Brazoria County Courts

Brazoria County is home to more than 413,000 residents, accounting for approximately 1.32% of Texas's total population of over 31 million. Its county seat is Angleton. More than 40,000 cases are disposed of annually in Brazoria County courts, according to the Texas Annual Statistical Reports. The District Courts handle over 3,000 felony cases, while the County Courts at Law see more than 4,000 misdemeanor filings. Meanwhile, the Justice of the Peace Courts finalize about 26,000 cases each year.

The judicial system in Brazoria County comprises four trial courts tasked with handling various case types, including the following:

• Brazoria County District Courts handle felonies, civil claims for over $200,000, divorces, and other family law matters.
• Brazoria County Courts at Lawoversee misdemeanors, juvenile delinquency, civil matters involving up to $200,000, and probate cases.
• Brazoria County Justice of the Peace Courtspreside over minor offenses, traffic violations, eviction cases, and small claims up to $20,000.
• Municipal Courts resolve ordinance violations.

Brazoria County's main court facilities are located in its county seat, Angleton. However, some Justice and Municipal Courts operate in other parts of the county.

How To Access Brazoria County Court Records

According to the Texas Public Information Act, anyone may view or request copies of Brazoria County, TX court records. However, some records are exempt from this law and are not publicly accessible. They include records of cases related to substance abuse, juveniles, mental health, and adoption, as well as sealed court records. These records are restricted to protect individuals' privacy and are accessible only through court orders. Interested persons may need to provide valid photo IDs and pay applicable fees to access public court records using any of the following methods:

Online

Public court records are accessible through the Brazoria County Case Search portal. To search the portal for case information, enter accurate case details such as the case number, party name, or filing date. The system allows users to view basic case information, court dates, and document filings, depending on the type of case and its availability. Requesters may also find court records online on the Texas re:SearchTX, a subscription-based tool.

Also,CourtCaseFinder provides access to Brazoria County court records online. Requesters may use the search tool to find local court records and other public court records across theUnited States.

Federal court records for cases heard in Brazoria County may be available online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records service (PACER). New users must complete their free online registration before accessing court documents, which typically costs $0.10 per page.

In-Person

Requesters may obtain Brazoria County, TX court records by visiting the relevant courthouse that handled such cases. Each local court has a clerk tasked with the responsibility of maintaining and disseminating public case files to interested persons. The court clerk can provide details on which case records are available and what documentation or fees may be required.

Generally, court clerks charge $1 per page for copies of court records, with an additional $5 fee for certified copies. Public-access terminals may be available at some Brazoria County courthouses, allowing users to search and view court records. It is important to contact the relevant court clerk by phone before making in-person requests.

Old and Archived Court Records

Brazoria County court records created more than 50 years ago may not be available at the court clerk's office or online portals. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) typically maintains and provides access to these historic case files. Some case files preserved by TSLAC date back to the 1800s, including civil, criminal, and probate matters from early Brazoria courts. To access these records, individuals may search the TSLAC Digital Archive or submit a written request with detailed information about the case to the State Archives reference desk at:

How To File a Case in Brazoria County

Individuals seeking to file a case in Brazoria County may contact or visit the District Clerk or County Clerk. These official court clerks can provide information on which courts handle specific cases and the necessary filing steps.

Generally, residents may file cases online, in person, or by mail, depending on the court's procedures. Online filing is available via eFileTexas for most civil, family, and probate cases. Guidelines for online case filing and account setup are available through the E-Filing Info page provided by the Brazoria County Clerk.

To file a case in person, the plaintiff may schedule an appointment or visit the relevant court clerk's office during business hours. Meanwhile, courts that permit filings by mail typically provide downloadable forms and submission instructions on their official websites. It is important to confirm all filing requirements with the clerk in advance to avoid processing delays.

Court filing fees in Brazoria County are listed on the county's Fee Schedule. Those who cannot afford the filing fees may qualify for a fee waiver by submitting a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form. The court will review the application and determine eligibility based on financial need. Legal aid organizations may assist with completing and submitting this request.

