Grimes County, Texas Court Records

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    Grimes County is a rural county in east-central Texas, with its county seat in Anderson. Court records from proceedings here cover a broad range of documents: petitions, affidavits, motions, pleadings, warrants, sworn statements, transcripts, exhibits, recorded testimony, judgment entries, court minutes, and related filings. Depending on the court and the type of case, these records are held either by the Grimes County District Clerk or the Grimes County Clerk — two separate offices with distinct responsibilities.

    You can locate court case information through clerk offices, courthouse public access terminals, written records requests, and online databases. TexasStateCourts.us can help you identify publicly available court case information across Texas jurisdictions, including records from Grimes County proceedings.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Grimes County?

    Two offices share responsibility for court records in Grimes County, and which one holds what you need depends entirely on the type of case.

    Grimes County District Clerk
    Address: 270 FM 149 West, Anderson, TX 77830
    Mailing: P.O. Box 234, Anderson, TX 77830
    Phone: (936) 873-4433
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

    The District Clerk maintains all records for the 12th and 506th Judicial District Courts, including felony criminal cases, large civil suits, and all family law matters — divorces, suits affecting parent-child relationships, adoptions, name changes, and Attorney General and Child Support Enforcement Division cases. Importantly, all family law matters, including those heard by the County Court at Law, must be filed with the District Clerk, not the County Clerk.

    Grimes County Clerk
    Address: 270 FM 149 West, Anderson, TX 77830
    Mailing: P.O. Box 209, Anderson, TX 77830
    Phone: (936) 873-4410
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

    The County Clerk handles probate proceedings, misdemeanor criminal cases heard in the County Court at Law, civil cases with amounts in controversy from $500 to $325,000, and official real property records. Court and probate records are searchable online back to 1893 through the County Clerk's records management portal.

    Online Search Options:

    • Re:Search Texas — A statewide portal maintained by the Texas Office of Court Administration that lets you search e-filed cases and documents from 2016 to the present, covering all 254 Texas counties including Grimes County. A free subscription plan is available.
    • Grimes County Official Record Search — Search property records back to 1854, along with marriage records, marks and brands, and commissioners court minutes.
    • Grimes County Open Records Requests — General public information requests can be submitted by email to PIA@grimescountytexas.gov. Keep in mind the county does not create new documents, answer legal questions, or perform research in response to PIA requests.

    Are Court Records Public in Grimes County?

    Under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), codified primarily in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, most governmental records — including court records — are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statute or court order restricts access. Texas has a strong tradition of transparency in public-body operations, and that applies to its courts.

    That said, a number of categories are protected from automatic disclosure. Relevant exemptions and restrictions for Grimes County court records include:

    • Records declared confidential by constitution, statute, or court order (Texas Government Code §552.101)
    • Private personal information whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
    • Attorney-client privileged communications under Texas Rules of Evidence, Rule 503
    • Certain law enforcement investigation files (Texas Government Code §552.108)
    • Sensitive crime scene images or materials tied to ongoing criminal investigations
    • Vital records such as birth and death certificates, subject to state confidentiality rules under Texas Health & Safety Code §191.051
    • Trade secrets or proprietary financial data protected under state or federal law
    • Records identifying crime victims in certain circumstances
    • Sealed juvenile records and sealed adoption proceedings under the Texas Family Code

    The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure also govern disclosure standards for specific filing categories. When records have been sealed by court order, gaining access requires filing a formal motion with the court.

    Grimes County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal records in Grimes County span two court levels, depending on the severity of the offense.

    Felony Cases — District Courts
    Felony prosecutions begin with a Grimes County Grand Jury indictment. Once indicted, cases are filed with the District Clerk and heard in either the 12th or 506th Judicial District Court, both located at the Grimes County Justice Center:

    12th District Court and 506th District Court
    Address: 270 FM 149 West, Anderson, TX 77830
    Mailing: P.O. Box 234, Anderson, TX 77830
    Phone: (936) 873-4430
    Fax: (936) 873-2514

    Misdemeanor Cases — County Court at Law
    The Grimes County Court at Law holds original jurisdiction over all misdemeanor criminal matters. The District Attorney represents the State in all misdemeanor prosecutions. Most misdemeanor cases begin with an arrest by a local law enforcement agency, followed by the filing of a complaint and information. Misdemeanor criminal records are filed with the County Clerk.

    Class C Misdemeanors — Justice of the Peace Courts
    The county's three Justice of the Peace courts handle Class C misdemeanors and traffic offenses within their respective precincts:

    CourtAddressPhone
    JP Precinct 1 (Iola, Bedias, Shiro area)23710 FM 39, Iola, TX 77861(936) 394-2060
    JP Precinct 2 (Anderson, Richards area)382 FM 149 W, Anderson, TX 77830(936) 873-6452
    JP Precinct 3 (Navasota area)205 Veterans Memorial Dr., Navasota, TX 77868(936) 873-3900

    All three precincts have developed Juvenile Diversion Plans for Class C misdemeanor offenses other than traffic violations, in accordance with H.B. 3186. These plans are available upon request at each precinct office. Justice of the Peace courts are open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM. For emergency requests outside those hours, contact the Grimes County Sheriff's Department at (936) 873-2151.

