Grayson County Court Records Search
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Grayson County lies in north-central Texas along the Oklahoma border, with its county seat in Sherman. The county operates a multi-tiered court system that includes three District Courts, one Constitutional County Court, two County Courts at Law, four Justice of the Peace precincts, and several Municipal Courts. Court records produced across these tribunals encompass criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law proceedings, probate matters, and traffic cases. Two elected clerks share responsibility for maintaining these records: the District Clerk handles filings from the District Courts, while the County Clerk manages records for the County Courts at Law, the Constitutional County Court, and vital records.
Grayson County court records can be searched through several official channels. The county government maintains online search portals for both judicial case records and official public records such as deeds and marriage licenses. Texas residents may also find broader court system information through TexasStateCourts.us, which offers statewide resources including court rules, judicial directories, and e-filing guidance. Locally, both the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Sherman accept in-person visits, phone inquiries, and written requests for records. The Grayson County Judicial Records Search tool provides online access to criminal, civil, family, and probate case data, while the Official Record Search portal covers real property filings, marriage records, and other instruments recorded by the County Clerk.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Grayson County?
Grayson County provides both digital and in-person methods for locating court case information.
Online Searches
The county operates two primary online search systems:
- Judicial Records Search — The Grayson County Judicial Records Search covers criminal records, civil and family and probate records, court calendars, jail records, and jail bond records. Users can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system separates records by category, so users should select the appropriate department (Criminal, Civil/Family/Probate, etc.) before entering search criteria.
- Official Record Search — The Grayson County Public Record Search provides access to official records maintained by the County Clerk, including deeds, marriage records, liens, and other recorded instruments. Searches can be performed by grantor/grantee name, document type, document number, or full-text content search across indexed documents.
In-Person Searches
Both clerks’ offices accept walk-in visitors during business hours for record inspection and copy requests.
Grayson County District Clerk
200 S. Crockett Street, Suite 120A
Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4352
Fax: (903) 870-0609
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Grayson County Clerk
100 W. Houston Street, Suite 17
Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4200
Probate Assistance: (903) 813-4335
Vital Records: (903) 813-4243
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Copy and Search Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Noncertified paper copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (certificate and seal + per page) | $5.00 + $1.00/page |
| Electronic copy (up to 10 pages) | $1.00 |
| Electronic copy (each page after 10) | $0.10 |
| Paper document converted to electronic format | $1.00/page |
All credit card transactions at the District Clerk’s office are subject to a processing fee of 2.85% with a $1.00 minimum. The County Clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders for most transactions.
Are Court Records Public in Grayson County?
Court records in Grayson County are generally available for public inspection. The Texas Public Information Act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, establishes that information collected or maintained by a governmental body is presumptively open to public access. Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration further addresses the right to inspect judicial records maintained by the courts.
Records open to the public include:
- Criminal case docket information, indictments, and dispositions
- Civil case pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments
- Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate and estate inventories
- Family law case docket information (subject to redaction requirements)
- Real property filings, deeds, and liens
- Marriage license records
Records that are restricted or confidential:
- Juvenile case records (confidential under Texas Family Code Chapter 58)
- Adoption records sealed under Texas Family Code § 162.006
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records sealed or placed under protective order by a court
- Documents revealing trade secrets, the identity of confidential informants, or the identity of sexual assault victims (Government Code § 552.101 et seq.)
- CPS case files subject to statutory confidentiality provisions
The County Clerk’s probate page notes that probate files and the probate index are classified as judicial records not governed by the Public Information Act, though Grayson County makes them accessible online on a single-record-search basis to comply with guidelines prohibiting bulk release of confidential information. Sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and minor children’s dates of birth may be redacted from court documents before release.
Grayson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Grayson County is distributed across multiple courts based on the seriousness of the offense.
Courts with criminal jurisdiction:
| Court | Criminal Jurisdiction | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15th District Court | Felonies, lesser-included offenses | 200 S. Crockett St., Suite 217A, Sherman | (903) 813-4303 |
| 59th District Court | Felonies, lesser-included offenses | 200 S. Crockett St., Suite 120A, Sherman | (903) 813-4352 |
| 397th District Court | Felonies, lesser-included offenses | 200 S. Crockett St., Suite 231A, Sherman | (903) 813-4311 |
| County Courts at Law 1 & 2 | Class A and B misdemeanors, appeals | 200 S. Crockett St., Sherman | (903) 813-4241 |
| Justice of the Peace Courts | Class C misdemeanors, traffic offenses | Various locations (see below) |
Searching criminal court records. The County Clerk’s Criminal Record Search Tool provides online access to misdemeanor criminal records from the County Courts at Law. The Judicial Records Search system also offers a “Criminal Records” category. For felony records, inquiries must be directed to the District Clerk’s Office at (903) 813-4352. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification.
