In one sentenceRule 810 sets what the petition must contain in a suit to settle title authorized by Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 17.003 — the parties' real names, a description identifying the property, and the interest the plaintiff claims.
Full Text of Rule 810
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The petition in actions authorized by Section 17.003, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, shall state the real names of the plaintiff and defendant, and shall describe the property involved with sufficient certainty to identify the same, the interest which the plaintiff claims, and such proceedings shall be had in such action as may be necessary to fully settle and determine the question of right or title in and to said property between the parties to said suit, and to decree the title or right of the party entitled thereto; and the court may issue the appropriate order to carry such decree, judgment or order into effect; and whenever such petition has been duly filed and citation thereon has been duly served by publication as required by Rules 114 -116, the plaintiff may, at any time prior to entering the decree by leave of court first had and obtained, file amended and supplemental pleadings that do not subject additional property to said suit without the necessity of reciting the defendants so cited as aforesaid.
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Plain-English Summary
Rule 810 governs the special suit to determine right or title under section 17.003 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. The petition states the real names of the plaintiff and defendant, describes the property with enough certainty to identify it, and sets out the interest the plaintiff claims. The court then takes the steps needed to settle the question of title between the parties and may issue orders to carry its decree into effect. After citation by publication under Rules 114-116, the plaintiff may, at any time prior to entering the decree and by leave of court, amend without re-citing the served defendants, so long as no new property is drawn into the suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must the petition state in a Texas suit to determine title under section 17.003?
The real names of the parties, a description identifying the property, and the interest the plaintiff claims (Rule 810).
What can the plaintiff amend after citation by publication under Rule 810?
Amended and supplemental pleadings, with leave of court, at any time prior to entering the decree, so long as the amendment does not draw new property into the suit.
Does the plaintiff have to re-cite served defendants after such an amendment?
No. Rule 810 lets the plaintiff amend without re-citing defendants already served, provided no new property enters the case.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 810), 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:suit to determine title pleading requirementssection 17.003 petitionamending petition after publication citationsettling right or title between partiesTRCP 810