Tarrant-county-district-court-records are files kept by the District Clerk in Fort Worth, Texas. These papers track every event in the 27 district courts. The office manages files for civil lawsuits, family law, and felony crimes. In the 2023 year, the clerk handled 160,000 new filings. They also sent out 48,000 civil notices and 12,000 criminal judgments. Every case gets a unique number. This number helps people see what happens from the start of a case to the end. Judges and lawyers use these digital files to do their jobs every day. People use the files to see court dates or trial results. The clerk keeps the papers safe and accurate. This office works in a 902-square-mile area. They help 48 judges who hear cases about big money disputes, divorces, and serious crimes.
The District Clerk Office in Fort Worth
The District Clerk office acts as the main hub for court papers in Tarrant County. Staff members put case data into a digital system. This system lets people see case details quickly. The office also collects money for court fees. They send out letters for jury duty to local citizens. They make sure trial transcripts stay ready for review. Most of this work happens at the Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building. There are 27 district courts inside the county. Each court has a specific job. Some courts only hear felony crimes. Other courts only hear family law cases like divorce or child custody. The clerk makes sure every document goes to the right folder. They follow strict Texas laws about keeping papers for many years. Many old files stay on microfiche film from the 1970s. New files stay in a digital vault that stays open 24 hours a day online.
How to Search Civil Court Papers
People look for civil court papers using an online tool. This tool has 210,000 case files. Users type in a name or a case number. They can also search by the date the case started. The system shows who is suing who. It shows the names of lawyers and the judge. It shows every step taken in the case. The web tool gets new data every night. This keeps the data fresh for people who need to know case status. If a person finds the case they need, they can see the final ruling. This ruling shows how much money someone must pay or who won the case. The website has maps to show where the courtrooms sit. This helps people find where to go for a hearing. The system is free to search. But getting a copy with a seal costs money. Most people use the site to check for liens or legal history on a person or business.
Finding Felony and Criminal Records
Criminal court papers show details about felony crimes in Tarrant County. These crimes include big thefts, assaults, and other high-level offenses. The District Clerk keeps these files at the Tim Curry Justice Center. People can search for these files by using a defendant name. The file shows the arrest date and the charge. It shows the bond amount set by a judge. If the person went to jail, the file shows the sentence. Some people search to see if a person has a warrant. The system updates often to show new arrests. Every year, the office handles over 9,300 felony filings. They also handle thousands of misdemeanor cases. People can see the name of the jail where the person stayed. They can see the name of the person who paid the bail. All these files are public unless a judge seals them. Public terminals in the court buildings let people print these papers for a small fee.
Locations to Visit for Court Papers
There are four main places to go for court papers in Tarrant County. The Arlington Justice Center sits at 1201 North Watson Road. This place helps people with criminal files and felony data. It stays open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The Fort Worth Justice Center sits at 819 Taylor Street. This office handles civil litigation papers. Both places have computers for the public. People can print up to ten pages for free at these kiosks. Other offices sit in North Richland Hills and Hurst. These smaller offices have film readers for old cases from the 1970s and 1980s. Staff at these locations can help people find a file if they do not have the case number. They can look up names and dates. Visiting in person is the best way to get a certified copy of a judgment. These copies have a raised seal that shows they are real for legal use.
Specific Courts and Judges
The 348th District Court sits on the third floor of the Tom Vandergriff building. Judge Megan Fahey hears cases there. This court deals with big business fights and contract issues. It sees 1,250 filings every month. The 352nd District Court sits on the fourth floor. Judge Josh Burgess leads this court. This court hears family law matters. They handle child custody and divorce settlements. Each court uses the same digital filing system. This makes it easy for the clerk to move papers between different floors. If a person has a case in a specific court, they must look at that court’s rules. Each judge has their own way of running the courtroom. The clerk keeps a calendar for each court online. This calendar shows when trials start. It shows when judges will hear short motions. People check these dates to make sure they do not miss their time in front of the judge.
