El Paso County Courts

El Paso County has a population of about 876,000 residents, making up 2.83% of Texas's total population of 31 million. The City of El Paso is both the county seat and its largest city. Annually, the county courts see about 25,800 filed cases and dispose of over 22,100. These include approximately 8,900 family matters, 6,000 civil cases, and 9,700 criminal cases, according to the Texas Annual Statistical Reports.

The El Paso County judicial system handles a wide range of legal matters, depending on each court's jurisdiction.

• El Paso County District Courts handle felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, family law cases such as child custody and divorce, and civil disputes involving more than $200.
• El Paso County Courts at Law hears misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases with lower monetary values.
• El Paso County Statutory Probate Courts handle cases related to the estates of deceased persons, wills, and guardianship of minors or incapacitated individuals.
• El Paso County Justice of the Peace Courts have jurisdiction over evictions, traffic violations, and small claims up to $20,000.
• El Paso County Municipal Courts handle matters involving violations of city ordinance, Class C misdemeanors, and traffic tickets.

El Paso County trial courts are situated in various locations across the county, with the majority located in the City of El Paso.

How To Access El Paso County Court Records

Under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), court records in El Paso County are open to the public unless sealed by the court. Exceptions include juvenile records,records of certain family law cases, and mental health proceedings, which are often confidential. To find a court record in the county, an interested person must provide a case number and their valid government-issued photo ID.

Court records in El Paso County may be accessed through the following options:

Online

In El Paso County, court records may be accessed online through the El Paso County Case Records Search portal. Individuals may search civil, criminal, and probate matters using case numbers, citations, or defendants' names. Requesters may also access court records in the county through CourtCaseFinder, an online platform that allows users to search court records for all counties across the United States. For federal cases heard in El Paso County, interested individuals may use the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system. Users are typically required to pay certain fees to access these court records.

In-Person

Court records in El Paso County may be accessed in person by visiting the courthouse where the case was handled. Each court's clerk is responsible for keeping its records. Public access terminals are also available at the courthouse to enable individuals to view court records. To obtain copies or certified copies of the records, individuals are typically required to pay the applicable fees. Printed copies cost $1 per page, while certified copies cost $5.

Old and Archived Court Records

For El Paso County court records older than 50 years and unavailable online or at the courthouse, individuals may search the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The institution may hold pre-1900 court dockets, estate files, probate records, and territorial court documents. Access is subject to archival policies and may require formal requests submitted to:

How To File a Case in El Paso County

To file a case in El Paso, an individual must first identify which court has authority over the case. For instance, Justice of the Peace Courts handle small claims under $20,000, County Courts oversee misdemeanor criminal cases and civil matters of lower value, while District Courts deal with family law, probate, felony criminal issues, and intricate civil disputes. It is recommended to contact the District or County Court Clerk to verify the appropriate court before proceeding.

Once the relevant court is identified, the case may be filed electronically through the statewide eFileTexas system, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. The El Paso District Clerk provides a fee schedule to help litigants determine the filing costs for various case types. Individuals who cannot afford to pay the filing fee may apply for a fee waiver by completing and submitting the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs or an Appeal Bond form. The clerk will forward the request to a judge for review. If approved, the waiver allows the case to be filed without payment of court costs.

Before filing a case, the plaintiff must draft a petition or complaint that outlines the facts of the case, identifies the parties involved, and states the desired relief. Summons must also be prepared to inform the opposing party of the legal action. Required documents may vary based on the case being filed. After the case is filed, the plaintiff is responsible for arranging proper service of the summons and complaint on the defendant. Once service is completed, the court will schedule any necessary hearings or subsequent proceedings.

To file a case in El Paso County, Texas, individuals generally need to follow these steps:

• Identify the type of case and determine which court has jurisdiction.
• Complete the required forms and gather all supporting documents.
• Pay the applicable filing fee or submit a fee waiver request.
• File the case electronically, in person, or by mail.
• Ensure the defendant is properly served with notice of the case.

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.

While court staff may provide general information about procedures and forms, they cannot offer legal advice or representation. For individuals unfamiliar with the legal system, these tools may help clarify complex legal procedures and improve their ability to present a case effectively. Below are key organizations that offer free or low-cost legal assistance and self-help resources to individuals in EL Paso County:

• Free Legal Representation for Low-income Persons
• Public Defender's Office
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA)
• Texas Legal Service Center (TLSC)
• Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP)
• Private Lawyer Referral Services
• El Paso Bar Association Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service

Residents of El Paso County may also access various additional legal aid services and self-help resources designed to support individuals with limited incomes. These include:

• Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas - This organization handles a broad range of civil legal matters and provides services to low-income residents across all counties in Texas.
• Center Against Sexual and Family Violence - They support survivors of domestic and sexual violence by offering free legal advocacy and guidance through the court process. It also provides legal referrals for immigration-related matters, including visas and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions. All services are offered confidentially and at no cost, regardless of race, gender, or immigration status.

Types of Courts in El Paso County, Texas

El Paso County is served by various courts, including county courts, municipal courts, district courts, and federal courts.

El Paso County Justices of the Peace Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They have original jurisdiction in criminal cases where the fine does not exceed $500 and in civil matters where the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000. They may also issue search and arrest warrants, conduct preliminary hearings, and perform marriage ceremonies.
• Address and Contact Information

Below is a list of contact information for the Justice of the Peace Courts, organized by Precinct:

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 1

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 2

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 3

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 4

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 5

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 6

Justice of the Peace Courts - Constable Precinct 7

El Paso County District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle felony criminal cases, civil disputes over $200, family law matters such as divorce and custody, juvenile cases, and matters involving protective orders and child support.
• Address and Contact Information

El Paso County Statutory Probate Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle matters involving wills, heirdship for those who die without a will, guardianships for minors or incapacitated individuals, and involuntary mental health commitments. The courts also have authority over related lawsuits involving the estate or its representative, including cases tied to family law, product liability, medical malpractice, and fiduciary disputes.
• Address and Contact Information

El Paso County Courts at Law

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They hear Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases with moderate claims, probate matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts.
• Address and Contact Information

El Paso County Municipal Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle Class C misdemeanors, including traffic offenses, city ordinance violations, and other minor criminal matters occurring within city limits.
• Address and Contact Information

Federal Courts in El Paso County

The following federal courts serve residents of El Paso County, Texas:

United States District Court - Western District of Texas

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The court handles federal civil and criminal cases, including constitutional issues, immigration offenses, drug trafficking, and disputes involving federal laws or agencies.
• Address and Contact Information

United States Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Texas

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - The court deals with bankruptcy filings and other matters related to financial insolvency under federal bankruptcy law, including debt relief, creditor claims, and reorganization proceedings.
• Address and Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About El Paso County Courts

Find below helpful answers to typical questions concerning the El Paso County court system: