This question has been addressed in 1 Texas court opinion:
COA14 — January 29, 2026
In Wrensford v. Cook, the appellant attempted to appeal a trial court's oral denial of a protective order. Although the trial court's docket sheet reflected the denial, no formal written order was ever signed by the judge. The Fourteenth Court of Appeals analyzed Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 26.1 and established case law, determining that neither an oral pronouncement nor a docket entry constitutes a final, appealable judgment. The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case because a signed, written order is a mandatory prerequisite for appellate review, leading to the summary dismissal of the appeal.
Litigation Takeaway
“An oral ruling or a docket sheet entry is not enough to start the appellate process; you must ensure a formal written order is drafted and signed by the judge to preserve your right to appeal.”