Table of Contents
Concho County Courts, TX *
The Concho County court system is located in Paint Rock, Texas, and it covers civil and criminal cases for everyone in the county. One of the most common reasons that a resident of Concho County might need to go to the courthouse is to handle a family matter, like a divorce or a custody arrangement. Landlords dealing with non-paying tenants come in to file evictions, families go through probate after losing a loved one, and people come in to fight traffic tickets. Employers and attorneys also pull court records to check for prior litigation or outstanding judgments before signing a contract or closing a property deal.
Before you go to the Concho County Courthouse in Paint Rock, you need to understand how the court system is structured and how to get the documents you need. That way, you can avoid making repeated trips or filing paperwork in the wrong place.
Overview of the Concho County Court System
The Texas Judicial Branch controls the operations of many courts in Texas. In Concho County, all court business is transacted at the Paint Rock courthouse. This building contains the 119th District Court, the Constitutional County Court, and the Justice of Peace Court, and also serves as the clerk's office for both the county and district courts, where all filings and records are handled within this jurisdiction.
A clerk's office is a single multi-purpose facility where both district and county court services are offered in Concho County. This is uncharacteristic of most large counties and may come as a surprise to some people. Appeals are referred to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin. The 119th District Court also serves Runnels and Tom Green counties, so the district judge is based in San Angelo but holds Concho County proceedings in Paint Rock.
Types of Courts in Concho County, Texas
The following provides an insight into the courts in Concho County, their specific jurisdiction, and functions.
District Court
The 119th District Court is the highest-level trial court serving Concho County. The court's base is in San Angelo, but it holds proceedings in Paint Rock for Concho County matters.
Jurisdiction includes:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy of $500 or more
- Family law matters, including divorce and child custody
- Cases involving title to land
- Election contest cases
If you are facing a felony charge, going through a contested divorce, or involved in a significant civil dispute, this is the court that will hear your case. Family law standing orders for Concho County are also available through the County Clerk's page.
County Court
The Concho County Court handles matters that fall between the JP Court and the district court in terms of seriousness.
The County Court handles:
- Probate and estate administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases
- Mental health proceedings
- Appeals from the Justice of the Peace Court
When someone in Concho County passes away, and their estate needs to go through the court, this is where that process takes place. This is also where offenses of Class A or B that include fines between $201 and $5000 are heard. Settlement disputes where courts other than JP courts are involved have their appeals directed to this court.
Justice of the Peace Court
The Concho County Justice of the Peace Court is the court that most Concho County residents will interact with, because it handles the most common everyday legal matters.
Cases include:
- Small claims suits up to $20,000
- Class C misdemeanor offenses
- Traffic violations and citations
- Eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer)
- Minor civil disputes
The JP Court handles the kind of everyday legal matters most people run into at some point. You don't need a lawyer for most of it, which is the whole point. It's set up so that regular people can walk in, file what they need to file, and get a resolution without having to hire anyone.
How to Access Concho County Court Records
In complete accordance with the Texas law, most of the court records are considered public. Simply visit the clerk's office and read the files in person. However, there are exceptions where some judges have sealed certain information. In particular, juvenile cases, expungements, and some family law aspects are completely prohibited.
Online Access
The clerk's Online Records Search portal is the main place to start, and it refreshes every night at midnight, so filings from the day before are usually showing up by morning. If you need to cast a wider net across Texas courts, re:SearchTX pulls civil cases from district and county courts all over the state. Basic searches don't cost anything, though you may need a paid account to download full documents.
Alternative Online Options
Not everyone knows right away which court handled their case, and that's where the official tools start to feel limiting. Sites like CourtCaseFinder let you search across multiple sources for court cases, arrest records, divorce filings, and other public documents all in one place. It's a useful starting point when you're not sure which office is holding what you need.
In-Person Requests
If you need a certified copy or an older record that never got scanned, or something that requires an actual court seal, you will have to go in person to theCounty Clerk's Office. Bring whatever identifying information you have: the name of the person involved, roughly when the case was filed, and a case number if you've got one.
Archived Records
Some records that don't exist in the courthouse's digital system are probably sitting in a paper file somewhere. The clerkʼs office knows where to look and can help you track something down, though older records take more time to pull than anything recent. What's been scanned is on the portal, but plenty of older filings haven't made it in yet. Your best bet is to check online first and then call the clerk for anything that doesn't turn up.
