Kaufman County Court Records
What Is Kaufman County Court Records
Court records in Kaufman County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
- Jury selection records and verdicts
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Kaufman County Clerk's Office maintains records for certain courts while others maintain their own record systems.
In Kaufman County, court records are maintained by several courts:
- 86th District Court (felony criminal, civil cases over $200,000)
- 422nd District Court (felony criminal, civil cases over $200,000)
- County Court at Law (misdemeanors, civil cases under $200,000)
- Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing a permanent legal record of judicial actions and decisions within Kaufman County.
Are Court Records Public In Kaufman County
Court records in Kaufman County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under the Texas Public Information Act and pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.022, which specifically designates court records as public information. This commitment to transparency allows citizens to monitor judicial proceedings and understand legal precedents affecting their community.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed cases)
- Criminal case files (post-charging/indictment)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets showing case progression
- Hearing and trial schedules
- Property records related to judgments
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (unless specifically ordered by the court)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Adoption records
- Cases sealed by judicial order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147
- Family violence protective orders (in certain circumstances)
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (which has jurisdiction over Kaufman County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Texas Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records through the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which provide guidance on balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
How To Find Court Records in Kaufman County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Kaufman County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points depending on the court and record type.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
- Provide case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Complete any required request forms
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable copy fees if requesting document reproduction
Kaufman County District Clerk
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County District Clerk
Kaufman County Clerk
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County Clerk
For written requests:
- Submit a detailed written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include specific case information and document needs
- Provide return address and contact information
- Include payment for any applicable fees
- Allow 10 business days for processing pursuant to Texas Public Information Act requirements
For attorney or legal representative access:
- Register for the county's e-filing system through eFileTexas
- Submit bar number and credentials for verification
- Access case documents through the secure portal
- Download available documents directly from the system
For media requests:
- Contact the court's public information officer
- Submit credentials and specific case information
- Follow established media protocols for high-profile cases
Researchers and academic institutions may request bulk data access by contacting the District Clerk's office directly with a formal written request detailing the scope and purpose of research.
How To Look Up Court Records in Kaufman County Online?
Kaufman County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online, allowing residents to search for information without visiting courthouse facilities. These systems vary by court type and record category.
The primary online resources include:
Kaufman County Records Search
- Access through the Kaufman County website
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- View case status, hearing dates, and party information
- Access certain document images (fees may apply)
- Records available include civil, criminal, and family cases
Texas Judicial Branch Public Court Records
- Visit the Texas Judicial Branch website
- Select Kaufman County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by party name or case number
- View docket information and case status
- Limited to non-confidential case information
Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court Records
- Access through individual court websites
- Search by citation number, name, or date
- View case status and payment information
- Primarily for traffic and Class C misdemeanor cases
To conduct an effective online search:
- Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case
- Select the appropriate online portal
- Gather identifying information (full names, approximate dates, case numbers if available)
- Enter search criteria following the system's format requirements
- Review search results to identify the correct case
- Note any access restrictions or additional fees for document retrieval
Online access limitations include:
- Certain sensitive documents may be viewable only in person
- Historical records (typically pre-2000) may not be digitized
- Document images may require fees for viewing or downloading
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
For technical assistance with online searches, contact the District Clerk's technology support at (972) 932-4331.
How To Search Kaufman County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Texas Government Code § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public "at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." While copying fees may apply, viewing records is free of charge.
Free access options in Kaufman County include:
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No charge for supervised inspection of physical records
- Public access terminals available for digital records
- Note-taking permitted (photography may be restricted)
Kaufman County Public Access Terminals
- Located in the District and County Clerk offices
- Free access to digitized court records
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Available during regular business hours
- No login or registration required
Online Basic Case Information
- Basic case information available through the Kaufman County website
- Free access to case status, party names, and hearing dates
- Document images may require fees
- No registration required for basic searches
Public Law Library Access
- Located at the Kaufman County Courthouse
- Free access to legal research materials
- Public computers with access to court databases
- Staff available to assist with navigating resources
- Open during regular courthouse hours
When utilizing free search options, be aware of these limitations:
- Document printing or copying incurs fees (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies have additional charges
- Staff assistance for extensive searches may be limited
- High-volume requests may require scheduled appointments
- Some older records may require retrieval from storage
For questions about free access options, contact the Kaufman County District Clerk's office at (972) 932-4331.
