Tom Green County Court Records
This guide explains how court records work in Tom Green County, Texas, covering the different court levels, which clerk holds which files, and how to search cases or request certified copies. Use it as a practical starting point, then confirm current details with the appropriate clerk's office.
How Courts Are Organized in Tom Green County
Like most Texas counties, Tom Green County has several layers of trial courts, and each layer handles different kinds of cases. Knowing which court hears a matter tells you which clerk keeps the records.
- District Courts — Texas district courts handle felony criminal cases, larger civil disputes, family law matters, and divorces. In Tom Green County these records are maintained by the District Clerk.
- County Courts at Law / Constitutional County Court — These courts typically handle misdemeanors, probate, and lower-dollar civil cases. Their records are kept by the County Clerk.
- Justice of the Peace (Justice) Courts — These courts handle small claims, evictions, traffic and Class C misdemeanors within their precincts.
- Municipal Courts — City courts such as those in San Angelo handle city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanor citations.
Because record custody is split, confirm with the specific court or clerk before assuming a file exists in one office rather than another.
Which Clerk Holds Which Records
Two county offices hold most of the court and official records people look for:
- Tom Green County District Clerk — Maintains records for the district courts, including felony criminal case files, larger civil cases, and family law matters. Divorce decrees in Texas are filed with the District Clerk of the county where the divorce was granted, so a Tom Green County divorce would be filed here.
- Tom Green County Clerk — Maintains county court records along with official public records such as deeds and marriage licenses. Property records including deeds and liens are recorded in the County Clerk's official public records.
For municipal citations or justice court matters, contact the individual court that issued the case; those records are not held by the district or county clerk.
Using the Online Case Search
Many Texas counties offer an online case search that lets you look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date. To find the search tool for Tom Green County, start from the Tom Green County official website and look for the District Clerk and County Clerk pages. Because portal names and search availability change, confirm the exact system and what it covers directly with the clerk's office rather than relying on third-party sites.
When searching, keep in mind:
- Results may show only case summaries, not full document images.
- Some case types (juvenile, sealed, or confidential family records) will not appear in public search.
- An entry showing an arrest or a pending charge is not a conviction — cases can be dismissed, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If you cannot find a case online, the record may still exist on paper or in an internal system. Ask the clerk how to request an in-person or mailed search.
What Is Public and What Is Restricted
Most Texas court records are open to the public, but several categories are restricted or confidential by law:
- Records sealed by court order.
- Juvenile records and certain family law information.
- Adoption and mental-health case records.
- Personal identifiers that courts redact, such as full Social Security numbers.
Vital records follow separate rules: in Texas, birth and death certificates are considered confidential for a period of years and are available only to qualified applicants through the Texas Department of State Health Services or the appropriate local office. For details on that process, see the sibling Vital Records page and confirm eligibility with the agency.
This information is provided for general reference only and should not be used to make employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions.
Ordering Certified Copies and Typical Fees
If you need an official copy of a document — for example a certified divorce decree, a judgment, or a recorded deed — request it from the clerk that holds the record:
- Identify the correct office (District Clerk for district court cases; County Clerk for county court and official public records).
- Provide the case number or the exact party names and, if possible, the filing year.
- Specify whether you need a plain copy or a certified copy.
- Confirm the fee, accepted payment methods, and whether mail, in-person, or online requests are allowed.
Copy and certification fees are set by statute and by each office and can change. This page does not list a fee amount because it is not provided in the source material — contact the District Clerk or County Clerk directly to confirm the current charge before you send payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are felony and divorce records kept in Tom Green County?
The Tom Green County District Clerk maintains district court records, including felony criminal and civil case files, and divorce decrees granted in the county.
Who keeps deeds and marriage licenses?
The Tom Green County Clerk maintains county court records and official public records such as deeds, liens, and marriage licenses.
Does a court record mean someone was convicted?
No. Court records may show charges, filings, or pending cases. An arrest or charge is not a conviction, and outcomes such as dismissals or acquittals are also possible.
How much does a certified copy cost?
The fee is not listed here. Confirm current copy and certification fees, accepted payments, and turnaround with the District Clerk or County Clerk that holds the record.
Official & Public Resources
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics
State of Texas vital records information and ordering.
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics
Tom Green County Official Website
Official government website for Tom Green County, Texas.
https://www.tomgreencountytx.gov/
