Standing Temporary Restraining Order

The Standing Temporary Restraining Orders contained in Local Rule 4.7, for the 12th and 278th Judicial Districts are adopted and shall be in effect for all applicable family law cases filed in the 506th Judicial District Court. Further, unless specifically modified by order of the court, Rule 4 of the Local Rules shall remain in effect.

Setting Show Cause Hearings

Settings for temporary orders hearings, also called show cause hearings, shall be as provided for on this Web site. See the index in the left column or click here.

Summary Statements

At least two working days prior to the scheduled show cause hearing, counsel for both petitioner and respondent (or the pro se party) shall file a summary statement of their position with the court, either in person, via mail or via email. To the extent possible, please avoid faxing your summary statement. Mail your summary statement in sufficient time for it to be in the court’s hands two days prior to the hearing. All deliveries are to be at the Hempstead address shown on the Web site.

Click here for more information on Summary Statements.

Length of Hearings

Unless prior consent is obtained through the Court Coordinator, show cause hearings are to be scheduled for one hour only; that is 30-minutes per side. The summary statement should cover counsel’s opening statement and background for each witness. Therefore, at the hearing it is important for counsel to open with his or her lead witnesses and cut to the chase as much as possible, as soon as possible.