Tarrant County Court Records

What Is Tarrant County Court Records

Tarrant County court records are official documents created, maintained, and archived by the various courts operating within Tarrant County, Texas. These records document judicial proceedings and serve as the official account of actions taken by the courts. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, the clerks of each court are responsible for maintaining these records.

Court records typically include:

• Case filings and pleadings
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing transcripts
• Evidence admitted during proceedings
• Docket entries
• Case dispositions

The custodians of these records vary depending on the court type:

Tarrant County District Clerk 100 N. Calhoun Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1574 Tarrant County District Clerk's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tarrant County Clerk 100 W. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1195 Tarrant County Clerk's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

These records serve multiple public interests, including ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings, providing historical documentation of legal matters, and facilitating research for legal professionals and members of the public.

Are Court Records Public In Tarrant County

Court records in Tarrant County are generally public documents in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) and common law principles of open courts. The Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 13, establishes that "all courts shall be open," which has been interpreted to include access to court records.

Members of the public may access most court records with the following considerations:

• Records are presumed open unless specifically sealed by court order or made confidential by statute
• Certain case types have statutory confidentiality protections, including:
  • Juvenile proceedings (Texas Family Code § 58.007)
  • Mental health commitments (Texas Health and Safety Code § 571.015)
  • Certain family law matters involving children
  • Cases sealed pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a

Exceptions to public access also include:

• Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers (redacted per Texas Government Code § 552.147)
• Victim information in certain criminal cases
• Records subject to attorney-client privilege
• Grand jury proceedings

Individuals seeking access to court records may visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours or utilize online search portals maintained by the Tarrant County Clerk for county-level courts and the District Clerk for district courts.

How To Find Court Records in Tarrant County in 2025

Tarrant County provides multiple methods for locating court records in 2025. The appropriate method depends on the court of jurisdiction and record type sought.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Tarrant County District Clerk - Records Department 100 N. Calhoun Street, 2nd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1240 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tarrant County Clerk - Records Division 100 W. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1069 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When requesting records in person:

• Provide case number if known (highly recommended)
• Have party names and approximate case date if case number is unknown
• Bring valid government-issued photo identification
• Be prepared to pay applicable fees (cash, credit card, or money order)

For written requests:

• Submit a detailed written request to the appropriate clerk's office
• Include case number, party names, and date range
• Provide return address and contact information
• Include payment for applicable fees

Electronic access options include:

• Tarrant County civil court records search for county-level civil cases
• District court case search for felony and district civil matters
• Justice of the Peace case status lookup for JP court matters

For appellate cases involving Tarrant County matters, the Second Court of Appeals maintains searchable dockets and opinions.

How To Look Up Court Records in Tarrant County Online?

Tarrant County offers comprehensive online access to court records through several official portals. These systems allow remote access to case information 24 hours per day pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303(b), which authorizes electronic access to court records.

The primary online resources include:

• District Court Records: The District Clerk's Office portal provides access to felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $250,000, and family law matters. Users may search by case number, party name, or attorney.

• County Courts at Law: The County Clerk's online search system covers civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000, probate matters, and misdemeanor criminal cases.

• Justice Courts: JP Court case status information is available for small claims, evictions, and Class C misdemeanors.

• E-Filing System: Legal professionals may access case documents through the eFileTexas portal, which serves as the statewide electronic filing system.

• Municipal Court Records: For Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance violations within Fort Worth city limits, the Fort Worth Municipal Court maintains a separate online portal.

When using these systems, users should note:

• Some documents may require registration or fees to view
• Certain sensitive information is redacted in accordance with Texas Rules of Judicial Administration
• Technical assistance is available by contacting the respective clerk's office during business hours
• Historical records (pre-2000) may have limited online availability

Can You Search Tarrant County Court Records for Free?

Tarrant County provides several options for free court record searches, though certain limitations apply. The Texas Public Information Act establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents, but permits reasonable fees for copies and certain search services.

