Comal County Courts

Comal County is located on the Edwards Plateau in Texas and is famous for its rich German-Texan history. The county government is located in New Braunfels, which serves as an administrative hub and houses several courthouses and key offices.

Alongside Kendall and Hays Counties, Comal County was listed in 2024 as the second-largest county by population in the U.S. Home to around 201,000 residents, Comal County accounts for roughly 0.7% of Texas's 30 million population. Currently, it is ranked as the 27th largest county in Texas by population. Comal County reports approximately 90,000 case filings yearly, comprising about 37,000 criminal cases and 43,000 civil cases. However, annual case disposition numbers hover around the 44,000 mark.

Comal County has a multi-tiered trial court system that reflects the broader structure of Texas's judiciary. Several courts exist in Comal County, and they have various jurisdictions over legal matters in the county. The following is a list of the court types in Comal County:

• Comal County District Courts handle serious legal matters. They have original jurisdiction over felony cases, property disputes, and family law matters (child custody and child support litigations).
• Comal County Constitutional County Court is a court of limited jurisdiction under Texas law. It handles probate and juvenile cases.
• Comal County Courts at Law have concurrent jurisdiction with the District Courts over family cases and original jurisdiction over Class A and B misdemeanors.
• Comal County Justice of the Peace Courts have similar subject matter jurisdiction, which may include small claims cases, eviction suits, and Class C misdemeanors such as public intoxication.
• Comal County Municipal Courts preside over traffic citation cases, such as expired driver's licenses and parking violations. They also handle city ordinance and curfew violation cases.

The City of New Braunfels is home tothe majority of the court facilities in Comal County, while the other courts are spread across various towns. The County Courts at Law and District Courts are located in the county seat. However, a few other courts are situated in cities such as Bulverde, Canyon Lake, and Garden Ridge.

How To Access Comal County Court Records

Comal County court records are public following the Texas Public Information Act. Therefore, government records, including court documents, are open for public access unless sealed by law. These confidential records may include civil proceedings with trade secrets, mental health evaluation records, juvenile records, and those involving national security.

When searching court records in Comal County, individuals may be required to provide a case number and a photo ID (typically needed when access to restricted files and certified copies is requested). If you request a standard copy of public court files, a photo ID is usually not required, especially when accessing records online. However, a case number may help locate such files. Court records in Comal County may be accessed using the following methods:

Online

Interested parties may search court records maintained in Comal County via the Online Judicial Case Search Portal provided on the county website. Records available to the public for inspection on this platform may include civil, probate, criminal, and traffic case records.

Besides county-level search platforms, many third-party websites also provide public access to court records. The CourtCaseFinder is one such website that allows the public to find court records using a case number. In addition, the CourtCaseFinder is available not only to find Comal County court records but also for records of other courts in the United States.

Moreover, the public may find federal records on the Public Access to Court Records (PACER) case locator platform. It allows anyone with a registered account to find public records of any of the four federal courts in Texas, and other federal courts across the nation. Individuals searching case files via the PACER platform may be required to pay a $0.10 fee for most documents, $2.40 for audio files, and a $3 maximum fee for dockets and case briefs.

In-Person

Typically, court records are maintained by the clerk of the court. Members of the public may find court records in person by contacting the clerk of court where a case was filed. In addition, the records department and courthouses serve as a repository of these records. The District Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of court pleadings and records for the District Court. On the other hand, the County Court Clerk's office manages records for the County Courts, County Courts at Law, and Probate Courts.

In addition, several Comal County courthouses enable access to court records via the public self-service terminals at the courthouse. They allow users to perform searches using a name, case number, and other case-specific details.Access to copies of judicial court records usually costs a fee. While it costs $1 per page for regular copies, an additional $5 per document is required for certified copies.

Old and Archived Court Records

Historical court records typically older than 50 years may not be available online or at the courthouse. They are usually stored in archives for retention and record-keeping purposes. Therefore, interested persons may use the state's archives to request these records.

