Last amended January 1, 1967 · Last verified June 28, 2026
In one sentenceRule 74 defines filing as delivering pleadings, papers, and exhibits to the clerk — or, if the judge permits, to the judge, who notes the filing date and sends them on to the clerk.
Full Text of Rule 74
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The filing of pleadings, other papers and exhibits as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk of the court, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with him, in which event he shall note thereon the filing date and time and forthwith transmit them to the office of the clerk.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 74 says what “filing with the court” means. As a rule, you file pleadings, other papers, and exhibits with the clerk of the court. The judge may instead permit a paper to be filed with the judge; if so, the judge notes the filing date and time on it and promptly transmits it to the clerk's office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you file documents in a Texas court?
With the clerk of the court, under Rule 74 — unless the judge permits filing with the judge, who then notes the date and forwards the papers to the clerk.
Can you file papers with a Texas judge instead of the clerk?
Only if the judge permits it. Rule 74 lets the judge accept papers directly, note the filing date and time, and forward them to the clerk's office.
What counts as filing with the court under Rule 74?
Delivering pleadings, other papers, and exhibits to the clerk of the court, or to the judge when the judge allows 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. 74), 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:filing with the court definedfilingfile with the clerkTRCP 74