Rule 14b.Return or Other Disposition of Exhibits

Last amended January 1, 1988 · Last verified June 28, 2026

In one sentenceRule 14b leaves exhibits with the clerk of the court where they were filed and lets the Supreme Court set how long they are kept and when they may be released or destroyed.

Full Text of Rule 14b

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The clerk of the court in which the exhibits are filed shall retain and dispose of the same as directed by the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Order Relating to Retention and Disposition of Exhibits

In compliance with the provisions of Rule 14b, the Supreme Court hereby directs that exhibits offered or admitted into evidence shall be retained and disposed of by the clerk of the court in which the exhibits are filed upon the following basis. This order shall apply only to: (1) those cases in which judgment has been rendered on service of process by publication and in which no motion for new trial was filed within two years after judgment was signed; and, (2) all other cases in which judgment has been signed for one year and in which no appeal was perfected or in which a perfected appeal was dismissed or concluded by a final judgement as to all parties and the issuance of the appellate court's mandate such that the case is no longer pending on appeal or in the trial court. The party who offered an exhibit may withdraw it from the clerk’s office within thirty days of the later of (1) a case becoming subject to this order, or (2) the effective date of this order. The clerk, unless otherwise directed by the court, may dispose of any exhibits remaining after such time period.

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Plain-English Summary

Rule 14b tells you who keeps trial exhibits and for how long. The clerk of the court where the exhibits were filed holds them and disposes of them as the Supreme Court directs.

A standing Supreme Court order, printed with the rule, fixes the timetable. In cases decided on service by publication, the clerk keeps exhibits for two years if no motion for new trial was filed. In other cases, the clerk keeps them for one year after the judgment is signed, once no appeal is pending. The party who offered an exhibit may withdraw it within thirty days; after that, the clerk may dispose of what remains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the clerk keep exhibits in Texas?

Under the Supreme Court order in Rule 14b, two years in cases decided by publication service with no new-trial motion, and one year after judgment in other cases once no appeal is pending.

Can I get my exhibit back?

Yes. The party who offered an exhibit may withdraw it from the clerk within thirty days of the case becoming subject to the order. After that, the clerk may dispose of it.

Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 14b), 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: return or other disposition of exhibitsretention of exhibitsdisposal of exhibitswithdraw an exhibitTRCP 14b