Kaufman County court records in Texas are available through several channels. KaufmanCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additionally, official court resources, including the Kaufman County website, clerk's offices, and public terminals in the courthouse provide access to case registers, hearing calendars, and court documents.
Kaufman Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific categories of cases. If you do not know where to search for your case, start by determining the type of charge or claim.
- District Courts (86th and 422nd Judicial District Courts) — handle felonies, civil claims over $200,000, divorce cases, child custody, and land disputes.
- County Court at Law — Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases with amounts from $200 to $200,000, and appeals from Justice Courts.
- Constitutional County Court — probate cases, guardianship, and incompetency proceedings. The judge of this court also performs administrative functions.
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1–4) — minor civil claims up to $20,000, eviction cases, traffic violations, and issuance of arrest warrants.
Criminal arrests are processed by the Intake Division at the county jail. Police officers prepare an arrest report, which is then forwarded to prosecutors for a charging decision.
Kaufman Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the office of the relevant court. Each District Court and County Court at Law maintains its own calendar.
- Check the official county website — individual court pages sometimes publish hearing schedules.
- Call the court office where your case is registered. The clerk will confirm the date, time, and courtroom.
- Visit the public terminal in the courthouse — the current day's calendar is usually available there.
Specific hearing dates often depend on the type of case. Criminal cases generally have separate days for arraignment, pretrial, and trial. Civil cases are scheduled according to the judge's calendar.
How to Get a Copy of a Kaufman Court Document
Court documents held by the County Clerk are generally public — except for mental health and juvenile cases. You can view records for free at the clerk's office, but there is a fee for copies.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
A non-certified copy is a regular printout without an official stamp. A certified copy has the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document's authenticity. A certified version is usually required for submission to another court, government agency, or employer.
How to Order
- In Person: Visit the County Clerk's office in the courthouse.
- By Mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, party name, and type of document.
- Open Records: Requests under the Public Information Act should be directed to the Civil Division.
For divorce and marriage cases, the District Clerk maintains a separate archive. Verification letters regarding marriage or divorce can also be ordered through the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics or the OVRA online portal.
Kaufman Court Records Fees & Payment
The fees for searching and copying court documents are regulated by the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118. Below are the approximate rates established for County Clerk offices in Texas.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name or case number) | Free for in-person viewing |
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 (includes certification) |
| Each additional page of a certified copy | $1.00 |
Payment is typically accepted in cash, money order, or check payable to Kaufman County Clerk. Check with the office if they accept credit cards — some offices charge an additional fee for electronic payments. For mail requests, include payment along with the letter and a self-addressed stamped envelope.