Court Rules
Court-level rules

Jim Wells County District Court

Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies

Rules last changed:
Jim Wells County District Court

Communication

Email

Chambers

districtcourt@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Email

Chambers

acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us
Phone

Chambers

361-668-5718
Phone

Chambers

361-325-5604, ext. 183
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsTRO/InjunctionLettersECF FilingProposed OrdersRedactions

Document Format Requirements16 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Each trial exhibit must be submitted in its own single file.

Each exhibit shall be contained in a single file (i.e., one exhibit per file name).

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Audio and video exhibits that are compatible with the specified media players must be submitted in their original format.

(3) audio and video files that can be played with the current version, including any extensions, of: (i) Windows Media Player, (ii) Apple Quicktime, or (iii) VideoLAN VLC MediaPlayer, must be submitted in its original format.

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Exhibits containing more than one page must be Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom right corner of each page.

Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom, right corner of each page if the exhibit contains more than one page.

Applies When:Page Threshold > 1
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Each exhibit must be labeled with its exhibit number, cause number, and a descriptive title.

clearly labeled with the exhibit number (utilizing Arabic numerals in numerical order), cause number and provide a title for the exhibit (e.g., ABC Hospital Records for Plaintiff Jane Doe, Photographs of Accident Scene, etc.);

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

When multiple photographs share one exhibit number, each photograph must be marked alphabetically.

If an exhibit contains multiple photographs marked as a single exhibit number, each photograph shall be marked by a letter of the alphabet in alphabetical order.

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

All evidence must be submitted electronically in a format suitable for electronic filing and storage, and exhibits may not be password protected, encrypted, or subject to rights management.

It is the intent of this rule that all evidence shall be submitted in an electronic format suitable for electronic filing and storage. The party who offers the exhibit is responsible for submitting the exhibit in the format required by this rule. Exhibits must not be password protected, encrypted, or protected by rights management.

Jim Wells:b53cb804b06ba7a9bdf8c0c1 · Sep 2023 · p. 8
|SecARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, 3.03
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

All exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before trial begins, with each exhibit contained in its own file.

All exhibits shall be in the proper electronic format and provided to the Court Reporter prior to the commencement of the trial. Each exhibit shall be contained in a single file (i.e., one exhibit per file name).

Jim Wells:b53cb804b06ba7a9bdf8c0c1 · Sep 2023 · p. 8
|SecARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, 3.03
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Before trial or a court proceeding, exhibits must be numerically marked, clearly identified with the cause number on the front, listed for the court reporter, and Bates stamped or page-numbered when they contain multiple pages.

Prior to the trial or court proceeding, all exhibits shall be marked numerically, and an exhibit list shall be furnished to the Court reporter. Exhibits must be clearly marked on the front of the exhibit and include the cause number. If an exhibit consists of more than one page, each page shall be Bates stamped or numbered.

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Each exhibit must be clearly marked on its front with the cause number, and every page of a multipage exhibit must be Bates stamped or numbered.

Exhibits must be clearly marked on the front of the exhibit and include the cause number. If an exhibit consists of more than one page, each page shall be Bates stamped or numbered.

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

An audio or video exhibit that is incompatible with the available players must be converted to a playable format and submitted electronically.

of the three players, it must be converted by the attorney/party presenting the audio/video file at trial to a format that can be played on one of the players listed. The converted video must then be submitted electronically;

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Each exhibit must be labeled with its exhibit number, cause number, and a descriptive title.

clearly labeled with the exhibit number (utilizing Arabic numerals in numerical order), cause number and provide a title for the exhibit (e.g., ABC Hospital Records for Plaintiff Jane Doe, Photographs of Accident Scene, etc.);

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Multi-page exhibits must be Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom right of each page, and multiple photographs under one exhibit number must be marked alphabetically.

Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom, right corner of each page if the exhibit contains more than one page. If an exhibit contains multiple photographs marked as a single exhibit number, each photograph shall be marked by a letter of the alphabet in alphabetical order.

FormattingCivil cases

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

It is the intent of this rule that all evidence shall be submitted in an electronic format suitable for electronic filing and storage. The party who offers the exhibit is responsible for submitting the exhibit in the format required by this rule. Exhibits must not be password protected, encrypted, or protected by rights management.