The required information and documents necessary to file a case include the following:

• The completed court-approved petition or complaint form
• Supporting documents such as contracts, medical records, photos, police reports, or any evidence relevant to the claim.
• Accurate contact information, including full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved.
• Filing fee or fee waiver form
• Proof of service or service request: After filing, the plaintiff must officially notify the opposing party and submit documentation of service to the court.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Litigants, particularly those with low income, may access legal guidance through nonprofit legal aid organizations and community law clinics in Brazoria County. These groups generally provide free or affordable legal assistance and referrals to reduced-cost legal representation.

Some county-level legal aid programs and referral services for Brazoria County residents include the following:

• Brazoria County Indigent Defense Program
• Brazoria County Bar Association Referral Service
• Houston Lawyer Referral Service

Here are some state-based self-help resources:

• Texas Free Legal Answers - Low-income residents mayask any non-criminal legal questions and get answers from volunteer attorneys.
• Texas Bar Lawyer Referral Information Service
• Texas Lawyer Referral Service

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

• Brazoria County Law Library - Residents mayvisit the library to access legal resources and self-help materials.
• Lone Star Legal Aid Clute Office- Provides referrals or reduced-cost representation for civil cases such as housing, family law, and public benefits.
• Boat People SOS, Texas - Supports immigrant and refugee communities with legal aid, citizenship services, and social assistance programs.
• Bay Area Turning Point - The organization supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with free legal advocacy and resources in Brazoria County.
• Disability Rights Texas - This state program is for low-income residents with disabilities.
• Beacon Law Homeless Program - Provides pro bono attorneys for homeless persons in the county.
• Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) - Helps low-income Texans resolve consumer credit issues and financial disputes.
• Texas Law Help Resource Finder - Litigants may use the tool to find comprehensive legal information on different civil legal matters.

Types of Courts in Brazoria County, Texas

Brazoria County's district, county, justice, municipal, and federal courts ensure residents and businesses have reliable access to justice and legal protections.The following outlines the jurisdiction and contact information for each court:

Brazoria County District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Felony criminal cases, major civil cases exceeding $200,000, family law matters, probate cases, and appeals from lower courts.
• Address and Contact Information

149th District Court

239th District Court

300th District Court (family law cases)

412th District Court

461st District Court

Brazoria County Courts at Law

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Misdemeanors, civil cases involving amounts up to $200,000, probate, and juvenile matters. They also handle family law cases such as divorce and child custody, and appeals from the justice and municipal courts.
• Address and Contact Information -

County Court at Law #1

County Court at Law #2

County Court at Law #3

County Court at Law #4

Brazoria County Justice of the Peace Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Traffic tickets, landlord-tenant disputes, civil disputes involving debt collection, small claims, and other minor civil claims for up to $20,000.
• Address and Contact Information -

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Place 1

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Place 2

Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Place 1

Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Place 2

Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 - Place 1

Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 - Place 2

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 - Place 1

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 - Place 2

Brazoria County Municipal Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Class C misdemeanors, such as traffic violations, public intoxication, and city ordinance violations, occurring within city limits.
• The Municipal Court locations in Brazoria County are listed below:

Alvin Municipal Court

Angleton Municipal Court

Brazoria Municipal Court

Brookside Village Municipal Court

Clute Municipal Court

Danbury Municipal Court

Freeport Municipal Court

Holiday Lakes Municipal Court

Jones Creek Municipal Court

Lake Jackson Municipal Court

Liverpool Municipal Court

Manvel Municipal Court

Oyster Creek Municipal Court

Pearland Municipal Court

Richwood Municipal Court

Surfside Beach Municipal Court

Sweeny Municipal Court

West Columbia Municipal Court

Federal Courts in Brazoria County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court for the Southern Texas District (Galveston Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles federal cases, including civil rights lawsuits, maritime disputes, federal criminal prosecutions, and immigration matters.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - Southern Texas District

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - All cases filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including debt restructuring, asset liquidation, and creditor disputes.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brazoria County Courts

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions related to Brazoria County, TX courts.