Matagorda County Court Records

Matagorda County court records are the official files describing the proceedings of all cases (civil, criminal, family, probate) filed or heard within the county court system. These records include court judgments, exhibits, summonses, calendars, and dockets and are accessible through the Matagorda County Clerk's Office and other relevant court clerk's offices. Court records enable research into legal precedents and support openness in the judicial system.

Are Court Records Public in Matagorda County?

Matagorda County court records are publicly available per Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which governs how these records are disseminated to the public. However, these rules impose access limitations on personally identifying information (Social Security numbers, etc.), juvenile case records, adoption records, medical records, financial statements, and sealed or expunged court records. A court order is often required to access restricted court records.

Matagorda County Court Records Search

There are several ways to search for Matagorda County court records. For in-person searches, applicants can contact the Matagorda County Clerk's Office or the proper court clerk's office (where the case was filed or heard). Online options are also provided to access court records through the county's Judicial Records portal or through third-party databases.

Inquirers typically require basic case information like case numbers, parties' names, and filing dates to request a Matagorda court record. However, some records are not accessible to the general public and require specific procedures to obtain.

Matagorda County Courts

Matagorda County's court system includes several types of courts that handle different matters within the legal system. The addresses of these courts are as follows:

Matagorda County District Court (23 District Court and 103 District Court)

1700 7th Street
Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 244-7635

Matagorda County Justice of the Peace Courts

Precinct 1
1700 7th Street
Room 201
Bay City, TX 77414-5091
Phone: (979) 244-7660, (979) 244-7666

Precinct 2
2200 7th Street
4th Floor
Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 863-2035

Precinct 3
405 Commerce Street
Palacios, TX 77465
Phone: (361) 972-5313

Precinct 4
Corner of 3rd and Avenue F
Markham, TX 77456
Phone: (979) 843-5601/5602

Precinct 6
22001 FM 457
Sargent, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 245-0358

Municipal Courts in Matagorda County, TX

Bay City Municipal Court
1824 6th Street
Bay City, TX 77414
Phone: (979) 245-0035
Fax: (979) 323-9711

Palacios Municipal Court
313 Henderson
Palacios, TX 77465
Phone: (361) 972-2583

Matagorda County Criminal and Civil Records

Various means exist to access Matagorda County criminal and civil court records. Examples of criminal records include documents from arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences, such as Matagorda County arrest records. To obtain these records, requesters may contact the Matagorda County Clerk's Office, the district court where the case was heard, or online through the Matagorda County Judicial Records portal.

Requesting a Matagorda criminal record may require an individual to provide an identifying number or party name. Formal requests and sometimes authorization are also necessary in certain situations. A Matagorda arrest record, if not sealed or expunged by the court, is usually available to the public for review and provides information regarding the arrested subject, charges filed, and any subsequent court action and disposition.

Matagorda County civil court records pertain to issues, not criminal matters, such as property disputes, family law cases (divorce and child custody), contracts, and probate matters. Retrieving civil court records can be done the same way as retrieving criminal records (both at the county clerk's office or online via the Matagorda County Judicial Records portal). Documents relating to the case may include petitions, motions, judgments, and orders. The district court and sometimes the county clerk may charge a fee to research or certify the document.

Matagorda County Marriage Records

Matagorda County marriage records can be obtained from the Matagorda County Clerk. These are Matagorda County public records that anyone may request a certified copy of, either appearing in person or by mail. Requestors must provide identifying information, such as the names of the individuals and the date of marriage, to aid in locating the record. Getting a certified copy of the Matagorda County marriage certificate is usually a charge. A valid form of identification and proper payment are required at the time of request if it is an in-person search.

Further, Matagorda County has an online search portal for obtaining marriage records. Certain restrictions may apply if a record is sealed or under court order.

Matagorda County Divorce Records

Divorce records in Matagorda County are maintained by the Matagorda County District Clerk's Office, which is responsible for keeping records of family law cases, including divorce cases. These records are generally considered public, although access may be restricted in cases where the court has ruled that certain information is sealed for privacy reasons. Individuals requesting access to a divorce record are generally required to provide specific details, including the complete names of the parties concerned and the date or approximate year in which the divorce occurred. The same may be requested personally at the District Clerk's Office or via mail with an extra fee for copies or certified documents.

Matagorda County Birth Records

The Matagorda County Clerk's Office maintains Matagorda County birth records and is responsible for issuing them under the laws of Texas. Birth records are confidential for 75 years from birth, and access is permitted only to the individual whose name appears on the record or to their immediate family members and legal representatives. Identification and proof of relationship through government-issued identification must be presented for a request to be fulfilled for a Matagorda County birth certificate. After 75 years, Matagorda County birth records become public and can be accessed by anyone.

Birth records serve important purposes, such as providing the identification needed to obtain a passport, register at an educational institution, apply for jobs, or resolve legal matters involving inheritance. Certified copies of birth records can be requested in person, by postal mail, or online. There may be associated fees.

Matagorda County Death Records

The county clerk at the Matagorda County courthouse is the custodian of Matagorda County vital records, including death records. The death record is confidential for 25 years from the date of death, and only eligible immediate family members, lawful representatives, or persons demonstrating a direct tangible interest can obtain an original. Proof of relationship or legal interest and a valid government-issued photo ID are needed to obtain a certified copy. Death records become public 25 years after the event and can be accessed by anyone.

Death records serve many useful purposes: settling estates, providing proof of death for life insurance claims, and updating family medical histories. They contain important information such as the deceased's full name, date and place of death, and cause of death. Certified death certificates can usually be requested from the County Clerk's Office in person, by mail, or online. Fees may apply, and applicants should ensure they qualify for a request.

Matagorda County Probate Court Records

Probate court records in Matagorda County include all cases involving the distribution of estates, guardianships, wills, and matters regarding incapacitated individuals. The Matagorda County Clerk's Office is the custodian of the probate court records, which are open for public access and subject to confidentiality restrictions.

One can obtain probate court records at the Matagorda County Clerk's Office or by mailing a request. Such requests usually ask for information like the name of the deceased, case number, and case dates. These records are also available online. Some charges could be levied for obtaining copies or certifications of the documents.

Matagorda County Property Records

Matagorda County's Appraisal District and Clerk's Office keep property records in Matagorda County. These records document property ownership, transfers, assessments, and tax information. They are used to prove ownership, research the history of a certain property, and determine land boundaries and improvements. They are essential in real estate transactions, settling disputes in court, and taxation.

Individuals can stop by the Matagorda County Appraisal District office to submit a property records request, or they may access the office's property search tools to locate records by owner name, address, or account number. The Matagorda County Clerk's Office houses more records, including deeds, liens, and other legal documents related to property transactions. Some records may incur a fee for certified copies, and some older records may be available only by in-person research.

Matagorda County Court Records Online

An individual does not necessarily have to visit a courthouse to find Matagorda County court records, as these records are retrievable online through private vendors like Texascourtrecords.us. Third-party websites accept record queries by name, case number, or other criteria and can provide users with relevant information within minutes. However, they may not have the most current records compared to official court databases, and some records—for example, sealed or confidential documents—are not available through such channels. Third-party websites are an excellent starting point for court records searches, but users may be charged for in-depth searches or copies.