    Statewide Criminal History Records
    For comprehensive criminal background checks, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains statewide criminal history records. You can run an online criminal history name search through the DPS website. Arrest records held by the Grimes County Sheriff's Office are accessible through a formal open records request submitted in person, by fax, or by mail to the Sheriff's Office at (936) 873-6442.

    Grimes County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Grimes County are divided across several courts based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the dispute:

    • 12th and 506th Judicial District Courts: Hear larger civil suits with no cap on the amount in controversy. All civil filings in these courts go to the District Clerk.
    • County Court at Law: Has civil jurisdiction over cases involving amounts between $500 and $325,000, as well as eminent domain proceedings (excluding matters involving title to real property), and appeals from Justice Court and Municipal Court decisions.
    • Justice of the Peace Courts: Handle small claims and other civil matters at the precinct level.
    • Navasota Municipal Court: Handles municipal ordinance violations and Class C offenses within the city. Located at 200 E McAlpine St, Navasota, TX 77868; Phone: (936) 825-6268; Fax: (936) 825-7280

    To search civil case records, use the Re:Search Texas portal for e-filed cases from 2016 forward, or visit the District Clerk's office in person during regular business hours. The District Clerk collects fees for filing new cases and motions and for issuance of citations, notices, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, subpoenas, writs, abstracts of judgment, and orders of sale.

    The County Clerk publishes a fee schedule for its own filings, updated effective January 1, 2024. Documents submitted to the County Clerk for recording must be original or certified copies, already prepared, signed, and notarized before arrival. Title companies, banks, mortgage companies, and attorneys may also submit documents through the County Clerk's e-recording partners. The Clerk accepts documents by mail when accompanied by a check and a self-addressed return envelope.

    Grimes County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Grimes County are handled primarily by the County Court at Law, but all filings go through the District Clerk — not the County Clerk. This trips up many people: regardless of whether a case is heard in the County Court at Law or a district court, all family law filings must be submitted to the District Clerk's Office.

    The Grimes County Court at Law holds primary jurisdiction over:

    • Divorces and dissolutions of marriage
    • Suits affecting parent-child relationships (SAPCR), including child custody and visitation
    • Child support matters, including cases brought by the Attorney General's office under Title IV-D
    • Adoptions and name changes
    • Juvenile prosecutions
    • Mental health proceedings
    • Child Protective Services matters (handled by the CPS Cluster Court)

    Parties in family law cases involving children are required to complete a parenting class within 30 days of filing. Attorney General cases brought under Article VI-D are assigned to a VI-D Associate Judge. The County Court at Law also hears appeals of Justice Court and Municipal Court decisions. For guidance on concurrent jurisdiction between the 12th District Court, 506th District Court, and County Court at Law, the court has published a Letter of Instruction for Filing of Cases with Concurrent Jurisdiction.

    Marriage Records
    Marriage licenses in Grimes County are issued and recorded by the County Clerk. As of January 1, 2024, a formal marriage license costs $81. Marriage licenses issued in Grimes County can be searched online back to 1848 through the official records portal. The Texas Department of State Health Services also maintains statewide marriage indexes from 1966 to the present. To get a certified copy of a marriage record, contact the County Clerk with the full names of both parties, the marriage date, a copy of a valid photo ID, and the applicable fee. Fees are payable by check or money order.

    Divorce Records
    Divorce records — including decrees and settlement agreements — are maintained by the District Clerk. Have the names of both parties, the approximate divorce date, and a case number if you have one. The County Clerk's office directs all divorce inquiries to the District Clerk at (936) 873-4433.

    Grimes County Probate Court Records

    Probate proceedings in Grimes County are governed by the Texas Estates Code and are heard by the County Court at Law Judge. All probate cases must be initiated by a licensed Texas attorney. Texas law requires probate applications to be filed within four years of the decedent's death. After filing, a two-week waiting period must pass before a hearing is held, during which the County Clerk posts a notice at the courthouse.

    The County Clerk's office maintains probate records, including wills admitted to probate, inventory and appraisal filings, heirship determinations, guardianship proceedings, and estate settlements. Probate records and court records are searchable online back to 1893 through the County Clerk's digital records portal.

    Wills for Safekeeping
    Anyone can deposit a will with the County Clerk for safekeeping for a one-time fee of $5.00. The will is sealed in an envelope and stored securely — deputy clerks do not review the contents. The Clerk issues a certificate of deposit upon receipt. The testator may withdraw the will at any time. After the testator's death, any person named on the outside of the sealed envelope may withdraw the will by providing proof of identification and proof of the testator's death. The County Clerk also posts annual probate notices for 2026 on the county website.

    For fee information, the County Clerk publishes a probate court costs schedule alongside its general recording fee schedule. Guardianship records, conservatorship filings, and mental health proceedings are also heard by the County Court at Law and maintained by the County Clerk. Most probate records are accessible in person at the County Clerk's office, through the online portal, or by submitting a written public information request. Sealed adoption records are not available to the general public and require a court order for access. For legal assistance with probate matters, the Texas State Bar's attorney referral service and the Texas State Law Library offer free self-help resources.