Howard County Court Records

Court records are comprehensive official accounts of the details of legal proceedings in a court. In Howard County, Texas, these records are created, filed, and preserved by the county clerk and district clerk based on the court and specific case.

Courts with higher jurisdiction often set legal precedents that other courts must follow. This requires detailed and accurate records of the proceedings. Moreover, they provide the basis for appellate review of trial proceedings. An appeal is only meaningful if the trial-level Court kept a record of its proceedings. Howard County arrest records are an integral part of court records in the county as they are used to solve criminal cases.

The following records may be found in the Howard County court records:

• Petitions
• Warrants
• Sworn statements
• Orders
• Summons
• Evidence
• Pleadings
• Transcripts
• Recorded testimony
• Judgments

Are Court Records Public in Howard County?

Yes. Under the Texas Public Information Act, most government records, including many court records, are publicly available. However, the Texas PIA also specifies specific information that may be exempted from public disclosure. In some instances, confidentiality provisions, considerations of privacy, or ongoing investigative restrictions may necessitate the courts and government agencies withholding or redacting information.

Howard County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking court records in Howard County may request them through the District Court clerk’s office. They may search the office’s web page and use the access portal designated to search for cases, visit the office in person, or send in a request by mail or email. Alternatively, they may contact the courthouse where the case was initially heard or filed. Finally, there are third-party websites that provide access to court records. Requesters may mail in their request to:

Howard County District Court Clerk
Howard County Courthouse
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2225

Howard County Courts

The court system in Howard County, Texas, comprises a district, county, magistrate, and municipal court. The district court handles civil cases and felony criminal cases. Howard County Court is a trial court that has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in many cases.

The list below outlines the different Howard County, Texas, courts and their contact addresses:

Howard County District Court
312 Scurry St.,
P.O. Box 528,
Big Spring, TX 79721
Phone: (432) 264-2225

Howard County Court
300 Main St., Room 211,
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2226

Howard County Municipal Court
300 S. Main St., 3rd Floor,
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2530

Howard County Magistrate Court
300 Main Street, Room 211,
Big Spring, Texas 79720,
Phone: (432) 264-2226,
Fax: (432) 264-2227

Howard County Criminal and Civil Records

In Howard County, under the Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the public is permitted to access both civil and criminal case records at the Howard County courthouse. A fee of $5 is associated with a civil record search. Civil cases are disputes related to property, family law, contracts, personal injury claims, and probate cases.

On the other hand, criminal cases pertain to information about Howard County arrests, indictments, pleas, sentencing, trials, and appeals. The County Attorney prosecutes criminal law cases on behalf of the government. Howard County arrest records are available through the office of the County Sheriff and other collaborating law enforcement agencies.

Howard County Marriage Records

In Howard County, marriage records are essential legal documents that provide information about a couple's union. They are maintained by the clerk of the District Court’s office and the Vital Records Office of the Texas Department of Health Services.

Interested parties may access marriage records through the Clerk of the District Court's office. They may visit in person or submit a request by mail. Requesters must provide vital details to facilitate the search, such as full names and case numbers, and pay $21 for a certified copy. Requesters may also use the indexes maintained by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

Howard County Divorce Records

In Howard County, individuals seeking divorce records have a couple of options. The District Clerk is the official custodian of divorce decrees and other related court filings. Requesters may contact the district clerk's office. Also, there is an online portal, the Odyssey Public Access system for judicial records, which may be used to get divorce records.

In addition, divorce records are maintained and issued by the State’s Vital Records Office of the Department of Health Services (DHS). Requesters may request divorce records from this agency in person, via mail, or online. For mail-in requests, they are required to complete and submit a divorce certificate application form along with a valid ID. A fee of $15 is attached.

Howard Birth Records

In Howard County, birth records are vital records maintained by the clerk’s office. As they are regarded as confidential, issuance is limited to the subject of the record, their parents, immediate family members, and legal representatives. Interested and eligible persons may visit the clerk’s office to submit a written request with valid identification. A fee of $23 is attached to certified copies of birth certificates.

Howard Death Records

In Howard County, individuals seeking death records may access them at the county clerk’s office. Death records are confidential and are available only to persons related to the subject of the record, their legal representatives, and other authorized persons. Individuals may fill out the death record request form and submit it to the county clerk's office, along with valid identification. A fee of $21 is attached to obtaining Howard County death certificates.

Howard County Probate Court Records

The Howard County Clerk keeps probate records, including wills, estate administrations, and guardianships. Requesters may access probate records through the clerk’s office. A fee of $5.00 per name is attached to probate record searches. Also, a portal is provided at the state level, TexasFile, where individuals can access Howard County probate records online. The Clerk's office offers an online portal where individuals may search for official public records. Moreover, record searchers may use the Odyssey Public Access system to get probate records.

Howard County Clerk
P.O. Box 1468,
Big Spring, TX 79721
Phone: (432) 264-2213
Fax: (432) 264-2215

Howard County Property Records

Property records are public records that provide information about a property's legal rights and about the property itself. These records are vital for tax verification, real estate conveyance, and real estate research.

Requesters in Howard County have a couple of options to access property records. The Howard Central Appraisal District appraises property within the county. Individuals may look up property details using the property search feature on their website with parameters such as owner name, address, or property ID. In addition, the County Clerk’s office maintains official public records, including property records. Also, some third-party websites provide property records.

Howard County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like Texascourtrecords.us provide access to Howard County court records. Requesters may find one or more types of court records on these sites, which are typically more convenient and accessible. Requesters may remotely search third-party websites for court records from any geographical location. However, these websites are not affiliated with any government agencies. They source information from several sources into a central database, so the accuracy and completeness of records are not guaranteed.