Lavaca 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.
Lavaca County, Texas lies in the Coastal Plains region of the state, with Hallettsville as the county seat. The court system operates across multiple tiers: the District Court handles the most serious criminal and major civil matters, while the Constitutional County Court, Justice of the Peace courts, and municipal courts cover a range of lower-level cases. Court records are split between two primary custodians — the District Clerk and the County Clerk. Which office holds a particular record depends entirely on the court that handled the case, so identifying the right clerk is the essential first step in any records search.
If you're looking for court records in Texas, you can work through clerk offices, courthouse terminals, and official online tools. TexasStateCourts.us can help you navigate the Texas court system and locate publicly available case information at the state level, including appellate court resources.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lavaca County?
Because Lavaca County does not maintain a single unified case database accessible to the general public, the approach to finding records will vary depending on the type of case involved.
Step 1 — Identify the right clerk office. The District Clerk handles felony criminal cases, civil cases over $200 filed in district court, and family law matters such as divorce and child custody. The County Clerk handles Class A and B misdemeanors, probate matters, civil cases within the county court's jurisdiction, and vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Step 2 — Use the online search portal. The most efficient starting point for online access is re:SearchTX, the official Texas court case search portal operated by the Office of Court Administration. It covers district and county court cases from all 254 Texas counties, including Lavaca, and offers a free subscription tier for civil and criminal case lookups by party name, case number, or attorney.
Step 3 — Request records directly from the clerk. Both clerk offices accept in-person and mail requests. The District Clerk also offers online payment for civil and criminal court costs, copies, and search fees. Attorneys are required to use eFileTexas.gov for all civil, probate, and criminal filings in the county.
| Office | Address | Phone | Fax | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | 109 North LaGrange, Hallettsville, TX 77964 (P.O. Box 306) | (361) 798-2351 | (361) 798-5674 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| County Clerk (Barbara K. Steffek) | 412 North Texana, Hallettsville, TX 77964 (P.O. Box 326) | (361) 798-3612 | (361) 798-1610 | Mon–Fri, 7:45 AM–4:30 PM (closed 12:00–1:00 PM) |
Are Court Records Public in Lavaca County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), the public has the right to inspect and copy most government records. Access to court case records, however, is separately governed by the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration rather than the Public Information Act. Under Rule 12, judicial records are generally open for public inspection and copying during regular business hours unless a specific exemption applies.
Categories of records withheld from public access include:
- Court documents sealed by order of a state or federal court
- Records containing identifying information about crime victims, witnesses, or minors involved in proceedings
- Internal court administrative deliberations
- Personnel records for court-appointed or elected officials
- Juvenile records, which are confidential by statute
- Records subject to nondisclosure orders (expunctions and sealing orders)
Open records requests directed to Lavaca County's administrative offices must be submitted in writing to the County Auditor (the county's designated open records officer) at the courthouse. The County Clerk's office accepts open records requests by email at Countyclerk@co.lavaca.tx.us. The Lavaca County Open Records page outlines the procedures for submitting requests and obtaining information from various county departments.
Lavaca County Criminal Court Records
District Court — Felony Cases
Felony criminal prosecutions in Lavaca County are heard in the 25th District Court and the 2nd 25th District Court, both presided over from the same courthouse location. These courts have original jurisdiction over all felony offenses, from state jail felonies through first-degree felonies. The District Clerk maintains all felony case records, including indictments, motions, plea agreements, judgments, and sentencing orders.
Lavaca County District Courts (25th and 2nd 25th)
Address: 109 North La Grange Street, Hallettsville, TX 77964 (P.O. Box 306)
Phone: (361) 798-2351
Fax: (361) 798-5674
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
District Clerk Copy Fees:
- Certified copy: $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page
- Non-certified copy: $1.00 per page
- Record search (per name, no case number provided): $5.00
County Court — Misdemeanor Cases
Class A and B misdemeanor criminal cases are handled by the Lavaca County Constitutional County Court. Records for these cases are maintained by the County Clerk.
Lavaca County Constitutional County Court
Address: 412 North Texana Street, Hallettsville, TX 77964 (P.O. Box 326)
Phone: (361) 798-3612
Fax: (361) 798-1610
Arrest Records and Custody Information
Arrest records in Lavaca County are maintained by the arresting law enforcement agency rather than the court clerk. Contact the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office for arrest reports and inmate information:
Lavaca County Sheriff's Office — Sheriff Steven E. Greenwell
Address: 38 FM 318, Hallettsville, TX 77964 (P.O. Box 373)
Phone: (361) 798-2121
Jail: (361) 798-2420
The Texas Sex Offender Registry and statewide criminal history searches are available through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Lavaca County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Lavaca County is divided between the District Court and the Constitutional County Court based on the amount at stake and the nature of the dispute.
District Court Civil Jurisdiction
The 25th and 2nd 25th District Courts handle civil cases exceeding the county court's jurisdictional range, including complex commercial matters, real property disputes, equity actions, and cases involving damages above $200. The District Clerk maintains all civil case records for these courts.
