Judge Jan Soifer
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Chambers Drop Off
Demonstrative Aid, Powerpoint Presentation
- 3 copies
Exhibits
- 2 copies • Hand Delivery
- 3 copies • Hand Delivery
- 4 copies • Hand Delivery • When Offering Exhibits Into Evidence
Exhibits, Documents
- 2 copies • Hand Delivery • At Hearing
Adjournments
Court-wideRequest must include
Communication
Chambers6 contacts
- courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov
- batool.fatima@traviscountytx.gov
- elliott.beck2@traviscountytx.gov
- michelle.williamson@traviscountytx.gov
- Batool Fatima (JEA): 512.854.9712; Elliott Beck (Staff Attorney): 512.854.9892; Michelle Williamson (Court Reporter): 512.854.9373
- 512.854.9712
Other Contacts2 contacts
- courts-help@traviscountytx.gov
- 512-854-8324
Clerk1 contacts
- tc.civildistrictannounce@traviscountytx.gov
Document Format Requirements8 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Upload each exhibit as a separate PDF and do not combine exhibits into one PDF.
Each exhibit must be uploaded as a separate PDF. Do not combine multiple exhibits into a single PDF;
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Use the specified party designations and exhibit-number format regardless of which party filed the motion, adding last names when designations repeat and no other descriptive language to the exhibit number.
USE THIS FORMAT REGARDLESS OF WHICH PARTY IS THE MOVING PARTY. The party who originally filed the lawsuit should be designated Petitioner or Plaintiff (P), the opposing party should be designated Respondent (R) or Defendant (D), and an Intervenor should be designated Intervenor (I), regardless of the party that filed the motion being heard. If there is more than one party with the same designation, use last names to identify the party. The exhibit numbers should include “00” prior to the exhibit number. For example: P-001; R Smith-001; I Jones-001. There should be no other descriptive language in the exhibit number.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Electronic exhibits uploaded to Box are preferred and official; if upload is not possible, bring at least four indexed paper copies in binders.
The Court strongly prefers electronic exhibits, uploaded to Box as instructed in the separate document entitled “Guidance on Submission of Electronic Exhibits.” The electronic exhibits will be the official exhibits. However, if you are unable to upload electronic exhibits, you must bring no fewer than four paper copies of each exhibit to be offered into evidence (one each for the Court, Staff Attorney, witness [who gets the original], and opposing counsel), and they must be indexed and placed in binders.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Pages within each pre-marked exhibit should be separately numbered.
The pages of each pre-marked exhibit should be separately numbered so that the Court can quickly locate specific pages of each exhibit.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each exhibit must be uploaded as a separate PDF. Do not combine multiple exhibits into a single PDF;
Summary: Each exhibit must be uploaded as a separate PDF; multiple exhibits may not be combined into a single PDF.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
If the matter is taken under advisement, email a proposed order in Word format to the Staff Attorney.
Summary: If a matter is taken under advisement, a proposed order in Word format must be emailed to the Staff Attorney.
DOCX
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
The pages of each pre-marked exhibit should be separately numbered so that the Court can quickly locate specific pages of each exhibit.
Summary: Pages within each pre-marked exhibit should be separately numbered so the Court can quickly locate specific pages.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Submit in Word proposed jury questions and instructions, with supporting cites to cases, statutes, and the PJC, at the pretrial conference or on or before the first day of trial, by uploading them to Box and/or by email to the Staff Attorney. Do not include boiler plate provisions; the Court will add those.
Summary: Proposed jury questions and instructions must be submitted in Word format with supporting citations and without boilerplate provisions.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements40 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Upload exhibit lists to Box together with the pre-marked exhibits.
Exhibit lists must be uploaded to Box along with pre-marked exhibits;
Document Type
Exhibit List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
List every exhibit to be offered with a short neutral description, and do not use special characters in the exhibit list.
Exhibit lists must list all exhibits to be offered, along with a short neutral description of each exhibit (for example, P-001 Bank Statements). Please do not use special characters in the exhibit list.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The first page of each exhibit must be marked in advance with its exhibit number.
The first page of each exhibit must be pre-marked with the exhibit number;
Document Type
Exhibit
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Attorneys and self-represented litigants intending to use electronic exhibits must ensure that they and their witnesses can use the necessary technology, including courtroom hardware and Box.
