Hood County Court Records Search
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Hood County occupies part of north-central Texas roughly 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, with Granbury serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial infrastructure includes a district court, a constitutional county court, a county court at law, four justice of the peace courts, and three municipal courts — ten courts in all. Court records generated across these tribunals encompass criminal case files, civil litigation documents, family law proceedings, probate filings, and a range of real property instruments. Two separate clerk offices share custodial duties: the District Clerk manages records for the 355th District Court, while the County Clerk maintains files for the County Court at Law, the Constitutional County Court, and records relating to vital statistics, land instruments, and probate matters.
Texas provides multiple pathways for searching court records at both the state and county level. Hood County court case data can be accessed through official clerk portals, in-person visits during business hours, and statewide judicial databases. TexasStateCourts.us may assist users seeking publicly available court case information across Texas jurisdictions. At the county level, both the District Clerk and the County Clerk operate online record portals, and public-access terminals are available at the Hood County Justice Center during regular office hours. The Texas Judicial Branch website also publishes resources on court records access, filing fees, and self-help materials for individuals navigating the court system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Hood County?
Hood County offers online, in-person, and telephone-based methods for locating court case information. The correct approach depends on whether the case was filed in the District Court or in the County Court at Law, and on the type of record sought.
Online Case Search
Both clerk offices maintain electronic portals powered by the Tyler Technologies Odyssey system:
- District Clerk Records Portal — The Hood County District Clerk Records Portal provides access to civil, criminal, and family case records filed in the 355th District Court. A separate Public Access portal allows searches by party name, case number, or case type without requiring an account.
- County Clerk Court Records — The County Clerk publishes court records through its own online court records system, covering misdemeanor criminal cases, civil suits, and probate matters heard in the County Court at Law.
For land and real property records, the County Clerk provides a separate public records search tool.
Statewide Criminal History Search
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates the Criminal History Conviction Name Search, which returns public conviction data for Class B misdemeanors and above. Each search credit costs $1.00, with a 2.25% processing fee plus $0.25 per transaction when purchasing credits by card.
In-Person Access
Both clerk offices are located within the Hood County Justice Center:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hood County District Clerk | 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 | (817) 579-3236 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Hood County Clerk | 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 | (817) 579-3222 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Walk-in visitors can inspect public records, search indexes, and request certified copies at either office. No telephone searches are conducted by the County Clerk’s office. Written record search requests are subject to a $5.00 fee per record, and the office will not perform title or lien searches on behalf of requesters.
Are Court Records Public in Hood County?
Texas law strongly favors public access to government records. The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) establishes a presumption that government information is available to the public, though specific exceptions apply to certain categories of records. For judicial records specifically, the Texas Supreme Court’s Open Records Policy and Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration govern access to records maintained by courts and judicial agencies. Under these frameworks, the custodian of court case records is generally the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
Most Hood County court records — including docket sheets, charge documents, motions, orders, and judgments — are open for public inspection. However, certain records are restricted from disclosure:
- Juvenile case records
- Records sealed by court order
- Records subject to expunction or orders of nondisclosure under Texas law
- Family court records involving minors where confidentiality is ordered
- Records identifying victims of sexual assault or domestic violence
- Financial and medical information submitted under seal
- Trade secrets and proprietary information protected by court order
The Hood County Sheriff’s Office processes its own open records requests under the Public Information Act. Written requests can be submitted by email to pialaw@hoodcounty.texas.gov, by fax at (817) 573-7372, or delivered in person or by mail to:
Hood County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Records Division
400 Deputy Larry Miller Drive
Granbury, TX 76048
A Public Information Request Form is available but not required. Requests should include the requester’s name, contact information, and a detailed description of the records sought.
For open records requests directed at Hood County government generally (excluding the Sheriff’s Office), written requests may be emailed to PIA@hoodcounty.texas.gov or faxed to (817) 408-3452.
Hood County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Hood County is divided by offense severity. The 355th District Court handles all felony prosecutions, while the County Court at Law adjudicates Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases. Appeals from justice and municipal courts involving Class C misdemeanor convictions are also heard in the County Court at Law.
Court Locations and Contacts
355th District Court
1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048
Phone: (817) 579-3233 (Court) / (817) 579-3236 (District Clerk)
Fax: (817) 579-3239
Hood County Court at Law
1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048
Phone: (817) 408-3480
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed noon–1:00 p.m. for lunch)
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal records from the District Court can be searched through the District Clerk Records Portal. County Court at Law criminal records are accessible through the County Clerk court records page. Both portals allow searches by defendant name or case number.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For a comprehensive criminal background check, the Texas DPS Criminal History Conviction Name Search provides public conviction information. The DPS also offers fingerprint-based criminal record checks for eligible organizations screening employees and volunteers. Individuals seeking their own criminal history can follow the DPS personal review procedures using form CR-63.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hood County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records. The non-emergency line is (817) 579-3307. Accident reports for incidents handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety must be obtained separately through the Crash Records Information System. The Sheriff’s Office does not maintain court records or case dispositions — those must be requested from the appropriate court clerk.
Payments for Criminal Fines
Payments on District Court felony and tax cases can be made online through the District Clerk’s online payment service, by phone at (817) 579-3236, by mail (check or money order), or in person. County Court at Law fines can be paid through the County Clerk’s payment portal. A 5% convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions with both offices.
