Hill County, Texas Court Records
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Hill County, Texas operates a layered court system centered in Hillsboro, the county seat, that generates a wide range of public legal records each year. These documents — covering everything from felony prosecutions and civil contract disputes to probate estates and divorce proceedings — are produced by several courts operating at the state, county, and local levels. Court records typically contain case filings, motions, orders, verdicts, sentencing details, dockets, and evidence presented during hearings. Because these records serve as the official documentation of legal proceedings, they are essential for legal research, background checks, title searches, and verifying the resolution of disputes.
Courts across Texas maintain records through clerk offices at the district and county levels, and many case records are now accessible through online portals. For those researching Hill County cases from outside the area, TexasStateCourts.us is a useful reference for understanding court structures, locating clerk contacts, and identifying publicly available court case information across Texas counties. Records can also be accessed in person at clerk offices, through public access terminals at the courthouse, or by submitting written requests by mail or fax.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Hill County?
Start by identifying which court handled the case, since different courts maintain their own separate archives. Two main clerk offices handle the bulk of Hill County's court records: the District Clerk's Office and the County Clerk's Office.
Online Search Options:
- The Hill County District Clerk's Office gives you access to records through two portals. Civil cases can be searched through re:SearchTX, a statewide platform that indexes civil records from district and county courts across all 254 Texas counties. The District Clerk also maintains the Hill County Courts Portal for direct case lookups using a party name or cause number.
- County Clerk records — including probate and real property records — are searchable online through the County Clerk's official land records system.
In-Person and Mail Requests — District Clerk:
- Complete the records request form on the District Clerk's website.
- Provide the case number or party name. Cases older than 40 years or submitted without a cause number may require additional research.
- The District Clerk will contact you by email or phone with the total cost.
- Pay online via the payment link provided, or pay in person when picking up documents at the office.
District Clerk's Office
Address: 80 N. Waco St., 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 634, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Phone: (254) 582-4042
Email: districtclerk@co.hill.tx.us
Website: hillcountydc.com
County Clerk's Office
Address: 80 N. Waco St., 1st Floor, P.O. Box 398, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Phone: (254) 582-4030
Fax: (254) 582-4003
Are Court Records Public in Hill County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, court records held by Hill County's governmental bodies are generally considered public information and available to any person upon request. The Act confirms the public's right to inspect and obtain copies of government records without having to explain why. Hill County accepts Public Information Act requests submitted by fax, mail, or email directed to the specific department, department head, or elected official who holds the requested records.
Not every document in Hill County's court files is open to unrestricted access, however. Categories that may be withheld or restricted include:
- Records whose release would interfere with ongoing legal proceedings
- Records containing information that could endanger the safety of a witness
- Personal financial records, including tax information
- Medical and mental health records
- Records relating to juvenile cases, which carry heightened confidentiality protections under Texas law
- Certain family law records, particularly those involving children
Texas Government Code Section 552.022 also governs what law enforcement records may be released to the public, and Section 411.083 of the Government Code restricts access to complete criminal history records to the subject of the record or other specifically authorized parties. When a record is withheld, the agency must provide notice of the exemption being applied.
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure also allow courts to seal certain civil case records under specific findings, meaning that even publicly filed cases may have portions restricted from disclosure.
Hill County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal prosecutions in Hill County are handled by the 66th Judicial District Court, presided over by Judge Justin Lewis. This court has jurisdiction over all felony cases in the county, from indictment through trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters. The District Clerk keeps the official records for these proceedings.
66th Judicial District Court
Address: 80 N. Waco St., 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 284, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Phone: (254) 582-4045
Fax: (254) 582-4010
Court Coordinator: Gloria Rivera — grivera@co.hill.tx.us
The court has adopted 66th District Court Policies effective December 1, 2025, as well as standing orders governing bail and criminal justice payment distributions, all available through the District Court page on the county website.
Criminal case records held by the District Clerk include felony and misdemeanor filings, charging documents, plea records, judgment entries, and sentencing information. Copies cost $1.00 per page (certified or uncertified), with a $5.00 search fee per search when no cause number is provided or for older archived cases. Documents can be picked up at the clerk's office, mailed, or emailed upon request.
Arrest Records and Criminal History:
The Hill County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency maintaining arrest information for the county.
Hill County Sheriff's Office
Address: 406 Hall Street, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Phone: (254) 582-5313
Fax: (254) 582-3848
For a broader statewide criminal history search, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers two options:
- Name-based online search: Available through the DPS Conviction Name Search portal. Users must create an account and purchase search credits at $1.00 per credit, plus a $0.25 transaction fee and a 2.25% processing charge per order for credit card payments.
- Fingerprint-based CHRI search: Submit the CR-63 fingerprint card form by mail to DPS for a more precise criminal history result. The fee is $10.00 plus a $15.00 CHRI fee. Results are mailed or emailed to the address provided.
