Hidalgo County District Courts
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- All motions to continue a trial setting, including joint motions, must be decided by the court, and joint continuance motions are not automatically granted.
- After the court grants a continuance, an immediate docket control conference must occur, and the order must reset the case for trial.
- If a new trial date changes deadlines in the prior scheduling order, the court must enter a new scheduling order.
- +7 more
Request must include
Communication
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Exhibits offered during an electronic hearing must be immediately accessible to the court and parties through chat or email, and attorneys may be excluded if they fail to comply.
Attorneys who will be offering exhibits during an electronic hearing shall have those documents, photos, audio files, or videos available in a format that allow for immediate tender to the Court via chat or email. Failure to have exhibits in a format that is accessible by the Court and the parties may be excluded.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Attorneys who will be offering exhibits during an electronic hearing shall have those documents, photos, audio files, or videos available in a format that allow for immediate tender to the Court via chat or email. Failure to have exhibits in a format that is accessible by the Court and the parties may be excluded.
Summary: Exhibits offered during an electronic hearing must be accessible to the Court and parties and available for immediate submission by chat or email, or the attorney may be excluded.
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
An Order Setting Hearing must include the names and mailing addresses of all counsel of record.
2.2 Order Setting Hearing. The Order Setting Hearing shall include the names and mailing address of all counsel of record.
Document Type
Order Setting Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Motions should be in writing and, if filed, must be accompanied by an Order Setting Hearing and a Certificate of Conference.
2.1 Form. Motions should be in writing and if filed shall be accompanied by an Order Setting Hearing and a Certificate of Conference.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Discovery motions and discovery-hearing requests must include a certificate stating that reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute failed despite good-faith negotiations before filing.
2.3 Certificate of Conference. All counsel are expected to engage in good faith negotiations prior to filing pre-trial motions. 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
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every ex parte application must state whether the opposing party is represented by counsel and, if so, provide counsel's name.
All applications for ex-parte relief shall state whether or not, within the knowledge of the applicant, and his attorney, the opposing party is represented by counsel, and the name of such counsel.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Where permitted by the court, a defendant may waive arraignment only by filing a timely statement containing the defendant’s plea and signature and the attorney’s signature no later than the day before arraignment.
Where allowed by the court in which an indictment is filed, a defendant may waive arraignment only by filing a statement containing the defendant’s plea and signature, and the signature of the defendant’s attorney, no later than the day before arraignment is scheduled.
Document Type
Arraignment Waiver
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Before a defendant may waive arraignment, the defendant’s attorney must certify in writing that the waiver occurred after the defendant understood arraignment’s purpose.
Before a defendant may waive Arraignment, the defendant’s attorney must certify in writing to the court that the defendant waived arraignment after understanding the purpose of arraignment.
Document Type
Arraignment Waiver
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The parties must prepare and file a Joint Pretrial Order with the clerk.
Pursuant to Rule 3 of the Hidalgo County Local Rules of Court, the Parties shall prepare and file with the clerk of the Court a Joint Pretrial Order.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
All exhibits must be premarked, with inadmissible matters redacted, before trial.
All Exhibits are to be premarked with inadmissible matters redacted prior to trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Each party must attach a proposed jury charge, including instructions, definitions, and questions, to the Joint Pretrial Order.
6) Each party shall attach a proposed jury charge including instructions, definitions and questions to the Joint Pretrial Order.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Department must file a verification of birth or birth certificate for each child by the status hearing.
IT IS ORDERED that the DEPARTMENT shall file with the Court, on or before the Status Hearing, the VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit.
Document Type
Verification Of Birth Or Birth Certificate
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Department must file amended petitions with corrections within 30 days after filing the child’s birth verification or certificate.
The DEPARTMENT shall file their amended Petitions, with any corrections, within thirty (30) days of the filing of a VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE.
