CourtCaseFinder.com
  1. Home
  2. Texas
  3. Kaufman

Kaufman County Court Records Lookup

Start Here
Start Here

The following is for information purposes only

Kaufman County Court Records Lookup

Table of Contents

Kaufman County Courts, TX *

Kaufman County Courts, TX

Kaufman County is one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, with a population of 184,070. Its size means its court system is extensive, making it difficult for residents to know where to start the legal process and which cases each court handles. Knowing the difference between a district court and a Justice of the Peace Court is the starting point of a successful judicial process. It prevents the frustration of a dismissed case and the difficulty of locating court records.

Overview of the Kaufman County Court System

The rising caseloads in Kaufman County explain the existence of three district courts. The 86th, 422nd, and 489th Judicial District Courts handle the most serious felonies and civil litigations. The county has one Constitutional County Court, which serves as the primary venue for probate matters and guardianship cases. Two County Courts of Law 1 and 2 serve Kaufman County, handling intermediate civil cases with controversial values and mid-level misdemeanors. The Commissioners Court is another jurisdiction with the sole duty of overseeing the governance of Kaufman County.

At the community level, Kaufman County has four Justice of the Peace Court precincts distributed throughout the region. These courts only listen to fine-only Class C offenses and small claims. At the bottom of the court system, Kaufman County has multiple Municipal Courts that handle city-level violations.

Types of Courts in Kaufman County, Texas

Types of Courts in Kaufman County, Texas

District Courts

Kaufman County has three district courts, the 86th, 422nd, and 489th Judicial District Courts, which fit into the size of its population. Judges in these courts share dockets and have concurrent jurisdiction over the cases outlined below:

  • Felony-level criminal cases, mostly in the first degree
  • Major civil issues with no upper dollar limit
  • Family law, such as a disputed divorce
  • Cases involving minors
  • Expunctions

The district courts have the power to conduct jury trials to verify the facts for civil and criminal cases. They also have full record-keeping responsibilities for appellate review as required under Section 51.303 of Texas law. This function distinguishes them from other courts, such as Municipal Courts, that do not have the same obligation. Cases referred from the lower courts are tried as new cases with no reference to existing records.

Primary location: Kaufman County Courthouse

Constitutional County Court

The Constitutional County Court in Kaufman County provides judicial services for specific issues outlined below:

  • Guardianship resolution for children and adults who are not in a capacity to manage themselves
  • Probate handling, such as estate and wills administration
  • Court-ordered mental health commitment
  • Appeals from lower courts are treated as first-time hearings
  • Some misdemeanors shared with the County Courts at Law

While most of the caseloads are handled by the County Court at Law, the Constitutional County Court maintains original authority over juvenile proceedings. The County Judge also has special legal powers, such as issuing habeas corpus, demanding the release of individuals detained illegally.

Primary location: Kaufman County Courthouse

County Courts

The volume of cases in Kaufman County led to the creation of two County Courts at Law, which areCounty Court at Law 1 and County Court at Law 2. The two courts share jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases. The cases in these courts are rotated according to courtroom availability. These courts deal with:

  • Class A and B offenses that have between six months and one year jail terms
  • Civil lawsuits not above $250,000
  • Juvenile cases and child protective services (CPS)
  • Probate matters, such as estate administration and wills
  • Trial de novo for appeals from the Justice of the Peace Courts
  • Cases involving the supervision of children and immobilized adults
  • Felony-level drug and substance possession and first-time DWI

The cases in these courts are rotated according to courtroom availability. You should check the court schedules if you have an active case under this jurisdiction to confirm the hearing venue. Staying alert ensures you identify the correct room where the case should be held.

Primary location: Kaufman County Courthouse

Justice of the Peace Courts

Kaufman County has four Justice of the Peace Courts divided into precinct 1, precinct 2, precinct 3, and precinct 4. Although located in different geographical areas, the precincts share authority over:

  • Eviction cases
  • Civil claims of less than $20,000
  • Class C offenses, such as traffic violations beyond the city limits
  • Magistrate duties such as officiating marriages, issuing protective orders, and warrants
  • Family violence
  • Minor juvenile issues

The Justice of the Peace Courts further act as the official coroner for Kaufman County if it is deemed that the medical examiner is not required. In addition, the precincts handle cases according to where the issue occurred, not your residence. When submitting a case, you should identify and file the case with the precinct in that region.

Municipal Courts

Kaufman County is extensive and has multiple cities, each with its own Municipal Court. The courts are the first point of contact for citizens within the city limits. Regardless of the city, the courts handle the following operations:

  • Advising the user on the payment options for citations
  • Processing city-level Class C misdemeanors, such as speeding and violation of public safety
  • Enforcing regulations within the city
  • Issuing warrants for failure to appear

Appeals from the municipal courts are handled at the county-level courts as new cases. Also, since each court operates independently, there is no combined directory for specific information.

Primary locations: Combine Municipal Court, Crandall Municipal Court, Forney Municipal Court, Kaufman Municipal Court, Kemp Municipal Court, Mabank Municipal Court, Talty Municipal Court, Terrell Municipal Court.