Attorneys and self-represented litigants who intend to use electronic exhibits must ensure they and their witnesses are proficient in the technology, including courtroom hardware and Box.
Document Type
Electronic Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Submission requests must include all necessary information and materials in one email; incomplete submissions will not be granted.
Specifies that all necessary information and materials must be provided in the same email and that incomplete submissions will not be granted
Document Type
Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
So far as practicable, a draft judgment, decree, or order must bear all parties’ signatures indicating approval as to form before presentation to the judge.
So far as practicable, every draft of a judgment, decree, or order to be signed by a judge or associate judge must be signed by all parties evidencing approval as to form before it is presented to the judge.
Document Type
Draft Judgment Decree Or Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
If the proposed order is agreed, its title must include “Agreed” and all counsel and self-represented parties must sign it “Agreed as to Form and Substance.”
If agreed, the proposed order shall contain "Agreed" in the title and be signed "Agreed as to Form and Substance" by all counsel and self-represented parties.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A submission must include all information and materials needed to evaluate the proposed order; incomplete submissions will not be granted.
Submissions must include all information and materials necessary for the Court to evaluate the proposed order. Incomplete submissions will not be granted.
Document Type
Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Except for an agreed judgment, a motion must be filed with the District Clerk before its proposed order may be considered on submission.
Except for the submission of an agreed judgment, a motion must be filed with the District Clerk before a proposed order granting the motion may be considered on submission.
Document Type
Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
For a case assigned to a specific judge under Chapters 2 or 10, submit the motion and proposed order to that judge’s Court.
If the case is assigned to a specific judge pursuant to Chapters 2 or 10 of the Local Rules, then the motion and proposed order shall be submitted to that judge's Court.
Document Type
Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The submitting party must certify in the email body that the Standing Order’s requirements have been met.
The submitting party must certify in the body of the email that it has complied with the requirements of this Standing Order.
Document Type
Submission Email
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Emergency, urgent, or date-certain matters may not be submitted and instead must be set for hearing or presented under Chapter 7.
Matters requiring emergency relief and those requiring urgent attention or approval by a definite date shall not be forwarded for submission. Instead, such matters shall be set for hearing (in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Local Rules) or presented pursuant to Chapter 7 of the Local Rules.
Document Type
Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Contested matters may not be submitted unless the Court expressly authorizes submission.
No contested matters shall be forwarded for submission unless expressly authorized by the Court.
Document Type
Submission
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Provide a proposed order stating the relief sought at each hearing; if the matter is taken under advisement, email it in Word format to the Staff Attorney.
Upload to Box and/or bring a proposed order with the relief being sought to each hearing. If the matter is taken under advisement, email a proposed order in Word format to the Staff Attorney.
Document Type
Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Submit proposed jury questions and instructions in Word, with supporting citations, by the pretrial conference or no later than the first trial day through Box or email; omit boilerplate provisions.
Submit in Word proposed jury questions and instructions, with supporting cites to cases, statutes, and the PJC, at the pretrial conference or on or before the first day of trial, by uploading them to Box and/or by email to the Staff Attorney. Do not include boiler plate provisions; the Court will add those.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Questions And Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A party intending to offer exhibits must upload an Exhibit List and pre-marked exhibits using the Court’s Box link.
If you intend to offer any exhibits during the hearing, you must utilize the Box link sent by the Court and upload an Exhibit List and pre-marked exhibits.
Document Type
Hearing Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Trial exhibits should be pre-marked, exchanged before trial, unopposed exhibits offered at pretrial for pre-admission, and an index provided to the Court and court reporter.
Trial exhibits should be: o Pre-marked with party abbreviation and number (e.g., P-001, D-002, R-003) o Exchanged with opposing counsel prior to trial o Unopposed exhibits should be offered at pretrial for pre-admission o An index of exhibits should be provided to the Court and court reporter
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
If counsel cannot agree on an order’s form within a week, email the Staff Attorney a redlined order with comments explaining the disagreement within a week, unless the Court sets another deadline.
If counsel cannot agree on the form of the order within a week, a redlined version of the order, with comments about the basis of the disagreement, should be forwarded by email to the Staff Attorney within a week, unless the Court has specified a different deadline.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Only the official court reporter may record any part of a hearing.
VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING OF ALL OR ANY PART OF A HEARING BY ANYONE OTHER THAN THE OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER IS PROHIBITED.
