Court records in Caldwell County, Texas can be searched through several channels. CaldwellTXCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court resources such as the Caldwell County Clerk and District Clerk offices, statewide search tools like Re:SearchTX, in-person visits to the clerks' offices at the Caldwell County Justice Center, and public-access terminals available at the courthouse.
Caldwell Court System & Jurisdictions
Caldwell County operates several courts, each handling specific types of cases. Knowing which court holds the records you need will save time.
- District Court (22nd Judicial District) — Handles felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, divorce and family law cases, juvenile matters, and contested probate. The District Clerk maintains all records for this court.
- County Court at Law — Hears Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes generally between $200 and $200,000, probate and guardianship matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts. The County Clerk serves as the record keeper for County Court.
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1–4) — Handle small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, debt claims, traffic and other Class C misdemeanors, and magistrate duties such as setting bail and issuing warrants.
Caldwell County does not have a standalone family court or a separate probate court. Family and probate matters are divided between the District Court and County Court at Law based on case complexity. Appeals from Caldwell County's lower courts go to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin.
Caldwell Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars — sometimes called docket sheets or court settings — list hearings scheduled for a particular day, week, or term. To find today's or upcoming hearings in Caldwell County:
- Contact the appropriate clerk. For District Court settings, call the District Clerk at 512-398-1824. For County Court settings, call the County Clerk at 512-398-1804.
- Visit the courthouse. Docket sheets are typically posted at the Caldwell County Justice Center, 1703 S. Colorado St., Lockhart, TX 78644.
- Check online. The Caldwell County website posts some scheduling information. The statewide Re:SearchTX portal may also show future settings for district and county court cases.
Justice of the Peace court dates are generally set by each precinct's JP office directly. Contact the specific precinct for its calendar. Criminal docket calls, civil trial settings, and family law hearings are typically set on different days, so confirm the exact date and courtroom before appearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Caldwell Court Document
Which clerk you contact depends on the court that handled the case:
- District Court records (felonies, civil cases over $200, divorce, family law) — request from the District Clerk.
- County Court records (misdemeanors, probate, lower-value civil cases) — request from the County Clerk.
- Justice of the Peace records — request from the JP court in the precinct where the case was filed.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy of a court document, useful for personal reference. A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, confirming it is a true copy of the official record. Certified copies are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, and real estate transactions.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Caldwell County Justice Center. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties and approximate filing date.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case details, the type of document needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
- Public information request — For records that are not readily available through normal channels, you may submit a public information request through the county. You will be notified of any estimated costs before the request is fulfilled.
Mailing Addresses
County Clerk
District Clerk
Some records are restricted by law. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and certain family law documents are generally not available to the public. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Caldwell Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in Texas are governed by the Texas Local Government Code and the Government Code. The following table reflects standard statutory fees that apply in Caldwell County. Actual charges may vary slightly — confirm with the clerk's office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Certificate under seal (no copy attached) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (per name/year searched by clerk) | $5.00 |
| Divorce decree — certified copy | $5.00 first page + $1.00 each additional |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Some clerk offices accept credit or debit cards; ask before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order made payable to the appropriate clerk (County Clerk or District Clerk).
For marriage and divorce verifications through the state, separate fees apply through Texas DSHS. Texas Vital Records also offers online ordering for certain vital documents with its own fee schedule. These state-level fees are separate from the county clerk's charges listed above.