Lubbock County Court Records
Lubbock County court records are documents generated during civil, criminal, family, and probate cases filed in the Lubbock County justice system. In most cases, records are created at case filing, during hearings, and upon issuance of judgments. They serve as the permanent legal documentation of court proceedings under Texas court rules and the Texas Public Information Act.
Individuals seeking records may begin by contacting the clerk’s office at the relevant court. The District Clerk manages felony, civil, and family cases; the County Clerk oversees probate and misdemeanor filings; and Justice Court clerks handle traffic and small claims matters. Most filings are public, though records involving juveniles, adoptions, or sensitive family issues may be sealed or restricted by law.
Depending on the case, other record types often associated with civil court records include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. These documents of important life events, also known as vital records, are maintained separately from other court records. Similarly, records often associated with criminal court records include arrest records and jail information, which are held by law enforcement.
Note that Lubbock County court records generally refer to cases filed in the Lubbock County justice system. If a state case becomes a federal case or for federal cases involving a county resident, requestors will have to contact the relevant U.S. District Court to obtain federal court records. Lubbock County falls under the Northern District of Texas.
Are Lubbock County Court Records Public?
Lubbock County court records are generally available to the public under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), which ensures transparency and accountability in the judicial system. Members of the public, attorneys, and researchers may typically access civil and criminal case filings, hearings, and judgments.
Some records are restricted to protect privacy or sensitive information and require court authorization or statutory permission for access. Restricted records include juvenile cases, adoption proceedings, sealed cases, and other filings specifically designated by law. These limitations help safeguard personal information while allowing lawful public access to most court proceedings. Individuals seeking restricted records should consult the appropriate clerk’s office to determine eligibility and understand the procedures for requesting access.
What Information is Available in Lubbock County Court Records
The information contained in a Lubbock County court record will generally depend on the case type. Nevertheless, most civil, criminal, probate, and family court records will contain details such as:
- Case number: the unique identifier assigned to each case
- Case type: civil, criminal, probate, or family
- Names of parties involved: plaintiffs, defendants, or petitioners
- Filing dates: when the case started, or related documents were submitted
- Motions and petitions: formal requests made to the court
- Hearing schedules and outcomes: dates and results of court appearances
- Court orders and judgments: decisions issued by the judge
- Names of attorneys: legal representatives for the parties
- Sentences or assessed fines: where applicable
- Description of exhibits and filed documents: evidence or supporting materials
Lubbock County Court Records Search
Custodians of Lubbock County court records are required by law to provide avenues through which interested persons may view or obtain copies of court records, where such records are not subject to judicial or legislative restrictions. Most record custodians support in-person requests, as well as mail-in and phone requests. Requestors may also find digitized copies of court records via online repositories maintained by the record custodians. The protocol, requirements, and fees for record access, viewing, and copying will vary with the option used.
- Online Access: At the county level, online searches are available through the Lubbock County Public Access portal. Users can search by case number, party name, attorney, or scheduled hearing to view filing histories and court events. Some records are restricted due to confidentiality rules. Furthermore, certified copies are not available online. For filings maintained specifically by the County Clerk, such as probate, guardianship, or civil county-level cases, the County Clerk’s online document search provides access to official filings and other public records, including land records and vital records (birth, marriage, and death certificates).
- In-person Access: For in-person requests or certified copies, visit the clerk’s offices. Public terminals are available for searches, and staff can assist with locating cases and obtaining filings. Offices include:
904 Broadway Street
P.O. Box 10536
Lubbock, TX 79408
Phone: (806) 775-1585
904 Broadway Street, Room 207
Lubbock, TX 79401
Phone: (806) 775-1076.
- Mail and Phone Requests: Records may also be requested by mail or phone. Mail requests should include the necessary details to find the record sought, such as the case number or party names. Furthermore, the mail request must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for any copies or certifications (call the Clerk’s Office for accepted payment methods). Phone inquiries can confirm procedures and ensure requests are complete before mailing.