District Clerk Civil Filing Fees (effective January 1, 2024):
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Civil and Family Filing Fee (Original) | $350.00 |
| Actions within Existing Civil/Family Cases | $80.00 |
| Issuance Fee (citation, writ, subpoena, etc.) | $8.00 |
| Service by Certified Mail | $100.00 |
| Service by Local Deputy | $100.00 |
| Service of TRO/Writ of Injunction | $120.00 |
| Record Search (per name) | $5.00 |
County Court Civil Jurisdiction
The Constitutional County Court handles civil disputes within its statutory jurisdictional range. The County Clerk's 2026 civil filing fee schedule details current fees. For civil filings in the county court, the total filing fee without citation is $350.00 for original filings and $80.00 for actions within existing cases.
Justice of the Peace Courts — Small Claims
For disputes involving $20,000 or less, the Lavaca County Justice of the Peace courts offer a small claims option without requiring an attorney. There are four Justice of the Peace precincts across the county:
| Precinct | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Precinct 1 | 38 FM 318 (P.O. Box 288), Hallettsville, TX 77964 | (361) 798-3945 |
| Precinct 2 | 401 North Lavaca Street (P.O. Box 328), Moulton, TX 77975 | (361) 596-8308 |
| Precinct 3 | 116 West 6th Street #A-3 (P.O. Box 1479), Shiner, TX 77984 | (361) 594-8505 |
| Precinct 4 | 113 Nelson Street, Yoakum, TX 77995 | (361) 293-9146 |
Filing fees for small claims cases at Justice of the Peace courts in Texas typically range from $25 to $54 depending on the amount of the claim. Detailed filing guidance is available through the Texas Justice Court Training Center.
Civil records in re:SearchTX are searchable across all Lavaca County courts by party name or case number, and the Texas State Law Library's court records guide provides additional research strategies for locating civil filings.
Lavaca County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Lavaca County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and protective orders — are heard in the 25th and 2nd 25th District Courts. The District Clerk is the official custodian of all family case records and maintains files at the courthouse in Hallettsville.
Divorce Records
Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the District Clerk at $5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page. In-person and mail requests are both accepted. Provide the names of both parties and the approximate year of filing. The District Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM.
The Texas Department of State Health Services' Vital Statistics Unit maintains a statewide index of divorces recorded since 1968 and can issue verification letters — though these do not carry the same legal weight as a certified copy of the actual decree.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by the County Clerk. To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license, complete the Certified Copy Request Form for Marriage License available on the County Clerk's website. Fees are $8.00 per copy. Submit the form and payment by mail or in person to the County Clerk at 412 North Texana, P.O. Box 326, Hallettsville, TX 77964.
Marriage licenses are issued during specific hours: 7:45–11:30 AM and 1:00–4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. If one applicant cannot appear in person, the Affidavit of Absent Applicant for Marriage License form is available from the County Clerk.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the County Clerk as local registrar. Under Texas Government Code § 552.115, birth records are restricted for 75 years from the date of birth and death records for 25 years from the date of death. Only the record subject and immediate family members may access restricted records.
To request a birth or death certificate, complete the Mail Application for Birth and Death Record and submit it with the applicable fee and a copy of a valid photo ID (for records within the restricted period):
- Birth certificate: $23.00 per certified copy
- Death certificate: $21.00 per certified copy; money orders or checks payable to Lavaca County Clerk
Submit to: Lavaca County Clerk, 412 North Texana, P.O. Box 326, Hallettsville, TX 77964. Records can also be ordered through the Texas DSHS vital statistics application forms page.
Child Support
Child support enforcement in Lavaca County is handled in coordination with the Child Support Program of the Texas Office of the Attorney General, which assists with establishing, enforcing, and modifying support orders statewide.
Lavaca County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Lavaca County is shared between the District Court and the Constitutional County Court. Wills, estate administrations, guardianships, conservatorships, and related matters are handled through the County Clerk's office, which maintains all probate filings. The County Clerk's 2026 probate fee schedule governs all current filings.
Key Probate Filing Fees (effective January 1, 2026):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Probate/Guardianship (with posted citation) | $360.00 |
| Any Action within Existing Probate/Guardianship Case | $120.00 |
| Application for Sale of Property | $95.00 |
| Guardianship Transferred from Another County | $80.00 |
| Annual Account | $27.00 |
| Annual/Final Report of Guardian | $12.00 |
| Final Account/Closing of Estate | $95.00 |
| Claim Against Estate | $10.00 |
| Wills for Safekeeping | $5.00 |
| Issuance of Citation | $8.00 each |
| Sheriff's Fee — Posted Citation | $60.00 |
| Sheriff's Fee — Personal or Publication Service | $125.00 |
| Certified Copy (per page + certification fee) | $1.00/page + $5.00 |
| Non-Certified Copy | $1.00 per page |
| Search Fee (no cause number provided) | $5.00 |
Wills may be deposited with the County Clerk for safekeeping during the testator's lifetime for a fee of $5.00. The document is sealed and indexed but remains confidential until the testator's death.
Probate records are available for in-person inspection during regular County Clerk business hours (Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM–4:30 PM, closed 12:00–1:00 PM). Mail requests should be sent to the County Clerk at P.O. Box 326, Hallettsville, TX 77964. Attorneys are required to e-file probate cases through eFileTexas.gov. Probate case information for Lavaca County can also be searched through re:SearchTX, which indexes county court cases statewide.