Requirement
Document requirement
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
USE THIS FORMAT REGARDLESS OF WHICH PARTY IS THE MOVING PARTY. The party who originally filed the lawsuit should be designated Petitioner or Plaintiff (P), the opposing party should be designated Respondent (R) or Defendant (D), and an Intervenor should be designated Intervenor (I), regardless of the party that filed the motion being heard. If there is more than one party with the same designation, use last names to identify the party. The exhibit numbers should include “00” prior to the exhibit number. For example: P-001; R Smith-001; I Jones-001. There should be no other descriptive language in the exhibit number.
Summary: Exhibit numbers must follow the fixed party-designation format (e.g., P-001; R Smith-001; I Jones-001) with a '00' prefix and no other descriptive language, regardless of which party filed the motion.
Document Type
Exhibit
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Exhibit lists must be uploaded to Box along with pre-marked exhibits; and
Summary: Exhibit lists must be uploaded to Box together with the pre-marked exhibits.
Document Type
Exhibits
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
The first page of each exhibit must be pre-marked with the exhibit number;
Summary: The first page of each exhibit must be pre-marked with the exhibit number.
Document Type
Exhibit
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Exhibit lists must list all exhibits to be offered, along with a short neutral description of each exhibit (for example, P-001 Bank Statements). Please do not use special characters in the exhibit list.
Summary: Exhibit lists must list all exhibits to be offered with a short neutral description of each and must not use special characters.
Document Type
Exhibit List
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Upload to Box and/or bring a proposed order with the relief being sought to each hearing.
Summary: A proposed order containing the relief sought must be uploaded to Box and/or brought to each hearing.
Document Type
Hearing
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Do not include items that are in the Standing Order in Limine in the parties' Motions in Limine.
Summary: Motions in Limine must not duplicate items already covered in the Standing Order in Limine.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
All communications regarding a hearing set in this Court should be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima by email to Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov with the following reference: “HEARING;” cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested.
Summary: Correspondence with the Court must include the reference “HEARING;” plus the cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested.
Document Type
Correspondence With Court
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
If you intend to offer any exhibits during the hearing, you must utilize the Box link sent by the Court and upload an Exhibit List and pre-marked exhibits.
Summary: Parties offering exhibits during a hearing must use the Court's Box link to upload an Exhibit List and pre-marked exhibits.
Document Type
Exhibits
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Documents provided to the Court should be indexed and uploaded to Box and, if paper copies are used, placed in binders (with a copy of the index provided to opposing counsel), and should include: o Operative pleadings, if pertinent to the hearing o Motions, responses, and replies, together with their exhibits, if any o Controlling case law with pertinent passages highlighted
Summary: Hearing documents given to the Court must be indexed, uploaded to Box, placed in binders if paper (with index copy to opposing counsel), and must include operative pleadings, motions/responses/replies with exhibits, and controlling case law with highlighted passages.
Document Type
Hearing Documents
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Trial exhibits should be: o Pre-marked with party abbreviation and number (e.g., P-001, D-002, R-003)
Summary: Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with a party abbreviation and number (e.g., P-001, D-002, R-003).
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Submit in Word proposed jury questions and instructions, with supporting cites to cases, statutes, and the PJC, at the pretrial conference or on or before the first day of trial, by uploading them to Box and/or by email to the Staff Attorney. Do not include boiler plate provisions; the Court will add those.
Summary: Proposed jury questions and instructions must include supporting citations to cases, statutes, and the PJC, and must not include boilerplate provisions.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
If the Court announces its ruling and an appropriate order has not been prepared in advance, the prevailing party's counsel should promptly circulate a proposed order for approval as to form by opposing counsel and promptly forward it to the Staff Attorney approved as to form. The Court prefers to sign these within a week.
Summary: After an oral ruling without a prepared order, prevailing counsel must promptly circulate a proposed order for opposing counsel's approval as to form and forward it approved as to form to the Staff Attorney; the Court prefers to sign within a week.
Document Type
Proposed Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Non-evidentiary materials, including demonstratives, PowerPoint or other presentations, trial briefs, proposed orders, pleadings efiled within the prior week, and cases for the judge’s reference, should be uploaded to the designated “Other Materials” folder in Box AND emailed to the other parties before the hearing.
Summary: Non-evidentiary materials (demonstratives, presentations, trial briefs, proposed orders, pleadings efiled within the prior week, and reference cases) should be uploaded to the “Other Materials” folder in Box before the hearing.