Document Type
Amended Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Department of Family and Protective Services must submit hearing orders and any orders requesting relief within 30 calendar days after the Court renders the order, regardless of whether relief is granted or denied.
IT IS ORDERED that the DEPARTMENT shall submit hearing orders and/or any orders for which relief has been sought, regardless of whether it has been granted or denied, no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the order is rendered by this Court.
Document Type
Hearing Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A movant other than the Department must submit required hearing orders and any orders requesting relief within 30 calendar days after the Court renders the order, regardless of whether relief is granted or denied.
If an order is rendered pursuant to a motion for relief by a party other than the DEPARTMENT, the Movant shall submit any required hearing orders and/or any orders for which relief has been sought, regardless of whether it has been granted or denied, no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the order is rendered by this Court.
Document Type
Hearing Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Appointed counsel's payment vouchers must follow the Court's appointment-type categorizations and the County Auditor's documentation requirements.
IT IS ORDERED that all vouchers submitted for payment by appointed counsel conform with the above categorizations in the Court’s findings and with the documentation requirements of the County Auditor.
Document Type
Voucher
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Department must file a birth verification or birth certificate for each child who is the subject of a suit by the status hearing.
IT IS ORDERED that the DEPARTMENT shall file with the Court, on or before the Status Hearing, the VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit.
Document Type
Verification Of Birth Or Birth Certificate
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
The Department must file amended petitions with any corrections within 30 days after filing the birth verification or birth certificate.
The DEPARTMENT shall file their amended Petitions, with any corrections, within thirty (30) days of the filing of a VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE.
Document Type
Amended Petition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Appointed counsel's payment vouchers must follow the Court's appointment-type categorizations and the County Auditor's documentation requirements.
IT IS ORDERED that all vouchers submitted for payment by appointed counsel conform with the above categorizations in the Court’s findings and with the documentation requirements of the County Auditor.
Document Type
Attorney Voucher
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
A party seeking to appear electronically or present witness testimony electronically at an in-person hearing must file a written motion at least three business days before the hearing and obtain an order granting or denying leave.
Parties wishing to appear or present witness testimony electronically for an in-person hearing must request leave of Court by way of written motion filed at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing and an order granting or denying the request.
Document Type
Motion For Leave To Appear Electronically
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory
Every Notice of Hearing must include the court’s address and telephone number, the Zoom ID for electronic appearances, and instructions for obtaining current telephonic dial-in information.
IT IS ORDERED that all following information shall be included in all Notices of Hearing or Orders Setting Hearing: Child Protection Court of the Rio Grande Valley West 100 N. Closner Blvd Edinburg, Texas 78539 Telephone (956) 318-2671 Zoom ID for Electronic Appearances - https://app.zconnect.io/r/XBLBIK Zoom ID and Phone Number for Telephonic Appearances – Please Call 956-318- 2671 for current dial-in information.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
For case in which a Status Hearing has already been held, the DEPARTMENT shall file the VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit no later than Forty-Five (45) days after the signing of this order.
Machine summary and details
Summary: If the status hearing has already occurred, the Department must file each child’s birth verification or certificate within 45 days after signing the standing order.
Document Type
Verification Of Birth Or Birth Certificate
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
IT IS ORDERED that all outstanding orders older than thirty (30) calendar days from the entry of this order shall be submitted to the Court no later than April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Summary: All outstanding orders older than 30 calendar days from entry of the standing order must be submitted by April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Document Type
Hearing Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The notice shall include documentation from the treating physician demonstrating the medical necessity of the procedure.
Summary: Notice of an elective procedure requiring general anesthesia must include the treating physician's documentation demonstrating medical necessity.
Document Type
Notice
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
For case in which a Status Hearing has already been held, the DEPARTMENT shall file the VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit no later than Forty-Five (45) days after the signing of this order.
Machine summary and details
Summary: If the status hearing has already occurred, the Department must file the required birth verification or certificate no later than 45 days after signing the order.