How to Access Kaufman County Court Records

How to Access Kaufman County Court Records

Most court records in Kaufman County are publicly available, except for restricted cases such as juvenile and family law. There are also older cases that may not be found because they are often moved to designated repositories. You can use any of the methods listed below to find court records.

Online Access

The County Portal is the main database for all the court records in Kaufman County. Once you get to the site, use the "smart search" option to search by name, attorney, or case number. The portal returns results in a vertical order, from the date the case was filed to hearing dates, to party information, and to any upcoming court orders. re:SearchTX is a statewide recordkeeping database that lets you filter records by county. Use Kaufman County to get specific cases solved within the county.

An additional option is to use the Justice of the Peace portal directly for Class C offenses and traffic violations. Each precinct has a "find my case" section that you can use to find a record. Another helpful option is TAMES, a nationwide database that keeps records for appellate cases.

Alternative Online Options

CourtCaseFinder is one of the most useful alternative options for finding cases in Kaufman County. It indexes all cases in Texas and nationwide, allowing users to pull up records from all district and county courts. You can conduct a name-based search, which brings you closer to specific details such as the case number. It is a good starting point if you do not remember the information about your case.

In-Person Requests

Every court in Kaufman County has a repository for its cases. You can find records by visiting the appropriate clerk's office during regular weekday hours. In-person requests are often fulfilled immediately, but require a copying fee to get stamped documents. Before visiting the office, prepare all required documents to speed up the process. In addition, carry your ID and other supporting documents to gain authorized access.

Archived Records

The most common repository for older records is the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). The cases are held on microfilm for each county. Here, you find records for all district courts in the country, land records, and probate matters. If you have difficulties locating a case, use the TSLAC Archives reference section for assistance.

For Attorneys and Legal Professionals

For attorneys in Kaufman County, use the re:SearchTX to find records on criminal and civil cases. Some records are often sealed but are accessible with proper credentials, and when the counsel is the legal representative in a case. The site has redaction software available only to attorneys.

eFile Texas also has extra benefits for professionals. You can view case records handled by opposing attorneys, including when and how they position their arguments. The database also contacts attorneys listed as standing counsel using the email provided.

How to File a Case in Kaufman County

How to File a Case in Kaufman County

Filing a case can be frustrating if you do not know where to start. The steps below outline the general process for opening a case.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

Choosing the right court is the beginning of a successful filing process. The Municipal Courts handle all city violations. Class C misdemeanors go to the Justice of the Peace Courts. The County at Law Courts handles Class A and B issues and mid-level civil cases. The district courts handle all other felony-level cases.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

Each court has form templates for different cases. Kaufman County has a Form Center portal where you can search for a form specific to your case. Additional forms for child support, civil cases, and subpoena requests are available at the District Clerk's office. You can also print forms for eviction and motion for dismissal from under the forms portal provided by the Justice of the Peace Courts. If you cannot locate a template for your case type, use Texas Law Help.

Step 3: File Your Case

Self-represented individuals can take the completed forms to the appropriate clerk's office. You should have signed the original documents and supporting materials as required for your case. Alternatively, use the eFile Texas to file your case electronically. It is a mandatory requirement to submit documents online for all forms filed through an attorney.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Fees are set at the court level. In Kaufman County, the County Clerk outlines the costs for petitions. If your case is to be handled by the Justice of the Peace Court, ensure you know the case number, which should end with 1, and the exact payment to be made. If you cannot meet the stipulated costs, apply for a waiver through the Statement of Inability to Afford, available at the County Clerk's office and portal. Be honest when filing, as some applications may be contested and require proof.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

Under the Texas Service of Process law, you must notify the opposing party about the case. Personal delivery is not allowed. Instead, the court decides on the appropriate method to serve the defendant. A court-appointed official or a sheriff can do the service. File proof of service with the court.

Step 6: Monitor Your Case

An active case may change its date and venue, particularly in Kaufman County, which has multiple courts. To avoid a default judgment for missed deadlines or court orders, track your case in person or through re:SearchTX or eFile Texas. The portals will allow you to get index information on your case, ensuring you are up to date with all important dates.

Kaufman County Courthouse Directory

The multi-level court system means there are many court offices and methods you can use. The directory below outlines the contacts and the venues of each courthouse.

Judicial District Courts

Handles high-level civil and criminal cases

86th Judicial District Court

Address: 1902 US-175, Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4670

422nd Judicial District Court

Address: 1902 US-175, Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4666

489th Judicial District Court

Address: 1902 US Highway 175 Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4505

Constitutional County Court

Find the starting point of judicial operations here.

Kaufman

Address: 100 W Mulberry St, Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 595-0562

Email: cccourts@kaufmancounty.net

Website: kaufmancounty.net/208/County-Judge

Kaufman County Courts at Law 1 and 2

Handle Class A and B misdemeanors and major civil litigations.