Online Tools for Digital Access
The online portal for Tarrant-county-district-court-records started in 1996. At first, people used phone lines to dial in and see files. Now, the system uses a secure website. Users can find criminal charges, court dates, and results. The portal also shows voting data. This helps people see where to vote during elections. The clerk makes sure the site stays up all the time. Lawyers use a special part of the site to file new papers. This is called e-filing. It saves paper and time. The District Clerk Services Agency (DCSA) helps people use this portal. They have a help line at 817-884-1240. DCSA staff teach people how to upload documents. They also help when someone cannot find a file that should be there. Most filings now happen through this web system. This means the digital record is the main file for the court.
Criminal Justice Center Records
The Criminal Courts Administration handles many felony and misdemeanor cases. They work out of the Tim Curry Justice Center. Every year, they see 7,400 felony cases and 12,200 misdemeanor cases. They have a phone line that takes 1,800 calls every month. People call to ask about bond money or court dates. The office also helps with protective orders for safety. During the 2020 health emergency, the office moved many things online. They created a list of common questions to help people find answers without coming to the building. They use digital vaults to keep every arrest report and court order. These files follow Texas evidence rules. If a person needs a record of a past crime, this is the place to look. The files show if a case is still open or if it is closed. They show if a person is on probation or if they went to prison.
Civil and Family Court Filing Fees
Filing a case in a Tarrant County civil court costs money. These fees pay for the clerk to keep the papers and for the judge to hear the case. Landlord and tenant fights often start here. Personal injury claims also go through this office. In 2024, the civil group saw 6,120 new cases. They finished 4,950 cases. The website has forms people can download. These forms help people start a lawsuit without a lawyer. But the clerk says people should check the official files before making big choices. The office also helps with the Open Records Act. This law says most court papers must be open for people to see. People use this law to get copies of liens or deeds. The fees for these copies help run the court system. Each year, the office brings in about $3.2 million from these services.
County Clerk vs District Clerk Roles
Tarrant County has both a County Clerk and a District Clerk. The County Clerk deals with probate cases. These are cases about people who have died and their wills. They also handle mental health court files. The County Clerk keeps birth and death certificates too. They work with the County Criminal Courts for smaller crimes called misdemeanors. The District Clerk is different. The District Clerk works with the 27 higher courts. These courts handle big money suits and serious felony crimes. Both offices work in Fort Worth. They both use digital systems to keep papers. If a person needs a copy of a will, they go to the County Clerk. If they need a copy of a felony judgment, they go to the District Clerk. Both offices take payments at the Tim Curry Justice Center. They both provide ways to request papers online.
Support for Legal Professionals
The District Clerk Services Agency (DCSA) helps lawyers with their files. Their office is on the second floor of the Tom Vandergriff building. They handle 9,300 digital filings every month. They teach lawyers how to use the e-filing portal. This portal lets lawyers send in motions and claims from their own offices. The DCSA help line is 817-884-1240. They can tell a lawyer the status of a docket. They also help when a paper gets filed in the wrong court. The staff makes sure the digital files match the judge’s orders. This team keeps the legal system moving fast. Without them, the pile of papers would be too big to manage. They also help the public learn how to find their own cases. They offer training so people know which buttons to click on the website.
How to Get Certified Records
Certified papers are official copies of court files. They have a special stamp or seal. People need these for big things like buying a house or getting a job. To get one, a person must tell the clerk the case number. The clerk then finds the file and prints it. They put the seal on the paper. This costs more than a regular copy. Usually, it costs $1 per page and $5 for the seal. People can ask for these by mail or in person. Some can even order them online through the clerk’s site. It takes a few days for the clerk to mail the papers back. If a person goes in person, they can often get the paper the same day. These papers prove that a case is over or that a judge made a specific ruling. They are very important for banks and government offices.
