Upshur County Court Records
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Upshur County sits in the piney woods of northeast Texas, with Gilmer as its county seat. The county court system includes the 115th District Court, a Constitutional County Court, four Justice of the Peace Courts, and several Municipal Courts. Two principal clerks split record-keeping responsibilities — the District Clerk and the County Clerk — with each one handling a different category of cases. This guide explains how to find, search, and request court records in Upshur County, including the offices involved, fees, online tools, and step-by-step procedures.
If you're looking for Texas court records, you can start with local clerk offices, in-person courthouse visits, or web-based search tools. TexasStateCourts.us links to statewide judicial resources that can help you identify where a case was filed. Within Upshur County, both the District Clerk and the County Clerk provide 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?
Start by figuring out which court heard the case. The District Clerk holds all records from the 115th District Court, which covers civil, family, tax, juvenile, felony criminal, adoption, and Department of Family and Protective Services matters. The County Clerk maintains records from the Constitutional County Court, the Commissioners Court, and the Probate Court.
Online Search Options
Upshur County offers several online portals depending on what you need:
- County Clerk Judicial Records (1/1/1836 through 2/28/2025) — Search 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) — Use this portal for more recent County Court filings.
- County Clerk Property and Official Records — Searchable database for property records, marriage records, and other official documents on file with the County Clerk.
In-Person and Mail Requests
For District Court records, contact or visit:
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, reach out to:
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, bring as much identifying information as possible — party names, case number, case type, and approximate filing date — so the clerk can locate the right records quickly.
Are Court Records Public in Upshur County?
Court records in Upshur County are generally open to public inspection under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). This law creates a broad right of access to government records and requires that information be made available unless a specific exception applies.
That said, certain categories of court records are restricted by statute or court order. Records that may be exempt from public access include:
- Sealed or expunged records — Cases 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 limited access to protect the petitioner's safety.
- Records involving ongoing investigations — Certain filings tied to active investigations may be temporarily withheld.
- Trade secrets and proprietary information — Where court filings contain commercially sensitive data, access may be restricted.
If you believe access to a court record was improperly denied, you can file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office, which enforces the Public Information Act.
Upshur County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Upshur County are split 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. The County Court has limited jurisdiction over misdemeanors punishable by jail time or fines exceeding $500. The four Justice of the Peace Courts handle Class C misdemeanors punishable by fine only.
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. Select Criminal Case as the record type, then enter a party name or case number to pull up results.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the central repository for criminal history records statewide. You have two options:
- 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 criminal history record information (CHRI) costs $15. Results are sent to a designated recipient. For questions, call (512) 424-5079.
- Third-party searches: Search 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 doesn't appear 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.
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, or a Justice of the Peace Court, depending on the amount in controversy.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
- District Court: Civil cases involving $200 or more (no upper limit), including larger contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property matters.
- County Court: Civil cases where the claim falls between $200 and $10,000, along with 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. That figure bundles together 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 separate: each citation issued 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; 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 are $1.00 per page, certified copies run $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. Select Civil Case and enter relevant party names or case numbers.
Upshur County also has several Municipal Courts that 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 are heard by the 115th District Court. The District Clerk holds all family court records, covering divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, paternity, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence protective orders.
Requesting Family Court Records
Submit in-person or mail 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.
Certified copies cost $8.00 per document, and plain copies are $1.00 per page. Include the case number or the names of the parties when making a request. Keep in mind 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 shows 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 have completed 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
Copies of divorce decrees from District Court can be obtained through 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. Include a completed application form, a copy of valid photo ID, and payment, then mail everything 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, so 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 go 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 you'll need to submit a formal request to obtain actual copies.
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 heard through the County Court, and the County Clerk holds all probate records. The probate docket covers estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, small estate affidavits, mental health cases, and related proceedings.
How to Obtain Probate Records
Request records 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 also be searched online through the County Clerk judicial records portal — select 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 cover citation and service costs. Each citation issued adds $4.00, and personal service by the sheriff within Upshur County costs $100.00. Additional probate costs may also apply, including annual and final accountings ($27.00 each), claims against an estate ($10.00), and letters of appointment ($2.00 each).
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.