Document Type
Non Evidentiary Materials
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
If a party intends to call witnesses, a witness list should be uploaded to Box AND emailed to the other parties at least two hours before the hearing.
Summary: Parties intending to call witnesses must upload a witness list to Box at least two hours before the hearing.
Document Type
Witness List
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Also note that providing documents to a judge does not file them; documents provided to a judge for action (e.g., motions) must first be filed with the District Clerk, then a copy provided to the judge's staff.
Summary: Documents provided to a judge for action must first be filed with the District Clerk, then a copy must be provided to the judge’s staff.
Document Type
Documents Provided To A Judge For Action
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Each attorney's signature block on these documents must identify the parties represented by that attorney.
Summary: Each attorney’s signature block on a draft judgment, decree, or order must identify the parties represented by that attorney.
Document Type
Draft Judgment Decree Or Order
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Important?
Trial exhibits should be: o Unopposed exhibits should be offered at pretrial for pre-admission
Machine summary and details
Summary: Unopposed trial exhibits should be offered at pretrial for pre-admission.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Important?
Trial exhibits should be: o An index of exhibits should be provided to the Court and court reporter
Machine summary and details
Summary: An index of trial exhibits must be provided to the Court and the court reporter.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Documents provided to the Court should be indexed and uploaded to Box and, if paper copies are used, placed in binders (with a copy of the index provided to opposing counsel), and should include: o Operative pleadings, if pertinent to the hearing o Motions, responses, and replies, together with their exhibits, if any o Controlling case law with pertinent passages highlighted
Summary: Documents for the Court should be indexed, uploaded to Box, and, if provided on paper, placed in binders; provide opposing counsel a copy of the index and include the listed materials.
Document Type
Documents Provided To Court
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If the Court announces its ruling and an appropriate order has not been prepared in advance, the prevailing party’s counsel should promptly circulate a proposed order for approval as to form by opposing counsel and promptly forward it to the Staff Attorney approved as to form.
Summary: If no order was prepared in advance, prevailing counsel should promptly circulate a proposed order for opposing counsel’s approval as to form and promptly forward the approved order to the Staff Attorney.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
that do not require oral testimony are eligible for submission, as are friendly suits and agreed divorces accompanied by sworn written testimony that has been filed with the District Clerk, under the terms of this Standing Order.
Summary: Matters requiring no oral testimony, along with qualifying friendly suits and agreed divorces, are eligible for submission under the Standing Order.
Document Type
Submission
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Responses and other pleadings must be e-filed with the District Clerk; emailing documents to the Court does not satisfy that requirement.
Any responses and other pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk by this time. Please note: emailing documents to the Court is not the same as efiling them; all pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk, as usual.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Prior to the Remote Hearing
Upload materials only to the designated Exhibits or Other Materials folders; do not create folders or subfolders.
You may upload only to your designated “Exhibits” folder and “Other Materials” folder. Do not create new folders or sub-folders.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Requesting Box Link
Uploads are allowed only to the designated 'Exhibits' and 'Other Materials' folders, and creating new folders or sub-folders is prohibited.
You may upload only to your designated “Exhibits” folder and “Other Materials” folder. Do not create new folders or sub-folders.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Requesting Box Link
Uploading to Box does not constitute filing with the District Clerk or an offer/admission of evidence, and exhibits not offered at hearing will not be considered or included in the record.
Uploading exhibits to Box does not constitute an offer or admission of any evidence. Exhibits not offered during the hearing will not be considered by the Court and will not be included in the record. Uploading exhibits or pleadings does not constitute filing with the Travis County District Clerk’s Office.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | Warning
Non-evidentiary materials must not be uploaded into the Exhibit folder.
Do not upload non-evidentiary materials into the Exhibit folder.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | Submission of Non-Evidentiary Materials
All pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk; emailing documents to the Court does not constitute efiling.
Please note: emailing documents to the Court is not the same as efiling them; all pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk, as usual.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | 3.b. Three Days before the Hearing
Exhibits should be submitted electronically via the Court's Box account per the electronic exhibits guidance, and electronic exhibits will serve as the official exhibits.
