TX · rules

Tex. R. Jud. Admin. 10

Local Rules, Forms, and Standing Orders

activein force · 2026-07-01 – presentact-effective-date

(a) General Rule. Local rules, forms, and standing orders must not be inconsistent

with other laws or rules and must be published on the Office of Court Administration’s

website.

(b) Multi-Court Counties. In multi-court counties having two or more court

divisions, each division must adopt a single set of local rules, forms, and standing orders

that govern all courts in the division.

(1) provisions for the random and fair distribution of case s upon the initial

filing of each case;

(2) designation of court divisions or branches responsible for certain

matters and of the responsibility for emergency and special matters;

(3) provisions for ensuring that an individual judge maintains

responsibility for a case, absent an official transfer of the case to another judge;

(4) plans for judicial vacation, sick leave, attendance at educational

programs, and similar matters; and

(5) any other content required by sections 27.061 or 74.093(b) of the

Texas Government Code.

(d) Format. Local rules, forms, and standing orders must be submitted in a format

specified by the Office of Court Administration.

(e) Presiding Judge Authority. The Presiding Judge may direct a court in the

region to amend or withdraw a local rule, form, or standing order if the Presiding Judge

determines that the rule, form, or standing order fails to comply with Rule 3a of the Texas

Rules of Civil Procedure or that it is unfair or unduly burdensome.

(f) Supreme Court Authority. The Supreme Court may direct a court to amend or

withdraw a local rule, form, or standing order if the Supreme Court determines that the

rule, form, or standing order fails to comply with Rule 3a of the Texas Rules of Civil

Procedure or Rule 1.2 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure or that it is unfair or

unduly burdensome.

(g) Forms. A court must not require a party to use a local form. A court must not

reject a properly completed form approved by the Supreme Court or an organization that

reports to the Supreme Court.

History

Comment to 2023 change: Rule 10 is amended to implement the changes to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 3a and Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 1.2. But it also applies to local justice court rules authorized by section 27.061 of the Texas Government Code. Paragraphs (e) and (f) expressly authorize the regional presiding judges and the Supreme Court to direct changes to or the repeal of local rules, forms, and standing orders. Paragraph (g) is added to prohibit a court from requiring the use of a local form. Paragraph (g) makes clear that access to the justice system cannot be denied because of a party’s failure to use a local form. Paragraph (g) also specifies that a court cannot reject forms approved by the Supreme Court or organizations that report to the Supreme Court.

Provenance

Source: txcourts.gov
Retrieved: 2026-09-15
Edition: 2026-09-14
Content hash: d8d6c36fb69c5d2dfdebf10e7e204e4ca66608b7dff47a95556c6e4fe380f58f

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