Court Rules
Judge

Judge Ryan Alexander Luna

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
McLennan County District Courts

Adjournments

48Hoursnotice
  • Except in unusual circumstances, a continuance motion or request must be written and filed at least 48 hours before the affected court event.

Communication

Phone
254-757-5053
Scheduling
Email
Court-wide

Clerk

Technical Issues
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingConferencesExhibitsDiscoveryTRO/InjunctionElectronicsJurySettlement

Document Format Requirements7 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Responses or replies e-filed less than 48 hours before the hearing should also be emailed to the Court Administrator in PDF format.

Any responses or replies e-filed with the Clerk less than 48 hours before the hearing should be emailed in PDF format to the Court Administrator.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Exhibits must be clearly marked with exhibit labels and exchanged at least 48 hours before any hearing.

However, they must be clearly marked with exhibit labels and must be exchanged at least 48 hours before any hearing.

Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 2
|SecRules of 414th District Court
Formatting

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

The documents must be in PDF format.

Summary: Exhibits must be submitted in PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

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

The electronic device used to access a Zoom hearing for any participant must reflect the participant’s given name or they will not be allowed in the hearing.

Summary: A participant's device name must display the participant's given name to be permitted to access a Zoom hearing.

Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 1
|SecRules of 414th District Court
FormattingCivil cases

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

Attorneys must e-mail their requested proposed jury charges in Microsoft Word format to the Court Administrator.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Attorneys must email requested proposed jury charges to the Court Administrator in Microsoft Word format.

Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 2
|SecRules of 414th District Court
FormattingPro se cases

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

Once you file your pleadings in the case, you should send a written request for a hearing with the Court’s Administrator who will then notify you by mail or email of the hearing date.

Summary: After filing pleadings, the self-represented litigant should request a hearing in writing from the Court’s Administrator, which may notify the litigant of the hearing date by mail or email.

Mclennan:bb560952df0d3bdeb9d6663b · p. 2
|SecBasic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
FormattingCivil cases

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

The court encourages the use of Zoom hearings for matters that are uncontested or require only argument of counsel without the presentation of evidence or testimony.

Summary: The court encourages Zoom hearings for uncontested matters or matters involving argument only without evidence or testimony.

Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 1
|SecRules of 414th District Court

Document Filing Requirements6 rules

Filing RequirementsPro se cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Every written request to the Court must include a signed statement confirming that a copy was sent to the opposing party.

Any requests to the Court must be made in writing with the signed statement attached that you have sent a copy to the opposing party.

Document Type

Court Request

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Mclennan:bb560952df0d3bdeb9d6663b · p. 2
|SecBasic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A certificate of conference must be attached to every discovery motion.

A certificate of conference must be attached to any discovery motion.

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 1
|SecRules of 414th District Court
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

In specified family cases, parties must attend the required parenting course or seminar and file the certificate before a final hearing is set.

In divorce cases involving children and in Original Suits Affecting the Parent Child Relationship, parties must attend either the Seminar for Divorcing parents or Co-Parenting Course/Shared Parenting Course and file their certificate before a final hearing will be set.

Document Type

Certificate

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 2
|SecRules of 414th District Court
Filing RequirementsPro se cases

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

You must also attach a separate page of paper to every document you file with a statement that tells the Court you have mailed a true and correct copy of the paperwork to the lawyer on the other side, or to the other party if they do not have a lawyer. You must sign the statement.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Every filed document must include a signed statement on a separate page confirming that a true and correct copy was mailed to the other side.

Document Type

Filed Document

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Mclennan:bb560952df0d3bdeb9d6663b · p. 1
|SecBasic Information for Self-Represented Litigants
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

If no certificate of conference is attached, no hearing will be set.

Summary: The court will not set a discovery hearing if the required certificate of conference is missing.

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 1
|SecRules of 414th District Court
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Parties seeking an exception must file a verified motion with a certificate of conference.

