Under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, parties usually have 30 days to respond to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission. Defendants get 50 days if discovery is served before their answer is due. Learn how the 30-day and 50-day rules work, when to add 3 extra days for mail or fax service, and the risks of missing the deadline for requests for admission.
Initial Disclosures (TRCP 194.2) Trigger Deadline Notes Filing of the first answer or general appearance 30 days to respondUnless a different time is set by agreement or court order. Except in a suit governed by the Family Code Party first served or otherwise joined after the first answer or general appearance 30 days after being served or joinedUnless a different time is set by agreement or court order. Except in a suit governed by the Family Code.
Interrogatories (TRCP 197.2(a)) Trigger Deadline Notes Service of interrogatories 30 days to respondExcept as modified below. Defendant served before answer due 50 days to respondGives extra time if discovery served with petition. If served by mail/fax/delivery Add 3 days (TRCP 21a) No extra time for e-service/email.
Requests for Production & Inspection (TRCP 196.2(a)) Trigger Deadline Notes Service of requests 30 days to respondExcept as modified below. Defendant served before answer due 50 days to respondSame as interrogatories. If served by mail/fax/delivery Add 3 days TRCP 21a.
Requests for Admission (TRCP 198.2(a)) Trigger Deadline Notes Service of RFAs 30 days to respondMust specifically admit/deny or explain. Defendant served before answer due 50 days to respondSame as above. Failure to timely respond Deemed admitted Unless court permits withdrawal. If served by mail/fax/delivery Add 3 days TRCP 21a.
Oral Depositions (TRCP 199.2(b)(5)) Trigger Deadline Notes Notice of oral deposition Must give reasonable notice Generally interpreted as 10+ days absent agreement or court order.
Written Depositions (TRCP 200.1(b)) Trigger Deadline Notes Notice of deposition upon written questions Served at least 20 days before deposition date Cross-questions due 10 days after service; redirect due 5 days after cross.
Supplementation (TRCP 193.5) Trigger Deadline Notes Duty to supplement discovery responses “Reasonably promptly” But no later than 30 days before trial .
Deadline Data Bites:
Most Texas discovery responses = 30 days , but 50 days if served before answer due. Always check for +3 days if service was by mail, fax, or delivery. Requests for admission are the most dangerous — miss it and they’re deemed admitted . Supplementation must be timely, and always at least 30 days before trial .
