Fort Bend County Court Records

Fort Bend County court records consist of files, documents, and information presented to or generated by the county court or court official during legal cases. Some of the details that may be recorded in a Fort Bend court record include:

• The names of the parties involved in a court case
• Case type: civil, criminal, family, probate, etc.
• Exhibits presented during a case
• Dockets and trial transcripts
• The judge's judgments and decrees
• Pleadings, motions, orders,
• Jury verdicts, etc.

These court records are necessary for reference, official, and enforcement purposes.

Are Court Records Public in Fort Bend County?

Court records are generally public in Fort Bend County and throughout Texas by the Texas Public Information Act. This series of laws ensures that state citizens have access to public records maintained by the state's governments, law enforcement agencies, and courts.

However, some restrictions may apply. Certain sections of documents filed in court cases may be censored to preserve the subject's safety or privacy. For example, Texas law prohibits the release of juvenile criminal records if the person has committed a misdemeanor or a crime other than a felony.

Fort Bend County Court Records Search

Fort Bend County court records are accessible from the court clerk where the case was filed and electronically using case record search tools. Interested persons may obtain paper copies upon in-person or mailed requests to the Court Clerk or access these records online after conducting case searches.

Fort Bend County Court Records Search by Name

A name-based search is one of the easiest ways to find Fort Bend County records online or with the court clerk. Generally, to get Fort Bend County court records, the inquirer must provide case details to the clerk or search portal, and while the case or citation number provides more exact matches, providing party names is the next-best option.

Adding further information like filing date, location/court name, case type, or case status can help clerks and portals find the needed record or case information. Requesters may also have to pay fees and provide valid identification to get copies of the record.

Fort Bend County Courts

The Texas trial court system consists of District Courts, County Courts at Law, Justice of the Peace Courts, Commissioner Courts, and Municipal Courts.

Fort Bend County District Court Records

Fort Bend District Courts are the county’s primary trial courts that have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies and misdemeanors offenses, general civil claims, and contested probate matters. The Fort Bend District Clerk is responsible for maintaining records of these proceedings and making them available to the public in line with the Texas Public Information Act.

In Fort Bend County, persons may access District Court records online with the case record search tool or historical records index. However, to obtain copies of Fort Bend court records, interested persons may have to visit the District Clerk’s Office or send request forms containing record descriptions and fees to:

Mailing Address:

Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office
301 Jackson Street,
Room 101
Richmond, TX 77469

Office Locations:

Richmond Address
Fort Bend County Justice Center
1422 Eugene Heimann Circle,
Suite 31004
Richmond, TX 77469

Sienna Address:

Fort Bend County Sienna Annex Branch
5855 Sienna Springs Way,
Suite 146
Missouri City, TX 77459

Fort Bend County Criminal Records

Fort Bend County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history and activities in the county. Usually, a state agency compiles these records from various law enforcement agencies and courts in multiple counties and municipalities in the state, which, in comparison, limits the scope of local criminal records.

However, persons may still obtain Fort Bend County Arrest Records and conduct criminal history checks in Fort Bend County through the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office. Interested persons should contact the Records Division at:

1840 Richmond Parkway,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4665
TTY For Hearing/Speech Impaired: (281) 342-0837

Alternatively, statewide criminal records are available with the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS). Interested persons may conduct a TDPS Criminal History Search after subscription and paying a $3 per search fee or request fingerprint-based background checks by sending mailed applications to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773–0001

Fort Bend County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To perform a criminal court case lookup in Fort Bend County, inquirers must identify the court where the case was filed. First, interested parties must collect relevant case information as they may be required to provide relevant case information to assist with the search. This includes details such as the case/citation number, defendant’s name, and other relevant dates.

Interested persons can look up criminal cases heard in District Courts and County Courts at Law in the county through the case record search tool. However, obtaining paper copies or accessing the records of other courts in the county may require visiting or sending requests to the appropriate custodian.

Get Fort Bend County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Fort Bend County are documents and files generated or maintained by courts in the county to provide information on civil matters in the country. These include motions, dockets, and transcripts that provide details on civil suits like personal injury claims, evictions, property disputes, contract disputes, and family relations disputes. Therefore, Fort Bend civil court records may contain information such as:

• Case number
• Party names and filing details
• Pleas, motions, and arguments
• Affidavits and filed evidence
• County or court details
• Judge and attorney names
• Findings and final judgment

To obtain Fort Bend County civil court records, one must first confirm that the case was truly filed in the county and identify the county court. Then, interested persons may use the case information to conduct a case record search online or request records directly from the clerk of the specific District, County, Justice of Peace, or Municipal Court.

Requesters have to provide adequate case details, identify the needed record, pay duplication fees, and, sometimes, provide valid identification to prove eligibility to access restricted records or obtain certified copies.

For instance, to obtain copies of District Court records, persons may visit the District Clerk’s Office in person or mail request letters to:

Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office
301 Jackson Street,
Room 101
Richmond, TX 77469

Fort Bend County Family Court Records

Family Court records in Fort Bend County are a form of civil court records involving family law cases like adoption, divorces, child support/custody, paternity, and termination of parental rights. These records can be used as proof of events (adoptions, divorces, paternity) or help hold a party accountable to the court’s final decision (child support, property division, protective orders).

The Fort Bend County Courts at Law, District Courts, or its Family Law Division hears most family law cases in the county, with the County Clerk and District Clerk maintaining their respective records. However, due to the sensitive personal information contained in some family court records, accessing these documents or obtaining certified copies may be restricted to the parties involved in the case, immediate family members, and authorized representatives.

Nevertheless, interested persons may access unexempted case information on family court cases online with the case record search tool. Informational or certified copies of family court records are obtainable following in-person or mailed requests to the Fort Bend District Clerk or County Clerk. Requesters should provide case descriptions, identify the needed record, pay fees, and provide valid identification, if needed.

Fort Bend Dissolution of Marriage Records

When a couple annuls or dissolves a marriage in Fort Bend County, the District Court generates and maintains records of the proceedings from the filing to the final judgment. These dissolution of marriage or divorce records are considered public and can be viewed online using the case record search tool. Interested persons may also obtain paper copies from the Fort Bend District Clerk, but certified copies may be restricted to qualified persons like the divorce party, immediate family members, and legal representatives.

To obtain Fort Bend County divorce records, requesters may make requests in-person or mail request letters containing case descriptions like the divorcees’ names, case number, or divorce date to the District Clerk at:

Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office
301 Jackson Street,
Room 101
Richmond, TX 77469

The DSHS Vital Statistics Section (VSS) maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 till date. Interested persons may access the divorce index or request divorce verification letters by submitting or mailing completed application forms, $20, and a photocopy of valid identification to:

In-person

DSHS - Vital Statistics Section,
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756

Mail:

DSHS - VSS,
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040

Note: Verification letters can not serve as substitutes for Fort Bend divorce certificates or decrees.

Fort Bend County Marriage and Divorce Records

Fort Bend County marriage records are available locally at the County Clerk’s Office, whereas divorce records are accessible at the District Clerk’s Office. However, this only applies to marriages licensed by the county and divorces granted by the Fort Bend District Courts. Moreover, certified copies of marriage and divorce records are strictly accessible to the parties involved, immediate family members, and legal representatives.

The County Clerk issues certified copies of marriage licenses and keepsake Fort Bend County marriage certificates for $21 and $25, respectively. Interested persons may search the Fort Bend County marriage index, while qualified requesters may make requests in person or send filled application forms along with fees to:

Fort Bend County Clerk
301 Jackson,
Suite 101
Richmond, Texas 77469-3108
Phone: (281) 341-8685
Fax: (281) 341-8669
Email: clerk@fortbendcountytx.gov

For Fort Bend County divorce records from the District Clerk, interested persons may conduct online searches, make in-person requests, or mail request forms and applicable fees to:

Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office
301 Jackson Street,
Room 101
Richmond, TX 77469

Additionally, Fort Bend divorce certificates from 1968 and marriage records from 1966 are maintained at the state level by the DSHS Vital Statistics Section. Interested persons may view the statewide marriage-divorce index or

Qualified persons may obtain verification letters for $20 by visiting the Austin Office or mailing completed application forms, fees, and copy of valid identification to:

DSHS - VSS,
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040

Note: Keepsake marriage certificates cannot be used for legal purposes. Only certified copies of the marriage license.

Fort Bend Birth and Death Records

The Fort Bend County Clerk registers and maintains records of county births since 1838 and deaths since 1903. Birth and death certificates are also available at the state level with the DSHS Vital Statistics Section. However, in line with the Texas Public Information Act (Section 552.115), birth and death records are confidential until after 75 and 25 years, respectively. Nevertheless, publicly available information on births and deaths are available through the DSHS statewide and Fort Bend County’s public index.

Eligible persons that can obtain Fort Bend County birth certificates and death records include:

• The record subject
• Subject’s child or adopted child
• Subject’s spouse
• Subject’s sibling
• Subject’s parents, adopted parents, and legal guardians
• Subject’s grandparent
• Legal agent or representative
• Managing conservator

These persons may request copies of Fort Bend County birth records or death certificates from the County Clerk for $23 or $21, respectively. Requesters can make in-person requests or provide event details in the application form and mailing along with fees, sworn statement, and photocopy of valid identification to:

Fort Bend County Clerk
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469

To get birth and death records or verification letters from the DSHS Vital Statistics Section, visit the Austin Office in person or mail application forms for birth or death records, fees, and a copy of valid identification to:

DSHS - VSS,
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040

Fort Bend County Probate Court Records

Probate court records in Fort Bend County include filed documents and court-generated materials pertaining to probate matters heard by courts in the county. These records provide information on cases involving contested wills, estate administration, intestate succession, guardianship, and other disputes involving a decedent’s (deceased person) property, rights, and wishes.

