On October 1, 2025, Texas launched automatic case notifications for attorneys statewide, finally solving a problem that had tripped up even diligent lawyers. If you’ve noticed new messages from no-reply@researchtx.com, those are Case Notices, the automatic notification system now built into re:SearchTX, the state’s online case records and alerts platform.
If you’re an attorney of record in an integrated Texas county, you’ll now receive notifications about all case activity—orders, motions, and filings—whether you’ve registered for re:SearchTX or not.
The Problem
Texas has required e-filing in civil cases for more than a decade. Yet despite that sophistication, our e-filing system didn’t notify parties when trial courts signed orders or judgments. Lawyers sometimes missed jurisdictional deadlines because they never learned a critical order had been signed. Signed orders and judgments were missing from re:SearchTX, preventing it from becoming a true PACER equivalent for Texas trial courts.
In 2023, the Legislature tried to fix the problem by requiring clerks to deliver copies of signed orders and judgments to the parties through the e-filing system. But implementation varied widely across Texas counties, leaving lawyers uncertain whether they’d receive timely notice in any given case.
When the System Failed: The Whataburger Case
The consequences of missed notices weren’t theoretical. In In re Whataburger Restaurants LLC, 645 S.W.3d 188 (Tex. 2022), the Texas Supreme Court confronted the issue head-on. In August 2018, a clerk failed to provide notice by mail under former Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 306a(3) when the trial court denied its motion to compel arbitration. Whataburger’s lawyer didn’t learn about the ruling until five months later, when opposing counsel mentioned it in an email.
By then, the appeal deadline had long passed. The clerk’s failure to send notice cost Whataburger its right to appeal.
Whataburger had to seek mandamus relief from the Supreme Court. The Court held that when a clerk’s mistake prevents an appeal, mandamus is the proper remedy. The case took more than nine years to resolve—all because a clerk failed to send a notice.
The old system depended on clerks manually sending notices, a process vulnerable to human error. Case Notices eliminates this problem by replacing manual processes with automated notifications.
The Solution
The Texas Supreme Court tasked the Judicial Committee on Information Technology with developing a solution. I participated in this process, from early drafts to Supreme Court approval, as a longtime JCIT member.
In May 2025, the Court approved rule changes addressing both the notification requirement and implementation. Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21(f) now requires clerks to send orders, notices, and other documents through an electronic filing system (defined to include re:SearchTX) approved by the Supreme Court. Clerks must also integrate their case management systems with re:SearchTX.
Case Notices fulfills this new rule by automating every step of the notification chain.
How It Works
Case Notices are automatic notifications sent to attorneys of record using their State Bar eService email addresses. Unlike Case Alerts—which require a manual opt-in and a paid subscription—Case Notices require no action from you and are free. The system pulls your bar number from the clerk’s case management system, looks up your eService address, and sends notifications whenever something is added to the docket.
Case Notices only work in integrated counties. Integration means the clerk’s case management system communicates and shares data directly with re:SearchTX.
The vast majority of Texas courts are now integrated, with most others coming online soon. Nearly all metro areas are already live.
What Triggers Case Notices
Anything docketed in your case—court orders, motions, responses, notices of hearing, judgments—triggers a Case Notice. Emails usually arrive within 30 minutes after the clerk enters the document.
For lawyers juggling multiple active cases, this means court orders no longer slip through the cracks. You’re notified shortly after the clerk processes them—not when you happen to check the docket or when opposing counsel forwards you a copy.
When a document gets filed electronically, you’ll receive your usual e-filing service email, then receive a Case Notice as well. The duplication can be mildly annoying, but the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll receive court orders immediately makes any inbox duplication worthwhile.
The Email Format
Case Notices arrive from no-reply@researchtx.com. The subject line and body include the case number and style, so you can immediately identify the case.
Each email includes a table describing the filing (for example, “Order”) and a link to view the document in re:SearchTX. If your email service blocks links, a plain-text URL is provided.
Registration v. No Registration
You don’t need a re:SearchTX account to receive Case Notices. They’re sent automatically based on your status as attorney of record.
But if you click a document link and haven’t registered, the system will prompt you to do so before displaying it. Registering takes just a few minutes at research.txcourts.gov. Using your existing eFileTexas credentials speeds the process.
Case Notices v. Case Alerts
These features serve different purposes:
- Case Alerts: Opt-in notifications for any case you choose to monitor. Requires re:SearchTX registration. Free for cases where you’re a party or attorney of record, and a small fee for others.
- Case Notices: Automatic notifications for cases where you’re the attorney of record. No registration needed. Always free.
You can’t opt out of Case Notices. The only way to stop receiving them is to withdraw as attorney of record.
Four Action Items for Attorneys
- Verify your State Bar eService email. Log in to your State Bar profile and confirm that your eService email is current and monitored.
- Use a distribution list. Your State Bar record allows one eService address, but you can use a distribution list to route Case Notices to multiple recipients.
- Clean up old cases. If you’re still listed as attorney of record in closed or transferred cases, you’ll start receiving notices for them. Withdraw as counsel of record or prepare to delete those emails.
- Register for re:SearchTX. You’ll need an account to view documents. Register now to avoid delays when time-sensitive orders arrive.
Official Notice
Case Notices satisfy the clerk’s duty to notify attorneys of case activity. These aren’t courtesy reminders—they’re official notice under Texas law.
Questions, Support, and Acknowledgements
Case Notices are managed by the Office of Court Administration in partnership with Tyler Technologies. The re:SearchTX homepage includes a video and FAQ explaining how the system works.
For technical questions, email research.support@tylertech.com. For help updating your eService address, contact the State Bar of Texas.
This project reflects the collaborative efforts of many public servants, including former Justice Rebecca Simmons (JCIT Chair), recently retired Justice Jeff Boyd (Supreme Court liaison), and Casey Kennedy (Director of Information Services at OCA). Their work ensures that Case Notices will benefit Texas lawyers and courts for years to come.
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