Document Type
Verification Of Birth Or Birth Certificate
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The notice shall include documentation from the treating physician demonstrating the medical necessity of the procedure.
Summary: Notice of an elective medical or dental procedure requiring general anesthesia must include the treating physician's documentation of medical necessity.
Document Type
Procedure Notice
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The Attorney Ad Litem shall email the Court attached form marked as “Exhibit 1” to childprotectioncourt@co.hidalgo.tx.us
Summary: The Attorney Ad Litem must email the court the attached Exhibit 1 request form to the specified child-protection court email address.
Document Type
Request For Incarcerated Parent Attendance
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The form shall contain the inmates name, date of birth, and/or SO Number.
Summary: The request form must state the inmate’s name, date of birth, and/or SO Number.
Document Type
Request For Incarcerated Parent Attendance
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
A list of all exhibits expected to be offered at trial.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must include a list of all exhibits expected to be offered at trial.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
7) A statement by each party as to the probable number of days for trial and any special scheduling difficulties of counsel, parties or witnesses.
Summary: Each party must provide a statement estimating the number of trial days and identifying special scheduling difficulties involving counsel, parties, or witnesses.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
8) A short statement on the status of settlement negotiations and the outcome of the mediation conference.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must include a short statement about settlement negotiations and the outcome of the mediation conference.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Attorney vouchers for services rendered more than 60 days before the last hearing had to be submitted electronically by April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
IT IS ORDERED that all attorney vouchers submitted requesting payment for services rendered, older than sixty (60) days from the last hearing held, be submitted by e-file to the Court no later than April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Court-appointed counsel must electronically submit future in-court and out-of-court service vouchers no later than 60 days after the hearing for which the services were rendered.
IT IS ORDERED that Court Appointed Counsel shall submit all future vouchers requesting payment for services rendered, in and out of court, no later than sixty (60) days after that hearing for which the services were rendered by e-file.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Court-appointed counsel must submit future service-payment vouchers by e-file.
IT IS ORDERED that Court Appointed Counsel shall submit all future vouchers requesting payment for services rendered, in and out of court, no later than sixty (60) days after that hearing for which the services were rendered by e-file.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Older attorney service-payment vouchers had to be submitted to the court by e-file.
IT IS ORDERED that all attorney vouchers submitted requesting payment for services rendered, older than sixty (60) days from the last hearing held, be submitted by e-file to the Court no later than April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The signed Joint Pretrial Order must be filed with the clerk 14 days before the scheduled final pretrial conference.
The Joint Pretrial Order shall be signed by the parties or their attorneys of record and filed with the Clerk 14 day’s prior to the Final Pretrial Conference scheduled by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 14 | APPENDIX A. JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER
The Department’s birth-verification filing is due on or before the status hearing.
IT IS ORDERED that the DEPARTMENT shall file with the Court, on or before the Status Hearing, the VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | I. Verification of Childrens Legal Names
The amended petition must be filed within 30 days after the verification of birth or birth certificate is filed.
The DEPARTMENT shall file their amended Petitions, with any corrections, within thirty (30) days of the filing of a VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | I. Verification of Childrens Legal Names
Future service vouchers are due no later than 60 days after the hearing for which the services were rendered.
IT IS ORDERED that Court Appointed Counsel shall submit all future vouchers requesting payment for services rendered, in and out of court, no later than sixty (60) days after that hearing for which the services were rendered by e-file.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Older attorney vouchers were due to the Court by April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
IT IS ORDERED that all attorney vouchers submitted requesting payment for services rendered, older than sixty (60) days from the last hearing held, be submitted by e-file to the Court no later than April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
A written motion requesting electronic appearance or remote witness testimony must be filed at least three business days before the hearing and receive a written ruling.
Parties wishing to appear or present witness testimony electronically for an in-person hearing must request leave of Court by way of written motion filed at least three (3) business days prior to the hearing and an order granting or denying the request.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 10 | VII. IN-PERSON AND REMOTE HEARINGS
A Motion and Bench Warrant must be filed at least three weeks before the trial setting.