Summary: Trial exhibits must be submitted electronically in a format suitable for filing and storage and must not be password protected, encrypted, or subject to rights management.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

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

(1) documents must be in 300 dpi PDF searchable format; (2) photographs must be of a resolution of not less than 2,048 x 1,536 pixels (approximately 3 megapixels). Grayscale images are encouraged;

Summary: Documents must be searchable 300 dpi PDFs, and photographs must be at least 2,048 by 1,536 pixels; grayscale images are encouraged.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?

Exhibits a party intends to offer into evidence and all other documents a party intends to present to the Court for consideration shall be: (1) documents must be in 300 dpi PDF searchable format; (2) photographs must be of a resolution of not less than 2,048 x 1,536 pixels (approximately 3 megapixels). Grayscale images are encouraged; (3) audio and video files that can be played with the current version, including any extensions, of: (i) Windows Media Player, (ii) Apple Quicktime, or (iii) VideoLAN VLC MediaPlayer, must be submitted in its original format.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Documents and exhibits must be submitted as searchable 300 dpi PDFs, photographs must be at least 2,048 by 1,536 pixels, and compatible audio and video files must be submitted in their original format.

Required Format

PDF

Jim Wells:b53cb804b06ba7a9bdf8c0c1 · Sep 2023 · p. 8
|SecARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, 3.03
FormattingCivil cases

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

individually uploaded to the Dropbox Shared Folder; and,

Summary: Each exhibit must be uploaded individually to the designated Dropbox shared folder.

Document Filing Requirements7 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

An attorney seeking an attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, or amicus appointment must submit a letter of intent to the Court Manager for the relevant county.

Each attorney who desires to accept appointments as attorney ad litem, a guardian ad litem or amicus attorney shall submit a letter of intent to accept such appointments to the Court Manager for the county in which the attorney desires to accept appointments.

Document Type

Letter Of Intent

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Sensitive Data in exhibits or witness statements must be redacted before the materials are admitted into evidence.

All Sensitive Data, as defined in Rule 21c of the Texas Rule of Civil Procedure and Rule 4.1 of the Rules Governing Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases, contained in exhibits or witness statements shall be redacted prior to admission into evidence.

Document Type

Exhibits Or Witness Statements

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

If approval is not obtained within seven business days, the parties may submit the proposed order directly and the transmittal correspondence must state the submission date and method, whether communication occurred, and the substance of any communication.

If approval cannot be obtained within seven (7) business days, the parties may submit proposed orders directly to the Court for consideration. The transmittal correspondence to the Court shall include: (a) the date on which the proposed order was submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party and the manner of transmittal, (b) a statement as to whether opposing counsel or pro se party has communicated with counsel concerning the proposed order, and (c) if communication was had, a summary of the contents of said communication.

Document Type

Transmittal Correspondence

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Local Rules for the 79th District Court 02092024 · Sep 2023 · p. 11
|Sec4.03. Approvals for Court Orders and Judgments
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

Proposed orders and judgments must be submitted to opposing counsel or the pro se party for approval as to form, must bear original signatures, and any attorney signing for another must include a permission notation.

All proposed orders or judgments concerning rulings of the Court in civil cases shall be submitted to opposing counsel or pro se party for approval as to form only. All signatures must be original. An attorney may sign on behalf of another attorney with a notation that the order was signed "with permission" of said attorney.

Document Type

Proposed Order Or Judgment

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Local Rules for the 79th District Court 02092024 · Sep 2023 · p. 11
|Sec4.03. Approvals for Court Orders and Judgments
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Mandatory

The setting request must include a certification that a copy was delivered to all other parties of record and that the requesting attorney consulted with all parties about the requested dates or made reasonable efforts to obtain agreement.

I certify that a copy of this setting request has been delivered to all other parties of record. I further certify that I have consulted with all parties and the above requested dates are agreeable to all parties or I have made all reasonable efforts to obtain an agreement on an agreed setting date but an agreement could not be reached.

Document Type

Setting Request

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

The party offering a video or audio exhibit containing a party or witness statement must transcribe it.

All video and/or audio exhibits which contain a statement made by a party or witness shall be transcribed by the party offering same

Document Type

Video Or Audio Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026Important

Before trial or a court proceeding, exhibits must be numerically marked and an exhibit list must be provided to the court reporter.

Prior to the trial or court proceeding, all exhibits shall be marked numerically, and an exhibit list shall be furnished to the Court reporter.

