Grimes County Court Records

Court records document the proceedings, filings, and judgments associated with legal actions heard by a court. In Grimes County, these official records may include a broad array of materials such as petitions, warrants, sworn statements, motions, pleadings, transcripts, exhibits, recorded testimony (audio, video, or digital), affidavits, final judgments, court minutes, and related filings maintained by the appropriate county or district court.

In Grimes County, the responsibility for creating, filing, managing, and preserving these court documents generally falls to the County Clerk and the District Clerk, depending on the court and type of case. Court records serve multiple purposes: they ensure transparency of judicial activities, support the appellate process, and allow the public to maintain oversight of the judicial system.

Are Court Records Public in Grimes County?

Yes. Under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA)—codified primarily in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code—most governmental records, including many court records, are presumed public unless a statute or court order explicitly restricts access. This principle stems from the state’s commitment to transparency and open government, giving every person the right to information about the workings of public bodies.

However, the Texas PIA and other statutes also specify several categories of information that may be exempt from public disclosure. In certain instances, confidentiality provisions, privacy considerations, or ongoing investigative restrictions allow courts and governmental bodies to withhold or redact information. Such exceptions may arise from constitutional, statutory, or judicial orders. Notably, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, and various sections of the Texas Government Code and Texas Family Code also govern confidentiality and disclosure standards for specific court documents.

Examples of confidential or restricted information may include:

• Records declared confidential by law, constitution, statute, or court order (Texas Government Code § 552.101).
• Private personal information where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
• Attorney-client privileged communications (Texas Rules of Evidence, Rule 503).
• Certain law enforcement investigation files (Texas Government Code § 552.108).
• Sensitive crime scene images or materials relating to ongoing criminal matters.
• Vital records (birth and death certificates) subject to state confidentiality rules (Texas Health & Safety Code § 191.051).
• Trade secrets or financial data protected under state or federal law.
• Information revealing the identity of crime victims in certain circumstances.

Grimes County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Grimes County court records may pursue the following avenues:

1. Original Courthouse or Court of Filing:
   Many records can be located at the courthouse where the case was initially filed or heard.
2. Grimes County Clerk’s Office:
   For probate, misdemeanor, and civil cases under the county court’s jurisdiction.

• Physical Address:
  Grimes County Clerk
  270 FM 149 West
  Anderson, TX 77830
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 209, Anderson, TX 77830
• Phone: (936) 873-4410

1. Grimes County District Clerk’s Office:
   For felony criminal cases, larger civil suits, and family law matters from district courts.

• Physical Address: Grimes County District Clerk
  270 FM 149 West
  Anderson, TX 77830
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 234, Anderson, TX 77830
• Phone: (936) 873-4433

1. Texas State Courts Online Portals:
   The official Texas courts’ online systems may provide case information or docket listings, though the availability of full records may vary.
2. Authorized Third-Party Search Vendors:
   Numerous commercial platforms offer access to court records from multiple jurisdictions, often for a fee.

Grimes County Courts

The Texas judiciary includes District Courts, County Courts, Constitutional County Courts, County Courts at Law, Statutory Probate Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, and Municipal Courts. In Grimes County, the main courts are:

• District Courts (e.g., 12th Judicial District Court, 506th Judicial District Court):
  Handle felony criminal cases, large civil cases, and family law matters.
• Grimes County Court (and any County Court at Law if applicable):
  Has jurisdiction over certain civil and misdemeanor criminal matters, and probate cases.
• Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts:
  Address Class C misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and small civil disputes with limited monetary amounts.

Grimes County Courthouse
100 Main Street
Anderson, Texas 77830

Grimes County Criminal and Civil Records

Members of the public can access both civil and criminal case records at the Grimes County courthouse(s). Under the Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, clerks must make non-exempt records available for public inspection. Many Clerk’s Offices have computer terminals or indexes for on-site research. In-person assistance is often available, ensuring visitors can locate the correct docket or file. Normal business hours are generally Monday through Friday, excluding official holidays.

• Civil Cases: Include disputes over property, contracts, personal injury claims, family law matters (excluding sealed adoption records or certain juvenile proceedings), and probate issues.
• Criminal Cases: Include information on arrests, indictments, pleas, trials, convictions, sentencing, appeals, and probation or parole conditions. The State of Texas, represented by the County or District Attorney, prosecutes these cases against defendants.

Where available, online portals or subscription-based services may allow remote searches by case number, party name, attorney name, or other identifying criteria. Because online coverage varies, confirm the completeness of any retrieved records with the Clerk’s Office.

Grimes County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Texas are public records subject to limited exemptions. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains statewide indexes of marriages from 1966 to present. To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license filed in Grimes County, submit a request to the County Clerk’s Office. Requests typically require:

• Full names of both spouses as they appear on the marriage license.
• Date of marriage.
• Requester’s contact information and mailing address.
• A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Applicable fees, generally $7 per certified copy (verify with the Clerk’s Office for updates).

Fees are payable by check, money order, or cashier’s check made out to the Grimes County Clerk.

Grimes County Divorce Records

Divorce records in Grimes County are maintained by the District Clerk’s Office. Records typically include divorce decrees, settlement agreements, and final judgments. Under Texas law, these records are generally public unless sealed by the court. To request a copy of a Grimes County divorce record, contact:

Grimes County District Clerk
P.O. Box 234
Anderson, TX 77830
Phone: (936) 873-4433

Include details like party names, approximate date of divorce, and a case number if available. Certified copies may incur a standard fee per page, plus an additional fee for the certification stamp. Check the District Clerk’s fee schedule for current rates.

Grimes County Birth Records

Birth records are vital records governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code. The Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section, maintains official birth records for the entire state. The Grimes County Clerk’s Office also maintains local birth records. Certified copies of birth certificates cost $23 for the first copy (verify current fees before ordering). Texas restricts certified birth records to certain qualified applicants, including the individual named on the certificate, immediate family members, or legal representatives.

To request a birth certificate from the Grimes County Clerk:

• Complete the official birth certificate request form.
• Include a copy of a valid photo ID.
• Submit payment by check or money order.
• Mail the request to the Grimes County Clerk’s mailing address or visit in person during business hours.

Grimes County Death Records

Death records serve as legal proof of death and are vital for probate, estate matters, insurance claims, and genealogical research. In Texas, certified death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Access to recent death certificates is limited to the deceased’s immediate family, legal representatives, or authorized agents.

Submit a death record request to the Grimes County Clerk’s Office with:

• A completed application form for a certified death certificate.
• A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Applicable fees via check or money order.

Grimes County Probate Court Records

Probate records in Grimes County are maintained either by the County Clerk or the appropriate court with probate jurisdiction. These records include wills, inventories, appraisals, heirship proceedings, guardianships, and estate settlements. Accessing probate records is often similar to other court records—requests can be made in person, by mail, or, where offered, online.

Grimes County Property Records

Property records document land transactions, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property tax information. In Grimes County:

• Grimes County Clerk: Maintains official land records and instruments.
• Grimes County Appraisal District: Maintains appraisal and property valuation records.
  Grimes County Appraisal District
  314 W. Buffington Ave.
  Anderson, TX 77830
  Phone: (936) 873-2163

Grimes County Court Records Online

Third-party websites and databases like Texascourtrecords.us often aggregate court records, providing broad coverage and convenient search options. While these platforms may offer insights into case statuses or docket entries, they may charge subscription fees or per-search costs. Additionally, third-party records should be verified for accuracy and currency, as they are not official government sources.