Montgomery County Court Records
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Montgomery County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, situated just north of Houston with its county seat in Conroe. The county runs a large court system that includes nine district courts, five county courts at law, five justice of the peace precincts, and a statutory probate court — all generating a significant volume of case records across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Getting to the right records means knowing which office holds them: the District Clerk's Office and the County Clerk's Office each maintain records for different court divisions. This guide walks you through the practical steps for searching, requesting, and accessing court records throughout Montgomery County.
Texas maintains a network of official resources that can help you locate court case information. The state courts website at TexasStateCourts.us offers structural details about the judiciary across all 254 Texas counties. Locally, Montgomery County runs two separate Odyssey-based case records inquiry portals — one managed by the District Clerk for felony, civil, and family cases, and another managed by the County Clerk for misdemeanor, civil, and probate matters. You can also access records in person at the relevant clerk's office, at the courthouse where a case was heard, or through public access terminals.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County offers free online access to court records through two Odyssey Public Access portals, each covering a different set of courts.
District Clerk Court Records Inquiry
The District Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal covers criminal (felony), civil, and family case records maintained by the District Clerk. You can search by case number, party name, attorney information, or filing date. The portal also includes a court calendar feature for upcoming hearing schedules.
County Clerk Court Records Inquiry
The County Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal covers criminal misdemeanor, civil, and probate case records maintained by the County Clerk. Search by party name, case number, or other identifying details.
Both portals are free to use and don't require you to create an account for basic searches.
In-Person Access
If the records you need aren't available online, or if you need certified copies, you can visit either clerk's office in person:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | 301 N. Main Street, Suite 103, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7855 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| County Clerk (Main Office) | 210 West Davis (Hwy 105), Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7885 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 1:00–2:00 p.m.) |
The County Clerk also operates annex locations in The Woodlands and New Caney for certain services.
Requesting Copies by Mail
The District Clerk's Records and Research Department accepts written requests using the Request for Copies form. Mail the completed form with payment to:
Montgomery County District Clerk
Attn: Records and Research
P.O. Box 2985
Conroe, TX 77305
Statute allows 10 business days for processing, though the office aims to complete requests within 4–5 business days. Fax requests are not accepted.
Are Court Records Public in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County court records are subject to Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration and the common law right of public access. Under these authorities, court filings, dockets, orders, judgments, and other case documents are generally open to public inspection. You don't need to explain why you want a public court record, though a custodian may ask enough questions to identify the specific document you're looking for.
Several types of records are restricted from public access:
- Cases involving minors, including juvenile proceedings
- Family law records that have been sealed by court order
- Documents containing redacted information such as Social Security numbers
- Records made confidential by judicial order
- Sealed records, which can only be accessed by submitting a Request to Unseal Records form to the District Clerk
Vital records — birth and death certificates — are confidential under Texas law and are only available to qualified applicants such as the registrant, immediate family members, legal guardians, or authorized agents.
Montgomery County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Montgomery County splits between the district courts and the county courts at law based on offense severity. The nine district courts have exclusive jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, while the county courts at law handle Class A and B misdemeanor cases. Class C misdemeanors go to the justice of the peace courts and municipal courts.
District Courts Handling Felony Cases
| Court | Judge | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th District Court | Phil Grant | 207 W. Phillips, Suite 306, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7866 |
| 221st District Court | Lisa Michalk | 207 W. Phillips, Suite 300, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7808 |
| 284th District Court | Kristin Bays | 301 N. Main, Suite 201, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7861 |
| 359th District Court | Kathleen Hamilton | 207 W. Phillips, Suite 305, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7900 |
| 410th District Court | Jennifer J. Robin | 301 N. Main, Suite 214, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 539-7860 |
| 418th District Court | Tracy A. Gilbert | 301 N. Main, Suite 217, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 538-3618 |
| 435th District Court | Patty Maginnis | 207 W. Phillips, Suite 307, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 538-3532 |
| 457th District Court | Vince Santini | 301 N. Main, Conroe, TX 77301 | (936) 538-3697 |
Searching Criminal Records
Search felony case records through the District Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal. Misdemeanor case records are available through the County Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal.
To request copies of felony records, submit the Request for Copies form to the District Clerk's Records and Research Department. Copy fees are $1.00 per page (plain) or $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee per document (certified). Criminal name searches within Montgomery County cost $5.00 per name, per 10-year period. Payment is accepted by money order, cashier's check, or cash — personal and business checks are not accepted.
Statewide Criminal History
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the Computerized Criminal History System, which offers public conviction records for individuals arrested for Class B misdemeanor offenses or greater across all Texas counties.
Sheriff's Office Records
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office handles criminal offense report requests. Submit open records requests using the sheriff's open records request form. Criminal offense reports are only made public when the underlying case is closed with a conviction or is inactive. Warrants and records inquiries can be directed to (936) 760-5883.
