Court Policies

Family Courts > 325th District Court > FAQ > Court Policies

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#	Questions	Answers
1	When do you regularly have docket call?	I do not have a formalized docket call. Cases set on the monthly trial docket will be called usually 10 days prior to the Monday of the week requested, but can be called as late as 24 hours before.
2	What is your policy concerning court approval of decrees with variances from standard possession order and/or variances from the statutory guidelines for child support when a case is a waiver or default divorce?	The court expects the legislative guidelines to be followed in all cases unless there is a satisfactory explanation for deviating from the guidelines.
3	What time limits or witness limitations do you impose on testimony?	There are no predetermined time limits to try cases. The court may limit the attorneys to the time announced. Time limitation may be imposed at the beginning of a hearing on a pre-trial motion or appeal from the Associate Judge.
4	Do you allow telephone conferences for the resolution of motions or any other matters? Is so, how are they arranged and when are they scheduled?	Telephone conferences are certainly encouraged on any motion or matter that does not require an evidentiary hearing. All counsel must agree to handle the matter by telephone. Contact the court coordinator at 817-884-1587 for scheduling.
5	Do you have any guidelines for periods of possession for children under the age of three?	Yes, they are available by request and are only a starting point for the court to consider an appropriate schedule for each child. Each case is looked at individually.
6	Will you sign a final decree without certificates of completion (for parenting classes) on file from both parties?	Most divorcing parents are required to attend a class on the effect of divorce on their children. Other parenting classes are ordered on a case by case basis depending on the facts. If such classes are not available to one of the divorcing parents, the court will waive the class. For good cause, the court has signed final decrees without certificates of completion on file.