For Attorneys and Legal Professionals
Attorneys coming in from other parts of Texas should not be surprised that Concho County doesn't have a separate district clerk. Amber Hall runs both the County Clerk and District Clerk operations from the same office, so no matter which court your case is in, your filing goes to the same window. E-filing can be done through eFile Texas, and it is mandatory for attorneys across all the counties in Texas. Service of process goes through the Constable's office, and because this is a small county, service scheduling can be tighter than what you're used to, so it is important to give yourself more room on those deadlines than you think you need.
How to File a Case in Concho County
Litigation proceedings are a serious matter, and careless errors can have a major impact. Submitting the wrong forms or filing in the wrong department can cancel your case. The following principles should be kept in mind when bringing a civil, family, probate, or small claims action in Concho County.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Court
You must be sure you are at the right place before you begin to fill out any form whatsoever. The court definitions given above are pretty thorough. If you are not sure, give the clerk's office a call, and they will provide you with directions. That way, you are able to save time rather than going through the process only to find out you did it in the wrong court.
Step 2: Complete Required Forms
TexasLawHelp is where most people should start for free forms and plain-language instructions for small claims, evictions, divorce, name changes, and most other common situations. The clerk's office has standard forms as well and can tell you which one applies to your case, though filling it out is your responsibility.
Step 3: File Your Case
You can file in person at the County Clerk's Office or submit electronically through eFile Texas. Attorneys have to use e-filing. Everyone else can pick whichever is more convenient. If you have to show up in person, go before 4:30 p.m. because the counter closes after that.
Step 4: Pay Filing Fees
JP Court small claims filings generally cost somewhere between $30 and $75, and that doesn't include service fees. Cases in the district or county court will run higher. If paying is a financial hardship, you can ask the court to waive the fees by submitting a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The judge looks it over, and if they approve it, your case moves forward without the initial payment.
Step 5: Serve the Other Party
Once the case is filed, the other side has to be formally notified under service of process. In Concho County, that job goes to the Constable's office. After your filing is accepted, the clerk issues a citation and you set up delivery from there. Save everything that has to do with service, because most courts won't put your hearing on the calendar until they see proof it was done.
Step 6: Monitor Your Case
Keep your case number somewhere you won't lose it. Use the Online Records Search portal to check for updates, or call the clerk directly at (325) 732-4322. If you've got filings spread across more than one county or court, CourtCaseFinder can help you track everything in one place instead of logging into a different system for each one.
Concho County Courthouse Directory
The Concho County Courthouse is where everything happens. The District Court, the County Court, and the Justice of the Peace Court are all inside, along with the clerk's office that handles filings and records for all three.
Concho County Courthouse (District Court, County Court, Justice of the Peace)
Address: 152 N. Roberts Ave, Paint Rock, 76866 TX
Phone: (325) 732-4322
County/District Clerk Email: amber.hall@conchocounty.gov
Website: County Clerk
119th District Court Judge's Office
Address: 112 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, 76903 TX
Phone: (325) 659-6570
Website: District Court
Justice of the Peace Court
Address: 152 N. Roberts, Paint Rock, 76866 TX
Phone: (325) 732-4706
Fax: (325) 732-4267
Website: Justice of the Peace
County Court Judge's Office
Phone: (325) 732-4321
Email: david.dillard@co.concho.tx.us
Website: County Judge
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
Whether you would rather handle your own filings or get help from an attorney, there are resources available to Concho County residents. Here are some of the options that are available to you.
Free Legal Assistance
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides free civil legal services to low-income residents throughout the 114 counties in the northern and western parts of the state. The Concho Valley office in San Angelo serves all of Concho County and neighboring areas like Tom Green County and Coke County, to name a few. You can contact them directly by calling (325) 653-6982. Among other practice areas, they assist with family law matters, housing disputes, public benefits questions, and consumer complaints.
Staff working at the clerk's office may be able to assist you in finding the right forms or explaining what needs to be included in a filing. However, they are not allowed to offer any advice related to your specific case.
Local Legal Support
One of the best free resources to assist anyone in dealing with their legal matters is TexasLawHelp. This website contains easy-to-understand manuals, forms commonly used in court proceedings, as well as divorce guides with step by step instructions tailored for Texas courts, eviction notices, small claims advice, orders of protection against domestic violence, and other offenses. Self-representation works well for straightforward matters. For criminal charges, contested custody, or complex civil litigation, it is a good idea to consult an attorney before you file.
FAQs
Whose civic duty summons are dealt with in Paint Rock?
In Concho County, the offices of the District Clerk and County Clerk are combined into one. This single office in the courthouse serves as the first point of contact for any query related to jury duty. They assist with answering jury duty summons, scheduling issues, and general office work.
Where do I settle a Highway 83 traffic fine?
