Matagorda County, Texas Court Records
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Matagorda County, Texas maintains a multi-tier court system centered in Bay City that handles everything from city ordinance violations at the municipal level to felony prosecutions and estate administration in the district courts. Records produced by these proceedings — including dockets, judgments, orders, motions, and exhibits — form the official documentation of the county's judicial activity and are part of the public record under Texas law. Attorneys, researchers, journalists, and individuals with a personal stake in a case can all access most of these records, provided the information hasn't been sealed or restricted by court order.
Texas court records can be located through a combination of clerk offices, online case search portals, and public access terminals at the courthouse. For an orientation to the state's court structure, TexasStateCourts.us provides a resource for understanding how Texas courts are organized at the district, county, and justice court levels. Detailed case-level records are best obtained directly from the relevant clerk's office or through official county and state court portals, as described throughout this guide.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Matagorda County?
Online Search Options
The county operates the Matagorda County Judicial Records portal, powered by Tyler Technologies' Odyssey Public Access system. From this single portal, you can search across multiple record categories:
- Criminal Records — Search by case number or party name for criminal matters handled in the district courts
- Civil, Family & Probate Case Records — Access civil filings, family law cases, and probate proceedings
- Court Calendar — View upcoming hearing dates and scheduled court appearances
- Jail Records and Jail Bond Records — Check current booking and bond information for individuals held at the county detention facility
- Law Enforcement/Incident Records — Search incident reports generated by law enforcement
The Matagorda County Clerk's official records search portal provides a separate index for land records, deeds, liens, and other instruments recorded with the County Clerk's office. You can search by owner name, document type, or other criteria.
In-Person Access
Both the County Clerk and the District Clerk maintain public access terminals at the Matagorda County Courthouse. Walk-in visitors can conduct research during normal business hours without advance notice, though having case numbers, party names, and approximate filing dates available will speed up any search.
Key Office Contacts
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Clerk | 1700 7th Street, Room 202, Bay City, TX 77414 | (979) 244-7680 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| District Clerk | 1700 7th Street, Room 307, Bay City, TX 77414 | (979) 244-7621 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Both offices can be reached by email: the County Clerk at coclerk@co.matagorda.tx.us, and the District Clerk at dclerk@co.matagorda.tx.us.
Are Court Records Public in Matagorda County?
Texas court records are governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which establishes that judicial records are open for public inspection and copying during regular business hours unless they fall within a defined category of restricted or confidential information. Unlike executive branch agency records — which are controlled by the Texas Public Information Act under Government Code Chapter 552 — court records follow Rule 12 as their primary access framework.
Records open to the general public typically include:
- Civil case filings, motions, and final judgments
- Criminal case dockets, indictments, and sentencing orders
- Divorce decrees and family court orders (excluding certain child-related information)
- Probate petitions, estate inventories, and distribution orders
- Marriage and death records beyond the applicable confidentiality periods
- Property records, deeds, and liens filed with the County Clerk
Categories of records restricted from public access:
- Juvenile court records and proceedings
- Adoption files and records
- Records sealed by court order or expunged under Texas law
- Nondisclosure orders sealing criminal history under Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code
- Personally identifying information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers
- Certain medical and mental health records
- Birth records fewer than 75 years old (restricted to qualified applicants)
- Death records fewer than 25 years old (restricted to eligible immediate family or those with a direct tangible interest)
Individuals seeking to seal criminal records may initiate a petition for expunction or nondisclosure through the District Clerk. The Office of Court Administration maintains nondisclosure forms that can be filed electronically or by mail, along with a procedural overview of the nondisclosure application process.
Matagorda County Criminal Court Records
Felony prosecutions and major criminal matters in Matagorda County are heard by two district courts operating out of the Matagorda County Courthouse:
23rd Judicial District Court of Texas
Address: 1700 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7635
130th Judicial District Court of Texas
Address: 1700 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7635
The District Clerk's Office indexes and secures all court records for both district courts, collects filing fees, and manages funds held in registry. The office also handles electronic filing submissions, with a 24–48 hour processing window after submission. Fee schedules for criminal proceedings are published on the District Clerk's page and cover court costs associated with criminal case filings.
Searching Criminal Records
The most direct path to criminal case information is the Matagorda County Judicial Records portal, which allows searches by party name or case number under the Criminal Records tab. Certified copies of criminal judgments, indictments, or plea records can be requested in person or by mail through the District Clerk at Room 307 of the courthouse.
Arrest Records and Sheriff's Office
Arrest-related information is maintained by the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office, located at 2308 Avenue F, Bay City, TX 77414, reachable at (979) 245-5526. Jail records and bond information can also be accessed directly through the Judicial Records portal under the Jail Records section. For individuals wishing to add funds to an inmate's commissary account, the county uses the AccessCorrections platform, accessible online or via a lobby kiosk at the jail facility. Inquiries can also be directed to the commissary line at (866) 345-1884.
Incident reports generated by the Sheriff's Office are categorized under Law Enforcement Records in the Judicial Records portal and may also be requested directly from the Sheriff's Office, subject to applicable public disclosure rules.
Matagorda County Civil Court Records
Civil matters — including contract disputes, property litigation, collections, landlord-tenant actions, and other non-criminal cases — are handled at multiple levels within Matagorda County's court structure depending on the dollar amount and nature of the claim.
