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Abbreviated Table of Contents

Chapter 1          Civil Litigation

Chapter 2          Car Accident Cases

Chapter 3          Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Practices

Chapter 4          Business Litigation

Chapter 5          Landlord-Tenant Relations

Chapter 6          Employer-Employee Relations

Chapter 7          Credit and Collections

Chapter 8          Organizing and Operating a Small Business

Chapter 9          Buying and Selling a Small Business

Chapter 10        Marriage Dissolution

Chapter 11        Estate Planning

Chapter 12        Estate Administration

Chapter 13        Guardianships

Chapter 14        DWI Defense

Chapter 15        Misdemeanor Defense

Chapter 16        Real Estate

Table of Cases

Table of Statutes

Index

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Civil Litigation

I.     General Policies and Procedures

A.   General Points

§1:01    The Lawyer’s Creed and Rules of Professional Conduct

§1:02    Written Policies and Procedures

§1:03    Telephone Procedures

§1.04     Confidentiality

§1:05    Billing Records

§1:06    Keeping Clients

§1:07    Avoiding Malpractice

B.   Keeping Up With All the Dates

§1:10    Calendars

§1:11    Tickler System

C.   Getting Paid

§1:20    Choosing Cases That Pay

§1:21    Time Keeping and Billing

§1:22    Fees and Costs as Part of a Recovery

§1:23    Court Appointed Representation

§1:24    Ethical Considerations

II.    Reviewing and Accepting Cases

§1:30    The Initial Client Interview

§1:31    Accepting the Case

§1:32    Employment Contracts

§1:33    Declining Representation

§1:34    Statute of Limitations

§1:35    Fees

§1:36    Advising Veterans About Benefits

§1:37    Suing Government Entities

III.   Pre-Suit Activities

A.   Documents

§1:40    Demand Letters

§1:41    Correspondence

B.   Research

§1:50    Local Rules

§1:51    Investigating the Case

§1:52    Notice Requirements

§1:53    Internet Research

IV.   Initiating the Action

A.   General Points

§1:60    Preparing the Petition

§1:61    Supplemental and Amended Pleadings

§1:62    Verified Pleas

§1:63    Legal Documents

B.   Courts & Jurisdiction

§1:70    Federal Courts

§1:71    State Courts Generally

§1:72    District Courts

§1:73    Constitutional County Courts

§1:74    County Courts at Law—a.k.a. Statutory County Courts

§1:75    Probate Courts

§1:76    Justice of the Peace Courts

§1:77    Municipal Courts

§1:78    Other Considerations in Determining the Court

C.   Filing the Lawsuit

§1:80    Try to Settle First

§1:81    The Clerk’s Office

§1:82    Service of Process

§1:83    Whom to Serve

§1:84    Substituted Service

§1:85    Service by Publication

D.   Parties

§1:90    Jurisdiction Over Parties

§1:91    Capacity

§1:92    New Parties

§1:93    Impleader

§1:94    Interpleader

§1:95    Intervention

§1:96    Immunity

V.   Default Judgment

§1:100   Seeking a Default Judgment

§1:101   Challenges to a Default Judgment

VI.   Defending a Lawsuit

A.   General Points

§1:110   Representation by Attorney or Pro se

