In one sentenceRule 174 lets the court combine cases that share a common question of law or fact, and lets it split off a claim or issue for a separate trial to avoid prejudice or for convenience.
(a)Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.
(b)Separate Trials. The court in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice may order a separate trial of any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party claim, or of any separate issue or of any number of claims, cross-claims, counterclaims, third-party claims, or issues.
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Plain-English Summary
Rule 174 gives the court two case-management tools that point in opposite directions. When separate actions share a common question of law or fact, the court may try them together or consolidate them outright to save cost and delay. When trying everything at once would be unwieldy or unfair, the court may order a separate trial of a single claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, third-party claim, or issue.
Both moves rest in the court's discretion. The aim is the same either way: handle the dispute in whatever grouping is most efficient and fair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between consolidation and a separate trial?
Consolidation merges related cases so they move forward together. A separate trial breaks one case into parts so a claim or issue is tried on its own. Rule 174 lets the court do either.
Can a Texas court order separate trials on its own?
Yes. The court may order a separate trial of a claim or issue in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice, as part of its discretion to manage 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. 174), 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:consolidationseparate trialsjoint trialbifurcationTRCP 174