Tarrant County, Texas court records are available through several channels. TarrantCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through official county online portals, court clerks' offices, and public terminals installed in court buildings. Below is a practical guide to the court system, hearing schedules, obtaining document copies, and fees.
Tarrant Court System & Jurisdictions
The county operates several levels of courts, each handling clearly defined categories of cases.
District Courts
District Courts are the primary venue for serious cases. They hear felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits over $200,000, and family matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. The District Clerk maintains a registry of all such cases and stores the relevant documents.
County Courts and County Courts at Law
Mid-level cases are handled here:
- Class A and B misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits from $200.01 to $200,000
- Appeals from Justice of the Peace Courts
- Probate matters — the process of distributing a deceased person's estate
Records for these courts are maintained by the County Clerk and can be searched through the civil case online search portal.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Eight Justice of the Peace precincts serve the county. These courts handle small civil disputes (up to $20,000), eviction cases, and misdemeanors punishable by fine only. Traffic tickets are commonly contested here. Information about active misdemeanor warrants is published on the respective court's website.
Municipal Courts
Municipal courts in cities such as Fort Worth, Arlington, and others handle violations of city ordinances and traffic offenses. Fort Worth Municipal Court warrants can be checked on the municipal court warrants page.
Tarrant Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or the week, use one of the following resources:
- District Clerk Court Document Lookup — through the District Clerk document search portal, you can find a case by number or party name and see scheduled hearing dates in criminal and family cases.
- County Clerk Online Searches — the civil case online search shows the schedule for County Court at Law cases.
- Public Terminals — computers in the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center and Family Law Center court buildings allow you to view the schedule for the current day.
- Phone Inquiry — call the office of the specific court and provide the case number. The clerk will inform you of the next hearing date.
Municipal courts maintain separate calendars. Check them on the respective city websites.
How to Get a Copy of a Tarrant Court Document
The type of copy matters. A certified copy bears the official seal of the clerk and is accepted by other courts and government agencies. An uncertified copy is suitable for review but has no legal force.
Online
Through the District Clerk portal, you can view case information and some documents for free. To obtain a certified copy, a request and fee payment are usually required.
In Person
Contact the appropriate office depending on the type of case:
Tarrant County District Clerk (felonies, family cases, district court civil lawsuits)
Tarrant County Clerk (County Court civil cases, probate matters, vital records)
By Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's address. Include:
- Full party name or case number
- Type of document (e.g., final decree of divorce)
- Type of copy — certified or uncertified
- Return address and contact phone number
- Check or money order for the fee amount
Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk, not the County Clerk — a common mistake warned about in the vital records FAQ section.
Tarrant Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and schedules approved by clerks. Below are typical amounts — confirm exact rates with the office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | $5.00 per name | County Clerk / District Clerk |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | County Clerk / District Clerk |
| Certified document copy | $5.00 per document + $1.00 for each additional page | County Clerk / District Clerk |
| Certified copy of divorce decree | $5.00 for the first two pages + $1.00 for each additional page | District Clerk |
| Real property record copies | $1.00 per page (uncertified); $5.00 for certified | County Clerk |
| Criminal history check (state level) | Depends on request type | Texas DPS Crime Records |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, and in some cases, credit or debit card. An additional service fee may apply for online transactions. Make checks payable to "Tarrant County District Clerk" or "Tarrant County Clerk" depending on the office you are addressing.
For current rates, visit the official Tarrant County website or call the office directly.