Older court records dating back to the 1800s or early 1900s in Comal County may be obtained on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) portal. This website holds district court civil records, court minutes, and probate records for the county. In addition, Comal County court records are available on microfilms and may be accessible by mail at P.O. Box 12927, Austin, TX 78711, or on-site at the TSLAC address:

How To File a Case in Comal County

The process of filing a case in Comal County varies depending on the type of case. Generally, you are required to begin the process by determining the court with jurisdiction over the case. Afterwards, it is necessary to confirm with the clerk of court if the court has jurisdiction over your case.

In Comal County, Texas, various filing fees are depending on the case you are initiating. However, interested persons may check for the fees associated with a case from the clerk of the specific court. They may visit the Comal County District Court Clerk's Office or check the clerk's Filing Fee Schedule online. The cost breakdown contains the detailed fees for civil, adoption, and family law filings. Also, it includes other fees associated with court costs, such as citation issuance and sheriff posting fees.

However, individuals who are unable to afford filing fees may request a waiver of the filing fee. If fees are waived, individuals may not pay court fees, which may include filing fees and any other fees charged by the court or a court officer. To request the waiver, individuals may fill out a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Cost Form or an Appeal Bond. Note that anyone who shows proof of the following may qualify for a fee waiver in Comal County:

• Individuals who receive government benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing, as well as those who fall under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) categories.
• Anyone represented by a free lawyer through a legal aid provider.
• Persons who qualify for legal aid based on financial need but whose cases were not accepted.
• Low-income earners who are unable to meet their essential household needs or afford legal expenses.

Interested persons may be required to take several steps before they may successfully file their case with the court that has jurisdiction over the matter. One of the requirements is to prepare the necessary documents by drafting a petition stating their claims. The following is a step-by-step guide to filing a case in Comal County:

• Determine the appropriate court: Litigants are required to file their cases with the court that has jurisdiction over them. Each court in Comal County specializes in certain types of cases. Serious cases are presided over by a higher-level court, such as the District Court.
• Prepare your documents: Attach all forms required, including the case information sheet.
• File your case: You may file a case in person, online, or by mail. However, certain courts accept the filing of cases by mail, but you may have to contact the respective court earlier to be certain.
• Pay filing fees: Fees vary depending on case types; therefore, filing fees may be confirmed from the clerk of court before starting the process.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, several initiatives are designed to facilitate quick access to the court system for self-represented litigants and the general public. Although access to justice may attract a financial burden, low-income litigants have wide-ranging options.

Furthermore, bar associations, nonprofit organizations, pro bono panels, and legal aid societies provide assistance in one form or another. These resources are designed to make the legal system more accessible and provide support for complex legal topics.

Residents of Comal County may access a number of support services when seeking self-help or legal aid. Some local attorneys provide limited scope representation, particularly in family law or landlord-tenant cases. These lawyers offer help with part of your case and may help to draft a motion or appear at a hearing. In addition, litigants may consider contacting reputable law firms that specialize in civil litigation matters. Often, such firms are instrumental in resolving certain civil cases through negotiation and mediation. Helpful legal resources available to litigants and residents of Comal County in Texas include the following:

Online Self-Help Tools

• TexasLawHelp: Provides free forms and step-by-step guides for topics such as divorce and eviction.
• Texas Court Help: A statewide platform with videos, guides, and FAQs for navigating court procedures without a lawyer.
• E-File Texas: Allows members of the public to file legal cases and fill out forms online.
• Comal County Law Library: Provides public access to legal reference materials and self-help resources. It also houses legal books, research tools, and computers.

Legal Aid Services

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA): Provides legal assistance and housing to low-income residents in Comal County.
• Crisis Center of Comal County: They support survivors of domestic violence with legal advocacy.

Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services

• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA): Offers free legal services in civil matters such as family law, consumer rights, and housing.
• San Antonio Bar Association (Community Justice Program): Hosts legal clinics offering free advice on family law cases and estate planning.
• St. Mary's University School of Law Clinics: Provide legal assistance in immigration, human rights, and social justice cases. This program also allows students to act as student attorneys under faculty supervision.
• Catholic Charities of San Antonio: They provide immigration legal services and support to low-income families.
• Pro Bono Texas: Connects eligible individuals with volunteer attorneys.

Types of Courts in Comal County, Texas

Access to justice in Comal County is facilitated by a variety of courts. These courts include four District Courts, three County Courts at Law, four Justice of the Peace Courts, a Constitutional County Court, and three Municipal Courts. In addition, individuals may file and have a federal case tried in the San Antonio courthouse for cases involving federal criminal law and bankruptcy. The following are the types of courts in Comal County:

District Courts in Comal County

Comal County 22nd District Court

Jurisdiction: This court has general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, and it also handles cases involving title to land.

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Comal County 207th District Court

Jurisdiction: It has original jurisdiction over felony cases. In addition, it shares concurrent jurisdiction with the County Courts at Law in Comal County for domestic relations cases.

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Comal County 274th District Court

Jurisdiction: The 274th District Court has general jurisdiction over divorce proceedings, land title disputes, contested elections, and juvenile matters.

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Comal County 433rd District Court

Jurisdiction: Cases covered involve civil matters where the amount in controversy is $200 or more. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the County Courts at Law in cases involving amounts between $500 and $200,000.

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Constitutional County Court in Comal County

Comal County Constitutional Court

Jurisdiction: It exercises authority over probate and guardianship proceedings. It alsohandles Class A and B misdemeanor cases. In addition, it hears appeals from the Municipal and Justice of the Peace Courts.

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County Courts at Law in Comal County

Comal County Court at Law No. 1

Jurisdiction: This courthears appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court in domestic relations cases.

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Comal County Court at Law No. 2

Jurisdiction: It handles mental health commitment cases, divorce proceedings, and civil cases involving claims between $500 and $200,000.

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Comal County Court at Law No. 3

Jurisdiction: It is a statutory court and has authority over family law matters, protective order cases, and Class A and B misdemeanors.

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Justice Courts in Comal County

Comal County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1

Jurisdiction: This court has jurisdiction over civil, small claims, and eviction suits up to $20,000 exclusive of interest.

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Comal County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2

Jurisdiction: It covers a variety of legal matters, including misdemeanor criminal cases such as Class C misdemeanors that do not involve incarceration.

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Comal County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3

Jurisdiction: This court primarily focuses on civil and criminal cases within the precinct. It also issues search and arrest warrants and conducts preliminary hearings.

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Comal County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4

Jurisdiction: Cases involving debt claims, small claims cases under $20,000, and truancy falls under the purview of this court. In addition, it conducts bail hearings.

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Municipal Courts in Comal County

Bulverde Municipal Court

Jurisdiction: It adjudicates cases involving violations of city ordinances and Class C misdemeanors issued by the Bulverde Police Department.

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Garden Ridge Municipal Court

Jurisdiction: It is a court of record and primarily handles Class C misdemeanors such as disorderly conduct and violation of city codes.

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New Braunfels Municipal Court

Jurisdiction: It handles cases involving the violations of city ordinances within the city limits.

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Federal Courts in Comal County

There are no federal courts in Comal County; however, federal matters arising in the county are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The San Antonio division presides over federal cases in Comal County, including surrounding counties such as Bexar, Guadalupe, and Kendall Counties.

United States District Court for the Western District of Texas

Jurisdiction: The types of cases typically heard include civil rights lawsuits, asylum appeals, bankruptcy cases, employment discrimination under federal statutes, and drug trafficking.

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas

Jurisdiction: This court presides over all bankruptcy matters filed within its geographic boundaries, which include Comal County.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Comal County Courts