Court records of Nacogdoches County, Texas, are available through several channels. NacogdochesCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the county's official online portals, the offices of the County Clerk and District Clerk, as well as through public terminals in the courthouse.
Nacogdoches Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Nacogdoches County, each with its own jurisdiction. Understanding which court handles a specific type of case will help you find the necessary record more quickly.
- District Court — handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil lawsuits with a dispute amount over $200,000, divorce cases, child custody, and real estate matters. The District Clerk keeps records of all proceedings and maintains case materials.
- County Court at Law — has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, civil lawsuits with a dispute amount from $200 to $200,000 (according to Chapter 26 of the Government Code), probate matters, and appeals from the Justice Court.
- Justice of the Peace Court — small claims up to $20,000, traffic violations, issuance of search warrants, and preliminary hearings in criminal cases.
Appeals from county courts in this region go to the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler. Federal cases related to the county are handled by the Eastern District of Texas.
Nacogdoches Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or this week, contact the relevant office directly:
- District Court — the hearing schedule can be clarified at the District Clerk's office by phone or in person.
- County Court at Law — the case calendar is maintained by the County Clerk. Call the office to confirm the date and time of the hearing.
- Justice of the Peace Court — information about scheduled sessions is provided directly at the judge's office.
General information about county offices and their contacts can be found on the official Nacogdoches County website. Note: there is currently no single online calendar that combines all county courts — each court must be contacted separately.
How to Get a Copy of a Nacogdoches Court Document
The type of document determines which office to contact.
County Court Records
The County Clerk maintains County Court case materials, Commissioner's Court minutes, and registers acts and other documents. Copies can be obtained:
- Online — through the Official Record Search portal of Nacogdoches County. Quick and advanced searches among official records are available here.
- In person or by mail — contact the County Clerk's office.
District Court Records
The District Clerk is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of district court materials — decisions, minutes, documents in criminal and civil cases. Certified copies of divorce decrees are issued only by this office (according to DSHS clarification).
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copy — has the official seal of the clerk and confirms the authenticity of the document. Required for legal purposes: submission to another court, confirmation of case status, etc.
- Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy for review. Costs less.
For a mail request, include a copy of your ID, clearly specify the case number or party names, and enclose payment (check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk).
Nacogdoches Court Records Fees & Payment
The amount of fees is set in accordance with Texas state law and may change. The amounts below are approximate — check the current rates directly with the relevant office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | $5 – $10 | County Clerk / District Clerk |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1 | County Clerk / District Clerk |
| Certified copy of a document | $5 for the first page, $1 for each additional page | County Clerk / District Clerk |
| Certified copy of a marriage certificate | $6 – $10 | County Clerk |
| Vital records request online | Depends on the type of record + service fee | Vital Records Portal |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit and debit cards — check in advance. According to the Texas Public Information Act, government records are considered public, and officials are not allowed to ask for the purpose of your request, although certain categories of records (juvenile cases, sealed cases) may be restricted in access.