Gonzales County Court Records

In Gonzales County, the term "court records" encompasses both administrative and case records. Administrative records consist of non-adjudicative documents related to the regular business operations of the courts, while case records are documents maintained in connection with a case.

Court records provide insight into both the administrative operations and the adjudicative functions of the judicial system. Also, when examined alongside other public records (e.g, Gonzales County arrest records), they provide a broader view of how the local government functions.

Are Court Records Public in Gonzales County?

Yes, court records in Gonzales County are generally public. Public access is a presumption under common law; however, specific access procedures and restrictions depend on whether a document is classified as a case record or an administrative record. Administrative records are specifically governed by Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 12, while other court rules guide access to case records.

Certain types of court records are typically exempt from public access in the county. These exemptions commonly include

• Litigation/settlement records involving judges
• Records relating to investigations of any person's character or conduct
• Juvenile court adjudications
• Adoption records
• Internal deliberations on court administration

Gonzales County Court Records Search

To perform a search for court records in Gonzales County, there are three typical options:

• Contact the local court clerk with the record
• Use statewide online search tools
• Use third-party resources

Gonzales County Courts

The Gonzales County court system comprises both specialized courts and district-level trial courts. These courts include the 25th and 2nd 25th District Courts, the County Court, Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1, 3, and 4), Commissioner's Court, and the City of Gonzales Municipal Court. The following are the addresses of the county's courts.

Gonzales County District Courts
414 St. Joseph Street
Suite 300
Gonzales, TX 78629
Phone: (830) 672-2326
Fax: (830) 672-9313

Gonzales County Court
414 St. Joseph Street
Suite 300
Gonzales, TX 78629
Phone: (830) 672-2327
Fax: (830) 672-5477

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
414 St. Joseph Street
Suite 202
Gonzales, Texas 78629
Phone: (830) 672-3734
Fax: (830) 672-5296

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
1812 East U.S. Highway 90
Waelder, Texas 78959
Phone: (830) 788-7762
Fax: (830) 788-7650

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
603 East Central
Nixon, Texas 78140
Phone: (830) 582-1292
Fax: (830) 582-1142

Gonzales Municipal Court
820 St. Joseph Street
Gonzales, Texas 78629
Phone: (830) 672-2815
Fax: (830) 672-2813

Gonzales County Criminal and Civil Records

The location of a Gonzales criminal or civil court record is based on the court that handled the case. The District Court handles felony level criminal cases and major civil cases. The County Court oversees misdemeanor and smaller civil cases, while the Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts handle Class C misdemeanor and traffic offenses.

Record seekers may visit the District Clerk, County Clerk, the appropriate Justice of the Peace Court, or a municipal court for access to specific criminal or civil records. However, inquirers should note that Gonzales County arrest records in criminal cases are primarily maintained by law enforcement agencies. It is the charging documents, case filings, and final dispositions for the arrest/charge that the court retains.

Copies of court records typically cost $1 per page for photocopies and a $5 certification fee per document, if required. For online access to case records, inquirers may use the Texas Case Search Portal.

Gonzales County Marriage Records

Gonzales County marriage records document marriages licensed and recorded within the county. The County Clerk keeps all vital records in the county, including marriage records. Gonzales County marriage records are open for public inspection and copying. To obtain a copy, individuals may submit the Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate Application to the County Clerk's Office in person. Requesters will need to provide a valid government-issued ID at the office when making a request. Certified copies of a marriage record cost $6 per copy, while plain copies cost $1 per page.

Gonzales County Divorce Records

Divorce records capture proceedings from divorce cases in Gonzales County. These records include the names of the divorced parties, the initial petition, any settlements, court orders, and the final divorce decree. They are often used for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, establishing child custody and support obligations, and verifying property division.

Individuals can inspect or obtain copies of divorce records from the District Clerk's Office. Most divorce information is publicly accessible; however, certain sensitive details are kept private and are available only to the parties involved in the divorce and other authorized persons. Divorce record copying and certification fees are the same as those for other court records.

Gonzales Birth Records

Gonzales County birth records are vital records that contain details of live births that occurred within the county. Birth records are considered sensitive records in Texas and are inaccessible to the public for 75 years following their creation. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 191.051 states that access is restricted to immediate family, legal representatives, and persons whom the court determines to have a legal interest in the record.

Individuals can print out, fill out, and submit the Birth Certificate Application to the County Clerk's Office. The fee for a certificate is $23 per copy requested. Requests are typically fulfilled by mail, so applicants must provide their mailing address.

The Gonzales County Clerk also provides online access to the county's birth records index through its Self-Service portal. A search can be conducted using the child's name and the birth date range.

Gonzales Death Records

Death records are also vital records in Texas and, like birth records, are confidential for the first 25 years after they are created. To obtain a death certificate, qualified persons may submit the Death Certificate Application to the County Clerk's Office. Requests require a valid means of identification, and the certificate fee is $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. Researchers may also access the county's death index through the County Clerk's Self-Service portal.

Gonzales County Probate Court Records

In Gonzales County, probate is defined as the "legal process for determining how a person's property and debts are handled after death". Probate matters are heard in the County Court, with the County Clerk serving as the custodian of all probate-related filings and records. Probate court records are mostly public, with certain sensitive details withheld. Individuals can visit the County Clerk's Office to obtain a probate record. Copy fees may apply.

Gonzales County Property Records

Property records in Gonzales are documented with the County Clerk, consistent with Tex. Loc. Gov't Code § 192.001. These records contain deeds, liens, mortgages, and other instruments related to a property domiciled in the county.

There are two primary ways to obtain property records in Gonzales County. Individuals may either visit the County Clerk's Office or use the Self-Service portal to search and request copies (plain or certified) of property records. Any copy purchased on the portal will be sent to the requester via mail.

Gonzales County Court Records Online

Individuals seeking online access to Gonzales County court records may also utilize third-party sites, such as Texascourtrecords.us. These sites provide a more convenient and streamlined search experience, eliminating the need for in-person visits to the courthouse. However, users should be aware that these platforms are not official government sources. When aggregating data, they may occasionally omit information or include details that are not part of the official court record. Any information obtained from a third-party resource should be verified through official sources.