Mark Anderson | October 6, 2025 | Texas Law

Understanding Nunc Pro Tunc Judgments in Texas 

Sometimes a court might make a mistake in an order. Clerical errors could change the meaning of a judgment. Texas courts have a system in place for correcting clerical errors in orders. The corrected order is referred to as a nunc pro tunc judgment. 

Understanding the purpose of these orders and the process of obtaining a nunc pro tunc judgment can protect your rights in civil matters, including personal injury cases and wrongful death actions.

What Is the Purpose of Nunc Pro Tunc Judgments in Fort Worth?

Nunc pro tunc means “now for then” in Latin. It is the legal term that describes an order that retroactively fixes errors or omissions in court records. A nunc pro tunc judgment reflects the court’s original intent. These corrections strictly address clerical mistakes, not substantive changes, to ensure the legal record accurately depicts the court’s actual ruling.

Correcting errors such as typos, wrong dates, or omissions is the purpose of nunc pro tunc judgments. These judgments cannot be used to correct a judicial error, change a court’s reasoning, or alter the substantive rights of the parties involved.

When and Why To Request a Nunc Pro Tunc Judgment

A nunc pro tunc judgment may be requested when there is a clerical error or mistake in the record that misrepresents the court’s decision. Examples include incorrect dates, missing provisions, misspelled names, incorrect amounts, or typographical errors. 

It cannot be used to introduce new arguments, evidence, or alter legal outcomes that affect parties’ rights.

Examples of reasons to request nunc pro tunc judgments include:

  • Correcting the date of a divorce decree
  • Fixing the amount of a personal injury judgment for economic and non-economic damages
  • Having a judge sign an order incorrectly submitted with the judge’s signature
  • Correcting the description of the property subject to a premises liability lawsuit
  • Changing the date of death in a wrongful death action because of a typo in the final order
  • Correcting the terms for paying a personal injury judgment in a childhood injury case

The ability to issue nunc pro tunc judgments is essential for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of court records. However, courts are restricted from issuing judgments that correct a judicial error.

Judicial errors are mistakes made by judges during a hearing or trial. In those situations, the party must file an appeal or seek a new trial to challenge the court’s original decision.

Before filing a motion for a nunc pro tunc judgment, you need to verify the following criteria:

  • Error must be clerical: The mistake must be in entry or transcription, not a judicial or substantive error.
  • Clear evidence: There must be clear, convincing evidence that the written judgment does not reflect the court’s actual decision, often supported by court transcripts or affidavits.
  • No impact on parties’ rights: The correction cannot impair any party’s substantive rights. If the correction impacts a party’s rights, an appeal or new trial may be required instead of a nunc pro tunc judgment.

A written motion must be filed with the court that issued the original judgment, specifying the error and requesting correction under the doctrine of nunc pro tunc. The motion must include the case name, docket number, and the court that issued the order. 

The motion must also include a description of the error and the necessary corrections.

Practical Guidance for Fort Worth Clients Regarding Nunc Pro Tunc Judgments

Given the technical nature and risks of denial, it is advisable to consult an experienced Texas attorney before filing a motion for a nunc pro tunc judgment. An attorney can review the original order and your evidence regarding an error in the order. Based on the circumstances, an attorney can advise you whether the court may consider a nunc pro tunc judgment or if you need to seek another form of judicial relief.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.

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