do you need to replace transsmison filter when servicing transsmision

I am not a big fan of transmission flushing machines, I have heard bad storries of them dislodging sludge on higher mileage transmissions that had worked OK and failed after flushing. I do change the transmission oil frequently on my own car and by removing the oil pan you get an ideal opportunity to look for debris in the transmission. Either way I would replace the filter.

GM recently issued a policy statement against flushing their transmissions and many other components. Restriction of the filter is a much bigger issue than the fluid. Here's more on transmission flushing: http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/168