Fort Bend County Court Records
What Is Fort Bend County Court Records
Fort Bend County court records constitute the official documentation of judicial proceedings maintained by the various courts operating within Fort Bend County, Texas. These records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents generated during legal proceedings as defined under Texas Government Code § 27.004. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Fort Bend County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting and election records
The Fort Bend County court system maintains records for proceedings conducted in the following courts:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- Probate Courts
- Municipal Courts
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Pursuant to the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, court records serve as the official account of judicial proceedings and are maintained according to established retention schedules.
Are Court Records Public In Fort Bend County
Court records in Fort Bend County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the common law principle of open courts. Under Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are expressly designated as public information subject to disclosure unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain categories of court records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to statutory provisions or court orders. These include:
- Juvenile proceedings (Texas Family Code § 58.007)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Cases involving minors
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Cases with active protective orders
It is important to note that access policies may differ between federal courts operating in Fort Bend County and state courts. Federal court records are governed by federal rules and policies, while state and county courts follow Texas state law and local rules established by the Texas Supreme Court.
How To Find Court Records in Fort Bend County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Fort Bend County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, depending on the court and record type.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the appropriate court that maintains the desired records
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid identification if required
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office
301 Jackson Street, Room 101
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-4516
Fort Bend County District Clerk
Fort Bend County Clerk's Office
301 Jackson Street, Suite 101
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-8685
Fort Bend County Clerk
For written requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include specific case information and requested documents
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Fort Bend County online records portal, which provides access to various court records. Additionally, the Fort Bend County District Clerk's online court records system offers access to district court cases.
How To Look Up Court Records in Fort Bend County Online?
Fort Bend County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow users to search for and view various court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.
The primary online resources include:
-
Fort Bend County Court Records Research Portal
- Access via the official court records research page
- Search for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases
- View case information, party details, and docket entries
- Search by case number, party name, filing date, or case type
-
Fort Bend County Public Access System
- Available through Tyler Public Access portal
- Provides access to probate, civil, family, and criminal case records
- Offers court calendar information
- Requires registration for advanced features
-
District Clerk's Online Court Records
- Access through the District Clerk's website
- Provides information on district court cases
- Includes criminal, civil, and family cases
- Allows document viewing for registered users
-
County Clerk's Online Record Search
- Available via the County Clerk's online search portal
- Includes probate cases and county court records
- Offers document images for certain record types
- Requires payment for some document access
-
re:SearchTX
- Statewide court records search system
- Provides access to electronically filed documents
- Requires attorney registration for full access
- Available through the Texas Judicial Branch
When using these systems, users should have specific case information ready, such as case numbers, party names, or date ranges to facilitate efficient searches.
How To Search Fort Bend County Court Records for Free?
Fort Bend County provides several options for members of the public to search court records at no cost, in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.021, which establishes the right to inspect public information without charge.
Free in-person inspection options include:
- Viewing records at the District Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Using public access terminals at the courthouse
- Examining docket sheets and case indices at the clerk's office
Free online search options include:
- Basic case information searches through the Fort Bend County Court Records Research portal
- Limited access to the Public Access System for case status and party information
- Docket searches through the District Clerk's online system
- Calendar information through the court websites
While basic searches are available at no cost, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Complete case file reproductions
- Extensive document requests requiring significant staff time
- Access to certain document images online
The Texas State Law Library also provides free access to certain legal resources and guidance on accessing court records throughout Texas.
What's Included in a Fort Bend County Court Record?
Fort Bend County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A typical court record file includes:
For Civil Cases:
- Petition or complaint
- Summons and service documentation
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Judgment documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information
- Arraignment records
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Plea documents
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices
For Family Law Cases:
- Petition for divorce or other family action
- Temporary orders
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Property settlements
- Final decree
- Post-judgment modifications
For Probate Cases:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Estate closing documents
Each court record also typically contains a docket sheet or register of actions that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case, providing a comprehensive index to the case file contents.
How Long Does Fort Bend County Keep Court Records?
Fort Bend County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of court records.
Key retention periods include:
For District Courts:
- Civil case files: 12 years after final disposition
- Criminal case files (felonies): 50 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Family law cases: 25 years after final judgment
- Tax suits: 20 years after final judgment
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 23 or 10 years after final disposition, whichever is later
For County Courts:
- Civil case files: 6 years after final disposition
- Criminal case files (misdemeanors): 5 years after final disposition
- Probate case files: Permanent retention
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final disposition
For Justice Courts:
- Civil cases: 4 years after final disposition
- Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 6 years after final disposition
Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:
- Indexes to all cases
- Docket books
- Judgment books
- Records of significant historical value
- Cases establishing precedent
After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures. However, many historically significant or permanently valuable records are transferred to the Fort Bend County Archives for long-term preservation.
