Removal
S.D. Tex. — SDTX sees high removal volume from Texas state courts across 48 counties.
SDTX sees high removal volume from Texas state courts across 48 counties. LR 81 specifies exactly which documents to attach — and says "only" those documents. Do not attach the entire state court file. Galveston: must serve Galveston Division Rules on all parties with removal papers. LR 81.
Required Attachments (LR 81)
- All executed process
- Pleadings asserting causes of action + all answers
- All orders signed by state judge
- The docket sheet
- Index of matters being filed
- List of all counsel (addresses, phone numbers, parties represented)
"Only" is the operative word. Attach what the rule requires and nothing more.
Galveston Division Extra Step
Must serve copy of Galveston Division Rules of Practice on all other parties with removal papers, and file proof of that service.
Post-Removal
Standard pretrial timeline applies. Initial pretrial conference within 140 days of notice of removal (LR 16.1).