Upshur County Court Records Search
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Upshur County is located in the piney woods of northeast Texas, with the city of Gilmer serving as its county seat. The county’s court system includes the 115th District Court, a Constitutional County Court, four Justice of the Peace Courts, and several Municipal Courts. Court records across these bodies are maintained by two principal clerks—the District Clerk and the County Clerk—each responsible for different categories of cases. This guide details how to find, search, and request court records in Upshur County, including the specific offices, fees, online tools, and procedures involved.
Individuals looking for Texas court records can work through several channels, including local clerk offices, in-person visits to courthouses, and web-based search tools. TexasStateCourts.us provides links to statewide judicial resources and court information that may help in identifying where cases have been filed. Within Upshur County, both the District Clerk and County Clerk offer access to records through their offices, and the county maintains online portals for searching certain judicial and property records remotely.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Upshur County?
Finding a court case in Upshur County starts with identifying the court where the matter was filed. The District Clerk is the custodian of all records from the 115th District Court, which covers civil, family, tax, juvenile, felony criminal, adoption, and Department of Family and Protective Services cases. The County Clerk maintains records from the Constitutional County Court, the Commissioners Court, and the Probate Court.
Online Search Options
Upshur County provides multiple online portals for case lookups:
- County Clerk Judicial Records (1/1/1836 through 2/28/2025) — Allows searches by case number, party name (plaintiff or defendant), PID number, and record type (criminal, civil, or probate).
- County Clerk Judicial Records (3/1/2025–Present) — Covers more recent County Court filings.
- County Clerk Property and Official Records — Searchable database for property records, marriage records, and other official records filed with the County Clerk.
In-Person and Mail Requests
For District Court records, submit requests to:
Upshur County District Clerk
Address: 405 N. Titus Street, Gilmer, TX 75644
Phone: (903) 843-5031
Fax: (903) 843-3540
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For County Court, Probate, and Commissioners Court records:
Upshur County Clerk — Terri Ross
Physical Address: 150 E. Jefferson, Gilmer, TX 75644
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 730, Gilmer, TX 75644
Phone: (903) 843-4015
Fax: (903) 843-4504
Email: Terri.Ross@countyofupshur.com
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m. for lunch); Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Copy Fees
| Copy Type | District Clerk | County Clerk |
|---|---|---|
| Plain copies | $1.00 per page | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $8.00 per document | $5.00 + $1.00 per page |
| Authenticated copies | — | $7.00 + $1.00 per page |
When submitting a request, provide as much identifying information as possible—party names, case number, case type, and approximate filing dates—to help the clerk locate the specific records.
Are Court Records Public in Upshur County?
Court records in Upshur County are presumed open to the public under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). This statute establishes a broad right of access to government records and requires that information be made available unless a specific exception applies.
Certain categories of court records are restricted from public access by statute or court order. Records that may be exempt include:
- Sealed or expunged records — Cases that have been sealed by judicial order or expunged from the record are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records — Court files involving minors in juvenile proceedings are confidential under Texas law.
- Adoption records — These are sealed and accessible only to parties authorized by statute or court order.
- Mental health records — Documents related to mental health proceedings embedded in court filings are restricted.
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and similar data may be redacted from public copies.
- Protective orders — Records related to domestic violence protective orders may have restricted access to safeguard the petitioner’s safety.
- Records involving ongoing investigations — Certain filings related to active investigations may be temporarily restricted.
- Trade secrets and proprietary information — Where court filings contain commercially sensitive data, access may be limited.
Individuals who believe they have been improperly denied access to court records may file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, which oversees enforcement of the Public Information Act.
Upshur County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Upshur County are divided between the 115th District Court and the Constitutional County Court based on the severity of the offense. The District Court handles all felony criminal cases, while the County Court has limited jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses punishable by jail time or fines exceeding $500. The four Justice of the Peace Courts handle Class C misdemeanors punishable only by fines.