The Court strongly prefers electronic exhibits, uploaded to Box as instructed in the separate document entitled "Guidance on Submission of Electronic Exhibits." The electronic exhibits will be the official exhibits.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
The Court strongly prefers that exhibits be provided electronically, and electronic exhibits become the official exhibits once admitted.
As provided in this Guidance, it is the strong preference of the Court that exhibits be provided in electronic format, and that the electronic exhibits will be the official exhibits once admitted.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Guidance on Submission of Electronic Exhibits
Additional Box exhibit-folder permissions are obtained by adding all parties, attorneys, and paralegals needing access in the Announcement Application.
For additional permissions to BOX exhibit folders, please review and add all parties, attorneys, and paralegals who will be working on the case or will need access to electronic exhibits in the Announcement Application: Home - Announcements [cts-ext-web2]
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Requesting Box Link
Electronic non-evidentiary materials, such as courtesy copies of pleadings, case law, and proposed orders, may be uploaded to Box.
Electronic, non-evidentiary materials may be uploaded to Box.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Submission of Non-Evidentiary Materials
Uploading exhibits or pleadings to Box does not constitute filing them with the Travis County District Clerk’s Office.
Uploading exhibits or pleadings does not constitute filing with the Travis County District Clerk’s Office.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Warning
Non-evidentiary materials may be uploaded to Box and should go in the party’s Other Materials folder, not the Exhibit folder.
Electronic, non-evidentiary materials may be uploaded to Box. Non-evidentiary materials, including courtesy copies of pleadings, case law, proposed orders, demonstratives, presentations, and trial briefs should be placed in the “Other Materials” folder identified for that party. Do not upload non-evidentiary materials into the Exhibit folder.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 2 | Submission of Non-Evidentiary Materials
The Court strongly prefers electronic exhibits, which become the official exhibits once admitted.
As provided in this Guidance, it is the strong preference of the Court that exhibits be provided in electronic format, and that the electronic exhibits will be the official exhibits once admitted.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Guidance on Submission of Electronic Exhibits
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Proposed jury questions and instructions must be submitted at the pretrial conference or on or before the first day of trial by Box upload and/or email to the Staff Attorney.
Submit in Word proposed jury questions and instructions, with supporting cites to cases, statutes, and the PJC, at the pretrial conference or on or before the first day of trial, by uploading them to Box and/or by email to the Staff Attorney.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Special instructions for jury trials (in addition to the relevant ones above)
Responses and other pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk three days before the hearing; this provision does not change deadlines set by other applicable rules or law.
Any responses and other pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk by this time. Please note: emailing documents to the Court is not the same as efiling them; all pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk, as usual. This provision is not intended to change any deadlines set by other applicable rules or law.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | 3.b. Three Days before the Hearing
If counsel cannot agree on the order's form within a week, a redlined version with comments explaining the disagreement must be emailed to the Staff Attorney within a week unless the Court sets a different deadline.
If counsel cannot agree on the form of the order within a week, a redlined version of the order, with comments about the basis of the disagreement, should be forwarded by email to the Staff Attorney within a week, unless the Court has specified a different deadline.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Court orders and matters under advisement
For cases assigned shortly before a hearing, the Court will be flexible in allowing time for electronic exhibits to be uploaded to Box.
Occasionally a case may not be assigned to this court until a few minutes before a hearing. In such cases, the Court will endeavor to be flexible in allowing time for electronic exhibits to be uploaded to Box.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Requesting Box Link
Responses and other pleadings must be e-filed with the District Clerk three days before the hearing.
Any responses and other pleadings must be efiled with the District Clerk by this time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Prior to the Remote Hearing
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Specified non-evidentiary materials should be uploaded to the designated Box folder and emailed to the other parties before the hearing.
Non-evidentiary materials, including demonstratives, PowerPoint or other presentations, trial briefs, proposed orders, pleadings efiled within the prior week, and cases for the judge’s reference, should be uploaded to the designated “Other Materials” folder in Box AND emailed to the other parties before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Prior to the Remote Hearing
A party intending to call witnesses should upload and email its witness list to the other parties at least two hours before the hearing.
If a party intends to call witnesses, a witness list should be uploaded to Box AND emailed to the other parties at least two hours before the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Prior to the Remote Hearing
Judges do not set hearings or send notices, so lawyers and self-represented litigants must set matters with the Court Administrator, specify the time needed, provide all parties with notice of hearings or trials, and make proper announcements, failing which the hearing or trial may be passed by the Court.
