Taylor County, Texas court records are available through several channels. TaylorCourt.us allows you to search public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official state court resources, including the Texas Judicial Branch portal, directly at the Taylor County court clerks' offices, and at public terminals in court buildings. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Taylor Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Taylor County, each with its own jurisdiction. Understanding which court is handling your case will save time when searching the registry.
- District Courts (42nd and 104th Judicial Districts) — handle serious criminal cases (felonies), civil claims with a dispute amount over $200,000, divorce cases, child custody, and termination of parental rights. The district clerk's office keeps all records of these courts.
- County Court at Law — misdemeanors (except Class C traffic offenses), civil cases with a lower dispute amount, appeals from Justice Court and Municipal Court.
- Justice Courts — minor civil claims up to $20,000, eviction cases, Class C traffic offenses outside city limits.
- Municipal Court of Abilene — violations of city ordinances, Class C traffic offenses within the city. Case search and schedule are available through the Municipal Court online portal.
Probate cases are usually handled by the County Court at Law. Family cases, depending on complexity, go to either the District Court or the County Court at Law.
Taylor Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
There are several ways to find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week.
- District and County Courts: Hearing calendars are published on the Texas Judicial Branch website. You can also call the district or county clerk's office directly to confirm the date and time of a specific hearing.
- Municipal Court Abilene: The current hearing schedule and case registry search are available through the Municipal Court page on the city of Abilene's website.
- Justice Courts: Hearing schedules can usually be obtained by calling the relevant Justice of the Peace precinct.
If you need information about a specific criminal case — for example, the date of the defendant's next hearing — contact the Taylor County District Clerk's office.
How to Get a Copy of a Taylor Court Document
The type of document determines whom to contact. A divorce decree is issued exclusively by the District Clerk, while a marriage certificate is issued by the County Clerk.
Certified and Uncertified Copies
- Certified Copy — has the official seal and signature of the clerk; required for legal purposes (filing with another court, immigration procedures, etc.).
- Uncertified (regular) Copy — suitable for review but has no legal force.
Ways to Obtain
- In Person — visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Taylor County Courthouse. Bring identification and the case number, if known.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, type of document, approximate date of the case, and a check or money order for the fee amount.
- Online — for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records at the state level, use the DSHS portal for ordering vital records.
Mailing address of the office:
Some records — juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, certain family cases — have restricted access under Texas law.
Taylor Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and court administrative orders. Below are approximate rates — it is better to confirm the exact amount directly with the office, as fees may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (by name) | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a document | $5.00 for the first page + $1.00 for each additional |
| Certified copy of a divorce decree | $5.00 and up |
| Criminal history check (state) | Depends on the type of request; available through Crime Records Division DPS |
Offices accept payment in cash, money order, and in some cases, credit and debit cards. For mail requests, a money order or cashier's check is usually required. If you need additional legal information regarding fees or procedures, the Texas State Law Library provides free access to state laws and regulations.