Hood County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Hood County are distributed across three levels of court depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Jurisdictional Overview
- 355th District Court — Has jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, with no upper limit. Also handles contested probate matters and appeals from lower courts.
- Hood County Court at Law — Hears civil cases where the amount in controversy is between $200 and $250,000. This court also functions as the appellate court for cases appealed from justice of the peace courts and municipal courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Handle small claims and civil cases where the amount in controversy falls within their statutory limits. Eviction proceedings (forcible detainer suits) are also filed in JP courts.
Justice of the Peace Court Locations
| Precinct | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Precinct 1 | 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 | (817) 408-2660 |
| Precinct 2 | 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 | (817) 579-3290 |
| Precinct 3 | 5417 Acton Highway, #104, Granbury, TX 76049 | (817) 579-3202 |
| Precinct 4 | 100 E. Pearl Street, Granbury, TX 76048 | (817) 408-2530 |
Accessing Civil Case Records
Civil records from the District Court are searchable through the District Clerk Records Portal. County Court at Law civil records are available through the County Clerk’s online court records page. The District Clerk publishes a fee schedule (PDF) detailing filing costs for civil and family cases. Contact the District Clerk at (817) 579-3236 for the most current fee amounts.
Property and Land Records
The County Clerk records deeds, deeds of trust, liens, plats, UCCs, and other land instruments. Filing fees are:
- First page: $15.00
- Each additional page: $4.00
- Additional names beyond five: $0.25 each
- Deed of trust with multiple riders: $8.00 per page beginning with the second rider
- Plats (after Commissioners Court approval, mylar film 18×24): $60.00
- State tax liens (original or release): $15.00
The County Clerk also charges $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certified copies, and $5.00 per search fee. Recording hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Instruments can also be filed electronically through Simplifile, CSC, or HopDox. Property records are searchable online through the County Clerk’s public records portal. The Circuit Court Deed Calculation tool referenced elsewhere does not apply to Texas; instead, use the County Clerk’s posted fee schedules or call (817) 579-3222 for fee calculations.
Hood County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Hood County are heard in the 355th District Court (divorce, custody, adoption, and contested matters) and in the County Court at Law (family violence protective orders and certain family law proceedings). The District Court has published a Family Standing Order that applies to all family cases filed in Hood County, establishing rules for conduct during pending litigation.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk and can be searched through the District Clerk Records Portal. To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, contact the District Clerk at (817) 579-3236 or visit the office at 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury. The Texas Department of State Health Services also publishes indexes of divorce decrees issued in Texas from 1968 onward and can issue verification letters upon request.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Hood County Clerk. Fees are as follows:
- Marriage license: $76.00
- Informal (common-law) marriage license: $41.00
- Copy of a Hood County marriage license: $8.00
- Duplicate copy: $20.00
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older with valid identification. The DSHS also maintains marriage indexes from 1966 forward and provides verification letters for marriage records.
Birth and Death Records
The County Clerk issues birth and death certificates for Hood County. Current fees:
- Birth certificate: $23.00 (each additional copy also $23.00)
- Death certificate: $21.00 (each additional copy purchased at the same time: $4.00)
Requests can be made in person at the County Clerk’s office, through the Hood County vital records online ordering system, or by mail to:
Hood County Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 339
Granbury, TX 76048
Online orders are processed during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).
Confidentiality of Family Records
Certain family court records are restricted from public access, including cases involving minors where the court has ordered confidentiality, adoption proceedings, and records identifying victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse. Juvenile case records are not publicly accessible under Texas law.
Hood County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Hood County belongs to the Constitutional County Court for uncontested matters, with the County Court at Law serving as the appellate court for probate cases. The County Clerk’s Office maintains all probate records and administers the filing process.
Types of Probate Matters
The County Clerk’s probate department handles:
- Probate of wills (testate estates)
- Administration of estates without a will (intestate estates)
- Independent and dependent administrations
- Determinations of heirship
- Guardianships and temporary guardianships for incapacitated persons or minors
- Conservatorships
- Claims against estates
Probate Filing Fees
The County Clerk publishes a probate and guardianship fee schedule with the following rates:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| All probate cases (no citation or service included) | $360.00 |
| Annual account | $25.00 |
| Annual or final report of guardian | $10.00 |
| Application for sale of real or personal property | $25.00 |
| Claims against the estate | $10.00 |
| Final accounting (no citation or service included) | $25.00 |
| In-county service (each) | $90.00 |
| Inventory after 90 days | $25.00 |
| Letters | $2.00 |
| Orders (judge’s signature) | $2.00 |
For combined filings — such as an administration with a determination of heirship — the total cost including citation and service fees reaches approximately $660.00. The County Clerk’s website provides detailed e-filing instructions for these bundled filings.
Guardianship Requirements
New guardianship or temporary guardianship applicants must file a fingerprint-based criminal history record with the County Clerk if the ward’s liquid assets exceed $50,000 or the proposed guardian is not a Texas resident. Applicants may obtain their criminal history through the FBI Identity History Summary service or through the Texas DPS fingerprinting process once the county is assigned an ORI number.
Searching Probate Records
Probate records can be searched through the County Clerk’s online court records portal or reviewed in person at 1200 W. Pearl Street, Granbury, during regular business hours. For questions about specific probate filings or fee calculations, contact the County Clerk at (817) 579-3222 or email CountyClerk@hoodcounty.texas.gov. Self-help resources for probate and other legal matters are available through Texas Court Help and the Texas Judicial Branch Self-Help Center.