District Courts
Civil cases involving larger monetary amounts or complex legal questions go before the 23rd or 130th District Courts. The District Clerk's Office maintains all filings and is the right contact for certified copies of civil judgments, orders, and pleadings. Court cost and filing fee schedules for civil cases are available through the District Clerk's page.
Justice of the Peace Courts — Small Claims
For disputes involving $20,000 or less, Texas Justice Courts offer a streamlined small claims process designed to be accessible without an attorney. Matagorda County has five active Justice of the Peace precincts:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| JP Precinct 1 | 1700 7th Street, Room 201, Bay City, TX 77414 | (979) 244-7660 / (979) 244-7666 |
| JP Precinct 2 | 2200 7th Street, 4th Floor, Bay City, TX 77414 | (979) 863-2035 |
| JP Precinct 3 | 405 Commerce Street, Palacios, TX 77465 | (361) 972-5313 |
| JP Precinct 4 | Corner of 3rd and Avenue F, Markham, TX 77456 | (979) 843-5601/5602 |
| JP Precinct 6 | 22001 FM 457, Sargent, TX 77414 | (979) 245-0358 |
Justice courts also handle evictions (forcible detainer actions) and debt collection matters. The Texas Law Help guide to small claims court provides a step-by-step overview of how to file, what documentation to bring, and what to expect at a hearing.
Municipal Courts
City ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanor traffic matters within Bay City and Palacios are handled by their respective municipal courts:
Bay City Municipal Court
Address: 1824 6th Street, Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 245-0035 | Fax: (979) 323-9711
Palacios Municipal Court
Address: 313 Henderson, Palacios, TX 77465
Phone: (361) 972-2583
Online Civil Records Search
Civil, family, and probate case records can be searched through the Matagorda County Judicial Records portal. For property-related records such as deeds and liens, the County Clerk official records search provides index and document access.
Matagorda County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Matagorda County — including divorce, child custody, child support, and protective orders — are heard at the district court level and maintained by the District Clerk's Office at Room 307, 1700 7th Street, Bay City.
Divorce Records
Divorce and dissolution filings are public records maintained by the District Clerk. Certified copies of final decrees of divorce can be requested in person or by mail. Supply the full names of both parties and the approximate year the divorce was filed. The District Clerk's page also includes a Vital Statistics 165 for Family Relations Form that must be printed double-sided when applicable to family case filings.
Child Support
Matagorda County participates in the statewide Child Support Program administered by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. The OAG manages enforcement, wage withholding, and interstate child support matters. Parties seeking to establish or modify support orders through the District Court should contact the District Clerk for appropriate forms and procedures.
Adoption and Protective Orders
Adoption records are sealed by court order and are not available to the general public. Protective orders related to domestic violence are filed with the District Clerk and are generally accessible, though victim address information is withheld. Contact the District Clerk at (979) 244-7621 for guidance on accessing specific family case documents.
Marriage Records
Marriage records are maintained by the Matagorda County Clerk and can be requested three ways:
- Online — Through the Matagorda County Vital Records online portal, which processes certified copy requests during normal business hours
- In Person — At the County Clerk's office (1700 7th Street, Room 202, Bay City) during regular hours; valid ID and payment are required at time of request
- By Mail — Submit a completed birth/vital records application along with a notarized Affidavit of Personal Knowledge, a copy of valid ID, and payment
Birth and Death Records
Birth records in Matagorda County are confidential for 75 years from the date of birth, after which they become public. During the restricted period, only the record subject, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives may obtain certified copies. Death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of death, with access limited to eligible family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct tangible interest. After the applicable confidentiality period, both record types are open to anyone.
The same three request methods apply: online through the Matagorda County Vital Records portal, in person at the County Clerk's office, or by mail using the application form. Valid government-issued identification is required in all cases, and mail requests must include a notarized affidavit.
Matagorda County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Matagorda County are administered through the Matagorda County Clerk's Office, which maintains probate and guardianship records. The County Clerk's probate function covers the full range of estate and incapacity proceedings:
- Administration of estates for deceased county residents
- Admission of wills to probate and will contests
- Guardianship proceedings for minors or incapacitated adults
- Conservatorship matters involving management of a ward's financial affairs
- Muniments of title and small estate affidavits
Searching and Accessing Probate Records
The County Clerk maintains a Probate Index that provides a searchable reference to probate matters on file with the office. This index is available through the County Clerk's page and is useful for identifying case numbers before visiting in person or submitting a mail request.
Probate case records — including petitions, inventories, creditor claims, and closing orders — can also be located through the Civil, Family & Probate Case Records section of the Matagorda County Judicial Records portal.
Requesting Probate Documents
To obtain certified copies of probate orders, wills, or estate inventories, contact the County Clerk's office directly:
Matagorda County Clerk
Address: 1700 7th Street, Room 202, Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7680 | Fax: (979) 244-7688
Email: coclerk@co.matagorda.tx.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
When requesting probate documents, provide the full name of the decedent or ward, the approximate year the case was opened, and the case number if already known. Fees apply for certified copies, and the County Clerk's office can confirm the current fee schedule at the time of request. Records subject to a sealing order — such as certain guardianship or mental health commitment records — require legal authorization to access and are not available through routine public requests.