What's Included in a Kaufman County Court Record?
Court records in Kaufman County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide an official chronology of all actions taken in a case from filing through disposition.
A typical court record file includes:
Case Initiation Documents
- Petitions or complaints in civil matters
- Indictments or information in criminal cases
- Filing date and assigned case number
- Initial appearance documentation
- Service of process verification
Procedural Documentation
- Docket sheets listing all case events
- Scheduling orders and continuances
- Discovery requests and responses
- Pre-trial motions and responses
- Jury selection records (if applicable)
Evidentiary Materials
- Witness statements and affidavits
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Expert witness reports
- Deposition transcripts
- Documentary evidence
Court Proceedings
- Hearing transcripts or audio recordings
- Bench conference records
- In-chamber proceeding notes
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Jury instructions in applicable cases
Judicial Decisions
- Court orders on motions
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Final judgments or decrees
- Sentencing information in criminal cases
- Post-judgment orders
Post-Disposition Materials
- Appeals documentation
- Probation or community supervision records
- Judgment satisfaction records
- Modification orders
- Case closure documentation
Criminal case records additionally include:
- Charging instruments
- Bail and bond information
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (restricted access)
- Victim impact statements
- Criminal history information
Family case records may contain:
- Child custody evaluations
- Financial disclosure statements
- Parenting plans
- Support calculations
- Domestic violence protective orders
Probate records typically include:
- Wills and codicils
- Inventories of estate assets
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Guardian reports
- Estate accounting documents
How Long Does Kaufman County Keep Court Records?
Kaufman County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though many records are kept permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
Standard retention periods include:
Criminal Cases
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 20 years after final disposition
- Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
Civil Cases
- Cases with judgments affecting title to real property: Permanent retention
- Tax cases: Permanent retention
- Other civil cases: 12 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition
Family Law Cases
- Divorce records: Permanent retention
- Child custody determinations: Permanent retention
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Child support cases: Until youngest child turns 28
- Protective orders: 20 years after expiration
Probate Cases
- Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship cases: Permanent retention
Court Administrative Records
- Docket sheets: Permanent retention
- Indexes: Permanent retention
- Judge's bench notes: End of judge's tenure
- Jury records: 3 years after jury service
- Exhibits: 30 days after final disposition (unless ordered returned)
Kaufman County has implemented digital preservation strategies for court records, with ongoing digitization of historical documents. Physical records not digitized are stored in climate-controlled facilities to prevent deterioration.
Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the District Clerk before disposal to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Records with historical significance may be transferred to the county archives for permanent preservation rather than destroyed.
Types of Courts In Kaufman County
Kaufman County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. These courts operate within Texas's unified court system hierarchy.
86th District Court
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
86th District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The 86th District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, family law cases, and certain administrative appeals. This court has general jurisdiction over the most serious legal matters in the county.
422nd District Court
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
422nd District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The 422nd District Court shares jurisdiction with the 86th District Court, handling felony criminal cases, high-value civil litigation, family law matters, and administrative appeals.
County Court at Law
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
County Court at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Court at Law has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases valued between $20,000 and $200,000, probate matters, and certain family law cases. This court also handles appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Kaufman County has five Justice of the Peace precincts:
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
3003 S. Washington
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
103 W. Broad Street
Forney, TX 75126
(972) 564-4001
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
501 S. Washington
Terrell, TX 75160
(972) 551-6601
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
400 S. First Street
Mabank, TX 75147
(903) 887-6222
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace Courts handle small claims cases (up to $20,000), traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and civil matters under $20,000. They also perform magistrate duties and conduct inquests.
