Rule 10 - TIME STANDARDS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF CASESDistrict and statutory county court judges should make every reasonable effort to ensure that each case is brought to trial or final disposition in conformity with the following time standards adopted by Rule 6 of the Rules of Judicial Administration:
10.1 Criminal Cases - Courts shall follow time limits and procedures as required by law to minimize undue delay and further the prompt disposition of criminal cases.10.2 Civil Cases Other Than Family Law a. Civil Jury Cases - Within 18 months from the appearance date.b. Civil Nonjury Cases - Within 12 months from the appearance date.10.3 Family Law Cases a. Contested Family Law Cases - The later of 6 months from the appearance date or within 6 months from the expiration of the waiting period provided by the Family Code where a waiting period is required. This requirement does not apply to cases under Chapter 262 of the Texas Family Code.b. Uncontested Family Law Cases - The later of 3 months from the appearance date or within 3 months from the expiration of the waiting period provided by the Family Code where such waiting period is required. This requirement does not apply to cases arising under Chapter 262 of the Texas Family Code.10.4 Juvenile Cases - In addition to the requirements of Chapter 54 of the Texas Family Code: a. Detention Hearings - On the next business day following admission to any detention facility.b. Adjudication or Transfer (Waiver) Hearings - If the hearing concerns a juvenile in a detention facility, the hearing shall occur not later than 10 days following the filing of the petition, except for good cause shown on the record. If the hearing concerns a juvenile not in a detention facility, the hearing shall occur not later than 30 days following the filing of the petition, except for good cause shown on the record.c. Disposition Hearings - Not later than 15 days following the adjudication hearing. The court may grant additional time in exceptional cases that require additional evaluation.d. Nothing in these rules prevents a judge from recessing a juvenile hearing at any stage of the proceeding when the parties agree or the judge believes the best interests of the child and society are served by a recess.10.5 Exceptions - Special circumstances and case complexity may make it impossible to adhere to these time standards for the disposition of cases.Tex. 1st. Admin. Jud. Reg. L. R. 10