Motion and Bench Warrant shall be filed least three (3) weeks prior to the trial setting and
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13
Amended petitions with corrections are due within 30 days after the birth verification or birth certificate is filed.
The DEPARTMENT shall file their amended Petitions, with any corrections, within thirty (30) days of the filing of a VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | I. Verification of Childrens Legal Names
Attorney vouchers for services older than 60 days from the last hearing had to be submitted to the court by April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
IT IS ORDERED that all attorney vouchers submitted requesting payment for services rendered, older than sixty (60) days from the last hearing held, be submitted by e-file to the Court no later than April 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Court-appointed counsel must electronically submit future requests for payment for services rendered in or out of court no later than 60 days after the corresponding hearing.
IT IS ORDERED that Court Appointed Counsel shall submit all future vouchers requesting payment for services rendered, in and out of court, no later than sixty (60) days after that hearing for which the services were rendered by e-file.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
For an inmate housed outside the Hidalgo County Detention Center because of overflow, the Attorney Ad Litem must email the request at least two business days before the hearing.
If the inmate is housed outside of the Hidalgo County Detention Center due to overflow, the Attorney Ad Litem representing the incarcerated parent email the request at least two business days prior to their hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13 | IX. REQUESTS AND BENCH WARRANTS FOR PARENTS IN CUSTODY
A request for a county inmate must not be filed more than five business days before the hearing.
Do not file a request for a county inmate more than five (5) business days prior to a hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13 | IX. REQUESTS AND BENCH WARRANTS FOR PARENTS IN CUSTODY
For an inmate housed in the Hidalgo County Detention Center, the Attorney Ad Litem must email the request by 10:00 a.m. on the preceding business day.
If the inmate is housed in the Hidalgo County Detention Center, the Attorney Ad Litem representing the incarcerated parent email the request no later than 10:00 a.m. on the business day prior to their scheduled hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13 | IX. REQUESTS AND BENCH WARRANTS FOR PARENTS IN CUSTODY
A untimely request will not result in the inmate/client being brought to the courtroom, and the hearing will proceed without the inmate/client’s presence.
If counsel does not submit the request timely, the inmate/client will not be brought to the courtroom and the hearing will go forward without their presence.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 13 | IX. REQUESTS AND BENCH WARRANTS FOR PARENTS IN CUSTODY
Untimely attorney-voucher submissions may result in payment denial, suspension from the appointment wheel, or both.
The untimely submission of attorney vouchers pending request for payment either within the sixty (60) days after a hearing, or older vouchers due by April 3, 2023, can result in the denial of payment and/or suspension from the appointment wheel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
Late submission of an attorney voucher may result in denial of payment, suspension from the appointment wheel, or both.
The untimely submission of attorney vouchers pending request for payment either within the sixty (60) days after a hearing, or older vouchers due by April 3, 2023, can result in the denial of payment and/or suspension from the appointment wheel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | IV. Submission of Vouchers by Court Appointed Counsel
When the status hearing has already been held, the birth-verification filing deadline is 45 days after the standing order was signed.
For case in which a Status Hearing has already been held, the DEPARTMENT shall file the VERIFICATION OF BIRTH and/or BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit no later than Forty-Five (45) days after the signing of this order.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 2 | I. Verification of Childrens Legal Names
For cases whose status hearing has already been held, the filing deadline for the birth verification or certificate is 45 days after the order was signed.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE for each child who is the subject of a suit no later than Forty-Five (45) days after the signing of this order.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 2 | I. Verification of Childrens Legal Names
A motion and bench warrant for a parent in state or federal custody must be filed at least three weeks before the trial setting.
Motion and Bench Warrant shall be filed least three (3) weeks prior to the trial setting
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 14 | IX. REQUESTS AND BENCH WARRANTS FOR PARENTS IN CUSTODY
The Attorney Ad Litem must notify the court by email as soon as possible after filing the motion and bench warrant.
