Rule 141.Court May Otherwise Adjudge Costs
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 141 lets the court, for good cause stated on the record, allocate costs differently than the rules otherwise provide.
Full Text of Rule 141
The court may, for good cause, to be stated on the record, adjudge the costs otherwise than as provided by law or these rules.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 141 is the override on cost allocation. For good cause, stated on the record, the court may adjudge the costs otherwise than as a law or the rules would provide. It is the discretion that lets a court depart from the usual winner-takes-costs default in Rule 131.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Texas court make the winner pay costs?
Yes. Under Rule 141, for good cause stated on the record, the court may adjudge costs differently than the rules otherwise provide.
Does the court have to explain its reasons to depart from the usual cost rules?
Yes. Rule 141 requires the good cause to be stated on the record, not just decided without explanation.
How does Rule 141 relate to Rule 131's default cost rule?
Rule 131 makes the losing side pay costs by default. Rule 141 lets the court depart from that default, or from any other law or rule on costs, for good cause stated on the record.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 141), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: court may otherwise adjudge costsgood causecost allocationTRCP 141