Kaufman County Court Records Search
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.
Kaufman County is located in northeast Texas, with its county seat in the city of Kaufman. The county’s court system operates across multiple levels, including three District Courts, a Constitutional County Court, two County Courts at Law, four Justice of the Peace Courts, and eight Municipal Courts. Court records generated by these tribunals are maintained by two primary custodians: the County Clerk, who oversees misdemeanor criminal, probate, guardianship, and County Court at Law civil filings, and the District Clerk, who maintains all District Court records covering felony criminal, major civil, and family law matters. The main courthouse — the Kaufman County Justice Center — is located at 1902 East US Highway 175 in Kaufman.
For individuals searching court records in Texas, several avenues are available. Official clerk offices provide in-person inspection and copy services, while county-maintained online portals allow remote access to docket information and case documents. The Tyler Odyssey Portal for Kaufman County serves as the primary electronic search tool for District Court cases, and the County Clerk Self-Service site covers County Court records. TexasStateCourts.us may also assist users in locating publicly available court case information across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kaufman County?
Begin by identifying which court handled the matter. Felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits above County Court limits, and family law proceedings are filed in the District Courts. Misdemeanor criminal charges, probate, guardianship, and smaller civil cases are handled by the County Courts at Law or the Constitutional County Court. Traffic offenses, small claims, and eviction cases typically fall within the Justice of the Peace Courts, and city ordinance violations go to the relevant Municipal Court.
Court locations and contacts
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 86th District Court | 100 W. Mulberry Street, Kaufman, TX 75142 | (972) 932-4331, ext. 1274 |
| 422nd District Court | 1902 E. US Hwy 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 | (469) 376-4666 |
| 489th District Court | 1902 US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 | (469) 376-4505 |
| Constitutional County Court / County Courts at Law | 100 W. Mulberry Street, Kaufman, TX 75142 | (972) 932-4331, ext. 1104 |
| Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1 | 3001 S. Washington Street, Kaufman, TX 75142 | (972) 932-9747 |
| Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 | 200 E. Main Street, Forney, TX 75126 | (972) 564-3786 |
| Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 | 408 E. College Street, Terrell, TX 75160 | (972) 563-9723 |
| Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4 | 103 N. Main Street, Kemp, TX 75143 | (469) 376-4620 |
District Clerk’s Office
Address: 1902 E. US Hwy 175, Kaufman, TX 75142
Phone: (469) 376-4640
Email: dc@kaufmancounty.net
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
County Clerk’s Office
Address: 1902 US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142 (P.O. Box 729)
Phone: (469) 376-4730 | Probate: (469) 376-4738
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Online search methods
- District Court records – The District Clerk’s Public Records Search portal allows searches by case number, party name (last, first format), or business name. Wildcard searches require at least three characters for last names and one for first names.
- County Court records – The County Clerk Self-Service website provides access to misdemeanor criminal, probate, guardianship, and civil records filed in the County Courts at Law.
- E-Filing – Since July 1, 2018, electronic filing has been mandatory for attorneys. Documents are submitted through eFile Texas.
In-person and mail requests
Walk-in visitors may inspect court records at no charge at the appropriate clerk’s office during business hours. The County Clerk’s office will not release specific record information over the telephone. Mail requests should be directed to the relevant clerk with the party name, approximate date of the event, and applicable fees enclosed.
Are Court Records Public in Kaufman County?
Court records in Kaufman County are presumed public under Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, commonly known as the Texas Public Information Act. This statute grants citizens the right to inspect, view, and copy records maintained by governmental bodies, including court documents.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Records sealed by federal or state statute
- Records sealed by court order
- Records containing personal identifying information where disclosure would constitute an invasion of privacy
- Protected health information within a court file
- Mental health commitment records (confidential and non-public)
- Juvenile court records (confidential and non-public)
- Adoption records
- Child custody and paternity records containing sensitive details
Before release, clerks redact confidential identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account numbers, tax returns, and insurance information. When a requested record falls within an exemption, the custodial office may seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General if the requester declines to accept a redacted copy. That process can take up to 45 working days from the date of the request.
Court records maintained by the County Clerk — except for mental health and juvenile files — are available for public inspection at no charge. Copies and certifications carry fees, detailed below.
Kaufman County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Kaufman County is divided among several courts. The 86th, 422nd, and 489th District Courts handle felony prosecutions. The County Courts at Law and the Constitutional County Court preside over Class A and Class B misdemeanors. Justice of the Peace Courts address minor criminal matters, and Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations.
Searching criminal court records
- Online – Use the Tyler Odyssey Portal to look up felony and District Court criminal cases by defendant name or case number. County-level misdemeanor cases can be searched through the County Clerk Self-Service portal.
- In person – Visit the District Clerk’s Office (1902 E. US Hwy 175) for felony records or the County Clerk’s Office (same address) for misdemeanor files. Inspection is free; copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies cost $5.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
- By mail – Send a written request to the appropriate clerk. For misdemeanor searches through the County Clerk, include the name of the person charged, the date of the offense or conviction (within a 10-year window), and the type of offense if known. Enclose payment and a return address.
District Clerk criminal filing fees (effective January 1, 2024)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Criminal non-disclosure | $350.00 |
| Expunction | $350.00 + $15.00 per agency for notice |
| Record search | $5.00 |
| Copies (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification | $5.00 |
Arrest and incident records
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records independently from the court system. The Sheriff provides an online open records request form through which requesters can submit details about the incident and choose to receive records by mail, email, or fax. Some information may be redacted under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests may also be made in person at:
Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office
1900 East US-175
Kaufman, TX 75142
Phone: (972) 932-4337
Fax: (972) 932-9751
Kaufman County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Kaufman County is heard by the District Courts (contract disputes, property claims, personal injury, and commercial cases above the County Court monetary threshold) and the County Courts at Law (civil matters within their jurisdictional limits). Small claims and eviction proceedings are handled by the Justice of the Peace Courts.