Types of Courts In Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County's judicial system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority as established under the Texas Constitution and statutes.
Fort Bend County District Courts
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-4516
Fort Bend County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fort Bend County has multiple district courts (240th, 268th, 387th, 400th, 434th, 458th, and 505th) with general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters involving over $200,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters.
Fort Bend County Courts at Law
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-8608
Fort Bend County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Courts at Law (Numbers 1-6) handle civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $200,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and certain family law cases.
Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Courts
Multiple locations serving different precincts:
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 10
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-3743
JP Court Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
303 Texas Parkway
Missouri City, TX 77489
(281) 403-8050
JP Court Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
22333 Grand Corner Drive
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 238-1400
JP Court Precinct 3
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
19226 Heinemann Drive
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 242-6209
JP Court Precinct 4
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice Courts handle small claims cases up to $20,000, evictions, traffic citations, Class C misdemeanors, and perform magistrate functions.
Fort Bend County Probate Court
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
(281) 341-8610
Fort Bend County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Probate Court handles matters related to wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings.
The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from Justice/Municipal Courts to County Courts to District Courts, with appeals going to the Courts of Appeals and ultimately to the Texas Supreme Court (for civil cases) or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (for criminal cases).
What Types of Cases Do Fort Bend County Courts Hear?
Fort Bend County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by the Texas Constitution and statutes.
District Courts handle:
- Felony criminal cases (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $200,000
- Divorce and family law matters (child custody, support, adoption)
- Juvenile cases
- Real property disputes
- Election contests
- Civil forfeitures
- Injunctions and extraordinary writs
County Courts at Law preside over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (DWI, assault, theft under $2,500)
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $200,000
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Some family law matters
- Probate cases and guardianships
Justice of the Peace Courts adjudicate:
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses)
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (setting bail, issuing search warrants)
- Preliminary hearings
- Truancy cases
Probate Court handles:
- Wills and estate administration
- Determination of heirship
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Mental health proceedings
- Trust administration issues
Municipal Courts (within cities in Fort Bend County) process:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city boundaries
- Parking citations
- Code enforcement cases
Each court maintains records for the cases within its jurisdiction, with specific procedures for filing, maintenance, and public access in accordance with Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and local rules.
How To Find a Court Docket In Fort Bend County
Court dockets in Fort Bend County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents for specific cases. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods.
Online docket access options include:
- The Fort Bend County Court Records Research portal provides searchable docket information for most courts
- The Public Access System offers court calendars and docket searches by case number or party name
- The District Clerk's online system provides docket information for district court cases
For in-person docket access:
- Visit the clerk's office for the specific court of interest
- Request to view the docket book or electronic docket information
- Provide case number, party names, or date range for the search
- Review the docket information on public access terminals or printed reports
By telephone:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Provide specific case information to the clerk
- Request docket information for upcoming hearings or case status
For upcoming court proceedings, docket information typically includes:
- Case number and style (party names)
- Hearing date, time, and location
- Type of proceeding (trial, motion hearing, status conference)
- Presiding judge
- Attorney information
For case dockets showing document filings:
- Chronological listing of all documents filed
- Filing dates and document titles
- Orders issued by the court
- Hearing results and continuances
- Case status information
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain docket information and make non-confidential entries available for public inspection.
Which Courts in Fort Bend County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain official transcripts of proceedings and have formal procedures for appeals, while "courts not of record" typically do not create verbatim transcripts and appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials). Under Texas Government Code § 27.001, certain courts are statutorily designated as not being courts of record.
In Fort Bend County, the following courts are not courts of record:
-
Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts)
- These courts handle small claims, evictions, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors
- Appeals from JP courts go to County Courts at Law for trial de novo
- Proceedings are not transcribed by court reporters
- Judges in these courts are not required to be attorneys
-
Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record)
- Standard Municipal Courts in cities throughout Fort Bend County
- Handle city ordinance violations, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors
- Appeals proceed to County Courts at Law for trial de novo
- Many municipalities have not opted to create Municipal Courts of Record
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:
- Appeal procedures (trial de novo vs. appeal on the record)
- Evidentiary standards
- Procedural formality
- Qualification requirements for judges
- Record-keeping requirements
Courts that are courts of record in Fort Bend County include:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Probate Court
- Any Municipal Courts of Record (if established by specific municipal ordinance)
Appeals from courts not of record involve completely new trials in the higher court rather than reviews of the proceedings in the lower court, as provided under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 506.
Lookup Court Records in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Public Access System
District Clerk's Online Court Records
County Clerk's Online Record Search
Texas State Law Library Court Records Guide