Taylor County Court Records

In Taylor County, individuals and organizations may file a lawsuit against someone for violating specific terms of the agreement or disregarding federal, state, and local law. Whatever the case, the Taylor County Court adjudicates and delivers final judgment over these civil and criminal legal proceedings.

Most cases filed in court, at the Taylor County District Clerk’s office are accompanied by motions, pleadings, orders, exhibits, dockets, recordings, appeals, and additional relevant information. Such documents are termed “court records” or case records. These case files are publicly accessible in different physical forms, such as audio and video, microfilm, photocopy, maps, papers, letters, and photographs, unless access is restricted by law.

Taylor County court records serve as official documents for legal purposes, such as background checks, legal research, and resolving property conflicts. Further, people can access these case files as part of the Texas Court records family for proper acquaintance with the judicial structure in Taylor County. The availability of these documents also stimulates public transparency and accountability.

Are Court Records Public in Taylor County?

Yes. According to the Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, court records are publicly accessible in Taylor County. However, access to court records and judicial files is not regulated by the Texas Public Information Act or the Freedom of Information Act.

Instead, access to such adjudicative records is controlled by the Common Law Right to Public Access and other common ordinances. On the other hand, public access to county civil court records is managed by Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Finally, the custodian of records may not inquire into the reason for the case record request. Still, certain records are withdrawn from public perusal and reproduction. This includes sealed or expunged records, documents filed in a family court proceeding, files filed with a camera in court, information whose disclosure may have a probable negative effect on public health or safety, bona fide trade secrets, and financial account information

Taylor County Court Records Search

Citizens and residents who wish to perform a Taylor County Court records search may explore the following options:

• Visit the local courthouse at reasonable times during working hours
• Contact the district clerk’s office in person, via mail, or by phone
• Access Taylor County Court Records Inquiry
• Mail a written request form to the district clerk’s office
• Research third-party portals

Taylor County Court Records Search by Name

People who wish to conduct a Taylor County records search by name can send an oral or written request to the district clerk’s office during business hours. The court also provides other means of locating county court records by name. A few relevant ones are explained below:

• Public Access Website

The Taylor County Court Records Inquiry system allows individuals to retrieve court case information using the case party’s first, middle, and last name. Researchers may refine the search and aid faster retrieval by specifying pertinent information, such as the case number, date filed, and case status.

• Record Request Form

One may fill out and submit a record request form in person, or via mail to the Taylor District Clerk’s office during working hours at 300 Oak Street, suite 400, Abilene, Texas 79602. To obtain a court record without a case number, one may be required to pay a $5 records research fee and $1 a page for certified and non-certified copies.

Taylor County Courts

Taylor County's judicial structure delegates adjudicative functions to four distinct courts, including the Justice of the Peace Court, County Courts at Law, and District Courts. Each court handles specific civil lawsuits, criminal case proceedings, and violations of local codes within several court locations.

One can locate them at the following addresses:

Taylor County 42nd, 104th, 326th, and 350th District Courts
300 Oak Street
Abilene, Texas 79602
Suites 401, 402, 403, and 404
Phone: (325) 674-1314 (42nd District Court)
Phone: (325) 674-1313 (104th District Court)
Phone: (325) 674-1325 (326th District Court)
Phone: (325) 674-1242 (350th District Court)

Taylor County Justice of the Peace Court

Precint 1, Place 1 and 2
450 Pecan Street
Suite 110
Abilene, Texas 79602
Phone: (325) 674-1338 (Place 1)
Phone: (325) 674-1267 (Place 2)
Fax: (325) 674-1250

Precint 2
301 Kent Street
Merkel, Texas 79562
Phone: (325) 928-5114
Fax: (325) 928-1119

Precint 3
442 Graham Street
Tuscola, Texas 79562
Phone: (325) 554-7893
Fax: (325) 554-7384

Precinct 4
155 Main Street
Lawn, Texas 79530
Phone: (325) 583-2341
Fax: (325) 583-2634

County Courts At Law 1 & 2
300 Oak Street
Suite 500
Abilene, Texas 79602
Phone: (325) 674-1323 (CCL1)
Phone: (325) 674-1208 (CCL2)

Municipal Courts
109 West Fifth Street
Taylor, Texas 76574-3528
Phone: (956) 712-9107
Fax: (512) 352-7724

Abilene City Municipal Court
4575 South 1st Street
Abilene, Texas 79605
Phone: (325) 676-6333
Fax: (325) 676-6286

Taylor County Superior Court Case Search

Taylor County does not own a statutory “superior court” within its county court system. Still, people can file legal complaints at other designated court locations, such as the district court, justice of the peace courts, and county courts at law.

Similarly, the District Court acts as the court’s trial jurisdiction like any other “superior court” in most US regions. Likewise, the justice of the peace courts adjudicates over general and appellate matters filed within the county court.

To retrieve records generated and preserved at any Taylor County Court location, inquirers can follow the outlined procedures in the next section.

Taylor County District Court Records

There are four district courts in Taylor County with adjudicative authority over general and appellate matters. According to Government Code, Sec. 24.001, Taylor County District Courts are the ultimate trial courts of general jurisdiction.

