Rule 12. ATTORNEY TO SHOW AUTHORITY
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Texas Rules of Civil Procedure › Rule 12
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RULE 12. ATTORNEY TO SHOW AUTHORITY
A party in a suit or proceeding pending in a court of this state may, by sworn written motion stating
that he believes the suit or proceeding is being prosecuted or defended without authority, cause the
attorney to be cited to appear before the court and show his authority to act. The notice of the
motion shall be served upon the challenged attorney at least ten days before the hearing on the
motion. At the hearing on the motion, the burden of proof shall be upon the challenged attorney to
show sufficient authority to prosecute or defend the suit on behalf of the other party. Upon his
failure to show such authority, the court shall refuse to permit the attorney to appear in the cause,
and shall strike the pleadings if no person who is authorized to prosecute or defend appears. The
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motion may be heard and determined at any time before the parties have announced ready for trial,
but the trial shall not be unnecessarily continued or delayed for the hearing.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.