Parker County Court Records

What Is Parker County Court Records

Court records in Parker County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by various courts operating within Parker County, Texas. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information subject to specific disclosure requirements.

Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Parker County Clerk's office maintains many non-court public records, while court records are specifically maintained by the respective courts.

In Parker County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

• District Courts (43rd and 415th Judicial Districts)
• County Courts at Law
• Justice of the Peace Courts
• Municipal Courts
• Probate Court

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration establish guidelines for record-keeping practices across all courts within the state judicial system.

Are Court Records Public In Parker County

Court records in Parker County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the common law principle of open courts. Under Texas Government Code § 552.001, there exists a presumption of openness regarding government records, including judicial records, with specific exceptions established by law.

The public may access:

• Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
• Criminal case records (post-charging)
• Court judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and hearing schedules
• Property records related to legal proceedings

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (unless specifically authorized by statute)
• Mental health commitment records
• Adoption records
• Records sealed by court order
• Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147

The Texas Supreme Court has established Rules of Judicial Administration that govern public access to court records. Additionally, the distinction between federal and state court records is important, as federal courts in Texas operate under separate access policies governed by federal law.

Parker County courts follow the statewide standards for public access while maintaining specific local procedures for requesting and viewing records. The Parker County District Clerk's Office serves as the custodian for many court records and implements these access policies.

How To Find Court Records in Parker County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Parker County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, both in-person and through electronic means.

To obtain court records in person:

1. Visit the appropriate court clerk's office based on the case type
2. Complete a records request form specifying the desired documents
3. Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
4. Present valid photo identification
5. Pay applicable search and copy fees

Parker County District Clerk
1112 Santa Fe Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 594-7343
Parker County District Clerk

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Parker County Clerk
1112 Santa Fe Drive, Room 108
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6131
Parker County Clerk

For remote access to court records:

1. Access the Parker County Judicial Records Search portal
2. Register for an account if required
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
4. Review search results and select desired records
5. Pay any applicable fees for document copies

Written requests may also be submitted via mail to the appropriate clerk's office with the following information:

• Requestor's contact information
• Specific case details
• Description of records sought
• Check or money order for applicable fees

Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code § 70.13, certain records may require additional verification or court approval before release.

How To Look Up Court Records in Parker County Online?

Parker County provides digital access to court records through several online portals, allowing the public to search for judicial information remotely. These electronic systems vary by court type and case category.

The primary online resources include:

1. Parker County Judicial Records Search

   • Access via the official county website
   • Search parameters include case number, party name, and filing date
   • Covers District and County Court records
   • Requires free registration for certain document access
   • Available 24/7 with periodic maintenance downtime

2. Texas Judicial Branch Website

   • Access through the state judiciary portal
   • Provides appellate case information
   • Includes Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases
   • Features calendar information and opinion searches
   • Links to statewide court resources

3. Justice of the Peace Records

   • Accessible through individual JP court pages
   • Limited to basic case information
   • May require in-person visits for complete files

To conduct an effective online search:

1. Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case
2. Select the appropriate search portal
3. Enter known information (case number is most efficient)
4. Use party names with exact spelling when possible
5. Narrow results by date range if available
6. Review search results for relevant cases
7. Note document availability and access restrictions

Under current Texas law, certain documents may not be available online even when publicly accessible in person, particularly those containing sensitive personal information as defined in Government Code § 552.147.

How To Search Parker County Court Records for Free?

Parker County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without payment, in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.021, which establishes the right to inspect public information without charge. However, fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options include:

• In-person inspection at the respective clerk's offices during regular business hours

  • No charge for viewing public records
  • Self-service computer terminals available at some locations
  • Staff assistance limited to locating records, not research

• Online basic case information through the Parker County Judicial Records Search

  • Free registration required
  • Basic case information viewable without charge
  • Document downloads may incur fees

• Public access terminals located at:

  • Parker County Law Library
  • District Clerk's Office
  • County Clerk's Office

For Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court records, limited free information may be available by telephone, though detailed searches typically require in-person visits.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances:

• Indigent status with proper documentation
• Governmental agencies for official purposes
• Certain non-profit organizations as specified by statute

The Texas Judiciary website also provides free access to appellate opinions and certain case information for matters that have proceeded beyond the trial court level.

What's Included in a Parker County Court Record?

Parker County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide an official account of all actions taken within a case from initiation through disposition.

Standard components of court records include:

Civil Case Records:

• Petition or complaint initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
• Hearing notices and court orders
• Final judgment
• Post-judgment motions and orders
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arrest warrant and return
• Bond information
• Defendant's plea
• Pretrial motions and rulings
• Evidence logs (not necessarily the evidence itself)
• Trial transcripts (when prepared)
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing documents
• Probation terms and conditions
• Appeal notices and briefs

Family Law Records:

• Divorce petitions
• Child custody and support orders
• Parenting plans
• Financial affidavits
• Property division agreements
• Protective orders
• Name change decrees

Probate Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Applications for probate
• Letters testamentary or administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Guardian appointments
• Annual accountings
• Orders closing estates

Pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure § 76a, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Bank account information
• Minor children's identifying information
• Medical records
• Certain financial data

How Long Does Parker County Keep Court Records?

Parker County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules specify minimum retention periods based on record type and case disposition.