Where Criminal Records Are Maintained
| Court | Types of Cases | Records Held By |
|---|---|---|
| 115th District Court | Felonies | District Clerk — (903) 843-5031 |
| Constitutional County Court | Misdemeanors (jail/fine over $500) | County Clerk — (903) 843-4015 |
| Justice Courts (Precincts 1–4) | Class C misdemeanors (fine only) | Individual JP offices |
Justice of the Peace Courts
| Precinct | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Precinct 1 | 301 E. Butler Street, Gilmer, TX 75644 | (903) 680-6269 |
| Precinct 2 | 405 N. Titus Street, Gilmer, TX 75644 | (903) 843-5023 |
| Precinct 3 | 2498 W. Upshur, Gladewater, TX 75647 | (903) 680-8350 |
| Precinct 4 | 216 Titus St, Gilmer, TX 75644 | (903) 843-4039 |
Online Criminal Case Searches
County Court criminal cases can be searched through the County Clerk judicial records portal by selecting “Criminal Case” as the record type and entering a party name or case number.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the central repository for criminal history records in Texas. Two options are available:
- Personal review of your own record: Schedule a fingerprint scan through DPS Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) or call (888) 467-2080. The fingerprint scan fee is $10, and the criminal history record information (CHRI) costs $15. Results are sent to a designated recipient. For questions, call (512) 424-5079.
- Third-party searches: Access another individual’s criminal history through the DPS Criminal History Search website. New users must create an account and purchase search credits at $3 per search, plus applicable payment processing fees. Records available include Class B misdemeanors, Class C convictions, and above. If the record is not found online, call (512) 424-2474.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement and maintains arrest records. Contact information:
Address: 405 North Titus, Gilmer, TX 75644
Phone: (903) 843-2541
Fax: (903) 843-2368
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Upshur County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Upshur County are heard by the 115th District Court, the Constitutional County Court, and the Justice of the Peace Courts, depending on the amount in controversy.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
- District Court: Civil cases involving $200 or more (unlimited upper range), including larger contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property matters.
- County Court: Civil cases where the claim falls between $200 and $10,000, as well as appeals from Justice Courts.
- Justice Courts: Civil disputes involving $20,000 or less, small claims, landlord/tenant matters, and eviction proceedings.
Filing Fees — County Court Civil Cases
Based on the County Clerk’s fee schedule, a new civil filing (original petition) in County Court totals $242.00, which includes the court fee, records management, court record preservation, courthouse security, law library, judicial fee, indigent services, court reporter fee, appellate system fees, and electronic filing charges. Citation and service costs are additional: each issuance of citation costs $4.00, and personal service by a constable or sheriff within Upshur County costs $100.00.
How to Request Civil Court Records
For District Court civil records, contact the District Clerk at (903) 843-5031 or visit 405 N. Titus Street, Gilmer, TX 75644. Certified copies cost $8.00 per document, and plain copies are $1.00 per page.
For County Court civil records, contact the County Clerk at (903) 843-4015 or visit 150 E. Jefferson, Gilmer, TX 75644. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page, certified copies are $5.00 plus $1.00 per page, and authenticated copies are $7.00 plus $1.00 per page.
Civil cases in the County Court can also be searched online through the County Clerk judicial records search system by selecting “Civil Case” and entering relevant party information or case numbers.
Municipal Courts in Gilmer, Big Sandy, East Mountain, and Ore City handle city ordinance violations and Class C traffic offenses within their jurisdictions:
- Gilmer Municipal Court: 110 Buffalo Street, Gilmer, TX 75644 — (903) 843-2552
- Big Sandy Municipal Court: P.O. Box 986, Big Sandy, TX 75755 — (903) 636-5534
- East Mountain Municipal Court: 103 Municipal Drive, Gilmer, TX 75645 — (903) 297-6041
- Ore City Municipal Court: P.O. Box 327, Ore City, TX 75683 — (903) 968-2511
Upshur County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Upshur County fall under the jurisdiction of the 115th District Court. The District Clerk is the custodian of all family court records, which encompass divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence protective orders.