Historical Court Files
The Central Records Repository keeps old files for Tarrant County. Texas law says some papers must stay for ten years. Others stay forever. Files from the 1970s and 1980s are often on film called microfiche. People can look at these using special machines at the court buildings. These old files show how the county has grown over time. They include old property fights and criminal trials from decades ago. Some of these files are being moved to computers. This makes them easier to find. But many still require a physical search. The staff at the repository helps people look through the old index books. These books list names in alphabetical order. Once a person finds the name, they get the file number. Then the staff finds the film or the box with the papers. This is how people do research for family history or old legal issues.
Electronic Filing System Rules
The electronic filing system is the main way to give papers to the court. Texas has rules for how this works. Every lawyer must use the system. People who do not have a lawyer can still use paper, but many choose the digital way. The system stays open at night and on weekends. This means a person can file a paper at midnight and it counts for that day. The clerk checks each digital file to make sure it is correct. If the file has a mistake, they might send it back. The digital file then becomes the official record. Judges look at these files on screens in the courtroom. This saves a lot of money on paper and ink. It also means multiple people can look at the file at the same time. This was not possible with old paper folders.
Privacy and Sealing of Court Records
Not all court papers are public. Texas Rule 76a says some files can be hidden. This is called sealing a record. A judge must sign an order to do this. This happens if the papers have very private details. Family law cases often have sealed parts to protect children. Criminal records for young people are also hidden. If a file is sealed, the clerk cannot show it to the public. The online system will not show the data. People must have a special court order to see a sealed file. Most files are open to everyone. This is part of the law to keep courts fair. It lets the public see that the law is working. But things like social security numbers and bank accounts stay hidden in public files to stop identity theft.
Tarrant County Court Locations and Contacts
People can visit several offices to get the files they need. Each building has a different focus. It is best to call before going to make sure the office is open. Most offices work from Monday to Friday.
Arlington Justice Center
Address: 1201 North Watson Road, Arlington, TX 76006
Phone: 817-640-8960
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fort Worth Justice Center
Address: 819 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
District Clerk Support (DCSA)
Address: 100 North Calhoun Street, 2nd Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: 817-884-1240
Tom Vandergriff Civil Courts Building
Address: 100 North Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196
This building houses the civil and family district courts.
Tim Curry Justice Center
Address: 401 West Belknap Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196
This building houses the criminal district courts and the District Clerk’s criminal division.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tarrant-county-district-court-records help people find data faster. People often ask how to see files without paying. They also want to know how long it takes for a new file to show up online. These answers give the facts needed to use the court system. The following sections explain the rules for searching and printing files. These details help anyone who needs to look at a case in Tarrant County.
How can a person search for felony records for free?
Searching for felony files does not cost money if you do it the right way. Tarrant County has a website where anyone can look up criminal cases. You only need a name to start. The website shows the charges and the court dates. It also shows the final result of the case. If you do not have a computer, you can go to the Tim Curry Justice Center. They have computer screens in the hall for the public to use. You can look at the data on the screen for as long as you want. There is no fee for looking. You only pay if you want to print the papers. The public terminals allow you to see the bond status and which jail a person is in. This is very helpful for families who need to find a loved one. The data on these screens is the same data the lawyers and judges see. It is the most accurate way to find out what is happening in a criminal case. Many people use these free tools to check their own records or the records of someone they know.
What is the difference between the District Clerk and the County Clerk?
The District Clerk and the County Clerk have two different jobs in Tarrant County. The District Clerk keeps papers for the 27 higher courts. These courts hear cases about big lawsuits and serious crimes like felonies. If a case is about a lot of money or a serious prison sentence, it goes to the District Clerk. The County Clerk deals with different things. They handle probate cases, which are about wills and the property of people who have died. They also keep records for the County Criminal Courts. These courts hear smaller crimes called misdemeanors. These are crimes like small thefts or traffic issues. The County Clerk also keeps birth and death papers. If you need a marriage license, you go to the County Clerk. If you are suing a big company for millions of dollars, you go to the District Clerk. Knowing which office to visit saves a lot of time. Both offices are in Fort Worth, but they sit in different buildings. The District Clerk is mostly in the Vandergriff and Curry buildings. The County Clerk has offices in the Old Courthouse and other spots.
