Rule 502.1.Pleadings and Motions Must Be Written, Signed, and Filed

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 502.1 requires that every pleading, plea, motion, or application to the court — except oral motions made during trial or when all parties are present — be written, signed, and filed with the court.

Full Text of Rule 502.1

Text size

Except for oral motions made during trial or when all parties are present, every pleading, plea, motion, application to the court for an order, or other form of request must be written and signed by the party or its attorney and must be filed with the court. A document may be filed with the court by personal or commercial delivery, by mail, or electronically, if the court allows electronic filing. Electronic filing is governed by Rule 21.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 502.1 sets a basic formality. Except for oral motions made during trial or when all parties are present, every pleading, plea, motion, application to the court for an order, or other request must be written, signed by the party or its attorney, and filed with the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do justice-court motions have to be in writing?

Generally yes. Except oral motions during trial or when all parties are present, Rule 502.1 requires pleadings and motions to be written, signed, and filed.

Can you e-file documents in Texas justice court?

Yes, where the court allows it. Rule 502.1 permits electronic filing, governed by Rule 21, along with personal, commercial, or mail delivery.

Who has to sign a pleading or motion in Texas justice court?

The party or the party's attorney. Rule 502.1 requires that signature along with a written filing.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 502.1), 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: pleadings must be writtenwritten and signedelectronic filing justice courtfiling requirements justice courtTRCP 502.1