Orange 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.
Orange County, Texas, sits in the southeastern corner of the state along the Louisiana border, with its county seat in the city of Orange. The county’s court system processes a broad range of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters across three district courts, two county courts at law, a constitutional county court, two justice of the peace courts, and several municipal courts. All trial-level records are maintained by either the Orange County Clerk or the Orange County District Clerk, depending on the court of origin.
Residents and members of the public who need to locate Texas court records can begin by consulting official clerk offices, online search portals, and public-access terminals. The state judiciary offers appellate case information through TAMES (Texas Appeals Management and eFiling System), while county-level records are accessible through the Orange County Clerk’s online database or in person at the courthouse. TexasStateCourts.us may also help users locate publicly available court case information across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Orange County?
Identifying which clerk holds the record is the first step. The Orange County District Clerk manages all filings in the three district courts (128th, 163rd, and 260th), both county courts at law, the Attorney General Court, and the CPS Cluster Court. The Orange County Clerk maintains misdemeanor criminal cases heard in the constitutional county court, civil cases at that level, probate matters, vital records, and real-property records. Justice of the peace and municipal court records are held by those individual courts.
Online search options:
- County Clerk real-property records — The Official Public Records portal covers documents from 1985 to the present. Historical Image Books spanning 1852 to 1985 are available separately.
- TAMES — Free search of Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, and Courts of Appeals opinions and filings.
- Texas DSHS vital records — Birth, death, and marriage verification certificates can be ordered through the Texas Department of State Health Services online application.
In-person searching:
- Visit the County Clerk’s office and use public computers and index books at no charge.
- Visit the District Clerk’s office for district-level civil, criminal, and family filings.
Mail requests:
- Download the County Clerk’s Copy Request Form or the District Clerk’s Request for Copies form.
- Include payment by check, money order, or credit card authorization (payable to the appropriate clerk).
- Mail to the address of the relevant office (see court directory below).
Helpful search information to provide:
| Record Type | Recommended Details |
|---|---|
| Civil cases | Plaintiff and defendant names, filing date |
| Criminal (misdemeanor) | Defendant name, offense, offense date |
| Property records | Grantor/grantee names, purchase date, property address |
| Probate cases | Decedent’s name, date of death |
The County Clerk charges a $5.00 per-name search fee when staff conduct searches on a requester’s behalf. Searches are not performed by phone or email; requests must be submitted in writing with payment.
Are Court Records Public in Orange County?
Texas law establishes a strong presumption of public access to government records. The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) and Local Government Code § 191.006 grant the public the right to inspect and copy records held by government custodians, including court records.
Certain categories of records, however, are shielded from public disclosure:
- Sealed and expunged records — Criminal cases that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are confidential under the Texas Family Code.
- Adoption records — Sealed and accessible only through a court order or the District Clerk’s Application for Release of Adoption Records.
- Mental health records — Confidential under state health-privacy statutes.
- Protected personal information — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and addresses of protected persons may be redacted from public documents to prevent identity theft.
- Restricted vital records — Birth certificates less than 75 years old and death certificates less than 25 years old are limited to eligible requesters (registrants, immediate family, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest).
When requesting records containing sensitive personal identifiers, the County Clerk requires the requester’s name, relationship to the person on the record, the reason for the request, and a copy of a valid photo ID.
Orange County Criminal Court Records
Felony criminal cases are filed in the 128th, 163rd, and 260th District Courts, all located at 801 W. Division Avenue, Orange, TX 77630. The District Clerk is the custodian of these records. Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases are heard in the County Courts at Law, with records also filed through the District Clerk. Class C misdemeanors are handled by justice of the peace courts and municipal courts.
