Rule 503.3.Settings and Notice; Postponing Trial
Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 503.3 has the judge set the case on a trial docket after the defendant answers, with notice to the parties, and lets a party move to postpone the trial on a showing of why a postponement is necessary.
Full Text of Rule 503.3
(a) Settings and Notice. After the defendant answers, the case will be set on a trial docket at the discretion of the judge. The court must send a notice of the date, time, and place of this setting to all parties at their address of record no less than 45 days before the setting date, unless the judge determines that an earlier setting is required in the interest of justice. Reasonable notice of all subsequent settings must be sent to all parties at their addresses of record.
(b) Postponing Trial. A party may file a motion requesting that the trial be postponed. The motion must state why a postponement is necessary. The judge, for good cause, may postpone any trial for a reasonable time.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 503.3 covers getting the case to trial. After the defendant answers, the judge sets the case on a trial docket at the judge's discretion, and the court must give the parties notice of the setting. A party may file a motion to postpone the trial, stating why a postponement is necessary; the judge decides whether to grant it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a justice court trial scheduled in Texas?
After the defendant answers, the judge sets the case on a trial docket and the court notifies the parties (Rule 503.3).
How much advance notice do you get before a Texas justice court trial?
Generally at least 45 days, under Rule 503.3, unless the judge decides an earlier setting serves the interest of justice.
Can a Texas justice court trial date be pushed back?
Yes. Rule 503.3 lets a party move to postpone trial by explaining why, and the judge may grant a postponement for good cause.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 503.3), 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: settings and noticepostponing trial justice courttrial settingTRCP 503.3