Can I see divorce and child custody records online?
Yes, you can see some parts of divorce and custody cases online. These are called family law records. The District Clerk keeps these files. You can search for them on the civil search website. You can see the names of the people in the case and when they filed the papers. You can also see the name of the judge and the court number. But there are rules to protect the privacy of families. Some papers in these cases are hidden from the public. This includes details about children and bank account numbers. A judge can also seal the whole case if it has very sensitive facts. If a case is sealed, it will not show up in the online search. For cases that are not sealed, you can see a list of every document filed. You can see when the divorce was final. If you need a copy of the final paper, you usually have to pay a fee. You might also have to prove who you are to get some documents. This is to keep people safe while still letting the public see court actions.
How do I find out when a court hearing is scheduled?
Finding a court date is easy with the online calendar tool. The Tarrant County website has a “Court Case Calendar” link. You can search by the case number or the name of the person. You can also pick a specific court or judge to see their whole schedule for the day. This is helpful if you are a witness or if you have a case yourself. The calendar shows the time the hearing starts and the room number. It also shows the reason for the hearing. Sometimes hearings get moved to a new day. The online system updates as soon as the clerk changes the date. It is a good idea to check the calendar the night before you go to court. You can also call the District Clerk’s office to ask about a date. They have a help line that can give you the status of any case. Most hearings are open to the public. This means you can go and watch if you want to see how the court works. Only a few types of hearings are private.
What are the costs for getting copies of court documents?
Getting copies of court papers costs a small amount of money. The price depends on what kind of copy you need. A regular copy usually costs about $1 for each page. If you want the clerk to certify the copy, it costs more. A certified copy has a special stamp and seal. This seal proves the paper is a real copy of the official file. The fee for the certification is usually $5, plus the cost of the pages. Some people need a “letter of exemplification” for use in other states or countries. This costs more and takes longer to get. You can pay for these papers with cash, a check, or a credit card. If you use a credit card, there might be a small extra fee. If you search for the papers online and just look at them on your screen, it is free. You only pay when you want a physical or digital copy to keep. The money from these fees goes back to the county to help pay for the court system. This keeps the courts running and the records safe for everyone.
How long does it take for a new filing to appear online?
Most new papers show up in the online system very quickly. When a lawyer files a paper through the e-filing system, the clerk must check it first. This is called “accepting” the filing. Usually, the clerk does this within 24 to 48 hours. Once the clerk accepts the paper, it shows up on the website for everyone to see. If you go to the courthouse and file a paper by hand, it might take a little longer. The staff has to scan the paper into the computer. This usually happens on the same day or the next day. The online database updates its search index every night. This means if you file something on Monday morning, it should be searchable by Tuesday morning. If there is a very busy time, like at the end of the year, it might take an extra day. The county tries to keep the data as close to real-time as possible. This helps lawyers and the public know the exact status of a case without having to call the office every hour.
Can I get my criminal record removed from the public search?
Some criminal records can be removed or hidden. This is called expunction or non-disclosure. You have to ask a judge to do this. There are strict rules about who can get their record hidden. If you were found not guilty, you might be able to have the record erased. If you finished a special program called deferred adjudication, you might be able to hide the record from the public. This means the District Clerk will not show the file to regular people or companies. But the police and some government offices will still be able to see it. Getting a record hidden takes time. You have to file a petition and go to a hearing. If the judge agrees, they will sign an order. Then the clerk will remove the data from the website. They will also destroy the paper files or move them to a secret vault. This is a good way for people to move on after they have made a mistake in the past. It is best to talk to a lawyer to see if your record can be hidden.