§1:111   The Defendant’s Options

§1:112   Answer

§1:113   Affirmative Defenses

B.   Objecting to Jurisdiction

§1:120   Make a Special Appearance

§1:121   Include an Answer

§1:122   Request a Hearing

§1:123   Affidavits

§1:124   Don’t Invoke the Court’s Jurisdiction

§1:125   Sanctions on Special Appearance

C.   Removal to Federal Court

§1:126   Diversity Jurisdiction

§1:127   Fraudulent Joinder

§1:128   Motion to Remand

D.   Venue and Forum Challenges

§1:130   Venue Challenges

§1:131   Forum Non Conveniens

§1:132   Notice and Time Limitations

§1:133   Hearing

§1:134   Sanctions

§1:135   Appeals

§1:136   Mandatory Venue Provisions

§1:137   Permissive Venue

VII.  Motions

§1:140   General Points

§1:141   TROs and Temporary Injunctions

§1:142   Motion for Continuance

§1:143   Summary Judgments

VIII. Discovery

A.   General Points

§1:150   Governing Rules and Discovery Control Plan

§1:151   Service and Response Times

§1:152   Filing

§1:153   Objections to Discovery

§1:154   Motions to Compel

§1:155   Protective Orders

§1:156   Discovery Traps

B.   Types of Discovery

§1:160   Requests for Disclosure

§1:161   Interrogatories

§1:162   Requests for Admissions

§1:163   Depositions

§1:164   Defending a Deposition

§1:165   Inspection of Documents and Other Things

§1:166   Physical and Mental Exams

§1:167   Electronic Discovery

C.   Subpoenas & Business Record Affidavits

§1:170   Subpoenas and Subpoenas Duces Tecum

§1:171   Business Records Affidavits

IX.   Alternative Dispute Resolutions

§1:180   General Points

§1:181   Mediation

§1:182   Arbitration

X.    Withdrawals and Dismissals

§1:190   Withdrawals

§1:191   Motion to Dismiss

XI.   Trial and Post-Trial

§1:200   Prepare

§1:201   Requesting a Jury Trial

§1:202   Pre-Emptory Challenges

§1:203   The Jury Charge

§1:204   Witness Preparation

§1:205   Judgment

§1:206   Motion for New Trial

§1:207   Bill of Review

Forms

Form 1:10     Lawyer’s Creed

Form 1:20     Office Procedures Manual

Form 1:30     Telephone Procedures

Form 1:40     General Information Intake Questionnaire

Form 1:50     Checklist—Interview

Form 1:60     Filing and File Control

Form 1:70     File Information Sheet

Form 1:80     Contract for Employment

Form 1:90     Contract for Employment (With an “Evergreen” Clause)

Form 1:100   Declining Representation Letter

Form 1:110   Statute of Limitations

Form 1:120   Fees: Court

Form 1:130   Fees: Attorney

Form 1:140   Time Sheet

Form 1:150   Affidavit

Form 1:160   Tape Recording

Form 1:170   Internet Resources

Form 1:180   Original Petition

Form 1:190   Checklist for the Petition

Form 1:200   Certificate of Service

Form 1:210   Certificate of Conference

Form 1:220   Affidavit of Indigency (Pauper’s Oath)

Form 1:230   Courts—Federal

Form 1:240   Courts—State

Form 1:250   Abatement

Form 1:260   Appeal—Letter to Client (From JP Court)

Form 1:270   Appeal Bond From JP Court

Form 1:280   Procedures for Filing the Lawsuit

Form 1:290   Order for Service of Process

Form 1:300   Alternate Service Motion and Order and Affidavit (Rule 106)