Statewide criminal history. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a Criminal History Name Search covering convictions for Class B misdemeanors and above statewide. Users must register and pay $3.00 per search plus a 2.25% processing fee.
Sheriff’s Office. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office is located at the Grayson County Justice Center, 200 S. Crockett Street, Sherman, TX 75090. The administration division can be reached at (903) 813-4408 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.). The jail fax number is (903) 813-1456. Under the Public Information Act, the Sheriff’s department must provide arrest records of inmates booked into the county jail upon proper request.
Expunction and non-disclosure. Filing an expunction petition with the District Clerk carries a base fee of $350.00. Writ of habeas corpus filings related to pre-indictment criminal matters incur no filing fee per CCP 11.051. Petitions for judicial review of lien or claim documentation and judicial bypass filings are also filed at no cost per GC 51.902(d) and TFC 33.003.
Grayson County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Grayson County is divided across several courts based on the dollar amount in controversy and the nature of the dispute.
District Courts. The 15th, 59th, and 397th District Courts hold original jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $200 in controversy, divorce, land title disputes, and election contests. The District Clerk handles filings for amounts over $100,000 and all family matters including divorce and condemnation.
County Courts at Law. The two County Courts at Law hear civil suits filed for less than $100,000. The County Clerk maintains the records of these courts. Court coordinators can be reached through the main line at (903) 813-4241.
Justice of the Peace Courts. The four Justice of the Peace precincts handle small claims, evictions (forcible entry and detainer), debt cases, and administrative hearings, as well as Class C misdemeanor cases.
- Precinct 1 — 100 W. Houston Street, Suite 27, Sherman, TX 75090 — (903) 813-4346
- Precinct 2 — 101 W. Woodard Street, Denison, TX 75021 — (903) 465-0984
- Precinct 3 — 509 N. Union Street, Whitesboro, TX 76273 — (903) 564-3550
- Precinct 4 — 117 S. Main Street, Van Alstyne, TX 75495 — (903) 482-6543
Civil Filing Fees (District Court and County Court at Law)
The District Clerk’s fee schedule effective January 1, 2023 sets the following rates:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Base filing fee — all new civil and family cases | $350.00 |
| Subsequent action within existing civil/family case (counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, motion for new trial, etc.) | $80.00 |
| SAPCR actions (modification, enforcement, contempt, writ of withholding, license suspension, etc.) | $15.00 each |
| SAPCR — motion to transfer into Grayson County | $45.00 |
| Issuance of subpoena, citation, TRO, capias, writs, or abstract of judgment | $8.00 each |
| Employer’s order to withhold income | $15.00 |
| Preparation of clerk’s record on appeal | $1.00/page |
| Bond approval | $5.00 |
Service fees: Citation/notice by certified mail through the District Clerk costs $95.00. Citation by posting is also $95.00. Sheriff and constable service fees are assessed separately.
Property records. Official public records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and land documents dating back to 1846 are searchable through the Grayson County Real Property Records Search. The County Clerk’s office can also be reached by email at deeds@co.grayson.tx.us for deed-related inquiries.
Grayson County Family Court Records
Grayson County does not maintain a specialized family court. Family law matters are instead adjudicated by the District Courts and the County Courts at Law based on the monetary and subject-matter thresholds.
District Courts handle divorce, annulment, name changes, SAPCR (suits affecting the parent-child relationship), adoptions, QDRO proceedings, protective orders, IV-D child support cases, UIFSA proceedings, and cases to enforce divorce decrees. All filings go through the District Clerk.
County Courts at Law hear family-related civil suits under $100,000. Records of these cases are maintained by the County Clerk.
Searching family records. The Judicial Records Search tool includes a “Civil, Family & Probate Records” category. The Official Record Search portal also allows filtering by case type, party type, and party representation. Record seekers visiting the clerk’s office in person may be asked to present a government-issued photo ID.