County Court at Law 1

Address: 1902 US HWY 175 Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4687

Website: kaufmancounty.net/182/County-Court-at-Law

County Court at Law 2

Address: 1902 US Highway 175 Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4757

Website: kaufmancounty.net/185/County-Court-at-Law-2

Justice of the Peace Court

Small claims and Class C crimes.

Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 1

Address: 1906 US Highway 175 Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4182

Email: jp1@kaufmancounty.net

Website: kaufmancounty.net/243/Justice-of-the-Peace-Precinct-1

Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 2

Address: 200 E. Main Street, Forney, TX 75126

Phone: (469) 376-4600

Email: Jp2@Kaufmancounty.net

Website: kaufmancounty.net/244/Justice-of-the-Peace-Precinct-2

Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 3

Address: 408 E College Terrell Sub Courthouse Terrell, TX 75160

Phone: (469) 376-4587

Email: Jp3@Kaufmancounty.net

Website: kaufmancounty.net/245/Justice-of-the-Peace-Precinct-3

Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 4

Address: 1906 E. US Highway 175 2nd Floor Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (469) 376-4620

Email: jp4@Kaufmancounty.net

Website: kaufmancounty.net/245/Justice-of-the-Peace-Precinct-4

Municipal Courts

Address violations within specific cities.

Combine Municipal Court

Address: 100 Davis Rd, Combine, TX 75159

Phone: (972) 476-1532

Email: city@combinetx.com

Website: combinetx.com/municipal_court/index.php

Crandall Municipal Court

Address: 104 E. Trunk Crandall, TX 75114

Phone: (972) 427-6771

Website: .crandalltexas.com/135/Municipal-Court

Forney Municipal Court

Address: 331 S FM 548, Forney, TX 75126

Phone: (972) 552-6660

Email: court@forneytx.gov

Website: forneytx.gov/241/Municipal-Court-of-Record-Number-1

Kaufman Municipal Court

Address: 209 S. Washington St., Kaufman, TX 75142

Phone: (972) 932-2216

Email: kaufmanmunicipalcourt@kaufmantx.org

Website: kaufmantx.org/2183/Municipal-Court

Kemp Municipal Court

Address: 304 S Main St, Kemp, TX 75143

Phone: (903) 498-3191

Website: cityofkemp.org/departments/municipal_court/index.php

Mabank Municipal Court

Address: 127 E Market Street, Mabank, TX 75147

Phone: (903) 887-2329

Website: cityofmabanktx.org/165/Court

Talty Municipal Court

Address: 9700 CR 213, Talty, TX 75126

Phone: (972) 552-9487

Email: courtclerk@taltytexas.com

Website: taltytexas.com/page/court_forms

Terrell Municipal Court

Address: 1100 N State Highway 34, Terrell, TX 75160

Phone: (469) 474-2715

Email: muncourt@cityofterrell.org

Website: cityofterrell.org/305/Municipal-Court

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Self-represented litigants in Kaufman County may find it difficult to navigate the complex court requirements. The procedures should not be a cause to worry as there exist numerous free legal and local assistance.

Free Legal Assistance

Lone Star Legal Aid provides legal assistance for all civil cases in East Texas, which covers Kaufman County. You can apply online or call if you have housing, debt, or family law issues.

Texas Help is another helpful site for all your legal troubles. It has guides for every government issue, such as family, eviction, and worker compensation issues. You can also chat live with an attorney to learn the legal possibilities applicable to your case.

Local Legal Support

For defendants facing criminal charges who cannot afford attorney services in Kaufman County, the Public Defender's office offers legal representation services. You must prove your inability to pay by filling out and signing a questionnaire under oath. Although no costs are incurred, in some cases, you might have to reimburse the county after the case is concluded.

Local legal support is also offered by the State Bar of Texas. It has a referral program that connects residents to low-cost attorney services. If you want a one-on-one consultation, a fee of $20 is charged for a 30-minute session.

Veterans and people with disabilities can find legal assistance from the Texas Veterans Commission Legal Services. The organization helps eligible registrants navigate disability claims and identify clinics offering judicial support in their area.

FAQs

Are court records public in Kaufman County?

Yes. Court records are available for public view, but some files may be restricted to authorized personnel. You can use online, in-person, or email to obtain the files. A court order is required for redacted materials.

Are online court record searches always accurate?

The accuracy is debatable depending on the site used. Information from official sites is always accurate and can be relied upon. For unofficial sites, you need to verify the results with the appropriate court.

When is it helpful to use a third-party records finder?

When you are unsure of the court details, CourtCaseFinder makes it easy to pull cases when you do not have the specific identifiers, such as the case number. You can also find all other related cases, as the site maintains and is updated on all cases in the county.

What do I do if I can't find my case online?

If you cannot find your case, it means it has not been updated to the digital system yet. You can still locate the file in the right court's office. You should carry all identifying documents that show you are authorized to access the files.

Can I save or download records for future reference?

Yes. However, downloads attract a fee set by each site. In addition, the files are usually watermarked and cannot be used for legal purposes. For stamped and certified documents, contact the appropriate clerk's office.

Other Counties in Texas

Table of Contents