District court judges in the county court are appointed to hear and deliver verdicts in felony criminal cases, divorce cases, civil matters in which the amount of money involved is $200, and above, legal complaints regarding title to land, election contest cases, and other legal affairs whose jurisdiction is not placed in any other trial court.

People who wish to retrieve Taylor County District Court records can query the District Court Clerk’s office. The elected District Clerk is the official keeper of all court records filed in any civil or criminal cause of action and is responsible for docketing, indexing, and preserving those records.

Requesters can also submit a record request form in person or writing to:

Taylor County District Clerk's Office
300 Oak Street
Suite 400
Abilene, Texas 79602

The required fee for obtaining certified and non-certified Copies is $1 per page. Further, basic search information will be required to aid record retrivial, such as the names of the plaintiff and defendants, year of filling, telephone number, and number of copies needed.

Finally, the Taylor County Court Records Inquiry Portal is a convenient platform for people to retrieve details of case proceedings filed and heard in the district court. Basic search details include the case party’s name, case number, and filing date.

Taylor County Criminal Records

According to Texas Government Code, Section 552.023, anyone can obtain personal and public Taylor County arrest and criminal records by name and fingerprint-based checks through the Department of Public Safety. The Texas Crime Records Division (CRD) is the central repository for obtaining criminal history information within Texas.

Texas law only approves Fingerprint-Based Applicant Criminal History Checks, for designated applicants and volunteers, such as licensing agencies, employers, and other public entities like teachers, security system contractors, security and armed guards, teachers, childcare providers, and associated departments.

Requesting agencies can explore the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) initiative proposed by the DPS for a more convenient approach to performing background checks on individuals. Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas are available by appointment only to applicants.

However, subjects of records fingerprinted under the FAST program for a requesting entity will not receive copies of their background check or fingerprints from DPS. Interested record holders can contact the requesting agency for a copy or submit fingerprints to the DPS for a Texas Personal Review.

Conversely, the DPS provides a Name-Based conviction history information check for individuals. To begin, users must open an official account on the website to perform single and multiple-entry records, by providing the first and last name of the defendant, and date of birth.

Generally, the search results will provide arrest details, disposition of cases, and prosecution information entered into the database by law enforcement on behalf of defendants with a Class B misdemeanor or Class C conviction and deferred adjudication. However, the accuracy of information obtained through the database is not guaranteed. Users are advised to perform a fingerprint-based search for legibility and completeness of the record.

Finally, the public can make an oral and written request for free copies of criminal records through the records division of the Taylor County Sheriff's Office. Written record requests can be submitted in person during business hours, via facsimile to (325) 672-8066, or by U.S. Mail. Requesting parties are often required to submit a copy of their driver's license (with a photograph), including pertinent details of the record subject.

Taylor County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Individuals can perform a Taylor County criminal court case lookup through the District Court Clerk’s office, or online through the court’s Online Case Record Inquiry portal. Statutorily, the District Court shares concurrent jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases with the County Courts at Law and Justice of the Peace Courts. The JP courts are also authorized to issue arrest and search warrants.

Requestors can obtain criminal case information by providing the name of the defendant and case number to the specific court where the case was filed and adjudicated. On the other hand, the District Criminal Court division is the central custodian for all criminal court documents filed in the district court.

The criminal court division charges a $5 records research fee for any search requests without a case number. Ordinarily, certified and non-certified copies of Taylor County Criminal Court records cost $1 per page.

Requests and payment can be mailed to:

Taylor County District Clerk's Office
Attn: Criminal Felony Court Records
300 Oak Street
Abilene, Texas 79602
Phone: (325) 674-1316

Get Taylor County Civil Court Records

Civil cases typically involve monetary claims of $200 and above, ownership of real estate, eviction suits, oath administration, marriages, annulment of marriages, child custody, and child support. The Taylor County Justice of Peace Court, County Courts at Law, and District Courts serve as small claims courts in which the monthly claim is $20,000.

People can get Taylor County Civil Court records via the online court records inquiry system, for cases filed after 1994. Requests for civil court records created before 1994 can be filed in person at the Taylor County District Clerk's Office.

The civil records division also provides a records request form for interested persons to obtain civil case information. Requesters submitting a written request will be required to provide the name of the plaintiff or defendant, case number (If known), year of filling, telephone number, required number of certified or uncertified copies, and a service fee of $1, or $5 if the case number is not provided.

Fees are payable in cash and money order to:

Civil Records Division
Taylor County District Clerk
300 Oak Street
Suite 400
Abilene, Texas 7960

Taylor County Family Court Records

Taylor County Family Courts hear and render judgments in family matters involving families and children, such as child support, visitation rights, divorce, child custody, emancipation of minors, and protective orders.

Individuals wishing to obtain family court records can visit the district clerk’s office at reasonable times during business hours, mail a records request form, or explore the online case records inquiry portal as explained in previous sections.

However, due to the sensitivity of family cases involving minors, certain records are not fully publicly accessible. Such sealed records will require an Application for Release of Sealed Records signed by the presiding judge before one can gain access. This service may attract a charge of $15 fee and an additional $1 per page for copies.