How to obtain civil court records
- Online – The District Clerk’s portal covers civil cases filed in the District Courts. The County Clerk’s Self-Service site provides access to County Court at Law civil filings.
- In person – Records are available for inspection at the appropriate clerk’s office. No appointment is necessary during regular business hours.
- By mail – Address requests to the District Clerk or County Clerk at 1902 US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142, with the case number or full party name and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Selected District Clerk civil filing fees (effective January 1, 2024)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (original petition) | $350.00 |
| Divorce/annulment without children | $350.00 |
| Divorce/annulment with children | $366.00 |
| Parent/child (SAPCR) | $350.00 |
| Termination and adoption | $365.00 |
| Workers’ compensation | $365.00 |
| Foreign judgment | $350.00 |
| Protective order (includes issuance) | $350.00 |
| Name change | $350.00 |
| Intervention / counterclaim / cross-action | $80.00 |
| Subpoena issuance | $8.00 |
| Writ service (in county) | $200.00 |
| Abstract of judgment | $8.00 |
The District Clerk’s office accepts cash, check, or card payments. Credit and debit card transactions incur a convenience fee. A full filing fee schedule is available on the District Clerk’s website. For legal forms and self-help resources, the District Clerk’s page links to Texas Law Help and the Texas State Law Library.
Property records
Kaufman County property data — including ownership, appraised values, tax information, and property characteristics — can be searched online through the Kaufman Central Appraisal District property search tool by owner name, address, or account number. Recorded instruments such as deeds, liens, and plats are filed with the County Clerk’s office.
Kaufman County Family Court Records
Texas does not operate dedicated family courts. In Kaufman County, family law matters — including divorce, annulment, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption — are heard by the District Courts. The District Clerk maintains the associated case files, while the County Clerk handles certain related vital records.
Divorce and custody records
Divorce decrees, custody orders, and other family law filings are searchable through the Tyler Odyssey Portal. Copies may also be obtained in person at the District Clerk’s Office or by mail. Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the filing. Certified copies of divorce and marriage-related court records cost $5.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
Certain family court records carry access restrictions. Juvenile proceedings, child custody evaluations, paternity test results, and adoption files are not available to the general public.
Marriage licenses and records
Under Texas Family Code Section 2.001, the County Clerk issues all marriage licenses. Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk’s Office no later than 3:30 p.m. and should expect the process to take approximately 30 minutes. Key requirements include:
- Valid government-issued photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security number or card
- Certified divorce decree if divorced within the last 30 days (must include a waiver of the 30-day waiting period)
- Fee: $82.00 (an additional $100.00 applies if both applicants are out-of-state residents per HB 555)
- Couples who complete the Twogether in Texas workshop receive a $60.00 discount
- A 72-hour waiting period applies after issuance unless waived by military service, a district court order, or completion of the Twogether in Texas workshop
- The license expires on the 91st day after issuance and is valid only within Texas
Marriage record searches and certified copy requests can be directed to the County Clerk’s marriage records page.
Birth and death certificates
The County Clerk’s Office maintains vital records and issues certified copies to qualified applicants. Birth records held in the office date from 1876 (Kaufman County births) and from 1926 (all Texas births). Death records date from 1903. Both categories are closed to general public inspection — birth records until the 75th anniversary of the date of birth and death records until the 25th anniversary of the date of death.
Qualified applicants (the individual named, a parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, or adult child) may purchase certified copies using the application forms available on the county website:
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $23.00 | $23.00 each |
| Death certificate | $21.00 | $4.00 each |
Applications must include a photocopy of valid government-issued ID and an affidavit of eligibility. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to the County Clerk’s Office at P.O. Box 729, 1902 US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142. Contact (469) 376-4730 for questions. The Texas Division of Vital Records also provides statewide vital record services.
Kaufman County Probate Court Records
Kaufman County does not have a standalone probate court. Probate and guardianship matters are heard by the County Courts at Law and the Constitutional County Court, with the County Clerk serving as clerk of the court for these proceedings. The Clerk’s Probate Division issues citations, letters testamentary, letters of guardianship, notices, and other instruments as required by law or requested by parties to a case.
Types of records maintained
- Wills admitted to probate
- Applications for probate of wills and for administration of estates
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Guardianship applications and orders
- Inventories, appraisals, and accountings
- Mental health commitment records (confidential — not available to the public)
- Bond forfeiture case files
How to request probate and guardianship records
- In person – Visit the County Clerk’s Office at 1902 US Highway 175, Kaufman, TX 75142, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Inspection is free.
- By mail – Send a written request to the Court Department, Kaufman County Clerk, P.O. Box 729, 1902 US Hwy 175, Kaufman, TX 75142. Include the following:
- For probate cases: name of the deceased and approximate date of death
- For guardianship cases: name of the person for whom guardianship was established and the approximate filing date within a 10-year period
- Applicable fees and a return mailing address
- Online – Search the County Clerk Self-Service portal for probate and guardianship case docket information.
- By phone or email – Contact the Probate Division at (469) 376-4738 or email the office for probate-related requests.
Fees for probate record copies
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 certification + $1.00 per page |
| Certification of facts (search result without copies) | $5.00 |
The County Clerk’s office can assist with filing documents and locating records but cannot provide legal advice. The probate judges in Kaufman County require an attorney to file a new case, with the exception of a Small Estate Affidavit. Self-help resources are available through Texas Court Help, Texas Law Help, and the Texas State Law Library. Forms for nondisclosure petitions and statements of inability to afford court costs can be found on the Texas Courts forms page.