Rule 75.Filed Pleadings; Withdrawal

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 75 keeps filed pleadings in the clerk's custody, allowing a pleading to be withdrawn only for a limited time by court order and only if a certified copy is left on file.

Full Text of Rule 75

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All filed pleadings shall remain at all times in the clerk's office or in the court or in custody of the clerk, except that the court may by order entered on the minutes allow a filed pleading to be withdrawn for a limited time whenever necessary, on leaving a certified copy on file. The party withdrawing such pleading shall pay the costs of such order and certified copy.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 75 protects the court's file. Filed pleadings stay at all times in the clerk's office, in the court, or in the clerk's custody. The court may, by an order entered on the minutes, allow a filed pleading to be withdrawn for a limited time when necessary — but only if the party leaves a certified copy on file. The withdrawing party pays the costs of the order and the copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you remove a filed pleading from a Texas court file?

Only for a limited time, by court order, and only by leaving a certified copy on file, under Rule 75. The withdrawing party pays the costs.

Where do filed pleadings stay in a Texas court?

Rule 75 keeps filed pleadings in the clerk's office, in the court, or in the clerk's custody at all times, apart from a limited withdrawal by court order.

What must a party leave behind to withdraw a filed pleading in Texas?

A certified copy. Rule 75 requires the withdrawing party to leave a certified copy on file and pay the costs of the order and the copy.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 75), 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: filed pleadings withdrawalwithdraw a pleadingclerk's custodyTRCP 75