Please note that judges do not set hearings or trials on the Central Docket, send out noces of hearings or trials, or announce the length the hearings or trials will be. Lawyers and self-represented ligants are responsible for seng maters with the Court Administrator, for specifying how much me is needed for the enre hearing or trial, for providing all pares with noce of the hearing or trial, and for making proper announcements. Form noces for hearings and trials on the Central Docket are posted here: htps://www.traviscountytx.gov/courts/files/civil-district. Failure to properly set, noce, or announce hearings or trials may result in the hearing or trial being passed by the Court.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Overview of Practice in Travis County Civil and Family District Courts
All counsel of record and self-represented parties must be copied on all correspondence with the Court.
All counsel of record and self-represented parties must be copied on correspondence with the Court.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | 1. Communications with the Court
Trial exhibits must be exchanged with opposing counsel prior to trial.
Trial exhibits should be: o Exchanged with opposing counsel prior to trial
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
Each lawyer or litigant is responsible for ensuring that all witnesses they intend to call receive notice of how to join the Zoom hearing.
It is the responsibility of each lawyer or litigant to ensure that all witnesses they intend to call receive notice of how to join the Zoom hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | 3.c. Hearing Links Emailed
Non-evidentiary materials must be emailed to the other parties before the hearing.
Non-evidentiary materials, including demonstratives, PowerPoint or other presentations, trial briefs, proposed orders, pleadings efiled within the prior week, and cases for the judge’s reference, should be uploaded to the designated “Other Materials” folder in Box AND emailed to the other parties before the hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | 3.e. Other Materials
Witness lists must be emailed to the other parties at least two hours before the hearing.
If a party intends to call witnesses, a witness list should be uploaded to Box AND emailed to the other parties at least two hours before the hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | 3.f. Witness Lists
The submission email must copy all counsel of record and self-represented parties.
All counsel of record and self-represented parties shall be copied.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 10 | 5. Submission
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If electronic exhibits cannot be uploaded, at least four indexed paper copies of each exhibit (Court, Staff Attorney, witness original, opposing counsel) must be brought in binders.
However, if you are unable to upload electronic exhibits, you must bring no fewer than four paper copies of each exhibit to be offered into evidence (one each for the Court, Staff Attorney, witness [who gets the original], and opposing counsel), and they must be indexed and placed in binders.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
Parties using paper exhibits must bring at least two courtesy paper copies of documents for Court review (one for the Court, one for the Staff Attorney).
Documents should be uploaded electronically to the Court's Box account, but if you also want to use paper exhibits, you must bring at least two courtesy paper copies of documents you want the Court to review (one for the Court and one for the Staff Attorney).
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
PowerPoint presentations and demonstrative aids must be uploaded to Box or provided as at least three paper copies (Court, Staff Attorney, opposing counsel).
If you use a PowerPoint presentation or demonstrative aid, please upload them to Box or bring at least three paper copies (for the Court, Staff Attorney, and opposing counsel).
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
When a party must forward a document to a judge or wants to bring it to the judge’s attention, the party must deliver a file-marked courtesy copy to the judge’s staff; filing it alone is not enough.
Please note that documents filed with the District Clerk are not forwarded to a judge; if a party is required to forward a document to a judge or intends for a document to be brought to a judge's attention, the party must deliver a courtesy copy of the file-marked document to the judge's staff, and not simply file it.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 2 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
Upload documents to the Court’s Box account; if using paper exhibits, bring two courtesy paper copies of documents for the Court to review.
Documents should be uploaded electronically to the Court’s Box account, but if you also want to use paper exhibits, you must bring at least two courtesy paper copies of documents you want the Court to review (one for the Court and one for the Staff Attorney).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
Upload PowerPoint presentations or demonstrative aids to Box or bring at least three paper copies.
If you use a PowerPoint presentation or demonstrative aid, please upload them to Box or bring at least three paper copies (for the Court, Staff Attorney, and opposing counsel).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Documents and exhibits to be used in hearings and trials
Filing Bundling Requirements
All necessary evidence must be included in the submission email.
All necessary evidence must be included in the same email.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 10 | 5. Submission
Chambers Communication Rules
Email documents to a judge’s submission address or staff, not directly to the judge.
To deliver a document to the judge by email, it should be emailed to the judge's submission email address or the judge's staff, not to the judge directly.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 2 | 1.3 How the Central Docket Functions
For emergency matters other than specially assigned cases, contact the designated Duty Judge through the judge’s staff.
