Jones County Court Records

Jones County court records are essential legal documents that detail legal proceedings filed in the county and are maintained primarily by the County Clerk and the District Clerk. These records are significant as formal accounts of legal matters, including probate, property, criminal, and civil cases. The types of information typically found in these records vary by office.

In Jones County, the County Clerk is responsible for filing Class A and B misdemeanor cases, which may include documents related to Jones County arrest records. Additionally, the County Clerk handles probate and real estate documents. Separate from this, the District Clerk maintains records for a broader range of criminal and civil matters, including divorce and child custody cases.

Are Court Records Public in Jones County?

Yes. Court records are generally public in Jones County, but access to information assembled or maintained by the judiciary is covered by rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas or other applicable laws and rules (such as Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, Code of Criminal Procedure, or Texas Rules of Evidence). The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) does not cover court records.

However, restrictions typically apply to family case records and records identifying or related to minors. Specifically, law enforcement records concerning a child alleged to have engaged in delinquent conduct are not public. Additionally, personal identifying information is exempt from public access.

Jones County Court Records Search

To find court records in Jones County, individuals must first determine the specific court that handled the case and then contact the corresponding clerk. This process is necessary because the Texas court system does not maintain a single, comprehensive statewide database/repository for all court records.

Jones County Courts

The Jones County court system includes the Municipal Court, the County Court, and the District Court, along with the offices of the County Judge and Justice of the Peace. These courts are situated at the following locations:

Jones County 259th District Court
P.O. Box 308
Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3731
Fax: (325) 823-3289

Jones County Constitutional County Court
P.O. Box 552
Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3762
Fax: (325) 823-3979

Jones County Justice of the Peace Court
P.O. Box 345
Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3761
Fax: (325) 823-4205

Anson Municipal Court
1314 Commercial Avenue
Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-2412

Hamlin Municipal Court
P.O. Box 157
Hamlin, TX 79520
Phone: (325) 576-3212

Hawley Municipal Court
P.O. Box 649
Hawley, TX 79525
Phone: (325) 537-9528

Stamford Municipal Court
P.O. Drawer 191
Stamford, TX 79553
Phone: (325) 773-2723

Jones County Criminal and Civil Records

The Jones County Clerk and the District Clerk serve as the custodians of criminal and civil court records. The County Clerk maintains records of certain civil cases (civil disputes above $200 but not $100,000), collects associated fines and costs, and maintains criminal court documentation linked to Jones County arrest records. The County Clerk also handles probate court records. Meanwhile, the District Clerk manages records for felony cases and civil matters heard in the District Court.

Requesters may access criminal or civil court records by contacting the relevant clerk's office.

• District Clerk: For felony cases and major civil matters, including divorce and family/child custody cases.
• County Clerk: For Class A and B misdemeanors, civil disputes ranging from $200 to $100,000, and probate records.

Jones County Clerk
P.O. Box 552
Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3762
Fax: (325) 823-3979

Jones County District Clerk
Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3731
Fax: (325) 823-3289

Jones County Marriage Records

The Jones County Clerk maintains and issues marriage records, serving as the sole local authority for issuing marriage licenses. Certified marriage license copies may be obtained from the County Clerk's office in person or via any other means provided. Additionally, the Texas Vital Statistics Unit maintains indexes of Texas marriages since 1966. It can issue verification letters online, by mail, or in person, but these letters do not constitute legal substitutes for the certified marriage licenses held by the County Clerk.

Texas Vital Statistics Headquarters
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040

Jones County Divorce Records

The Jones County District Clerk maintains divorce records. Certified divorce decree copies may be obtained directly from the District Clerk at Anson, Texas. Individuals may also obtain verification letters for divorce filed since 1968 from the Texas Department of State Health Services' Vital Statistics Unit (VSU) by applying online, via mail, or in person at the Vital Statistics headquarters.

Jones Birth Records

A birth record documents a person's birth and is often used to establish their identity. The VSU provides certified copies of birth certificates or verifications of birth. At the same time, the local registrar (the County Clerk in Jones County) maintains a birth records index, which interested persons can search online. However, the VSU and local registrars restrict public access to birth records until or after the 75th anniversary of the date of birth shown on the record (Texas Government Code Sec. 552.115(1)).

Jones Death Records

Like birth records, a death record is considered a vital document that officially records a person's death. The VSU and local registrar (County Clerk) maintain death records for Jones County. The County Clerk holds the Death Record Index, which interested persons can search online. Notably, Texas Government Code Sec. 552.115(2) limits public access to death records, making them public information only on or after the 25th anniversary of the date of death shown on the record. An exception exists if the decedent is unidentified, in which case the record becomes public on or after the first anniversary of death.

Jones County Probate Court Records

The Jones County Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining probate records, which address the wishes, rights, and obligations of individuals who are deceased or incapacitated. These records include applications for probate, wills, and documentation related to estate administration. As the official custodian of these records, the County Clerk manages the Judge's Probate Docket, the Claim Docket, and the individual case files. Copies of these records are available to interested persons by contacting the clerk's office directly.

Jones County Property Records

The Jones County Clerk maintains various property (land) records and serves as the county recorder. Individuals can search the Jones County Clerk's land records online, which date back to 1991. The clerk's land records include deeds, deeds of trust, liens, and abstracts, which are generally indexed and recorded safely and permanently. The public may also contact the Jones County Clerk for records access.

Jones County Court Records Online

In addition to official databases, third-party platforms, such as Texascourtrecords.us, aggregate Jones County court records for public access. These platforms typically provide a convenient and user-friendly interface for locating court and other public records, allowing users to view and download relevant documents. However, they operate independently of government systems and may contain inaccurate or outdated information.