Atascosa County, Texas Court Records
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Atascosa County, Texas is served by a multi-tiered court system headquartered in Jourdanton, the county seat. Courts at the district, county, justice of the peace, and municipal levels collectively handle the full range of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters filed within the county. Whether you're tracking the outcome of a lawsuit, verifying a criminal charge, researching property ownership, or looking into an estate proceeding, knowing which office maintains the records you need — and how to request them — will save you considerable time.
For anyone beginning a records search, TexasStateCourts.us is a useful reference point for locating Texas court case information, identifying the appropriate court, and navigating publicly available judicial resources across the state. Beyond that statewide reference, Atascosa County offers its own official online portals, clerk offices, and in-person research options that allow direct access to case records without relying on intermediaries.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Atascosa County?
Records from different Atascosa County courts are maintained by separate offices, so identifying the correct custodian is the first step.
Online Search
The Atascosa County District Clerk provides public online access to district-level criminal, civil, family, and probate case records through the LGS Online Records Search portal. Guest login is available at no charge and displays index-level information. To view or download full document images, you'll need to register for a free account; the first five image purchases are available without a subscription, after which subscription plans apply. Each transaction carries a mandatory $0.30 processing fee. To search:
- Visit the LGS Online Records Search portal and log in or create an account.
- Click Search and select the specific office and record type (Criminal, Civil, Probate, Property, etc.).
- Enter search criteria such as a last name, case number, or relevant date range.
- Browse results and click More Information for case details or Images to preview documents.
- Add desired images to your cart and complete the checkout process to download.
For County Court at Law records, court dockets are posted on the Atascosa County Court at Law website. District Court dockets are published on the 81st & 218th District Court website, which covers Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, La Salle, and Wilson counties.
In-Person Requests
Both the District Clerk and County Clerk offices accept in-person records requests during regular business hours.
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | 1 Courthouse Circle Dr, Suite 4-B, Jourdanton, TX 78026 | (830) 769-3011 | Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fri closes 4:00 p.m. |
| County Clerk | 1 Courthouse Circle Dr, Suite 102, Jourdanton, TX 78026 | (830) 767-2511 | Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
E-Filing
E-filing is mandatory for all civil and criminal cases filed in the District Courts. Attorneys and self-represented litigants must submit filings through the applicable e-filing portal rather than by email. Contact the District Clerk's office at mlittleton@co.atascosa.tx.us and the County Clerk at countyclerk@co.atascosa.tx.us for questions about specific filings.
Are Court Records Public in Atascosa County?
Texas court records are generally open to the public under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), Texas Government Code Chapter 552. The TPIA presumes that any record created, maintained, or collected by a public agency in the course of its official business is available for inspection and copying. This presumption extends to court case records, including case filings, docket entries, judgments, and court orders.
Several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or restricted under state law:
- Juvenile records — proceedings involving minors are confidential and generally not available to the public
- Adoption records — sealed by statute and accessible only through a court order
- Expunged records — once a court orders expunction, the records are destroyed or returned to the petitioner and removed from public access
- Non-disclosure orders — certain criminal history records may be shielded from public view under an order of non-disclosure
- Active criminal investigation records — law enforcement materials related to ongoing investigations are exempt
- Sealed case records — any matter sealed by judicial order is withheld from public inspection
When a record contains both public and restricted information, the custodian typically redacts the confidential portions and releases the remainder. Requests for expunged or sealed records will be denied without a court order authorizing access. If you're unsure whether a specific record is available, contact the appropriate clerk's office before submitting a formal request.
Atascosa County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal matters in Atascosa County are heard by the 81st and 218th District Courts. Both courts operate under a shared jurisdiction that extends across several surrounding counties. Their Atascosa County operations are coordinated through:
81st & 218th District Court — Atascosa County
Address: 1405 Campbell Ave, Suite 101, Jourdanton, TX 78026
Phone: (830) 769-3750
Fax: (830) 769-2841
Email: coordinator@81-218.txcourts.gov
Website: 81-218.txcourts.gov
Weekly dockets for Atascosa County are posted on the district court dockets page, allowing the public to verify hearing dates and times.
Misdemeanor criminal cases are handled by the Atascosa County Court at Law, located at 1405 Campbell Avenue, Jourdanton, Texas 78026. That court's staff can be reached at (830) 769-4232 or by email at mripple@accl-tx.org. Public access to video conference hearings held before the County Court at Law is available through the court's YouTube channel.
Records for both felony and misdemeanor cases are accessible through the LGS Online Records Search portal maintained by the District Clerk. Physical copies may be requested at the District Clerk's office (Suite 4-B, 1 Courthouse Circle Drive, Jourdanton).
Arrest and Jail Records
The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Jake Guerra, maintains arrest and jail records. For information about current inmates or to check booking status, contact the Sheriff's Office jail records division:
- Main Line: (830) 769-3434
- Jail Records: Extension 2239
- Booking/Inmate Information: Extension 2231
- Criminal Investigation: Extension 2229 or 2227
- Crime Stoppers Tip Line: (830) 769-2255
- Open Records/FOIA Requests: Extension 2243
Inmate releases occur at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily. Background checks for local purposes are handled through the jail records division (extension 2239). The Sheriff's Office also registers sex offenders by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays; contact Deputy Paul Ancira at (830) 769-3434, ext. 2233, or pancira@acso-tx.org. Victim notification for inmates is available through the Integrated Victim Services System.
Atascosa County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Atascosa County are divided by claim size and subject matter between the District Courts and the County Court at Law.