Free search options include:

• Basic Case Information: The Tarrant County District Clerk and County Clerk websites offer free access to basic case information, including party names, case types, filing dates, and docket entries.

• Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at no charge at the following locations:

  District Clerk's Office 100 N. Calhoun Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  County Clerk's Office 100 W. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Law Library Access: The Tarrant County Law Library provides free public access to court records research tools:

  Tarrant County Law Library 100 N. Calhoun Street, 3rd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1480 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fees may apply for:

• Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
• Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus per-page fees)
• Research assistance from clerk staff ($5.00 per name search)
• Access to certain complete case files online

The Texas State Law Library provides additional guidance on accessing court records throughout Texas, including free resources.

What's Included in a Tarrant County Court Record?

Tarrant County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include several standard components.

A typical court record contains:

• Case Information Sheet: Basic identifying information including case number, filing date, court assignment, and party names
• Pleadings: Initial petitions, complaints, answers, and subsequent motions filed by parties
• Court Orders: All judicial directives, including temporary orders, discovery rulings, and final judgments
• Evidence Log: Inventory of exhibits admitted during hearings or trials
• Docket Sheet: Chronological listing of all actions taken in the case
• Transcripts: Official record of in-court proceedings (when prepared by court reporter)
• Correspondence: Communications filed with the court
• Financial Records: Payment of filing fees, court costs, fines, and restitution

In criminal cases, additional documents include:

• Charging instruments (indictments or information)
• Bail and bond records
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Plea agreements
• Sentencing information
• Probation terms and compliance reports

Family law cases may also contain:

• Child support calculations and payment records
• Custody evaluations and recommendations
• Protective orders
• Property inventories and divisions

These records are maintained according to standards established by the Texas Judicial Council and the Office of Court Administration pursuant to Texas Government Code § 72.031.

How Long Does Tarrant County Keep Court Records?

Tarrant County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code § 203.041). Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

Standard retention periods include:

• Civil Cases:

  • Disposed cases: Minimum of 12 years after final judgment
  • Cases involving real property: 25 years after final disposition
  • Cases of historical significance: Permanent retention

• Criminal Cases:

  • Misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
  • Felonies: 50 years after final disposition
  • Capital felonies: Permanent retention

• Family Law:

  • Divorce without children: 25 years after judgment
  • Cases involving children: Until youngest child reaches 25 years of age
  • Adoptions: Permanent retention

• Probate Matters:

  • Wills and estate administration: 10 years after final disposition
  • Guardianships: 10 years after termination of guardianship

After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be:

• Transferred to microfilm or electronic format
• Transferred to the Tarrant County Archives
• Destroyed according to approved procedures

Certain historically significant cases receive permanent preservation. The Tarrant County Archives maintains these records at:

Tarrant County Archives 200 Taylor Street, Suite 3200 Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1195 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Individuals seeking older records should contact the appropriate clerk's office to determine availability and location of specific case files.

Types of Courts In Tarrant County

Tarrant County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions as established by the Texas Constitution and statutes. Each court type handles specific categories of cases according to subject matter and monetary thresholds.

The court structure includes:

• District Courts: 27 district courts operate in Tarrant County, including specialized courts for family law, criminal matters, and civil litigation. These courts have jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters involving claims over $250,000, family law cases, and certain appeals.

• County Courts at Law: 11 county courts at law handle civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000, probate matters, mental health proceedings, and misdemeanor criminal cases.

• Probate Courts: 2 specialized probate courts oversee estate administration, guardianships, and mental health commitments.

• Justice of the Peace Courts: 8 JP courts (one for each precinct) handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic citations, and Class C misdemeanors.

• Municipal Courts: Multiple municipal courts throughout Tarrant County cities, including the Fort Worth Municipal Court, adjudicate city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.

• Appellate Courts: The Second Court of Appeals hears appeals from Tarrant County trial courts. This court is located at:

  Second Court of Appeals Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center 401 W. Belknap Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1900 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Federal Courts: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas maintains a division in Fort Worth with jurisdiction over federal cases arising in Tarrant County. Federal court records are accessible through the PACER system.