Requesting Family Court Records
Submit an in-person or mail request to:
Upshur County District Clerk
Address: 405 N. Titus Street, Gilmer, TX 75644
Phone: (903) 843-5031
Fax: (903) 843-3540
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Certified copies cost $8.00 per document, and plain copies are $1.00 per page. Provide the case number or the names of the parties involved when making a request.
Note that adoption records, juvenile case records, and documents containing domestic violence victim contact information are confidential and not available for general public inspection.
Marriage Records
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Upshur County. An online search for marriage records is available, though it provides index information only—not copies of certificates. A certified copy of a marriage certificate costs $7.00 and can be obtained in person or by mail from the County Clerk at P.O. Box 730, Gilmer, TX 75644, or at 150 E. Jefferson. Mail requests should include the names of both spouses and the date of marriage.
Marriage license fees depend on whether applicants complete the Texas Premarital Education Course:
- Without premarital education certificate: $82.00 total (72-hour waiting period applies)
- With premarital education certificate: $22.00 total (waiting period waived)
Divorce Verification
Divorce records from the District Court can be requested from the District Clerk. At the state level, the Vital Statistics Unit of the Texas Department of State Health Services issues marriage and divorce verification letters for events from 1968 forward. Verification letters cost $20 each. Applicants must complete the appropriate application form, include a copy of valid photo ID, and mail the request with payment to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78756-3191
Birth and Death Records
The County Clerk also handles Upshur County birth and death certificates. Birth records are closed for 75 years and death records for 25 years, meaning only qualified requesters—such as the registrant, immediate family members, guardians, legal representatives, and certain government agencies—may obtain copies.
To request a birth or death certificate, complete the application form and submit it with a copy of valid identification and the applicable fee:
- Birth certificates: $23.00
- Death certificates: $21.00
In-person requests are accepted at the County Clerk’s office. Mail requests should be sent to P.O. Box 730, Gilmer, TX 75644, with payment by cashier’s check or money order (personal checks are not accepted). The County Clerk also provides an online portal to search birth and death record indexes, though copies must be obtained through formal request.
Alternatively, Texas birth and death certificate applications can be submitted to the DSHS Vital Statistics Unit at the Austin address listed above.
Upshur County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Upshur County are handled through the County Court, with the County Clerk serving as custodian of all probate records. The probate docket includes estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, small estate affidavits, mental health cases, and related proceedings.
How to Obtain Probate Records
Probate records can be requested in person or by mail from:
Upshur County Clerk
Physical Address: 150 E. Jefferson, Gilmer, TX 75644
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 730, Gilmer, TX 75644
Phone: (903) 843-4015
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.); Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Probate cases can be searched online through the County Clerk judicial records portal by selecting “Probate Case” as the record type.
Probate Filing Fees
The County Clerk publishes a detailed civil, probate, and guardianship fee schedule. Key filing costs include:
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate of Will & Issuance of Letters Testamentary | $323.00 |
| Small Estate Affidavit | $269.00 |
| Determination of Heirship (no administration) | $273.00 |
| Heirship & Letters of Administration | $327.00 |
| Permanent or Temporary Guardianship | $323.00 |
| Sale of Minor’s Property without Guardianship | $323.00 |
| Foreign Will (recording only) | $269.00 |
| Will for Safekeeping | $16.00 |
| Open Safety Deposit Box | $117.00 |
| Adverse Action / Contest / Counterclaim | $115.00 |
These fees include various statutory components (records management, courthouse security, law library, judicial fee, court reporter, appellate system fees, and others) but generally do not include citation and service costs. Each issuance of citation adds $4.00, and personal service by the sheriff within Upshur County costs $100.00. Additional probate costs such as annual and final accountings ($27.00 each), claims against an estate ($10.00), and letters of appointment ($2.00 each) may also apply.
Wills are not required to be filed electronically in Upshur County. If a will is e-filed, the original document must be presented to the County Clerk’s office within three business days.