All tickets for traffic violations issued by state troopers or sheriff's deputies are forwarded to the Justice of the Peace. Settlement of such fines can be made electronically through the official government webpage. If you want to challenge the citation, the office should be contacted directly to request a hearing.
Can I view Concho County property deeds online?
Yes. The clerk's office recently digitized many of their public documents. You can browse property deeds, assumed business names, and older marriage licenses directly through the county website. Access is free, but you will need to pay a nominal fee to print official copies.
What happens if I miss a court date in Eden?
Failing to show up for a scheduled hearing is a serious offense. Such a behavior may force the judge to issue a bench warrant against you stating that you be arrested as soon as possible.
How do I request a copy of my divorce decree?
In Paint Rock, there is a central clerk who has the civil and family cases under their jurisdiction, and they will require that you make a records request to get a final divorce decree. There is a small charge involved in making a certified copy.
Are juvenile court records open to the public here?
No. Texas law strictly protects the privacy of minors involved in the judicial system. Juvenile criminal records and sensitive custody evaluations are sealed from public view. Only authorized legal representatives, parents, or specific government agencies can access these highly confidential files.
Why is a multi-county search useful for rural Texas?
Rural residents frequently cross county lines for business or personal matters. Third-party platforms like CourtCaseFinder are incredibly useful when you need to run a broad background check. They search multiple jurisdictions simultaneously. This saves you the massive headache of manually checking neighboring court websites.
Can I access the 119th District Court hearings remotely?
Yes. The 119th District Court utilizes modern technology to maintain transparency. They actively broadcast select public proceedings on their official YouTube live stream channel. However, you are strictly prohibited from recording or capturing screenshots of these digital broadcasts.
Do I need a lawyer for a small claims dispute?
Legal representation is completely optional in the Justice of the Peace court. The relaxed procedural rules make it very easy for residents to handle minor financial disputes alone. However, hiring a professional is highly recommended if your case involves complex legal arguments or a stubborn corporate defendant.
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
- Bastrop
- Baylor
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Blanco
- Borden
- Bosque
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brewster
- Briscoe
- Brooks
- Brown
- Burleson
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cameron
- Camp
- Carson
- Cass
- Castro
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Childress
- Clay
- Cochran
- Coke
- Coleman
- Collin
- Colorado
- Comal
- Comanche
- Cooke
- Coryell
- Crockett
- Crosby
- Culberson
- Dallam
- Dallas
- Dawson
- De Witt
- Deaf Smith
- Delta
- Denton
- Dimmit
- Duval
- Eastland
- Ector
- Edwards
- El Paso
- Ellis
- Erath
- Falls
- Fannin
- Fayette
- Fisher
- Foard
- Fort Bend
- Franklin
- Freestone
- Frio
- Gaines
- Galveston
- Garza
- Gillespie
- Glasscock
- Goliad
- Gonzales
- Gray
- Grayson
- Gregg
- Grimes
- Guadalupe
- Hale
- Hamilton
- Hansford
- Hardin
- Harris
- Harrison
- Hartley
- Haskell
- Hays
- Henderson
- Hidalgo
- Hill
- Hockley
- Hood
- Hopkins
- Houston
- Howard
- Hunt
- Hutchinson
- Jack
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jim Wells
- Johnson
- Jones
- Karnes
- Kaufman
- Kendall
- Kenedy
- Kerr
- Kinney
- Kleberg
- Lamar
- Lamb
- Lampasas
- Lavaca
- Lee
- Leon
- Liberty
- Limestone
- Live Oak
- Llano
- Loving
- Lubbock
- Madison
- Marion
- Matagorda
- Maverick
- Mcculloch
- Mclennan
- Medina
- Midland
- Milam
- Mitchell
- Montague
- Montgomery
- Moore
- Morris
- Nacogdoches
- Navarro
- Newton
- Nolan
- Nueces
- Ochiltree
- Orange
- Palo Pinto
- Panola
- Parker
- Parmer
- Pecos
- Polk
- Potter
- Rains
- Randall
- Red River
- Reeves
- Robertson
- Rockwall
- Runnels
- Rusk
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- San Jacinto
- San Patricio
- Scurry
- Shelby
- Sherman
- Smith
- Somervell
- Starr
- Stephens
- Tarrant
- Taylor
- Terrell
- Terry
- Titus
- Tom Green
- Travis
- Trinity
- Tyler
- Upshur
- Uvalde
- Val Verde
- Van Zandt
- Victoria
- Walker
- Waller
- Ward
- Washington
- Webb
- Wharton
- Wichita
- Wilbarger
- Willacy
- Williamson
- Wilson
- Wise
- Wood
- Yoakum
- Young
- Zapata
- Zavala
Table of Contents