Document Type

Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Each exhibit must be individually uploaded to the Dropbox Shared Folder.

individually uploaded to the Dropbox Shared Folder;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9 | 3.03

Converted audio or video exhibits must be submitted electronically.

The converted video must then be submitted electronically;

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

Page 9 | 3.03

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Within 30 days after trial-court disposition or exhaustion of all appeals, appointed counsel must submit a fee-and-expense voucher on the form provided by the trial court.

1.23. Not later than thirty (30) days after the case is disposed by the trial court or all appeals are exhausted, the appointed attorney shall prepare and submit to the trial court a voucher for the payment of fees and expenses on a form provided by the trial court.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | B. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF APPOINTED ATTORNEYS PAID BY TRIAL COURT

Exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before the trial commences.

All exhibits shall be in the proper electronic format and provided to the Court Reporter prior to the commencement of the trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, 3.03

Exhibits must be placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder by 4:00 p.m. on the day before the proceeding, or by 4:00 p.m. the preceding Friday when the proceeding date falls on a Monday.

(a) placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder before the court proceeding no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled court proceeding. If the date falls on a Monday, the exhibits shall be placed in the Dropbox folder no later than 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday;

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS, 3.03

Exhibits intended for use at a teleconference court proceeding must be placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder by 4:00 p.m. on the preceding day, or by 4:00 p.m. the preceding Friday when the proceeding is on Monday.

(a) placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder before the court proceeding no later than 4:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled court proceeding. If the date falls on a Monday, the exhibits shall be placed in the Dropbox folder no later than 4:00 p.m. the previous Friday;

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

Page 8 | ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A copy of the required video or audio exhibit transcription must be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.

a copy of the transcription shall be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.

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

Page 11 | 4.05. Exhibits

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Sensitive Data in exhibits and witness statements must be redacted before those materials are admitted into evidence.

All Sensitive Data, as defined in Rule 21c of the Texas Rule of Civil Procedure and Rule 4.1 of the Rules Governing Electronic Filing in Criminal Cases, contained in exhibits or witness statements shall be redacted prior to admission into evidence.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 11 | 4.05. Exhibits

Chambers Communication Rules

A pro se party lacking the electronic equipment necessary for video appearance must contact the appropriate court at least 72 hours before the proceeding.

If a party to the court proceeding is pro se and does not have access to electronic equipment that is necessary to attend the video court proceeding, that party must contact the appropriate court, at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the scheduled court proceeding.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 5, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9 | 3.08

The Brooks County contact may be reached by telephone at 361-325-5604 extension 183 or by email at acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us.

Brooks County: Tel. No.: 361-325-5604, ext. 183 Email: acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us

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

Page 10 | 3.08

The Jim Wells County District Court may be contacted by telephone at 361-668-5718 or by email at districtcourt@co.jim-wells.tx.us.

Jim Wells County: Tel. No.: 361-668-5718 email: districtcourt@co.jim-wells.tx.us

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

Page 10 | 3.08

Common questions about Jim Wells County District Court rules

What formatting rules apply to filings in Jim Wells County District Court?

Jim Wells County District Court's formatting rule includes file format PDF, must be in an electronic format suitable for electronic filing and storage, must not be password protected, must not be encrypted, and must not be protected by rights management. Trial exhibits must be submitted electronically in a format suitable for filing and storage and must not be password protected, encrypted, or subject to rights management.

View ruleSource: page 8, section ARTICLE III. REMOTE PROCEEDINGS

What must be included with transmittal correspondence filings in Jim Wells County District Court?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. If approval is not obtained within seven business days, the parties may submit the proposed order directly and the transmittal correspondence must state the submission date and method, whether communication occurred, and the substance of any communication.

View ruleSource: page 11, section 4.03. Approvals for Court Orders and Judgments

What must be included with letter of intent filings in Jim Wells County District Court?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. An attorney seeking an attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, or amicus appointment must submit a letter of intent to the Court Manager for the relevant county.

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. QUALIFICATIONS, APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES

How may parties contact Jim Wells County District Court?

A pro se party lacking the electronic equipment necessary for video appearance must contact the appropriate court at least 72 hours before the proceeding.

View ruleSource: page 9, section 3.08

How does Jim Wells County District Court handle sealed or redacted filings?