Form 1:310   Notice by Publication

Form 1:320   Motion and Order of Appointment of an Ad Litem After Publication

Form 1:330   Statement of Evidence

Form 1:340   Impleader/Joinder/Original Third-Party Petition

Form 1:350   Interpleader

Form 1:360   Intervention

Form 1:370   Default Judgment

Form 1:380   Answer

Form 1:390   Procedures for Filing the Answer

Form 1:400   Special Appearance

Form 1:410   Motion for TRO and Temporary Injunction

Form 1:420   Motion for Continuance and Order

Form 1:430   Request for Disclosure

Form 1:440   Interrogatories

Form 1:450   Verification

Form 1:460   Request for Admissions

Form 1:470   Procedures: Discovery

Form 1:480   Depositions

Form 1:490   Deposition Notice

Form 1:500   Deposition Letter

Form 1:510   Stipulation to Use Prior to Telephone Deposition

Form 1:520   Deposition by Written Questions

Form 1:530   Request for Production

Form 1:540   Motion for Physical/Mental Exam

Form 1:550   Discovery Answers/Objections to Discovery

Form 1:560   Checklist for Preparing and Challenging Objections to Discovery

Form 1:570   Motion to Compel Discovery

Form 1:580   Protective Order Against Discovery

Form 1:590   Subpoena Application

Form 1:600   Subpoena Duces Tecum Application

Form 1:610   Subpoena

Form 1:620   Procedures: Subpoena

Form 1:630   Business Records Letter

Form 1:640   Business Records Affidavit

Form 1:650   Release Agreement

Form 1:660   Withdrawal Motion and Order

Form 1:670   Withdrawal Letter

Form 1:680   Withdrawal Letter 2

Form 1:690   Motion to Substitute Counsel

Form 1:700   Tickler

Form 1:710   Attorneys’ Fees Testimony

Form 1:720   Order for Payment Form

Form 1:730   Application and Order to Be Paid

Form 1:740   Memorandum of Law

Form 1:750   Request for a Jury Trial

Form 1:760   Jury Charge

Form 1:770   Instructions for Witnesses

Form 1:780   Moral Turpitude

Form 1:790   Voir Dire

Form 1:800   Introducing Tangible Evidence

Form 1:810   Common Objections

Form 1:820   Best Evidence Rule

Form 1:830   Court Reporters

Form 1:840   Impeachment

Form 1:850   Notice of Nonsuit

Form 1:860   Motion to Dismess for Want of Prosecution

Form 1:870   Judgment

Form 1:880   Release of Judgment

Form 1:890   Motion for New Trial

Form 1:900   Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

Form 1:910   Notary Acknowledgment

Form 1:920   Motion for Summary Judgment

Form 1:930   Petition for Order to Take Oral Deposition Under Rule 202.1

Form 1:940   Motion for Mediation

Chapter 2

Car Accident Cases

I.     General Points

§2:01    Essential Elements

§2:02    Problems With Personal Injury Work

§2:03    Referral Agreements

II.    Types of Personal Injury Actions

§2:10    Car Accidents Are Typical

§2:11    Wrongful Death Claims

§2:12    Survival Actions

§2:13    Medical Malpractice

§2:14    Health Care Treatment Decisions

§2:15    Other Types of Actions

III.   Office Procedures

§2:20    The Initial Client Contact: Telephone Procedures

§2:21    Interviewing the Client

§2:22    Evaluating the Client and the Case

§2:23    The Contract

§2:24    Termination of Employment Contract

§2:25    Record Authorizations

§2:26    Advances to Cover Costs

IV.   Investigating the Case

A.   Liability

§2:30    Determining Liability and Causation

§2:31    Act Quickly

§2:32    Hiring an Investigator

§2:33    Retaining Experts

B.   Damages

1.   General Points

§2:40    Damage Definitions

§2:41    Gathering the Data

§2:42    Medical Records and Bills

2.   Types of Damages

§2:50    Past Medical Expenses

§2:51    Future Medical Expenses

§2:52    Disfigurement

§2:53    Physical Pain

§2:54    Mental Anguish

§2:55    Loss of Consortium

§2:56    Loss of Household Services

§2:57    Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

§2:58    Physical or Mental Impairment

§2:59    Property Damage

§2:60    Exemplary Damages

§2:61    Prejudgment Interest

C.   Insurance Coverage

§2:70    Determine Insurance Coverage

§2:71    Liability

§2:72    Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

§2:73    Comprehensive

§2:74    Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist

V.    Pleadings

§2:80    Statute of Limitations

§2:81    Filing a Petition

§2:82    Insurer Cannot Be Joined as a Third-Party Defendant

§2:83    Forum Non Conveniens

§2:84    Answering a Petition

VI.   Dealing With Insurance Companies

A.   The Opponent’s Insurer

§2:90    Insurance Adjusters

§2:91    Reserves

§2:92    Notice Letters

§2:93    Timing for a Demand Letter

§2:94    Determining the Amount of the Demand

§2:95    Writing the Demand Letter

§2:96    Brochures and Videos

§2:97    Negotiations

B.   The Client’s Insurer

§2:100   Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

§2:101   Insurer’s Subrogation Rights

§2:102   Stacking Policies

§2:103   Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

C.   Bad Faith

§2:110   Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

§2:111   The Bad Faith Cause of Action

§2:112   Document Delays and Unfair Dealing

§2:113   Stowers: Failure to Settle for Policy Limits

§2:114   Stowers: When Representing Plaintiffs

§2:115   Stowers: When Representing Defendants

§2:116   Punitive Damages Cannot Be Excessive

VII.  Settling the Case

A.   Types of Settlements

§2:120   Cash (Lump Sum)