Summary: A party seeking an exception to the mediation requirement must file a verified motion with a certificate of conference.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Mclennan:aff6c6164abc446e34b37565 · p. 2
|SecRules of 414th District Court

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

An order for the court's consideration must be e-filed as a proposed order or presented to the court administrator before submission to the judge.

Any order for the court’s consideration must be e-filed as a proposed order or be presented to the court administrator prior to submission to the Judge.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Rules of 414th District Court

Cases submitted for the judge’s reference may be emailed to the Court Administrator instead of e-filed with the Clerk, but must be emailed at least four hours before the hearing.

Cases for the judge’s reference need not be e-filed with the Clerk but should be emailed to the Court Administrator at least four hours before the hearing to allow consideration.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

Documents already e-filed and accepted by the Clerk need not be refiled.

Documents which have been e-filed and accepted need not be refiled with the Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

Emailing a response or reply to the Court Administrator does not replace e-filing it with the Clerk.

Please note, email is not a substitute for e-filing with the Clerk.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The Court will not consider exhibits that are not timely emailed to the court reporter.

The Court cannot consider any exhibits not emailed to the court reporter in a timely manner.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Exhibits must be emailed to all parties and the court reporter at least 24 hours before the hearing.

If you intend to offer any exhibits during the hearing, you will need to email them to all parties and the court reporter no later than 24 hours before the hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

A copy of each written request to the Court must be sent to the opposing party.

Any requests to the Court must be made in writing with the signed statement attached that you have sent a copy to the opposing party.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Pro se cases

Page 2 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants

A party must serve written or otherwise verifiable notice of a hearing setting on all other parties within one business day after receiving the setting.

Upon setting a motion or other matter for hearing, a party must serve notice on all other parties in written or other verifiable form, within one business day of receipt of such setting.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Rules of 414th District Court

Exhibits must be clearly marked with exhibit labels and exchanged at least 48 hours before the hearing.

However, they must be clearly marked with exhibit labels and must be exchanged at least 48 hours before any hearing.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | Rules of 414th District Court

The attorney scheduling a jury trial must notify all other attorneys of record and pro se parties of the setting under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and provide the court a copy of the notice.

D. The attorney setting the case for jury trial shall provide notification of such setting to all other attorneys of record and pro se parties pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure , and shall provide the court a copy of such notice.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 4 | 1.12 SERVICE OF PROCESS

Every filed pleading, answer, motion, or other paper seeking action must be mailed to the opposing party or opposing counsel with a signed service statement on a separate page.

You must file those papers with the Clerk’s office with a true and correct copy of the papers sent to the opposing party’s attorney, if he/she has one, or to the opposing party if he/she does not have a lawyer. You must also attach a separate page of paper to every document you file with a statement that tells the Court you have mailed a true and correct copy of the paperwork to the lawyer on the other side, or to the other party if they do not have a lawyer. You must sign the statement.

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Pro se cases

Page 1 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants

The self-represented litigant must notify opposing counsel or the opposing party of any obtained court setting or order and file a copy of that notice with the Court.

You must give notice to the opposing attorney or party of any court setting or order that you have obtained. You must file a copy with the Court of such notice to opposing attorney or party.

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

Page 2 | Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants

Exhibits may be emailed to the Court Reporter and Court Administrator before a hearing.

Exhibits may be e-mailed to the Court Reporter and Court Administrator prior to the hearings.

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

Page 2 | Rules of 414th District Court

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Attorneys must attempt to resolve discovery disputes through discussion before requesting a court hearing.

In all discovery disputes, the attorneys must attempt to resolve through discussion before seeking a hearing with the court

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

Page 1 | Rules of 414th District Court

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Except in unusual circumstances, a continuance motion or request must be written and filed at least 48 hours before the affected court event.

Except in unusual circumstances, any continuance motion or request must be in writing and filed not later than 48 hours before the court event for which rescheduling is requested.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th District Court Continuance Policy

A continuance will be granted only when the requesting party shows good cause.