Privacy restrictions. Family court records generally carry specific privacy protections. Social Security numbers, names of minor children, and other sensitive details may be redacted from publicly available documents. Adoption records are sealed under Texas Family Code § 162.006. Protective orders and CPS-related filings are often subject to additional confidentiality rules. Access to unredacted documents is typically limited to the parties, their attorneys, and others demonstrating a legitimate interest approved by the court.
Marriage licenses. The County Clerk’s marriage license office issues licenses during regular vital records hours. Fees from the vitals fee schedule effective January 1, 2024 are:
| Marriage Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal marriage license (without premarital education certificate) | $71.00 |
| Formal marriage license (with Texas Premarital Education Certificate) | $11.00 |
| Informal marriage license | $36.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $7.00 |
| Duplicate marriage license | $41.00 |
Both applicants must appear in person with valid government-issued photo ID. An electronic marriage license application is available online, though applicants must visit the office within five days to complete the process. There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance unless waived through completion of a premarital education course via the Twogether in Texas program. Certified copies of marriage licenses obtained in other counties are not available through Grayson County; requesters must contact the issuing county. Mail-in requests for a marriage record copy require the completed Marriage Record Copy Request Form, payment by check or money order, and a copy of the requester’s ID.
Birth and death certificates. The County Clerk’s vital records department issues certified copies of birth and death certificates. Birth certificates cost $23.00 each, and death certificates are $21.00 for the first copy with $4.00 for each additional copy purchased at the same time. Birth records are confidential until the 75th anniversary of the date of birth, and death records remain confidential for 25 years. Only qualified applicants (the person on the record, a parent, child, sibling, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian, managing conservator, or legal representative) may obtain copies. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. Walk-in forms and mail-in request forms are available on the county website, and an electronic birth/death application can also be submitted online—though the applicant must visit the office in person within five days to collect the certificate.
Grayson County Vital Records Office
100 W. Houston Street, Suite 17
Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4243 / (903) 813-4242 / (903) 813-4260
Email: vitals@co.grayson.tx.us
Grayson County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Grayson County rests with the Constitutional County Court and the County Courts at Law. The County Clerk, Deana Patterson, serves as the statutory probate clerk. Grayson County probate records extend back to 1846.
Types of probate matters handled:
- Probate of wills and issuance of letters testamentary
- Letters of administration
- Temporary administration
- Small estate affidavits
- Muniment of title proceedings
- Foreign will filings
- Permanent and temporary guardianships
- Guardianship of minors
- Determination of heirship
- Conservatorships
Probate filing fees. The updated 2025 probate fee schedule sets the following rates:
| Proceeding | Base Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration / Probate Will & Issuance Letters Testamentary / Temporary Administration / Small Estate / Muniment of Title / Foreign Will | $362.00 |
| Permanent Guardianship / Temporary Guardianship / Guardianship of a Minor / Determination of Heirship | $362.00 |
| Adverse Action / Contest / Counterclaim / Motion to Show Cause to Produce Will | $120.00 |
Additional fees assessed as applicable to a case include: Judge’s signature fee ($2.00), late inventory and appraisement ($27.00), annual or final account ($27.00), application for sale of property ($25.00), annual or final report of guardian of the person ($12.00), and claim against the estate ($10.00). Citation issuance is $8.00, and Sheriff service fees range from $60.00 for posted notice to $105.00 for personal service of citation, subpoena, or summons. Certified mail service is $95.00. Attorney ad litem fees of $150.00 may also apply to guardianship cases.
Filing fee checks and service fee checks must be written separately. Filing fee checks should be payable to the Grayson County Clerk.
Searching probate records. Records from 1983 to the present are available through the Judicial Records Search tool under the “Civil, Family & Probate Records” category. For records from 1846 to 1983, requesters must download and complete the Probate Records Copy Request Form and return it to the County Clerk’s office with applicable fees, either by mail or email.
Grayson County Clerk — Probate Division
100 W. Houston Street, Suite 17
Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4335
Email: probate@co.grayson.tx.us
Copies of probate documents cost $1.00 per page, with certification at $5.00 per document. Record searches are $5.00 per search. Bond approvals carry a $5.00 fee. Electronic copies are $1.00 for pages one through ten and $0.10 per page thereafter.