Attorney Ad Litem representing the incarcerated parent shall notify the Court of the filing by email to childprotectioncourt@co.hidalgo.tx.us as soon as possible.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 14 | IX. REQUESTS AND BENCH WARRANTS FOR PARENTS IN CUSTODY
An objection to electronic appearance or remote witness testimony should be filed no later than two business days before the hearing.
Any objection should be filed no later than two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 10 | VII. IN-PERSON AND REMOTE HEARINGS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
When a withdrawal motion is mailed to the client, the notice letter must state the presentation date, advise the client to object in writing, and be attached to the motion.
or a copy of such motion shall be mailed to the client at his last known address with a letter advising that the motion will be presented to the court on a particular date and any objection to such withdrawal should be made to the Court in writing. A copy of such letter shall be attached to the Motion.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule 5.1 Withdrawal of Counsel
The District Clerk must notify each defendant of the arraignment by certified mail with return receipt requested as soon as practicable after the case is set for hearing.
The District Clerk shall notify each defendant of the arraignment in the defendant’s criminal case by certified mail, return receipt requested, as soon as practicable after a court sets the case for a hearing.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 9 | 10.2 Notification of Arraignment Date
The District Clerk must also notify the defendant’s attorney of the arraignment by facsimile transmission or regular mail.
The District Clerk shall also notify the defendant’s attorney of the arraignment by facsimile transmission or by regular mail.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 9 | 10.2 Notification of Arraignment Date
For each jailed defendant, the District Clerk must provide the arraignment notice to the sheriff, who must transport the defendant to the arraignment.
The District Clerk shall provide a copy of each arraignment notice concerning a jailed defendant to the sheriff, who must transport each jailed defendant to the arraignment.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 9 | 10.3 Notification to Sheriff
The Department must provide at least five business days' notice of an elective general-anesthesia medical or dental procedure to the specified parent, Attorney Ad Litem, and Guardian Ad Litem.
DEPARTMENT shall provide notice of no less than five (5) business days of the elective medical or dental procedure requiring general anesthesia to any legal or adjudicated parent whose rights have not been terminated and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Court, the Attorney Ad Litem for the child(ren), and the Guardian Ad Litem for the Child(ren).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | V. Authorization for Elective Medical and Dental Procedures Requiring General Anesthesia
A copy of the filing was electronically submitted to all interested parties on May 21, 2026.
I hereby certify that a copy of the above and foregoing was electronically submitted to all interested parties on this 21st day of May, 2026.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Criminal cases
Page 5 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
The District Clerk must deliver a copy of every arraignment notice to the District Attorney’s office.
The District Clerk shall deliver a Copy of every arraignment notice to the District Attorney’s office.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 9 | 10.3 Notification to Sheriff
The quoted provision addresses nonresponse to a consent request after three business days but ends before stating the resulting action.
If a parent, Attorney Ad Litem for the child(ren), and Guardian Ad Litem for the Child(ren) do not respond to the DEPARTMENT’s request for consent after three (3) business days, the request
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | V. Authorization for Elective Medical and Dental Procedures Requiring General Anesthesia
A copy of the withdrawal motion must be delivered or mailed to opposing counsel.
A copy of the motion shall be delivered or mailed to opposing counsel.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule 5.1 Withdrawal of Counsel
Elective medical or dental procedures requiring general anesthesia require notice and consent from or for the specified parent, Attorney Ad Litem, and Guardian Ad Litem.
IT IS ORDERED that all elective medical and dental procedures necessitating general anesthesia shall require notice and consent to any legal or adjudicated parent whose rights have not been terminated and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Court, the Attorney Ad Litem for the child(ren), and the Guardian Ad Litem for the Child(ren).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 6 | V. Authorization for Elective Medical and Dental Procedures Requiring General Anesthesia
The District Clerk must file the arraignment-notice correspondence and mailing receipts in each defendant’s case.