The Court will grant a continuance only for good cause shown.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th District Court Continuance Policy

Counsel announcing that a jury matter is not ready must file and set a continuance motion by 9:00 a.m. on the Friday before trial, unless opposing counsel withdraws opposition or all parties agree and the court consents to a pass.

No later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning before the jury trial setting for the following week, it shall be the duty of each counsel to communicate with the court, in person or by telephone, and announce ready or not ready. If an announcement of not ready is to be made, a motion for continuance must be filed and set no later than that Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. , unless opposing counsel advises the court that no contest will be made to the motion, or unless the case is passed by agreement of all parties and consent of the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 4 | 1.14 JURY DOCKET CALL

A party seeking a hearing on a continuance motion must request it immediately upon filing or receiving the motion and, except in unusual circumstances, should direct the written request to the Court Administrator.

Any party requesting a hearing on a motion for continuance must do so immediately upon filing or receiving the motion. Except in unusual circumstances, the hearing request should be directed to the Court Administrator in writing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th District Court Continuance Policy

The Court strongly disfavors continuance motions and requests, especially requests to continue trial dates.

For all of its case types and dockets, the Court looks with strong disfavor on motions or requests to continue court events. To protect the credibility of scheduled trial dates, trial-date continuances are especially disfavored.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | 414th District Court Continuance Policy

The listed circumstances generally will not constitute sufficient cause to grant a continuance.

As a guide to practitioners, the following will generally not be considered sufficient cause to grant a continuance: The case probably will settle if a continuance is granted; Discovery has not been completed; New counsel has entered an appearance in the case or a party wants to retain new counsel; Unavailability of a witness who has not been subpoenaed; Plaintiff has not yet fully recovered from injuries when there is no competent evidence available as to when plaintiff will be fully recovered; A party or counsel is unprepared to try the case for reasons including, but not limited to, the party's failure to maintain necessary contact with counsel; Page 1 of 2 ===== PAGE 2 ===== The failure to schedule the hearing on a suppression motion on a timely basis unless the prosecution failed to comply with a discovery order; A police officer or other witness is either in training or is scheduled to be on vacation, unless the Court is advised of the conflict soon after the case is scheduled and sufficiently in advance of the trial date; Any continuance of trial beyond a second trial date setting.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | Generally Insufficient Cause for Continuance

When possible, the rescheduled court event must occur no later than 30 days after the original continued date unless the motion states a different specific period.

Whenever possible, the Court shall hold the rescheduled court event not later than 30 days after the date from which it was continued, unless a specific amount of time is stated in the motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Rescheduling of Court Events

The listed circumstances generally constitute sufficient cause to grant a continuance.

The following will generally be considered sufficient cause to grant a continuance: Sudden medical emergency (not elective medical care) or death of a party, counsel, or material witness who has been subpoenaed; A party did not receive notice of the setting of the trial date through no fault of that party or that party's counsel; Facts or circumstances arising or becoming apparent too late in the proceedings to be fully corrected and which, in the view of the Court, would likely cause undue hardship or possibly miscarriage of justice if the trial is required to proceed as scheduled; Unanticipated absence of a material witness for either party; Illness or family emergency of counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 2 | Generally Sufficient Cause for Continuance

Chambers Communication Rules

Hearing and trial settings must be scheduled through the Court Administrator's office by phone or email.

Settings (hearings/trials) must be scheduled through the Court Administrator’s office, via phone or email.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Rules of 414th District Court

An attorney must discuss the details of a special hearing setting with the Court Administrator.

The attorney will need to discuss the specifics with the Court Administrator to allow for a special setting.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Rules of 414th District Court

Requests about court settings should be directed by phone to the Court Administrators at 254-757-5053.

Request regarding settings should be directed to the Court Administrators at 254-757-5053.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | Settings

Attorneys must confirm with the administrator before scheduling a telephone hearing.

The attorneys will need to confirm with the administrator before scheduling any such hearing.

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

Page 1 | Rules of 414th District Court

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 61 rules apply across McLennan County District Courts. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

E-Filing

All 24
  • Electronic filing and service are generally optional, but a district court may order them for a particular case upon a party's motion and a showing of good cause when the documents are permitted to be electronically filed under Rule 3.3.