Taylor Dissolution of Marriage Records

The first point of call for anyone to find Taylor's dissolution of marriage records is the district clerk’s office. Interested persons can visit the office in person or call (325) 674-1316. Such records chronicle the events and court decisions regarding the legal dissolution of a marital relationship.

Taylor County Marriage and Divorce Records

Taylor County divorce records are maintained alongside other family court records in the district court clerk’s office. Requestors can obtain these records by making an oral or written request to the clerk’s office during business hours.

On the other hand, access to Taylor County marriage records is managed by the county clerk’s office. Individuals can obtain a certified copy of their marriage license in person or by submitting a record request form. This service may attract a charge of $12.

Spouses who wish to obtain a new marriage license can complete and submit the online Marriage License Application. The webpage makes provisions for formal and informal marriage applications. Once completed, one should visit the County Clerk’s office in the Taylor County Courthouse, 300 Oak Street, Abilene, Texas during official hours. to complete the application process and receive a marriage license.

Similarly, Taylor County Marriage Certificates are issued in person to applicants. Individuals may start the process by completing the online application at a service charge of $47. The processing fee is payable in cash, money order, credit or debit card. Couples will also be required to provide a date that they moved in together as a married couple.

Notably, applicants must submit a physical form of identification, such as a valid picture ID, military ID or driver’s license, state ID, and social security number. Marriage license issuance does not require a blood test and the license is only valid for 90 days after the date of issuance.

Questions and concerns regarding marriage records are addressed in the FAQ section. Admittedly, the Texas Vital Statistics Unit provides a convenient online resource for anyone to obtain marriage and divorce records. The public index manages records of marriages dated 1966 and divorces dated 1968.

Taylor Birth and Death Records

Under Texas Government Code 552.115, Taylor County birth and death records are not publicly accessible records. Members of the public can only access birth records older than 75 years from the date of birth. Conversely, death records become part of Taylor County public records after 25 years from the date of death.

Qualified applicants of these vital records must share a tangible interest in the record or legal relationship with the record holder, this includes subjects of records, immediate family members, legal representatives, and personal agents.

Anyone who wishes to obtain birth and death certificates in Taylor County can fill out and submit the provided application form:

• Birth Certificate Application (via mail)
• Birth Certificate Application (in person)
• Death Certificate Application
• Order Birth Certificate Online

To facilitate record retrieval, one may be asked to provide the following information:

• Full name of the birth or death record holder
• Date and place of birth or death
• Father’s full name (For birth certificate)
• Mother's maiden name (For birth certificate)
• Applicant’s name, address, and phone number
• Requestor’s relationship to the record subject
• Reason for requesting the certificate
• A copy of the applicant’s driver's license

A copy of a Taylor County birth certificate costs $23, while a death certificate costs $21 and an additional $4 for extra copies issued at the same time. Payments are acceptable in cash, money order, credit, or debit card (card payment may attract a convenience fee). Similarly, online application of birth certificates may attract a charge of a $5 non-refundable convenience fee and an extra non-refundable 35 cents for all 'delivery' orders.

Once the form is completed, applicants should mail the application, payment, sworn statement and photocopy of a valid photo ID to:

Taylor County Clerk
300 Oak Street
Suite 100
Abilene, Texas, 79602

The following are noteworthy:

• Anyone requesting a copy of their birth certificate for passport purposes should request for a "long form" birth certificate from the county clerk.
• People born in the City of Abilene after 1950 should contact the Abilene-Taylor County Public Health District at (325) 692-5600.

Taylor County Probate Court Records

Probate matters in Taylor County involve formalizing a person’s intentions of transferring the right to their property upon death usually in a last will and testament. During probate, the decedent’s property is collected and used to offset certain debts, then the remaining property is distributed to recipients listed in the will.

The county clerk is the official custodian of probate court records in Taylor County. To retrieve probate information, individuals can search the court’s case record inquiry system by entering the decedent’s name. The office is open for inquiries regarding probate and guardianship records at ((325) 674-1202).

Finally, applicants can mail a written request along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, $1 fee for plain copies per page, and $5 for certified copies. Acceptable forms of payment are personal checks and money orders. The office typically processes most probate record requests on the same day the written request and payment is received.

Taylor County Property Records

Taylor County property records are accessible through the county clerk’s office for public searching. These records are digitally indexed and imaged into the clerk’s office computer database. On request, original copies of property image and index data are proofed and mailed back to the appropriate recipient.

Requestors can retrieve and print indexed property documents through the Self-Service Property Records database for $1 per page. In addition to real property records, one can search for bills of sale, real estate contracts, livestock brands, and property tax Liens dating back to 1878.

Taylor County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like Texascourtrecords.us are an alternative resource for anyone seeking Taylor County court records online. These websites are mainly owned by private entities that collect and collate diverse court case information from governed-owned establishments, local law enforcement agencies, Texas public record archives, and even the US.

More importantly, individuals enjoy access to public records, including Taylor County arrest records. However, records from third-party platforms should be proofed for accuracy and completeness of records.