The District Clerk shall file the correspondence and mailing receipts in each defendant’s case.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 9 | 10.2 Notification of Arraignment Date
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
All motions to continue a trial setting, including joint motions, must be decided by the court, and joint continuance motions are not automatically granted.
4.7 Continuances. All Motions for Continuance of a Trial Setting including joint motions of all parties must be ruled on by the Court. Joint Motions for Continuance are not automatically granted.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 4.7 Continuances
If a new trial date changes deadlines in the prior scheduling order, the court must enter a new scheduling order.
If the other deadlines set out in the Court’s prior scheduling order change due to the new trial date, a new scheduling Order shall be entered.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 4.7 Continuances
An attorney seeking a continuance because of conflicting settings must file a verified motion stating the conflicting case’s cause number, style, and court; failure may result in denial without a hearing.
If an attorney moves for Continuance due to conflicting settings, the attorney must file a verified motion that states the cause number, style, and court of the conflicting setting. Failure to submit a verified motion with the required information may cause the court to deny the motion without a hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 10 | 10.11 Continuance due to conflicts
Filing a continuance motion does not excuse counsel or the defendant from appearing at the scheduled hearing.
Mere filing of a motion for continuance does not excuse the absence of counsel or the defendant at a scheduled hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 11 | 10.12 Appearance of Counsel and Defendant
When the court continues a trial setting on its own motion, the continuance and next trial setting must be docketed, and the District Clerk must promptly notify the State, defendant, and defense counsel.
Where a court Continues a trial setting on its own motion, this fact shall be recorded on the docket of the continued case together with the next trial setting. The District Clerk shall promptly provide notice of this next trial setting to the State, the defendant, and defense counsel.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 11 | 10.14 Continuance on Court’s Own Motion
Counsel’s absence is excused when caused by conflicting settings and supported by a verified continuance motion describing the conflict.
If counsel fails to appear due to conflicting settings and has filed a verified motion for continuance describing the conflict, counsel’s absence shall be excused.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 11 | 10.12 Appearance of Counsel and Defendant
After the court grants a continuance, an immediate docket control conference must occur, and the order must reset the case for trial.
Upon granting a Motion for Continuance, a docket control conference shall immediately be held. The Order granting such Motion for continuance shall contain an Order resetting the case for trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 4.7 Continuances
The court may impose sanctions, including contempt, when counsel fails to appear without adequate cause.
If counsel fails to appear without adequate cause, the court may impose appropriate sanctions, including contempt.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 11 | 10.12 Appearance of Counsel and Defendant
The court may not grant a jailed defendant’s trial continuance unless the defendant receives an opportunity to comment at a record hearing or counsel and the defendant sign a written filing stating that the continuance’s purpose and effect were explained.
A court shall not grant a motion for continuance of a trial setting for a jailed defendant unless; (a) a record hearing is held where the defendant is afforded an opportunity to personally comment on the request for continuance; or (b) defense counsel files a written motion or response, signed by counsel and the defendant, stating that counsel explained the purpose and effect of the requested continuance to the defendant.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 11 | 10.13 Continuance for Jailed Defendant
A postponement or continuance ground not raised by or at the announcement hearing may be waived unless it arose afterward or could not reasonably have been discovered earlier.
Every ground for postponement or continuance not brought to the Court’s attention prior to or at the announcement’s hearing may be deemed waived and may not be considered unless grounds arise after that time, or unless said grounds could not have been discovered by counsel in the exercise of reasonable diligence before such time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 4.8 Announcements for Trial
Chambers Communication Rules
The Attorney Ad Litem representing the incarcerated parent must notify the Court by email of the filing as soon as possible.
Attorney Ad Litem representing the incarcerated parent shall notify the Court of the filing by email to childprotectioncourt@co.hidalgo.tx.us as soon as possible.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases
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