Jim Wells County District Court rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Sensitive Data in exhibits and witness statements must be redacted before those materials are admitted into evidence.

View ruleSource: page 11, section 4.05. Exhibits

Is electronic filing required in Jim Wells County District Court?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Converted audio or video exhibits must be submitted electronically.

View ruleSource: page 9, section 3.03

What filing deadlines does Jim Wells County District Court set?

Within 30 days after trial-court disposition or exhaustion of all appeals, appointed counsel must submit a fee-and-expense voucher on the form provided by the trial court.

View ruleSource: page 4, section B. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES OF APPOINTED ATTORNEYS PAID BY TRIAL COURT

What rule applies to service for transcription in Jim Wells County District Court?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. A copy of the required video or audio exhibit transcription must be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.

View ruleSource: page 11, section 4.05. Exhibits
Complete rules summary for Jim Wells County District Court

If approval is not obtained within seven business days, the parties may submit the proposed order directly and the transmittal correspondence must state the submission date and method, whether communication occurred, and the substance of any communication.

An attorney seeking an attorney ad litem, guardian ad litem, or amicus appointment must submit a letter of intent to the Court Manager for the relevant county.

Within 30 days after trial-court disposition or exhaustion of all appeals, appointed counsel must submit a fee-and-expense voucher on the form provided by the trial court.

Trial exhibits must be submitted electronically in a format suitable for filing and storage and must not be password protected, encrypted, or subject to rights management.

Each trial exhibit must be submitted in its own single file.

Documents must be searchable 300 dpi PDFs, and photographs must be at least 2,048 by 1,536 pixels; grayscale images are encouraged.

Audio and video exhibits that are compatible with the specified media players must be submitted in their original format.

Exhibits intended for use at a teleconference court proceeding must be placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder by 4:00 p.m. on the preceding day, or by 4:00 p.m. the preceding Friday when the proceeding is on Monday.

Converted audio or video exhibits must be submitted electronically.

Each exhibit must be individually uploaded to the Dropbox Shared Folder.

Before trial or a court proceeding, exhibits must be numerically marked and an exhibit list must be provided to the court reporter.

Each exhibit must be labeled with its exhibit number, cause number, and a descriptive title.

Exhibits containing more than one page must be Bates stamped or numbered at the bottom right corner of each page.

When multiple photographs share one exhibit number, each photograph must be marked alphabetically.

A pro se party lacking the electronic equipment necessary for video appearance must contact the appropriate court at least 72 hours before the proceeding.

The Jim Wells County District Court may be contacted by telephone at 361-668-5718 or by email at districtcourt@co.jim-wells.tx.us.

The Brooks County contact may be reached by telephone at 361-325-5604 extension 183 or by email at acarbajal@co.brooks.tx.us.

Proposed orders and judgments must be submitted to opposing counsel or the pro se party for approval as to form, must bear original signatures, and any attorney signing for another must include a permission notation.

Each exhibit must be clearly marked on its front with the cause number, and every page of a multipage exhibit must be Bates stamped or numbered.

Sensitive Data in exhibits or witness statements must be redacted before the materials are admitted into evidence.

The party offering a video or audio exhibit containing a party or witness statement must transcribe it.

A copy of the required video or audio exhibit transcription must be provided to all opposing parties in a timely manner.

The setting request must include a certification that a copy was delivered to all other parties of record and that the requesting attorney consulted with all parties about the requested dates or made reasonable efforts to obtain agreement.

All evidence must be submitted electronically in a format suitable for electronic filing and storage, and exhibits may not be password protected, encrypted, or subject to rights management.

All exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before trial begins, with each exhibit contained in its own file.

Exhibits must be provided to the Court Reporter before the trial commences.

Exhibits must be placed in a Dropbox Shared Folder by 4:00 p.m. on the day before the proceeding, or by 4:00 p.m. the preceding Friday when the proceeding date falls on a Monday.

Documents and exhibits must be submitted as searchable 300 dpi PDFs, photographs must be at least 2,048 by 1,536 pixels, and compatible audio and video files must be submitted in their original format.

An audio or video exhibit that is incompatible with the available players must be converted to a playable format and submitted electronically.

Each exhibit must be labeled with its exhibit number, cause number, and a descriptive title.

More Judges in Jim Wells County District Court

Michael Ventura Garcia
Judge