact is called “ex parte” communication and the district judge will not considered it for any information or argument offered in such a manner for any purpose. The court will return an ex parte communication to you unread and notify the other side of the communication. Prohibited communications do not include formal pleadings, motions, and request for relief filed with the clerk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Information For Self-Represented Litigants
To call a filing to the Court's attention, file it electronically and then call the Court to ask it to review the document in its electronic file system.
Instead, if a party wishes to bring a particular filing to the Court's attention, the party may (1) file the document electronically with the clerk's office as it normally does and then (2) call the Court to bring the document to the Court's attention, and ask the Court to view and consider the document that is already in the Court's electronic file system.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | FILINGS AND COURTESY COPIES
A party planning to use a jury questionnaire should notify the court coordinator 30 days before trial.
If you are going to use a jury questionnaire, let the court coordinator know 30 days before trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Voir Dire
If a party needs more than 40 jurors, it should notify the Trial Coordinator at trial Docket Call.
If you need a panel of more than 40 jurors, please let the Trial Coordinator know at trial docket call.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Jury Panel
Contact the Court Coordinator at 832-927-2698 for inquiries about trial settings, docket call, DWOP docket, and docket control orders.
For inquiries about trial settings, docket call, DWOP docket, and docket control orders, please contact the Court Coordinator at 832-927-2698.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | General Inquiries
A party may call the clerk to follow up on a motion when additional evidence has been filed for an unopposed motion, default-judgment request, or expedited foreclosure request.
Feel free to call the clerk to follow up on your motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | AGREED AND UNOPPOSED MOTIONS
The Trial Coordinator usually conducts Docket Call by email, or by telephone if necessary, on the Friday 10 days before the two-week Trial Docket begins.
The Trial Coordinator usually conducts the Docket Call by email and if necessary by telephone the Friday that is 10 days before the beginning of the two-week Trial Docket.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Orders/Exhibits/Motions in Limine