  • Applies to
    Document

    Documents that may traditionally be filed with the district clerk generally may be filed electronically, subject to listed exceptions.

  • Applies to
    Motion to seal

    A motion to seal a document and any response to that motion may be filed electronically.

Service

All 11
  • Service
    Electronic service

    A filer may serve documents electronically by transmitting them to the receiving party's email address.

  • Service
    Electronic service

    Electronic service is permitted only when the receiving party has agreed to receive it or the court has ordered electronic service.

  • Service
    Electronic service

    Electronic filing alone does not require electronic service unless the court orders it.

Filing Timing

All 9
  • Electronic transmission through an EFSP to TexasOnline is available around the clock except during scheduled maintenance periods.

  • Transmission to the filer's EFSP constitutes delivery and generally filing, and a timely-transmitted document received no more than ten days late will be deemed filed on time, with the EFSP transmission report as prima facie timing evidence.

  • The district clerk must decide whether to accept a filing by the first business day and must accept it if it is not misdirected and meets all filing requirements.

Communication

All 4
  • Contact
    Phone

    To set a case for final hearing, a pro se litigant should call the District Court Coordinator or Administrator.

  • Contact
    Phone

    A pro se litigant must not call to set a final hearing until the applicable service prerequisite has been satisfied and a Final Divorce Decree or Order In Suit Affecting The Parent-Child Relationship is prepared and in hand.

  • Contact
    Email to clerk

    A filer who electronically files, serves, or agrees to accept service must provide information about any e-mail address change to TexasOnline, the district clerk, and all case parties.

About Judge Ryan Alexander Luna

Judge Ryan Luna was appointed to the 414th Judicial District Court by Governor Greg Abbott in December 2023. Judge Luna previously served as judge of McLennan County Court at Law #3. Before joining the bench, Judge Luna was in private practice where he represented plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court. Judge Luna graduated from Baylor University with a B.B.A. and earned his law degree from Baylor Law School. During law school, Judge Luna interned at the Texas Supreme Court for Justice Eva Guzman, clerked at the Texas Attorney General's office, and worked for a legislator in the Texas House of Representatives. Judge Luna is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar College, and the Judge Abner V. McCall Inn of Court. Judge Luna is also involved in the community. He serves on the McLennan County Juvenile Board, Adult Probation Board, and the McLennan Bar Association Board. He has also served as the pro bono legal clinic director at Mission Waco, served on the Waco Transit Advisory Board, the McLennan County Young Lawyers Association Board, and the Care Net Pregnancy Center of Central Texas Board. Judge Luna is also a proud graduate of Leadership Waco.

Judge Ryan Luna, Judge, 414th District Court. - Jurisdiction: the 414th District Court is a court of general jurisdiction. Civil and family law cases are assigned to each district court on a random computer-generated basis. - Physical address: 501 Washington Avenue, Suite 307, Waco, TX 76701. - The Texas Judicial Branch judicial directory records 501 Washington Ave, Ste 307, Waco, TX 76701-1373 for this court, and the email 414th@mclennan.gov. - Phone: 254-757-5053. - Jury service: jurors report at 9 a.m. to be assigned to the various courts. Jury trials normally begin on Monday with jury selection at 10 a.m. - Settings: requests go to the court administrators at 254-757-5053. - Courtroom etiquette: all hearings are open to the public. Professional attire is expected. No shorts, tank tops, hats or bare feet.

