Caldwell County, Texas Court Records
TexasStateCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on TexasStateCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Caldwell County sits in the heart of Central Texas, with Lockhart as its county seat. The county's court system handles everything from felony criminal prosecutions to estate administration, and most records from those proceedings are open to the public under Texas law. Whether you need to verify a court judgment, dig into a property dispute, check on a pending case, or get a copy of a divorce decree, knowing which office holds the record and how to request it will save you real time and frustration.
People researching court case information in Texas have a few reliable starting points. TexasStateCourts.us can help you identify publicly available court case information, find the right clerk's office, and locate records across Texas counties. Records can also be accessed directly through clerk offices in person, at public access terminals inside the courthouse, and through state-managed online search systems. The sections below cover each record category, the office that manages it, and the steps you'll need to take to get what you're looking for.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Caldwell County?
District Court Cases (Civil and Family Law)
The Caldwell County District Clerk's Office oversees civil and family law court records for the 22nd, 207th, and 421st Judicial District Courts. For online searches of civil and family law cases, the District Clerk directs the public to re:SearchTX, the official Texas court records search platform operated by the Office of Court Administration. This free tool lets you search across all 254 Texas counties by party name, case number, or attorney name.
District Clerk Criminal Cases
Felony criminal case payments and some case lookup functions are handled through the District Clerk's online payment portal. For copies of felony criminal documents, the District Clerk's physical office is your primary point of contact.
District Clerk Contact:
Caldwell County Justice Center
1703 S. Colorado St., Box 3
Lockhart, TX 78644
Phone: (512) 398-1806 (ext. 4370)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
County Clerk Cases (Misdemeanor, Probate, County Court)
The County Clerk manages misdemeanor criminal court records, probate matters, and County Court at Law proceedings. Official public records from 1990 to the present can be searched online through tx.countygovernmentrecords.com.
County Clerk Contact:
Caldwell County Justice Center
1703 S. Colorado St., Box 1, Suite 1200
Lockhart, TX 78644
Phone: (Court Division): (512) 398-1824
Phone: (Official Public Records): (512) 398-1804
Fax: (512) 398-9925
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Caldwell County?
Texas takes a strong public access position on government records. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), the default rule is that government records—including court records—are open for inspection and copying. Courts and clerks are required to make most case filings, judgments, and orders available to anyone who asks, without requiring any explanation of why you need them.
That said, several categories of records carry legal restrictions:
- Juvenile records are sealed under Texas Family Code 58.005 and are generally not available to the public without a court order.
- Adoption records are confidential under Texas Family Code 162.022 and require a court order to access.
- Sexual assault and certain victim-sensitive records may be redacted or withheld, consistent with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42.12 and related statutes.
- Mental health and commitment proceedings carry specific confidentiality protections under the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Sensitive personal identifiers—Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth—are redacted before documents are made publicly available. When a record is restricted, the clerk will generally tell you what type of order or authorization you'd need to move forward.
Caldwell County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal cases in Caldwell County are filed in the District Court, while misdemeanor cases fall under the County Court at Law. Each level of court keeps its own records through the corresponding clerk's office.
Felony Records – District Clerk
The District Clerk's Office maintains filings, judgments, and sentencing records for all felony cases prosecuted in Caldwell County. To get copies of felony criminal records:
- Contact the District Clerk at (512) 398-1806 or visit in person at 1703 S. Colorado St., Box 3, Lockhart, TX 78644.
- Provide the defendant's full name and, if you have it, the case number and approximate filing date.
- Pay applicable copy and certification fees. Note that a 5% electronic convenience fee applies to online felony case payments processed through the District Clerk's online portal.
- The District Clerk cannot refund fees once clerical services have been performed.
Misdemeanor Records – County Clerk
Misdemeanor criminal records are held by the County Clerk. Staff handling criminal court records can be reached by calling the main County Clerk number at (512) 398-1824 and using the staff directory extensions.
Arrest Records and Custody Status
The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and manages the county jail. Public Information Requests directed to the Sheriff can be submitted through the county's public information request portal.
Sheriff's Office:
1204 Reed Drive
Lockhart, TX 78644
Phone: (512) 398-6777
Fax: (512) 376-4376
To check whether someone is currently in custody, you can use VINELink, a free offender notification and tracking service available statewide.
Statewide Criminal History
If you need a comprehensive criminal history background check that goes beyond a single county's records, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division offers name-based criminal history conviction searches. You'll need to create an account and purchase search credits. This system searches the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database maintained by the state and reflects conviction records from courts across Texas.
Expungements
Arrest and court records may be eligible for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55. Expunction is not automatic—eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Petitions must be served on all agencies holding related records, including the District Clerk, Sheriff, District Attorney, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The District Clerk's Office maintains a local agency list to help petitioners work through this process.
Caldwell County Civil Court Records
Civil cases involving disputes over $10,000—including contract claims, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, and appeals from lower courts—are typically filed in the District Courts and managed by the District Clerk. Smaller civil matters, including small claims, are handled by the Justice of the Peace courts.