Court directory — criminal jurisdiction:
| Court | Judge | Phone | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 128th District Court | Judge Courtney Arkeen | (409) 882-7085 | 201 |
| 163rd District Court | Judge Rex Peveto | (409) 882-7090 | 303 |
| 260th District Court | Judge Steve Parkhurst | (409) 882-7095 | 304 |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Mandy White-Rogers | (409) 882-7084 | 104 |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Judge Rodney Townsend | (409) 670-4189 | 203 |
All courts are located at 801 W. Division Ave., Orange, TX 77630.
District Clerk criminal records contacts:
- Criminal (Felonies Only): (409) 882-7817
- General/Jury Information: (409) 882-7028
- Email: districtclerk@co.orange.tx.us
Misdemeanor records (County Clerk):
- Phone: (409) 882-7055
- Email: countyclerk@co.orange.tx.us
Copy fees (District Clerk, effective 9/1/2025):
- Paper copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee per document
- Electronic non-certified copies: $1.00 for the first 10 pages, then $0.10 per page
- Record search: $5.00 per name
Statewide criminal history searches:
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service is the state repository. Name-based searches are available through the Criminal History Conviction Name Search tool. A DPS Secure Site account is required; search credits cost $1.00 each plus a 2.25% processing fee and $0.25 per credit. Fingerprint-based searches can be completed at DPS FAST (Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas) locations. Contact the DPS Access and Dissemination Bureau at (512) 424-2474 with questions.
Local law enforcement:
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 205 S. Border St., Orange, TX 77630
Phone: (409) 883-2612
Website: ocsheriffsoffice.com
Arrest records and incident reports are obtained through the arresting agency, not the court clerks.
Orange County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Orange County are divided among several courts based on the amount in controversy and subject matter. District courts hear cases exceeding their minimum jurisdictional threshold, county courts at law handle a mid-range of civil disputes, the constitutional county court handles certain matters, and justice of the peace courts preside over small claims and civil suits where the amount in controversy does not exceed $20,000.
Where to obtain civil records:
- District-level civil cases — Filed and maintained by the District Clerk. Contact the civil suits line at (409) 882-7828. E-filing has been mandatory for the District Clerk’s office since January 1, 2015; filings are submitted through eFile.TXCourts.gov.
- County-level civil and misdemeanor cases — Filed with the County Clerk at 801 W. Division, Orange, TX 77630.
- Justice Court civil cases — Filed with the relevant precinct court.
Justice of the Peace courts:
| Court | Judge | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP Precinct 1 | Judge Hershel Stagner Jr. | 801 W. Division Ave., Room 102, Orange, TX 77630 | (409) 882-7800 |
| JP Precinct 2 | Judge Chad Jenkins | 3500 Edgar Brown Dr., Orange, TX 77630 | (409) 882-7805 |
County Clerk civil filing fees (effective 1/1/2022):
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil case | $350.00 |
| Issued citation | $8.00 |
| Personal service (Sheriff or certified mail) | $80.00 |
| Contest / adverse action / counterclaim | $80.00 |
| Civil search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Issued subpoena | $8.00 |
| Abstract of judgment | $8.00 |
| Writ of execution | $8.00 (plus $175.00 Sheriff service) |
A detailed fee schedule is available as a downloadable PDF from the County Clerk.
District Clerk civil and family filing fees (effective 9/1/2025):
- New civil, family, or SAPCR case: $350.00 (comprised of $213.00 local consolidated fee + $137.00 state consolidated fee)
- Subsequent filings (counterclaim, cross-action, intervention, etc.): $80.00
Copy fees (all clerks):
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 per document
Orange County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Orange County — including divorce, child custody, child support enforcement, modifications, adoptions, and protective orders — are heard in the district courts and county courts at law. The District Clerk serves as custodian of all family-case filings.
Key contact numbers (District Clerk):
- Divorce and all family law matters: (409) 882-7829
- General information: (409) 882-7028
Filing for divorce:
E-filing is mandatory through eFile.TXCourts.gov. The District Clerk provides Pro Se E-Filing Instructions for self-represented litigants. Step-by-step guidance on completing Texas divorce forms is available through Texas Law Help (Divorce With Children) and Texas Law Help (Divorce Without Children).