What Types of Cases Do Tarrant County Courts Hear?

Tarrant County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional parameters established by the Texas Legislature. Case assignments follow statutory guidelines based on case type, monetary value, and severity of alleged offenses.

District Courts (100 N. Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) handle:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil disputes involving claims exceeding $250,000
• Divorce and child custody matters
• Title to land and foreclosure cases
• Election contests
• Civil commitments
• Juvenile matters

County Courts at Law (100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) preside over:

• Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
• Probate matters and guardianships
• Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
• Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Mental health commitments

Justice of the Peace Courts (various locations throughout Tarrant County) adjudicate:

• Small claims up to $20,000
• Eviction proceedings
• Debt claims
• Traffic citations
• Class C misdemeanors
• Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
• Magistrate functions

Municipal Courts (such as the Fort Worth Municipal Court at 1000 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102) handle:

• City ordinance violations
• Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic offenses
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement cases

Specialized courts within the Tarrant County system include:

• Drug courts
• Veterans courts
• Mental health courts
• Family violence courts
• DWI courts

These specialized dockets implement evidence-based practices to address underlying issues while maintaining public safety and reducing recidivism.

How To Find a Court Docket In Tarrant County

Court dockets in Tarrant County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case activities. These records are accessible through multiple channels as authorized by Texas Government Code § 51.303 and local court rules.

To access current court dockets:

• Online Access: The most efficient method for checking dockets is through the official court websites:

  • District Court dockets: Tarrant County District Clerk
  • County Courts at Law: County Clerk's online portal
  • Justice Courts: JP Court case status system

• In-Person Requests: Docket information is available at the respective clerk's offices:

  District Clerk's Office 100 N. Calhoun Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1574 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  County Clerk's Office 100 W. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 817-884-1195 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Court Coordinator Contact: For specific hearing information, contacting the court coordinator for the assigned court may provide the most current information.

• Public Terminals: Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to docket information.

When searching for docket information, users should have:

• Case number (if known)
• Party names
• Approximate date of filing or hearing
• Court number (if known)

Daily dockets are typically posted:

• On electronic displays in courthouse lobbies
• Outside individual courtrooms
• On the official court websites

For appellate cases, the Second Court of Appeals maintains searchable dockets of cases on appeal from Tarrant County courts.

Which Courts in Tarrant County Are Not Courts of Record?

Certain courts within Tarrant County do not maintain official verbatim records of proceedings as defined by Texas Government Code § 27.056 and § 30.00003. These "non-record" courts have specific procedural implications, particularly regarding appeals.

The following courts in Tarrant County are not courts of record:

• Justice of the Peace Courts: All eight JP courts operate as non-record courts. Appeals from these courts proceed to County Courts at Law as trials de novo (new trials), rather than reviews of the record. JP courts handle:

  • Small claims up to $20,000
  • Eviction cases
  • Class C misdemeanors
  • Traffic violations

• Some Municipal Courts: While some municipal courts in Tarrant County have converted to courts of record, others remain non-record courts, including several smaller municipalities. Appeals from non-record municipal courts are heard as trials de novo in County Courts at Law.

Key characteristics of non-record courts include:

• No official court reporter is present to transcribe proceedings
• Appeals are conducted as completely new trials rather than reviews of prior proceedings
• Less formal procedures may apply in some instances
• Lower filing fees compared to courts of record

For specific information about whether a particular municipal court operates as a court of record, individuals should contact the court directly. The Fort Worth Municipal Court (1000 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102, 817-392-6700) can provide information regarding its status and procedures.

Parties appearing in non-record courts should be aware that if they intend to appeal an unfavorable decision, they must be prepared to present their entire case again in the county court.

Lookup Court Records in Tarrant County

Tarrant County official website

Search civil court records online

County Courts at Law case search

District Clerk records portal

Justice of the Peace case status lookup

Second Court of Appeals dockets and opinions

eFileTexas electronic filing system

Fort Worth Municipal Court records

Texas State Law Library court records guide

Federal court records via PACER