Common questions about Judge Ryan Alexander Luna's rules

Does Judge Ryan Alexander Luna require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Ryan Alexander Luna's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery motions. Attorneys must attempt to resolve discovery disputes through discussion before requesting a court hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Rules of 414th District Court

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

Judge Ryan Alexander Luna's formatting rule includes file format PDF. Exhibits must be submitted in PDF format.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

What must be included with filed document filings before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

The rule requires certificate of service. Every filed document must include a signed statement on a separate page confirming that a true and correct copy was mailed to the other side.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants

What must be included with court request filings before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

The rule requires certificate of service. Every written request to the Court must include a signed statement confirming that a copy was sent to the opposing party.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Basic Information for Self-Represented Litigants

How may parties contact Judge Ryan Alexander Luna's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications. Hearing and trial settings must be scheduled through the Court Administrator's office by phone or email.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Rules of 414th District Court

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

Requests should be made at least 48 hours in advance when this rule applies before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna. Except in unusual circumstances, a continuance motion or request must be written and filed at least 48 hours before the affected court event.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 414th District Court Continuance Policy

Is electronic filing required before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Emailing a response or reply to the Court Administrator does not replace e-filing it with the Clerk.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

What filing deadlines apply to exhibits filings before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

The Court will not consider exhibits that are not timely emailed to the court reporter.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES

What rule applies to service for exhibits before Judge Ryan Alexander Luna?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: service by email, recipient: all parties, timing: 24 hours before hearing. Exhibits must be emailed to all parties and the court reporter at least 24 hours before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 414th ZOOM PROCEDURES
Complete rules summary for Judge Ryan Alexander Luna

Exhibits must be emailed to all parties and the court reporter at least 24 hours before the hearing.

Exhibits must be submitted in PDF format.

The Court will not consider exhibits that are not timely emailed to the court reporter.

Responses or replies e-filed less than 48 hours before the hearing should also be emailed to the Court Administrator in PDF format.

Emailing a response or reply to the Court Administrator does not replace e-filing it with the Clerk.

Cases submitted for the judge’s reference may be emailed to the Court Administrator instead of e-filed with the Clerk, but must be emailed at least four hours before the hearing.

Documents already e-filed and accepted by the Clerk need not be refiled.

Every filed pleading, answer, motion, or other paper seeking action must be mailed to the opposing party or opposing counsel with a signed service statement on a separate page.

Every filed document must include a signed statement on a separate page confirming that a true and correct copy was mailed to the other side.

After filing pleadings, the self-represented litigant should request a hearing in writing from the Court’s Administrator, which may notify the litigant of the hearing date by mail or email.

Every written request to the Court must include a signed statement confirming that a copy was sent to the opposing party.

A copy of each written request to the Court must be sent to the opposing party.

The self-represented litigant must notify opposing counsel or the opposing party of any obtained court setting or order and file a copy of that notice with the Court.

Requests about court settings should be directed by phone to the Court Administrators at 254-757-5053.

The Court strongly disfavors continuance motions and requests, especially requests to continue trial dates.

Except in unusual circumstances, a continuance motion or request must be written and filed at least 48 hours before the affected court event.

A continuance will be granted only when the requesting party shows good cause.

A party seeking a hearing on a continuance motion must request it immediately upon filing or receiving the motion and, except in unusual circumstances, should direct the written request to the Court Administrator.

The listed circumstances generally will not constitute sufficient cause to grant a continuance.

The listed circumstances generally constitute sufficient cause to grant a continuance.

When possible, the rescheduled court event must occur no later than 30 days after the original continued date unless the motion states a different specific period.

Counsel announcing that a jury matter is not ready must file and set a continuance motion by 9:00 a.m. on the Friday before trial, unless opposing counsel withdraws opposition or all parties agree and the court consents to a pass.

The attorney scheduling a jury trial must notify all other attorneys of record and pro se parties of the setting under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and provide the court a copy of the notice.

A party must serve written or otherwise verifiable notice of a hearing setting on all other parties within one business day after receiving the setting.

An attorney must discuss the details of a special hearing setting with the Court Administrator.

The court encourages Zoom hearings for uncontested matters or matters involving argument only without evidence or testimony.

A participant's device name must display the participant's given name to be permitted to access a Zoom hearing.

Attorneys must confirm with the administrator before scheduling a telephone hearing.

Hearing and trial settings must be scheduled through the Court Administrator's office by phone or email.

Attorneys must attempt to resolve discovery disputes through discussion before requesting a court hearing.

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