Municipal Courts
Various municipalities within Kaufman County maintain Municipal Courts with jurisdiction over city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
The court hierarchy for appeals follows this progression:
- Justice of the Peace/Municipal Courts
- County Court at Law
- Court of Appeals (5th District, Dallas)
- Texas Supreme Court (civil) or Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal)
What Types of Cases Do Kaufman County Courts Hear?
Kaufman County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. Each court level is designated to handle specific case types based on subject matter and monetary thresholds.
District Courts (86th and 422nd)
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $200,000 in controversy
- Divorce and marriage dissolution
- Child custody and support determinations
- Property division in high-asset divorces
- Termination of parental rights
- Adoptions
- Real property disputes
- Complex commercial litigation
- Injunctive relief
- Administrative agency appeals
County Court at Law
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (DWI, assault, theft under $2,500)
- Civil matters between $20,000 and $200,000
- Probate of wills and estate administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts
- Juvenile matters
- Certain family law cases
Justice of the Peace Courts
- Small claims disputes (up to $20,000)
- Civil matters under $20,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses)
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
- Death inquests
- Peace bond proceedings
- Truancy cases
Municipal Courts
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city boundaries
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Animal control violations
- Public intoxication
- Minor in possession cases
- Noise complaints
- Health and safety violations
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Texas Legislature and may occasionally involve transfers between courts based on related cases, judicial recusal, or docket management considerations. Complex cases may be subject to specialized case management procedures, particularly in the District Courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Kaufman County
Court dockets in Kaufman County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case status information. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the court and the requester's needs.
Online docket access options include:
- Kaufman County Records Search - Provides docket information for District and County Courts
- Texas Judicial Branch Search - Offers statewide case search capabilities
- eFileTexas - Provides docket access for registered attorneys
To search dockets online:
- Select the appropriate search portal based on court type
- Enter party name (last name, first name) or case number
- Specify date range if available
- Review search results for matching cases
- Select specific case to view docket entries
- Note upcoming hearing dates and deadlines
For in-person docket research:
District Clerk's Office
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Clerk's Office
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When visiting clerk offices:
- Bring case number or party names
- Request docket sheet from clerk
- Public terminals available for self-service searching
- Staff can assist with locating specific cases
For Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court dockets:
- Contact the specific court directly
- Some courts post daily dockets outside courtrooms
- Check individual court websites for online access options
Attorneys and legal professionals can register for electronic notifications of docket updates through the county's e-filing system, receiving automatic alerts when new entries are made in their cases.
Weekly court schedules are typically posted in the courthouse and may be available on the county website. For high-profile cases, docket information may be included in press releases from the District Attorney's Office or court administration.
Which Courts in Kaufman County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain complete, verbatim documentation of all proceedings, while "courts not of record" keep only limited documentation. This distinction is established by Texas Government Code § 30.00003, which defines the requirements for courts of record.
In Kaufman County, courts not of record include:
Justice of the Peace Courts (All Precincts)
- Proceedings are not transcribed by court reporters
- No verbatim record of testimony is maintained
- Appeals from these courts are by trial de novo (new trial)
- Only basic case information and judgments are documented
- Hearings are not recorded unless specifically requested
Municipal Courts (Unless Designated as Courts of Record)
- Most municipal courts in Kaufman County are not courts of record
- Proceedings are not transcribed
- Appeals to County Court at Law are by trial de novo
- Only judgments and basic case information are preserved
The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:
- Appeals involve a completely new trial rather than review of the record
- No transcript exists for appellate review
- Testimony cannot be referenced from official records
- Procedural errors may be difficult to prove on appeal
- Informal procedures may be employed
Courts of record in Kaufman County include:
- 86th District Court
- 422nd District Court
- County Court at Law
- Any Municipal Court of Record (if established by city ordinance)
These courts maintain complete records of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems. Appeals from courts of record involve review of the existing record rather than a new trial.
Parties appearing before courts not of record should be aware that if they anticipate appealing an unfavorable decision, they may need to arrange for independent recording of proceedings, as permitted by court rules and with judicial permission.