Rule 127.Parties Liable for Other Costs

Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 127 makes each party liable for the costs it incurs and allows execution against a party for those costs when they cannot be collected from the party they were adjudged against.

Full Text of Rule 127

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Each party to a suit shall be liable for all costs incurred by him. If the costs cannot be collected from the party against whom they have been judged, execution may issue against any party in such suit for the amount of costs incurred by such party, but no more.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 127 backs up cost liability with a collection tool. Each party is liable for the costs it incurs. If costs cannot be collected from the party they were judged against, execution may issue against any party in the suit — but only for the amount of costs that party itself incurred, and no more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be made to pay another party's court costs in Texas?

Under Rule 127, only your own incurred costs. Execution may issue against a party for the costs it incurred, but no more.

Why would a Texas court go after a different party's costs under Rule 127?

Because the party originally adjudged to pay can't be collected from. Rule 127 then lets execution issue against another party in the suit, but only for the costs that party itself incurred.

Does Rule 127 change who is first responsible for costs?

No. Rule 125 fixes each party's initial liability for its own costs. Rule 127 only adds a collection remedy for when the party first liable doesn't pay.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 127), 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: parties liable for other costsexecution for costsrecovering unpaid costs from another partywho pays if costs can't be collectedTRCP 127