Fees for Lubbock County Court Records
Obtaining Lubbock County court records may involve fees depending on the document type and request method. Standard paper copies of filings, motions, or judgments are $1.00 per page, while certified copies require an additional $5.00. Exemplified or authenticated copies also incur a $5.00 fee in addition to standard copy charges. Electronic copies are generally available at $0.10 per page.
For vital records handled by the County Clerk, certified copies are billed at set rates: birth certificates cost $23.00, death certificates $21.00 (with additional certificates at $4.00 each), and marriage licenses $21.00. Fees follow the Lubbock County Clerk Fee Schedule. Payments for copies and certifications are typically accepted by check or money order.
Lubbock County Courthouse Locations
Lubbock County’s courts are primarily located in the downtown courthouse complex, which houses the District Courts, County Courts at Law, and the Justice of the Peace Courts. Some District Court divisions are assisted by Associate Judges, who handle family law matters such as child support and custody. These courts manage civil, criminal, family, probate/guardianship, and traffic cases. The United States District Court - Lubbock Division hears federal civil and criminal cases arising in the county.
|
Courthouse/Office |
Address |
Phone Number |
Divisions/ Case Types |
Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
904 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401 |
(806) 775-1000 |
District Courts (civil, family - including child support handled with Associate Judges, criminal, criminal, juvenile); County Courts at Law (misdemeanour, family, probate/guardianship); Justice of the Peace Courts (traffic, small claims); Specialty Courts (DWI, Adult Drug, Veterans, Mental Health) |
Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | |
|
1205 Texas Avenue, Room 209, Lubbock, TX 79401 |
(806) 472-1900 |
Federal civil and criminal cases under the Northern District of Texas |
Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
Criminal Records Access in Lubbock County
State-level criminal history checks for Lubbock County are processed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Service. Individuals seeking a comprehensive criminal history report must submit requests directly to DPS, as county courts do not maintain statewide records.
For local criminal case records, contact the Lubbock County Clerk’s Office or visit the county’s online court portals. Note that criminal case records will contain details about the parties involved, charges, and dispositions, but they do not indicate guilt without a judgment order.
Some records may be restricted, sealed, or confidential under state law. Individuals seeking criminal case information should verify availability and follow the procedures of the appropriate office before submitting a request.
Lubbock County Probate Records
Lubbock County probate records provide information on the administration of estates, including wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. These records show how a person’s assets and responsibilities are legally managed after death or when a legal guardian is required. Recent filings may be available online through the county court portal. Older or more detailed records usually require an in-person visit. Some matters, such as guardianships or conservatorships involving minors, are confidential and not open to the public.
Common probate filings include wills, estate administrations, appointments of guardians or conservators, and related notices. Individuals seeking these records should contact the Lubbock County Clerk’s Probate Division, which maintains official filings and certified copies. Staff can provide guidance on accessing records, but most searches are conducted by the requester.
Lubbock County Family Court Records
Lubbock County family court records cover divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption cases. Access depends on the type of case and the parties involved. Recent filings may be searched online through the Lubbock County District Clerk’s portal, using the family law section.
For certified copies or records not available online, visit the Lubbock County District Clerk’s Office in person. Access to records varies depending on the case and may be restricted in matters involving minors or confidential information under Texas law.
Lubbock County family court records typically include case numbers, parties involved, filing dates, case status, and court orders. They do not indicate guilt or determine outcomes. Contact the District Clerk’s Office before submitting a record request.
Federal Court Records in Lubbock County
Federal cases arising in Lubbock County are handled by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which has jurisdiction over federal criminal cases, civil disputes involving federal law, bankruptcy matters, and other federal proceedings. Records for these cases are maintained by the court’s Clerk’s Office.
Many federal filings and docket information are available online through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), which allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date. PACER requires account registration and may charge a small per-page fee for certain documents. Individuals may also contact the Clerk’s Office for assistance in locating or requesting specific records. Some filings may be restricted or sealed under federal rules and, therefore, may not be publicly accessible.