Searching Civil Records Online
The most direct way to search civil court case records online is through re:SearchTX, which includes civil cases from the District Courts and County Courts at Law across all Texas counties. You can search by party name, case number, or date range at no cost.
In-Person and Mail Requests
For certified copies or documents not available through online search tools, contact the District Clerk directly. You'll generally need to provide:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Case number, if known
- The type of record you're requesting (e.g., petition, judgment, order)
- Payment for applicable fees covering copies and certifications
Small Claims – Justice of the Peace Courts
Caldwell County has multiple Justice of the Peace precincts. Small claims suits for money damages up to $20,000, excluding interest and court costs, are filed in JP courts. Filing fees vary by precinct; one precinct sets the total small claims filing cost at $46.00 for a single defendant served within Caldwell County. JP court records are generally public under Texas Government Code 27.031.
Property Records
Property ownership, valuation, and tax assessment records are maintained by the Caldwell County Appraisal District. These records are publicly searchable through the Caldwell CAD property search portal, where you can look up records by owner name, property address, or account number. Under Texas Property Tax Code Chapter 25, property records are public documents.
Official public records—including deeds, liens, plats, and assumed name certificates recorded in the County Clerk's Office from 1990 onward—are searchable at tx.countygovernmentrecords.com.
County Clerk Fee Schedule (Recording Effective January 1, 2024)
| Document Type | Base Recording Fee |
|---|---|
| Real property first page | $25.00 |
| Each additional page | $4.00 |
| Federal tax lien / release | $30.00 |
| State tax lien / release | $15.00 |
| Plat / map | $70.00 |
| Assumed name certificate | $23.00 |
| Copies (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copies (per page + certification) | $1.00 + $5.00 |
Caldwell County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Caldwell County—including divorce, child custody, child support, termination of parental rights, and protective orders—are primarily handled by the District Courts. The District Clerk maintains all related filings and court orders.
Divorce Records
Divorce proceedings run through the District Court. Under Texas Family Code 6.411, divorce records are generally public unless a judge has issued a sealing order. To get a copy of a divorce decree:
- Contact the District Clerk's Office at (512) 398-1806.
- Provide the names of both parties and the approximate date the divorce was finalized.
- Complete any required request form and pay applicable copy fees.
Divorce decrees are commonly needed to establish legal status, modify prior orders, or sort out post-divorce financial matters.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued and recorded by the County Clerk under Texas Family Code 2.501. Certified copies of marriage licenses recorded in Caldwell County can be obtained directly from the County Clerk's Office. The fee for a certified copy of a marriage license is approximately $6.00 (search/certificate fee plus preservation fee). A marriage license without a Texas Premarital Education Certificate costs $81.00 total; applicants who complete a state-approved premarital education program pay a reduced fee of $21.00, and the 72-hour waiting period is waived for certificate holders.
Birth and Death Certificates
Certified copies of birth and death certificates for Caldwell County events are handled locally through the County Clerk's Office, though the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the state-level custodian.
- Birth certificate: $23.00 total (includes county search/certificate fee, Vital Statistics fee, and preservation fee)
- Death certificate (first copy): $21.00; additional copies ordered at the same time are $6.00 each
- Applications mailed to the County Clerk must be notarized (effective September 1, 2015, per Health and Safety Code 191.0031)
- Access is restricted to the individual named, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives
Child Custody and Support
Child custody and support orders are filed through the District Court. Existing orders can be searched via re:SearchTX using party names. Modifying an existing custody or support order requires a new filing with the District Clerk. The Texas State Law Library's court records guide offers additional guidance on locating family law forms and self-help resources.
Caldwell County Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Caldwell County—including estate administration, validation of wills, appointment of executors or administrators, and guardianship matters—are handled by the County Court at Law. The County Clerk's Office holds all related probate records.
Under Texas Estates Code 51.001, probate records are public documents. Restrictions apply only in rare circumstances where a court has specifically ordered a record sealed.
How to Access Probate Records
- Contact the County Clerk's Office at (512) 398-1824 and ask for the Probate/Guardianship clerk (ext. 4378).
- Provide the name of the deceased for estate matters, or the subject of the guardianship proceeding.
- Submit a records request form at the counter, or make an in-person request during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.).
- Pay applicable copy and certification fees per the current fee schedule.
What Probate Records Contain
Probate files typically include the original will (if one was filed), petitions for probate or administration, letters testamentary or letters of administration, inventories and appraisements of the estate's assets, and final settlement documents. Guardianship files will include the original petition, court orders appointing the guardian, and annual reports filed by the guardian.
Wills Filed for Safekeeping
Texas law allows individuals to deposit an original will with the County Clerk for safekeeping during their lifetime. These deposits are not public record while the person is alive, but they become part of the public probate record upon the testator's death and the opening of a probate proceeding.
Searching Probate Cases Online
Probate cases filed in the County Court at Law may appear in the re:SearchTX database, depending on the time period and case type. For older or archived records not available online, an in-person or written request to the County Clerk is the most reliable approach. Be prepared to pay applicable fees and allow some processing time if the file needs to be pulled from older archives.
For any record request across all Caldwell County courts, the Caldwell County official website has updated contact information, forms, and links to the relevant clerk's office pages.