Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Supreme Court of Texas

When does the Supreme Court release orders?

Orders of the Supreme Court are scheduled for release at 9:00 a.m. each Friday. The orders are posted on the Court's web page that day. View the most recent orders of the Court.

Questions related to General Filing Requirements

For questions related to filing requirements, please review the Filing Requirements page.

When filing electronically, how many paper copies do I need to file?

Please note that the paper copies must be the printed version of the electronically file-stamped document that you e-filed. The paper copies must comply with Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.

Within three business days of filing electronically, you must file the following number of paper courtesy copies:

• One paper copy of the record in an original proceeding.
• Two paper copies of petitions, responses to a petition, replies to a responses, and amicus briefs.
• Four paper copies of all briefs on the merits.
• No paper copies of motions are required.

I am not an attorney and plan to file on paper. How many paper copies do I need to file?

If you are filing with the Supreme Court of Texas, you will need the original and 11 copies. See TRAP 9.3(b). Motions require filing of the original and one copy.

For regular mail service, write us at:

P.O. Box 12248
Austin, Texas 78711-2248.

For express services, such as Federal Express, United Parcel Service, and others, use our street address:

201 West 14th Street, Room 104
Austin, Texas 78701.

How do I get an extension of time to file a petition for review?

In order to get an extension of time to file a petition for review, you must file a motion for extension of time. The motion for extension of time must comply with Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure 53.7(f) and 10.5(b). The motion must state when the court of appeals issued its judgment, the court of appeal’s cause number, the date that the petition for review is due, the amount of additional time you want (e.g. 30 days), and explain the reasons for the request for additional time. The filing fee for the motion for extension of time is $10. You must file the motion for extension of time no later than 15 days after the deadline for filing the petition for review. The Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas has created a sample motion for extension of time at the following link: http://www.tex-app.org/MExtension.pdf.

Attorney Licensing Requests, Name Changes, or Certificates of Good Standing Questions

For questions in regard to attorney status or licensing requests, please review the Attorney Information page for answers.

Is there a particular way that my appeal must be structured or put together?

Yes. Rule 9 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure provides general instructions for all documents filed with the Texas Supreme Court. In addition, if you are filing a petition for review, be sure to read and follow the requirements of Rule 53 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. Rule 53.2 explains what the required contents are for a petition for review. If you are filing an original proceeding, such as a petition for writ of mandamus or writ of habeas corpus, you should read and follow the requirements of Rule 52 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. Rule 52.3 explains what the necessary contents and form are for a petition filed in an original proceeding. Failure to follow the requirements of Rule 9, Rule 52, or Rule 53 may result in the Court striking your filing for failure to comply with the rules. View the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Where can I find a list of process servers certified statewide who are certified by the Supreme Court, apply for statewide certification, or find information about the Process Service Review Board?

Information about process server certification, including contact information, is available from the Process Server Review Board web page. Please do not seek guidance from the staff of the Texas Supreme Court or the Office of Court Administration.

What do I need to be admitted pro hac vice in the Texas Supreme Court or another Texas Court?

Pro hac vice admissions are governed by Rule XIX of the Rules Governing Admission to the Bar of Texas. An electronic copy of these rules, and other information governing pro hac vice admission, is available on the website of the Board of Law Examiners through the following link: http://www.ble.state.tx.us/atty_us/rule19notice2.htm

I need a lawyer, how can I find one?

In addition to the low-income Referral Directory, the State Bar of Texas maintains a Lawyer Referral Service. The number is (800) 252-9690. All of the Referral Programs are listed on the page Lawyer Referral Services - Full Fee and Reduced Fee on the Referral Directory. The Texas Access to Justice Commission maintains a link on its website to a listing of attorney referral services. Click here for the link.

I cannot afford a lawyer, how can I get the Supreme Court to appoint one for me?

Appointment of lawyers is usually done at the trial court level. If you are in search of an attorney to represent you, the State Bar of Texas maintains a referral directory on its website. Categorized by county, it contains the Texas Lawyers Care guide to help low-income Texans find civil legal services. Although the State Bar of Texas referral directory probably contains the information you are looking for, you can also call your local bar association, or the one in a large city near you, to see if they can assist you in finding an attorney.

In addition, the Supreme Court of Texas has appointed the Texas Equal Access to Justice Commission to develop and publish a strategic plan for statewide delivery of legal services to low-income Texans. The commission maintains a link to a lawyer referral directory on its website.

Where can I find information on how to appeal to the Supreme Court?

There are many laws that govern appeals to the Supreme Court of Texas, and for that reason, you should seek the advice of an attorney. The Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure provide detailed directions on filing appeals. These rules are found in most libraries and may also be found on in the rules section of our web site. Generally an appeal from a lower court is done through a petition for review. View the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.

What if I want to present my case in person before the Court?

When the Court accepts a case for review, it generally sets a date for oral argument. At that time, the lawyer representing a party before the Court, or a party that is self-represented, will present argument. The Court may decide a case without argument.

What is the filing fee?

There are no filing fees for responses to petitions for review, briefs on the merits, responses to briefs on the merits, and replies to briefs on the merits. For a list of the filing fees that apply, see the table below.

Supreme Court Filing Fees

Petition for Review	$125.00
Additional Fee if Granted	$75.00
Motion for Extension of Time	$10.00
Petition for Writ of Mandamus, Habeas Corpus, Prohibition, Injunction and other original proceedings	$125.00
Motion for Rehearing	$15.00
Miscellaneous Motions (not covered above or in Tex. Gov't Code § 51.05)	$10.00
Exhibits tendered for argument	$25
Certified Question from Federal courts	$150
Direct Appeal (case appealed directly to the Texas Supreme Court from a state district court)	$175
Any other proceeding filed in the Texas Supreme Court (refers to petitions; not all other filings)	$150

These fees are established by Court order or statute. As such, waivers for exemption from bond or security for court costs or appeals do not apply. Unpaid fees will be reported to the Court for action as appropriate.

Motions accompanying other actions must be treated as separate filings and the appropriate filing fee paid.

Fees may be paid in cash, by check or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to, "Clerk, Supreme Court of Texas". Credit cards are not accepted.

Where do I file a complaint against a judge?

Complaints against a judge are handled by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (512) 463-5533 or toll-free (877) 228-5750. The Commission investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and disability. As a general rule, "wrong" or unpopular decisions by a judge are not considered judicial misconduct, and are properly the subject of an appeal to a higher court. Discretionary decisions of a judge, such as evidentiary rulings at trial, granting or denying a motion, awarding or denying custody or visitation, the setting of fines and bonds, or the imposition of sentences in criminal cases, are also not normally matters for Commission review. The Commission cannot "reverse" or amend any decision made by a judge, nor remove a judge from hearing a case.

Where do I file a complaint against a lawyer?

Complaints against Texas attorneys are handled by the State Bar of Texas, Client Assistance and Grievance. Complaints regarding the unauthorized practice of law are handled by the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee.

Updated: 18-Oct-2011