Tex. 6th. Admin. Jud. Reg. 1

As amended through August 27, 2024
Rule 1 - TIME STANDARDS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF CASES

District and statutory county court judges of the county in which cases are filed should, so far as reasonably possible, ensure that all cases brought to trial or final disposition are in conformity with the following time standards:

a. CRIMINAL CASES

As provided by Article 32A.02, Code of Criminal Procedure.

b. CIVIL CASES OTHER THAN FAMILY LAW
(1) Civil Jury Cases

Within 18 months from appearance date.

(2) Civil Non-jury Cases

Within 12 months from appearance date.

c. FAMILY LAW CASES
(1) Contested Family Law Cases

Within 6 months from appearance date or within 6 months from the expiration of the waiting period provided by the Family Code where such is required, whichever is later.

(2) Uncontested Family Law Cases

Within 3 months from appearance date or within 3 months from the expiration of the waiting period provided by the Family Code where such is required, whichever is later.

d. JUVENILE CASES

In addition to the requirements of Title 3, Texas Family Code:

(1) Detention Hearings

Shall be held promptly, but not later than the second working day after a juvenile is taken into custody; provided, however, that when a juvenile is detained on a Friday or Saturday, then such detention hearing shall be held on the first working day after the juvenile is taken into custody.

(2) Adjudicatory or Transfer (Waiver) Hearings
(a) Concerning a juvenile in a detention facility:

Not later than 10 days following the filing of the petition, except for good cause shown of record.

(b) Concerning a juvenile not in a detention facility:

Not later than 30 days following the filing of the petition, except for good cause shown of record.

(3) Disposition Hearings

Not later than 15 days following the adjudicatory hearing. The court may grant additional time in exceptional cases that require more complex evaluation.

(4) Nothing herein shall prevent a judge from recessing a juvenile hearing at any state of the proceeding where the parties are agreeable or, when in the opinion of the judge presiding in the case, the best interests of the child and of society shall be served.
e. COMPLEX CASES

It is recognized that in especially complex cases or special circumstances it may not be possible to adhere to these standards.

Tex. 6th. Admin. Jud. Reg. 1