§2:121   Structured Settlements

§2:122   Tax Implications

B.   Working With the Client

§2:130   Client’s Refusal to Settle

§2:131   Capacity and Authority

§2:132   Settlement With Minors or Incompetents

C.   The Settlement Agreement

§2:140   Review the File and Procedures

§2:141   Settlement Agreement as a Contract

§2:142   Consideration

§2:143   Writing and Filing Requirements

§2:144   Collusive Agreements Are Illegal

§2:145   One Satisfaction Rule

§2:146   Affect of Settlement on Co-Defendant

§2:147   Release

D.   Third Parties

§2:150   Subrogation Claims

§2:151   Tax Consequences

§2:152   Paying the Bills

VIII. Discovery

§2:160   Comply With Requests You Receive

§2:161   Informal Discovery and Request for Disclosure

§2:162   Interrogatories, Production & Admissions

§2:163   Documents and Physical Exams

§2:164   Depositions

IX.   Arbitration and Trial

§2:170   Arbitration

§2:171   Prepare for Trial

§2:172   Trial Evidence

§2:173   The Physician

§2:174   Evidence of Settlement Offers

§2:175   Surveillance Evidence

§2:176   Perjury for Underreported Income

Forms

Form 2:10     Procedures—Telephone Intake

Form 2:20     Questionnaire: Basic Case

Form 2:30     Questionnaire: Complex Case

Form 2:40     Interview

Form 2:50     Declining Representation—No Insurance

Form 2:60     Declining Representation—No Fault

Form 2:70     Contract for Employment—Simple

Form 2:80     Contract for Employment—Complex (Includes a Power of Attorney)

Form 2:90     Medical and Employment Records Release

Form 2:100   Initial Letter to Personal Injury Client

Form 2:110   Notice of Unsatisfied Judgment

Form 2:120   Referral Agreement

Form 2:130   Letter of Protection (LOP)

Form 2:140   Letter to the Investigator

Form 2:150   Open Records Request (For Police Report)

Form 2:160   Expert Letter

Form 2:170   Petition for Personal Injury

Form 2:180   Notify Defendant Letter

Form 2:190   Notify Defendant’s Insurance Letter

Form 2:200   Motion in Limine, Plaintiff’s

Form 2:210   Motion in Limine, Defendant’s

Form 2:220   Letter to Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist Carrier

Form 2:230   Medicare Letter

Form 2:240   Medicaid Letter

Form 2:250   Subrogation Letter

Form 2:260   Demand Letter

Form 2:270   Demand Letter for PIP

Form 2:280   Payment Letter

Form 2:290   Office Procedures

Form 2:300   Checklist for Plaintiff

Form 2:310   Checklist for Defense

Form 2:320   Settlement Letter

Form 2:330   Release

Form 2:340   Discontinue Representation Letter

Form 2:350   Letter Encouraging Settlement

Form 2:360   Final Hearing in a Case Involving an Injured Child

Form 2:370   Letter to Insurance Company Documenting Delay

Form 2:380   Bad Faith Letter

Form 2:390   Stowers Letter

Form 2:400   Recorded Statement

Form 2:410   Interrogatories—Plaintiff

Form 2:420   Interrogatories—Defendant

Form 2:430   Letter to Accompany Interrogatories

Form 2:440   Admissions

Form 2:450   Production

Form 2:460   Request to Inspect Premises

Form 2:470   Deposition Questions

Form 2:480   Jury Charge

Form 2:490   Voir Dire

Form 2:500   Personal Injury Trial Script

Chapter 3

Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Practices

I.     General Points

§3:01    The DTPA Unlawful Acts

§3:02    Statute of Limitations

§3:03    The Initial Client Contact

§3:04    The Contract

§3:05    Consumer Status

II.    Notice

§3:10    Notice Letter: Timing

§3:11    Notice Letter: Contents

§3:12    Failure to Give DTPA Notice

§3:13    Failure of Defendant to Request Abatement

III.   Damages

§3:20    Actual Damages

§3:21    Treble Damages

§3:22    Mental Anguish

§3:23    Criminal Penalties

§3:24    Attorney Fees

IV.   Pretrial Activities

§3:30    Mediation