The designated Duty Judge handles all emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases), and should be contacted through their staff. The Duty Judge is listed at www.traviscountytx.gov/courts/files/dockets/civil-district.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Hearing-related communications should be emailed to the Judicial Executive Assistant with the specified reference information, copying all counsel of record and self-represented parties.
All communications regarding a hearing set in this Court should be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima by email to Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov with the following reference: “HEARING;” cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested. All counsel of record and self-represented parties must be copied on correspondence with the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Communications with the Court
For specially assigned matters, contact the listed Court personnel to set hearings or trials or follow up on matters heard by the Court.
To set hearings or trials on matters specially assigned to this Court pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, or to follow up on a matter that was heard in this Court, you may contact: Batool Fatima, JEA: 512.854.9712, batool.fatima@traviscountytx.gov Elliott Beck, Staff Attorney: 512.854.9892, elliott.beck2@traviscountytx.gov Michelle Williamson, Ct Reporter: 512.854.9373; michelle.williamson@traviscountytx.gov
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Hearing and trial settings and announcements must be made with the Court Administrator for the Civil District Courts, not with a particular judge's staff, except in Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases.
Except in 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases (and a very few other situaons, including those in Local Rule 1.5), sengs and announcements must be made with the Court Administrator for the Civil District Courts, and not with a parcular judge's staff.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Overview of Practice in Travis County Civil and Family District Courts
Court staff must not be contacted to set hearings or trials or to make docket announcements for Central Docket matters; the Local Rules govern those procedures.
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials, or to make docket announcements for matters on the Central Docket. See the Local Rules for instructions on setting hearings and trials and handling announcements on the Central Docket.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2
Zoom links and passwords may only be provided to counsel, parties, and witnesses, and recipients are prohibited from disseminating them to anyone else without express prior approval of the Court.
Only counsel, parties (and their spouses if they are individuals, or one representative of each organizational party), and witnesses should be provided the Zoom link and password and permitted to attend the Zoom hearing. Any person who receives the links and passwords is prohibited from disseminating them to anyone other than those listed here without express prior approval of the Court. Others may be given the link to the Court’s YouTube channel to view the livestream of the proceedings.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | 3.c. Hearing Links Emailed
Except in Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases, emergencies should be directed to the week's Duty Judge, whose contact information is posted with the weekly docket.
Emergencies in all cases, except in 2.6 or 10.2 assigned cases, should be directed to the week's Duty Judge, whose informaon will be posted with the weekly docket, linked below.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | Overview of Practice in Travis County Civil and Family District Courts
Emergency matters (other than specially assigned cases) must be directed to the designated Duty Judge through the Duty Judge's staff, who is listed on the Travis County civil district dockets page.
The designated Duty Judge handles all emergency matters for the Travis County Civil District Courts (other than specially assigned cases), and should be contacted through their staff. The Duty Judge is listed at www.traviscountytx.gov/courts/files/dockets/civil-district.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2
Court staff must not be copied on emails disputing the form of orders; counsel should instead forward a redlined order with comments about the disagreement.
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Court orders and matters under advisement
Requests to limit public access (livestreaming) to a hearing must be made to the Court as soon as possible with stated reasons, and if granted the livestream will not be activated or will be interrupted or terminated.
If counsel or a self-represented litigant seeks to limit public access to a hearing or portion(s) of a hearing, the request should be made to the Court as soon as possible, stating the reasons for the request, and if the Court finds that the evidence or subject matter is of such a nature that the protection of the evidence overcomes the presumption of public presentation, the livestream will not be activated or will be interrupted or terminated.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | 3.a. Objections to Livestreaming
Parties must notify the Court if they, a litigant, or a witness lack access to a computer, tablet, smartphone, or reliable internet; “Zoom rooms” at the courthouse may be arranged for their use.
If you, a litigant, or a witness do not have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone, or do not have reliable internet service, notify the Court. There are “Zoom rooms” available at the courthouse, and arrangements may be made for their use by those who do not have access to Zoom otherwise.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | 3.b. Three Days before the Hearing
Parties must notify the Court if they request a record of the proceeding; if no record is requested, no court reporter will be present.