Required forms available from the District Clerk include the VS-165 Report form for SAPCR and Divorce, the Record of Support Form for Child Support, and the Statement of Inability to Pay Costs for qualifying individuals.
Marriage licenses:
Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk. Both applicants must appear in person (or use the Absent Applicant Form for one party). Requirements include a state- or federally issued photo ID showing date of birth, knowledge of Social Security number and place of birth, and a minimum age of 18. The fee is $81.00 (cash only, no checks). A 72-hour waiting period applies before the license can be used, and the license is valid for 90 days statewide. A Declaration of Informal Marriage costs $46.00 (cash only). Licenses are issued Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Divorce records:
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains public indexes of Texas divorces from 1968 to the present. Certified copies of divorce decrees filed before 1968 may be requested from the District Clerk. The District Clerk’s office is located at 801 W. Division Ave., Orange, TX 77630, phone (409) 882-7825.
Vital records (birth and death):
Birth and death certificates are issued by the County Clerk, who serves as a remote birth registration site for all Texas births. Fees and eligibility:
- Birth certificate: $23.00 per certified copy. Public after 75 years. Restricted to the registrant, immediate family, legal representatives, or persons with a direct and tangible interest.
- Death certificate: $21.00 for the first copy; $4.00 each additional. Public after 25 years. Same eligibility restrictions as birth records.
Applicants must complete the Application for Birth or Death Certificate, have the form notarized, enclose a copy of a valid driver’s license, and submit with payment. Certificates may also be ordered through the Texas DSHS online portal.
Orange County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Orange County — including estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and name changes — are heard by the constitutional county court. The County Clerk files and maintains all probate records.
How to search and request probate records:
- Search online using the County Clerk’s real-property and records portal.
- Visit the County Clerk’s office to use public computers and index books at no charge.
- Request a staff-conducted search for $5.00 per name by mailing a written request with payment.
Probate filing fees (effective 1/1/2022):
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| New probate case | $360.00 |
| New small estate case | $360.00 |
| New guardianship case | $360.00 (plus $500.00 Attorney Ad Litem fee \= $860.00 total) |
| Attorney Ad Litem fee (heirship, guardianship, sale of property) | $500.00 |
| Probate search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Inventory, appraisement, and list of claims | $25.00 |
| Claim against an estate | $10.00 |
| Letters testamentary / administration / guardianship | $2.00 |
| Bond approval by judge | $5.00 |
| Contest / adverse action / counterclaim | $120.00 |
| Annual or final account | $25.00 |
| Annual or final report of guardian | $10.00 |
| Application for sale of real or personal property | $25.00 |
| Any space requiring judge’s signature | $2.00 |
| Personal service (Sheriff or certified mail) | $80.00 |
| Documents exceeding 25 pages | $25.00 |
The inventory filing fee is assessed only after the 90th day following the date the personal representative qualifies to serve (Local Government Code § 118.056). A downloadable Probate Fee Sheet is available from the County Clerk. All probate filings must be on 8½" × 11" paper, with the exception of original wills.
Copy fees for probate records:
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 per case
Office information:
Orange County Clerk (Brandy Robertson)
Mailing Address: 123 S. 6th St., Orange, TX 77630
Physical Address: 801 W. Division, Orange, TX 77630
Phone: (409) 882-7055
Fax: (409) 882-7012
Email: countyclerk@co.orange.tx.us
Orange County District Clerk (Anne Reed)
Address: 801 W. Division Ave., Orange, TX 77630
Phone: (409) 882-7825
Email: districtclerk@co.orange.tx.us
Office hours (both clerks):
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday — 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The District Clerk’s office closes for lunch (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.); the County Clerk’s office is open through the lunch hour.
Payments are accepted by check, money order, or credit card. Checks should be made payable to “Orange County Clerk” or “Orange County District Clerk” as appropriate. A Credit Card Authorization Form is available for mail-in requests.