Hill County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Hill County is distributed across several courts depending on the nature and value of the claim. The 66th Judicial District Court has original jurisdiction over major civil matters — including child protective services cases, attorney general cases, tax suits, and larger contract and tort claims. The Hill County Court at Law, presided over by Judge Matt Crain, handles civil matters concurrently with the district court and is an important venue for mid-range civil disputes.
Hill County Court at Law
Address: 80 N. Waco St., 1st Floor, P.O. Box 874, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Phone: (254) 582-4068
Fax: (254) 582-4071
Court Coordinator: Lori Primm — courtatlaw@co.hill.tx.us
Small claims and minor civil disputes fall within the jurisdiction of the four Hill County Justice of the Peace Courts. Texas justice courts hear claims up to $20,000.
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| JP Precinct 1 | 5800 FM 933, Suite 1, Whitney, TX 76692 | (254) 694-3140 |
| JP Precinct 2 | 1 N. Waco St., P.O. Box 316, Hillsboro, TX 76645 | (254) 582-4025 |
| JP Precinct 3 | 101 E. Live Oak, P.O. Box 193, Malone, TX 76660 | (254) 530-1034 |
| JP Precinct 4 | P.O. Box 206, Itasca, TX 76055 | (254) 687-2424 |
Civil records held by the District Clerk — including AG cases, CPS matters, tax suits, and divorce decrees — can be searched through re:SearchTX using free credentials, or through the Hill County Court Portal. Printed copies cost $1.00 per page, with a $5.00 search fee for requests submitted without a cause number. Court costs can be paid online through Municipal Online Services.
The District Court's Hill County Local Rules govern civil procedure at the local level and are available for download from the county website.
Hill County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Hill County — including divorce, suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR), child custody, child support, and adoptions — are handled primarily by the 66th Judicial District Court and the Hill County Court at Law. Both courts operate under a Standing Order Regarding Children, Property, and Conduct of the Parties that takes effect automatically in every divorce suit and every SAPCR filed in Hill County. A First Amended version of this Standing Order, effective in 2025, governs the conduct of parties and the preservation of assets and parental access during pending proceedings.
The court has also issued a Standing Order Regarding Parent Education & Family Stabilization Course, which may be required for parties in divorce cases involving minor children.
Divorce records are maintained by the Hill County District Clerk's Office and are available through the records request process described above. The Texas Department of State Health Services also provides divorce verifications for records from 1968 to the present for members of the public who need to confirm whether a divorce was finalized in Texas.
Marriage Records:
Marriage licenses and declarations of informal marriage are issued and maintained by the Hill County Clerk's Office. These are public records, though certified copies are provided for legal or official purposes. Current fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage License (new) | $81.00 |
| Reprint of Original Marriage License | $52.00 |
| Declaration of Informal Marriage | $46.00 |
| Certified Copy (per document) | $5.00 |
| Plain Copy (per page) | $1.00 |
The Texas Department of State Health Services provides marriage verifications for records from 1966 to the present. Birth certificates from the County Clerk carry a fee of $23.00 and are restricted from general public access for 75 years following the birth. Death certificates cost $21.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy, with access restricted for 25 years. Downloadable request packets for both birth certificates and death certificates are available on the County Clerk's website. Certified copies of vital records may also be ordered through the Texas Department of Health Services online ordering portal or in person at local DSHS offices.
Hill County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Hill County fall under the jurisdiction of the Hill County Constitutional County Court, which exercises general probate jurisdiction, and the Hill County Court at Law, which has concurrent probate authority. The Hill County Clerk's Office keeps all probate case filings, including wills, estate administrations, guardianships, conservatorships, and related proceedings.
How to Request Probate Records:
- Visit the County Clerk's Office in person at 80 N. Waco St., 1st Floor, Hillsboro, TX 76645.
- Submit a written mail request including the decedent's name, approximate date of death, and case number if available.
- Contact the clerk at (254) 582-4030 for guidance on specific records.
Hill County Probate Filing Fees (County Clerk):
| Proceeding Type | Initial Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate (Letters Testamentary / Independent or Dependent Administration) | $398.00 |
| Small Estate Affidavit | $392.00 |
| Muniment of Title | $392.00 |
| Administration with Determination of Heirship (base sub-total) | $496.00 |
| Administration with Heirship + Attorney Ad Litem Deposit | $896.00 |
| Guardianship (base sub-total) | $496.00 |
| Guardianship + Attorney Ad Litem Deposit | $996.00 |
| Adverse Action / Counterclaim | $152.00 |
| Annual Account (Probate/Guardianship) | $27.00 |
| Final Account (Probate/Guardianship) | $32.00 |
| Annual Guardian's Report | $12.00 |
| Safekeeping of Will | $5.00 |
| Claims Against the Estate | $10.00 |
| Non-Certified Copies | $1.00/page |
| Certification Fee | $5.00 |
The full Probate Fee Schedule is available as a downloadable PDF from the County Clerk's website. Additional service fees apply for sheriff postings, citation by certified mail, and constable services. Probate records that are not otherwise restricted are public documents under the Texas Public Information Act and may be inspected or copied upon request.