Montgomery County Civil Court Records
Civil case jurisdiction in Montgomery County depends on the amount in controversy. District courts handle civil matters where the disputed amount exceeds $200, while county courts at law hear cases involving smaller sums within their statutory limits. Justice of the peace courts have jurisdiction over civil disputes up to $20,000, evictions, and small claims matters.
Searching Civil Records Online
Civil case records from the district courts are searchable through the District Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal. County court at law civil records are available through the County Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal. Both systems let you search by case number, party name, and attorney name.
Requesting Copies
The District Clerk's Records and Research Department accepts copy requests submitted in person or by mail using the Request for Copies form. The fee structure is as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page + $5.00 per document |
| Civil name search | $5.00 per name, per 10-year period |
| Civil/criminal records data on CD, FTP, or email | $9.35 per request |
All fees and court costs are set by Texas state statute. The District Clerk cannot issue refunds regardless of case outcome. Accepted payment methods include cash, cashier's checks, money orders, attorney checks, and credit cards. Personal and business checks are not accepted.
Electronic Filing
All attorneys must file civil and family cases electronically through eFileTexas.gov. Pro se litigants can use the self-help filing tool at Guide & File to help create and submit forms. Local rules, forms, and standing orders are available through the Texas courts local rules repository.
The District Clerk also publishes a Civil & Family Fee Sheet listing all current filing fees for new suits.
Montgomery County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Montgomery County fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the district courts. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, adoption, paternity, protective orders, and termination of parental rights. The District Clerk maintains all family law case records.
Accessing Family Court Records
Search family case records online through the District Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal. To get copies, use the Request for Copies form, submitted in person or mailed to the District Clerk. For sealed family records, submit the Request to Unseal Records form. Keep in mind that certain family court records may be sealed or restricted, particularly those involving minors or sensitive financial information.
The District Clerk offers several self-help resources for pro se litigants, including forms for protective orders, adult and minor name changes, and divorce filings. A Bureau of Vital Statistics form (VS-165) must be completed on paper and provided to the District Clerk for divorce cases — it should not be e-filed.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and records are maintained by the County Clerk. The fee for a marriage license is $81.00, cash only. You can start your application online to speed things up, but both applicants must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. A 72-hour waiting period applies after the license is issued, and the license expires 90 days after issuance. If you've been divorced, a 30-day waiting period applies from the date the judge signs the divorce decree, unless the court waived it.
Certified copies of marriage licenses can be ordered through the County Clerk's online vital records ordering system or requested in person. Montgomery County can only issue certified copies if the license was originally purchased in Montgomery County.
Divorce Records
Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk and can be accessed through the District Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal or by submitting a copy request form to the Records and Research Department.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are confidential in Texas and only available to qualifying persons — the registrant, immediate family, legal guardians, conservators, or authorized agents. The Montgomery County Clerk maintains birth records for births occurring in the county. Long-form birth certificates are available from 1906 to the present, though the County Clerk holds its own archives only for births before 1926; newer records are available through the Texas Department of State Health Services vital records division. Death records are available from 1903 to the present.
Certified copies can be ordered through the County Clerk's online ordering system:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified birth certificate | $23.00 |
| Certified death certificate | $21.00 |
You can also submit requests in person (with valid ID) or by mail using the appropriate form — the Birth Certificate Application or the Death Certificate Application. Mail requests must include the completed and notarized form, a copy of your ID, payment by check or money order payable to Montgomery County Clerk, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mailing address: P.O. Box 959, Conroe, Texas 77305.
Montgomery County Probate Court Records
Montgomery County operates a single statutory probate court — Probate Court No. 1 — which handles all probate, guardianship, mental health, and ancillary civil matters related to probate. The County Clerk serves as Clerk of the Court for this court.
Probate Court No. 1
Address: 210 West Davis, Conroe, Texas 77301
Phone: (936) 539-7892
County Clerk (Probate): (936) 539-7885
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Types of Cases Handled
The court oversees the administration of deceased persons' estates, determination of heirs, appointment of executors and administrators, and establishment of guardianships for incapacitated persons and minors. Under Chapter 155 of the Government Code, effective June 1, 2018, all guardianships in Texas must be registered with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) through its online system.
Searching Probate Records
Search probate case records through the County Clerk Court Records Inquiry portal under the Civil & Probate Case Records section. The County Clerk's probate division also offers access to the probate records search, current probate filing fees, and a form for requesting probate letters and certified copies.
All attorneys must e-file probate cases. Pro se litigants are encouraged to do so as well, though paper filings are still accepted at the County Clerk's office. Non-refundable e-filing fees are automatically charged when submitting through the e-file system.
The Texas Office of Court Administration maintains a Citation by Publication and Court Notices Website where citations by publication and other public notices required to be posted by courts or clerks are fully searchable by the public.