Notify the Court if you request a record of the proceeding. If no record is requested, then a Court Reporter will not be present for the hearing.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | 3.b. Three Days before the Hearing
Technical assistance with Box is available from Courts-Help by email or phone.
For Technical Assistance with BOX, please contact Courts-Help (courts-help@traviscountytx.gov) at 512-854-8324.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 1 | Requesting Box Link
Parties may request assistance from the Civil Courts' IT staff, but must do so well in advance of the court proceeding.
Parties may request assistance of the Civil Courts’ IT staff well in advance of the time of the court proceeding.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | Technology
Parties may contact the assigned court's staff for assignment information only after the Court Administrator assigns the matter, which generally occurs at the end of the week before a hearing or about ten days before a jury trial.
Once the Court Administrator has assigned a mater to a parcular judge for a hearing (generally at the end of the week prior to the hearing) or trial (approximately ten days before the jury trial), then you may contact that Court's staff for informaon about the parcular assignment.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 2 | Overview of Practice in Travis County Civil and Family District Courts
Parties needing E-Courtroom equipment assistance should arrive early so Court staff can request IT department help (Court staff cannot operate the equipment).
Please arrive early if you need assistance, so that Court staff can request assistance from the IT department for you.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Use of E-Courtroom equipment
Hearings/trials on specially assigned matters and follow-ups on matters heard in this Court may be scheduled or pursued by contacting the JEA (Batool Fatima), Staff Attorney (Elliott Beck), or Court Reporter (Michelle Williamson) by phone or email.
To set hearings or trials on matters specially assigned to this Court pursuant to Local Rule 2.6 or 10.2, or to follow up on a matter that was heard in this Court, you may contact: Batool Fatima, JEA: 512.854.9712, batool.fatima@traviscountytx.gov Elliott Beck, Staff Attorney: 512.854.9892, elliott.beck2@traviscountytx.gov Michelle Williamson, Ct Reporter: 512.854.9373; michelle.williamson@traviscountytx.gov
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2
Parties unsure of the Court's expectations or preferences may check with the JEA or Staff Attorney.
If in doubt about the Court's specific expectations or preferences, please feel free to check with the JEA or Staff Attorney.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2
Before taking a submitted matter to the Dany docket or setting it for hearing, the Court must first be advised by email that the submission is withdrawn, with “WITHDRAWAL” in the subject line.
No submitted matter may be taken to ~~Uncontested~~ Dany docket or set for hearing until after the Court to which it was submitted is first advised that the submission has been withdrawn, by email to the Court with "WITHDRAWAL" in the subject line.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 10 | 6. Withdrawal
For all other motions and proposed orders, email the Court where the case is filed using the specified court-number submission address format.
All other motions/proposed orders shall be submitted to the Court in which the case is filed (i.e., the Court shown in the style of the case) by email in this format: "courtnumber.submission@traviscountytx.gov"; for example, for the 53rd District Court, 53.submission@traviscountytx.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 10 | 7. Appropriate Court for Submission
Submit a file-stamped motion and proposed order to the appropriate Court by email, with the specified subject line information.
A file-stamped copy of the motion (along with a proposed order) shall be submitted to the appropriate Court attached to an email requesting approval on submission, with the following subject line: "SUBMISSION", cause number, and style of the case.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases · Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 10 | 5. Submission
All communications and questions about hearings set in this Court must be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima at Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov.
All communications regarding a hearing set in this Court should be directed to Judicial Executive Assistant Batool Fatima by email to Batool.Fatima@traviscountytx.gov with the following reference: “HEARING;” cause number, case style, subject matter, and whether or not a record is requested. Any questions about a scheduled hearing, these procedures, or information requested herein also should be directed to this email address, with this reference.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.
Page 1 | 1. Communications with the Court
Do not contact Court staff to set Central Docket hearings or trials or to make Central Docket announcements.
Do not contact Court staff to set hearings or trials, or to make docket announcements for matters on the Central Docket. See the Local Rules for instructions on setting hearings and trials and handling announcements on the Central Docket.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about an order’s form; forward the redlined order and comments instead.
Do not copy Court staff on disputes about the form of orders or related matters; simply forward a redlined version of the order with comments about the disagreement.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Court orders and matters under advisement
Parties may request assistance from Civil Courts IT staff well in advance of the proceeding.
Parties may request assistance of the Civil Courts’ IT staff well in advance of the time of the court proceeding.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Technology