In Fort Bend County, district courts and county courts at law handle most probate matters, and the district clerk and county clerk maintain records for these courts. Interested persons may access these records online using the case record search tool. However, obtaining paper copies requires persons to make requests in person or via mail by sending District Clerk or County Clerk request forms containing probate case information and fees to:

Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office
301 Jackson Street,
Room 101
Richmond, Texas 77469

Or

Fort Bend County Clerk
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas 77469-3108
Phone: (281) 341-8685
Fax: (281) 341-8669
Email: clerk@fortbendcountytx.gov

Fort Bend County Property Records

The Fort Bend County Clerk maintains several types of property records like deeds, liens, plats, maps, mortgages, and information concerning real and personal property. These records are mostly public and disclosed on the County Clerk Online Library/Index in line with the Texas Property Code (Section 5.0261).

Interested persons can also search for foreclosures and property sales online. Additionally, the Fort Bend Tax Assessor-Collector maintains records relating to property tax assessments. To request copies of Fort Bend property records maintained by the County Clerk or Tax Assessor-Collector, visit or direct mailed requests to:

Fort Bend County Clerk
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, Texas 77469-3108
Phone: (281) 341-8685

Or

Fort Bend Tax Assessor-Collector
1317 Eugene Heimann Circle
Richmond, Texas 77469-3623
Phone: (281) 341-3710

Fort Bend County Court Records Online

Excluding online resources and indexes provided by Fort Bend Courts, third-party sites like courtrecords.us may prove useful in obtaining county court records online, even for free. These sites pool multiple data resources of court records together and provide advanced search tools to help users navigate and find records with ease. However, not all third-party platforms offer these features. Some sources may even provide unreliable results from questionable sources. Therefore, researchers should always verify records with official sources.

Fort Bend County Courts

The Texas trial court system consists of District Courts, County Courts at Law, Justice of the Peace Courts, Commissioner Courts, and Municipal Courts. The contact information of these Fort Bend County Courts is available below:

District Courts

240th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-8600

268th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-8610

328th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4406

387th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 238-3290

400th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4422

434th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 633-7653

458th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (832) 471-4905

505th Judicial District Court
301 Jackson Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 238-3244

County Courts at Law

There are 6 Fort Bend County Courts at Law, and they are located at:

Physical Address
Fort Bend County Justice Center
1422 Eugene Heimann Circle,
Richmond, TX 77469

Mailing Addresses:
Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 1
County Court at Law No.1
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX. 77469
Phone: (281) 633-7415
Fax: (832) 471-1861

Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 2
County Court at Law No. 2
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4446
Fax: (281) 341-4443

Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 3
County Court at Law No.3
301 Jackson Street,
Room 101
Richmond, TX. 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4429

Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 4
County Court at Law No.4
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 238-1995

Fort Bend County Court at Law No. 5
County Court at Law No.5
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX. 77469
Phone: (281) 238-3270
Fax: (832) 471-1848

Justice Courts in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Place 1
3114 Rosenberg Street,
Needville, TX 77461
Phone: (979) 793-3403
Fax: (832) 471-2563

Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Place 2
1517 Eugene Heimann Circle,
Room 100,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-3742
Fax: (281) 341-3746

Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
303 Texas Parkway,
Room 107,
Missouri City, TX 77489
Phone: (281) 403-8080
Fax: (281) 403-8089

Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
22333 Grand Corner Drive,
Katy, TX 77494
Phone: (281) 238-1460
Fax: (281) 238-1461

Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
12919 Dairy Ashford,
Room 100,
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Phone: (281) 491-6016
Fax: (281) 242-2706

Municipal Courts in Fort Bend County
Arcola Municipal Court
13222 Highway 6,
Arcola, TX 77583
Phone: (281) 431-1852

Fulshear Municipal Court
30603 FM 1093,
P.O. Box 279,
Fulshear, TX 77441
Phone: (281) 346-2405
Fax: (281) 346-2556

Meadows Place Municipal Court
Meadows Place City Hall
1 Troyan Drive,
Meadows Place, TX 77477
Phone: (281) 983-2950
Fax: (281) 983-2940

Missouri City Municipal Court
3845 Cartwright Road,
Missouri City, TX 77459
Phone: (281) 403-8669
Fax: (281) 403-8987

Needville Municipal Court
P.O. Box 527,
Needville, TX 77461
Phone: (979) 793-4253

Orchard Municipal Court
P.O. Box 59,
Orchard, TX 77464
Phone: (979) 478-6893

Richmond Municipal Court
600 Morton Street,
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 342-0578
Fax: (832) 595-0344

Rosenberg Municipal Court
2110 4th Street,
P.O. Box 32,
Rosenberg, TX 77471
Phone: (832) 595-3450
Fax: (832) 595-3451

Simonton Municipal Court
P.O. Box 7,
Simonton, TX 77476
Phone: (281) 533-9809

Stafford Municipal Court
2602 S Main Street,
Stafford, TX 77477
Phone: (281) 261-3930
Fax: (281) 261-3935

Sugar Land Municipal Court
1200 Highway 6 S.,
P.O. Box 110,
Sugar Land, TX 77487
Phone: (281) 275-2390
Fax: (281) 275-2648

Thompsons Municipal Court
P.O. Box 29,
Thompsons, TX 77481
Phone: (281) 343-9929