Vernon's Texas Rules Annotated - VTRA TX R HAYS CTY DIST Chapter 16. Mediation

16.1. Alternative Dispute Resolution is Encouraged.  It is the policy of the Hays County District Courts to encourage the peaceable resolution of disputes and the early settlement of pending litigation by identifying cases appropriate for referral to mediation.  Parties are also encouraged to attempt to settle their cases through the use of alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, arbitration, and informal settlement discussions.

16.2. Non-Jury Cases.  Mediation may be ordered in a non-jury case at the Judge's discretion.

16.3. Jury Cases Must Be Mediated.  All cases set on the jury docket must be mediated no later than forty-five (45) days prior to trial.  Mediation is required in jury cases unless waived by the Court.  Parties are responsible for ensuring that the Mediator's report is filed with the District Clerk no later than thirty (30) days before the trial date.  A copy of the Mediator's report must be delivered to the Civil Court Coordinator for the District Court Judges on the same day it is filed with the District Clerk.  Failure to comply with the provisions of this section regarding mediation could result in the trial setting being dropped or other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Court.