The 81st and 218th District Courts handle larger civil matters, including those seeking injunctive relief and cases appealing decisions of state agencies. The Atascosa County Court at Law exercises concurrent jurisdiction over civil matters within its statutory authority, including cases that may involve smaller monetary claims. The County Clerk's office (Suite 102, 1 Courthouse Circle Drive) maintains civil filings handled at the county court level.
County Clerk Civil Filing Fees (effective January 1, 2024)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Debt/Contract (without citation) | $350.00 |
| Non-Disclosure | $350.00 |
| Appeals | $350.00 |
| Counter Claim | $120.00 |
| Cross Action | $120.00 |
| Interpleader | $120.00 |
| Intervention | $120.00 |
| Third Party | $120.00 |
Optional Services and Document Fees (County Clerk)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified Copy | $5.00 |
| Exemplified Copy | $5.00 |
| Non-Certified Copies | $1.00 per page |
| Issuance of Abstract of Judgment | $8.00 |
| Issuance of Citation | $8.00 |
| Issuance of Subpoena | $8.00 |
| Issuance of Writ | $8.00 |
| Jury Demand Fee | $40.00 |
Civil case records filed at the district level can be searched through the LGS Online Records Search portal. County Court at Law dockets are available on the court's official website. The District Clerk's office also provides a downloadable Process Request Form and a Request for Abstract of Judgment form for those initiating or enforcing civil judgments.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Small claims and minor civil matters may also be handled by one of four Justice of the Peace courts:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| JP Precinct 1 | 2136 2nd St, Pleasanton, TX 78064 | (830) 569-2801 |
| JP Precinct 2 | 1567 FM 3175, Lytle, TX 78052 | (830) 772-5828 |
| JP Precinct 3 | 1212 Simmons Ave, Jourdanton, TX 78026 | (830) 769-2074 |
| JP Precinct 4 | 744 Hwy 281 S, Pleasanton, TX 78064 | (830) 569-6614 |
Atascosa County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Atascosa County — including divorce, suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR), child custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders — are handled primarily by the 81st and 218th District Courts. The Atascosa County Court at Law also exercises jurisdiction over certain family matters concurrently with the district courts.
Records of divorce proceedings and family law cases are maintained by the Atascosa County District Clerk and are searchable through the LGS Online Records Search portal. Several practical forms are available for download directly from the District Clerk's forms page:
- Standing Order regarding Child(ren), Property, and Conduct of Parties in Divorce and SAPCR
- Standing Order Regarding Filing of Child's Birth Certificate in SAPCR
- Information for Filing a Pro Se Divorce in Atascosa County
- Vital Statistics Form Divorce/SAPCR
- Statement of Inability to Pay (for those who qualify for fee waivers)
Individuals seeking information about child support enforcement should consult the Attorney General Virtual Lobby document available from the District Clerk's office.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued and recorded by the Atascosa County Clerk's Office. The current fee for a marriage license is $81.00, and for an informal (common law) marriage license, $52.00. Certified copies of marriage records are available from the County Clerk at $5.00 per copy. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains statewide marriage verification records for marriages recorded since 1966; records can be ordered online through the DSHS vital records portal or by mailing a completed Application for Marriage or Divorce Record (Form VS 142) with a $20 fee to DSHS-VSS, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
Birth and Death Records
Certified birth certificates for Texas-born residents are available through the Atascosa County Health Department or directly from the DSHS Vital Statistics Section. DSHS holds records dating to 1903 for deaths and 1930 for births. Fees are $22 per certified birth certificate copy and $20 per death certificate copy. Walk-in service for the San Antonio region is available at 7430 Louis Pasteur Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229. Mail requests require a completed application, a government-issued photo ID, and appropriate payment sent to DSHS-VSS, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. The County Clerk also records birth and death certificates locally at fees of $23.00 for a birth certificate and $21.00 for a death certificate.
Atascosa County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Atascosa County originate in the Atascosa County Constitutional County Court and, when cases become contested, may be transferred to one of the District Courts for resolution. The County Clerk's office maintains all probate filings, including wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and small estate proceedings.
County Clerk Probate Filing Fees (effective January 1, 2024)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dependent Administration (without citation) | $360.00 |
| Independent Administration (without citation) | $360.00 |
| Muniment of Title (without citation) | $360.00 |
| Small Estate Proceedings | $360.00 |
| Guardianship Adult or Minor (without citation) | $360.00 |
| Sale of Property without Guardianship | $360.00 |
| Foreign Will | $360.00 |
| Open Safety Deposit Box | $360.00 |
Subsequent Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Account | $27.00 |
| Annual Report | $12.00 |
| Account for Final Settlement | $27.00 |
| Application within an Existing Estate (without citation) | $120.00 |
| Inventory filed after the 90th day | $27.00 |
| Claim | $10.00 |
| Oath | $2.00 |
| Letters Testamentary / Administration / Guardianship | $2.00 per issuance |
Probate records filed at the county level can be searched through the County Clerk's online records portal, while district-level contested probate records are accessible via the LGS Online Records Search portal. To request physical copies in person, visit the County Clerk at Suite 102, 1 Courthouse Circle Drive, Jourdanton, TX 78026, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Certified copies cost $5.00 each; non-certified copies are $1.00 per page.
Wills that have not yet been probated may also be deposited with the County Clerk for safekeeping. Anyone with questions about probate procedures or form requirements should contact the County Clerk's office at (830) 767-2511, keeping in mind that court staff cannot provide legal advice. For guidance on complex estate or guardianship matters, consulting a licensed Texas attorney is advisable.