Important Notice

Dismissal Docket Process

Effective March 2, 2026, the court will follow the progression outlined below when a case is set on the DWOP (Dismissal for Want of Prosecution) Docket.

Disclaimer: This reflects the court’s standard progression. However, the court may skip or modify any step at its discretion to ensure proper adjudication of cases.

Answer Due or Default Judgment Discrepancies

Your case may be placed on the DWOP docket when:

• Defendant’s answer was due, but no default was requested
• A motion for default judgment was filed, but contains discrepancies

Because no valid default is on file, the case is set for a DWOP hearing.

Court Procedure for Answer/Default Issues: “30, 30, Prove Up”

This applies when the defendant has been served, but the plaintiff has not submitted a proper default motion or requested a Prove Up hearing.

• First 30 Days
  Judge may grant a 30‑day continuance to allow the plaintiff to correct or file the default.
• Second 30 Days
  Judge may grant another 30‑day continuance if still unresolved and the case will be set for Prove Up 30 days later.

Non‑Service or Other Procedural Issues

Your case may also be placed on the DWOP docket when the court receives no update regarding:

• Service of citation
• Defective or unsuccessful service
• One or more defendants not served in multi‑defendant cases
• Any other procedural issues affecting the case

Because no information has been provided, the case is set for a DWOP hearing.

Court Procedure for Non‑Service Issues: “30, 30, 30”

• This applies when service has not been completed and no updates have been provided.
• First 30 Days Judge may grant a 30‑day continuance.
• Second 30 Days Judge may grant a second 30‑day continuance if still unresolved.
• Third 30 Days Judge may grant a third 30‑day continuance and will set a date certain for the plaintiff to:
  • Perfect service,
  • Non‑suit the case, or
  • Correct outstanding issues.
• After the Third 30‑Day Period If no progress is made, the case will be dismissed for want of prosecution on the next business day.

Remote Hearing Notice

Effective immediately, please be advised that all eviction hearings are now held in person.

• No requests for remote hearings will be approved.

Mandatory Early Check‑In Requirement for All Hearings

Beginning March 1, 2023, to ensure Court begins promptly at the scheduled time, all parties must check in for the trial/hearing at least 20 minutes before their scheduled time as specified in the hearing/trial notice.

• Parties who appear on or after the court session starts will not be allowed access to the court session/room. 
• Failure to appear on time could result in a judgment against a party and/or dismissal of their claim.

If you encounter an emergency, contact the Court immediately at 817-884-1395 before your appointed time to appear.

New Filing Requirements for Motions for Continuance

Effective immediately, the Court will not consider all motions for continuances submitted with less than 24 hours (one business day) notice from the commencement of your scheduled hearing/trial. All parties must adhere to the 2-day before the scheduled hearing/trial date rule. (Read Below)

• Motions for continuance should be filed by e-file no later than two days before your scheduled hearing/trial date and must be in writing served on the opposing party and may be granted or denied at the discretion of the Court.

Increase in Filing Fees

Please be advised that on January 1, 2022, in accordance with S.B. 41, the filing fee for Justice Court civil suits will increase from $46 to $54. In addition to the increased filing fee, motions for new trials and appeals will now require this filing fee to be paid at the time of filing. For further information, you may contact the Court.

Electronic Communication By the Court

Please be advised that Effective August 1, 2021, All communications from litigants to the Court and the Court to litigants will be conducted electronically using E-File Texas (preferred), email or fax. Be aware; all notices, copies, judgments, and other documents sent by the Court to litigants will come from the JP1Court@tarrantcountytx.gov Email address.

Click here to read the Electronic Communication local rule  

Recording of any kind prohibited

Effective Monday, March 15, 2021, Recording, Taping, and Photographing by any means is Strictly Prohibited by any party participating in Court Proceedings remotely or in person.

Click here to read the Local Rule: Non-Recording of Court Proceedings and Staff Communication