Standard retention periods include:

Criminal Cases:

• Capital felonies: Permanent retention
• Non-capital felonies: 75 years after final disposition
• Class A and B misdemeanors: 20 years after final judgment
• Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final judgment
• Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal

Civil Cases:

• Cases with judgments: 12 years after final judgment
• Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
• Tax cases: 20 years after final judgment
• Family law matters: 75 years for divorce decrees, adoption records permanently

Probate Records:

• Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
• Estate administration: 10 years after closing
• Guardianship: 10 years after termination

Justice Court Records:

• Civil cases: 4 years after final judgment
• Criminal cases: 5 years after final judgment
• Small claims: 4 years after final judgment

Certain records of historical significance may be preserved beyond these minimum periods. Additionally, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic formats for long-term preservation while maintaining their legal validity.

The Parker County Clerk and District Clerk serve as the official custodians of these records and implement the retention schedules in accordance with state mandates. Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure compliance with all legal retention requirements before disposal.

Types of Courts In Parker County

Parker County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions, each serving specific functions within the Texas judicial hierarchy. These courts operate under the authority of the Texas Constitution and state statutes.

District Courts
1112 Santa Fe Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 594-7343
Parker County District Courts

• 43rd Judicial District Court
• 415th Judicial District Court
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Courts at Law
1112 Santa Fe Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6131
Parker County Courts at Law

• County Court at Law No. 1
• County Court at Law No. 2
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Justice of the Peace Courts

• Precinct 1: 1112 Santa Fe Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086, (817) 598-6142
• Precinct 2: 129 Hogle Street, Weatherford, TX 76086, (817) 594-0211
• Precinct 3: 1111 FM 1189, Brock, TX 76087, (817) 599-0272
• Precinct 4: 6470 Mineral Wells Highway, Weatherford, TX 76088, (817) 596-8868
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Courts

• Weatherford Municipal Court: 303 Palo Pinto Street, Weatherford, TX 76086, (817) 598-4125
• Aledo Municipal Court: 200 Old Annetta Road, Aledo, TX 76008, (817) 441-7016
• Hudson Oaks Municipal Court: 210 Hudson Oaks Drive, Hudson Oaks, TX 76087, (682) 229-2400
• Hours vary by location

The court hierarchy in Parker County follows the standard Texas judicial structure:

1. Municipal/Justice Courts (lowest level)
2. County Courts at Law
3. District Courts
4. Second Court of Appeals (Fort Worth)
5. Texas Supreme Court/Court of Criminal Appeals

Each court level has specific jurisdictional limits regarding case types and monetary thresholds as established by the Texas Judicial System.

What Types of Cases Do Parker County Courts Hear?

Parker County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with each court type having specific jurisdictional parameters established by Texas law. Case assignments follow statutory guidelines regarding subject matter and monetary thresholds.

District Courts (43rd and 415th Judicial Districts)

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil matters with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
• Family law proceedings (divorce, child custody, support)
• Juvenile cases
• Real property disputes
• Contested probate matters
• Civil appeals from lower courts
• Complex commercial litigation

County Courts at Law

• Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
• Class A and B misdemeanor criminal cases
• Probate and guardianship proceedings
• Mental health commitments
• Eminent domain cases
• Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
• Concurrent jurisdiction with District Courts in some family law matters

Justice of the Peace Courts

• Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
• Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
• Class C misdemeanors
• Traffic violations
• Eviction proceedings
• Debt claims
• Magistrate functions (search warrants, emergency protective orders)
• Inquests

Municipal Courts

• City ordinance violations
• Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic violations within city boundaries
• Parking infractions
• Code enforcement cases
• Limited magistrate functions

Case assignment between courts may occasionally overlap due to concurrent jurisdiction provisions in Texas law. In such instances, administrative rules and local practices determine which court will hear a particular matter. The Texas Courts website provides comprehensive information regarding jurisdictional boundaries for each court level.

How To Find a Court Docket In Parker County

Court dockets in Parker County provide official schedules of cases set for hearing or trial on specific dates. These dockets are public records that allow interested parties to monitor upcoming court proceedings. Multiple methods exist for accessing docket information.

To locate court dockets:

Online Access:

1. Visit the Parker County Judicial Records Search portal
2. Select the desired court from the dropdown menu
3. Choose "Court Docket" or "Calendar" option
4. Enter the relevant date range
5. Review the resulting list of scheduled cases

In-Person Viewing:

1. Visit the clerk's office for the specific court
2. Request to view the current docket book or printout
3. Provide identification if required
4. Note that physical dockets are typically available for the current day and upcoming week

Telephone Inquiry:

1. Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
2. Provide case number or party name
3. Request hearing date information
4. Note that detailed docket information may be limited by phone

Case-Specific Docket Information:

1. Access the Parker County Courts website
2. Search for a specific case using case number or party name
3. View the case summary which includes past and future hearing dates
4. Note any special instructions for attendance

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and style (parties' names)
• Presiding judge
• Hearing type (arraignment, motion, trial, etc.)
• Scheduled time
• Courtroom location
• Attorney information

Pursuant to Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, dockets are subject to change without notice. Parties and interested persons are advised to verify hearing information shortly before the scheduled date.

Which Courts in Parker County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Texas judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" as defined by Texas Government Code § 30.00003. This classification determines procedural requirements and appeal processes.

Courts not of record in Parker County include:

Justice of the Peace Courts

• All four JP precincts operate as courts not of record
• Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in County Courts
• No official transcript of proceedings is maintained
• Informal procedures often apply

Municipal Courts (Non-Record)

• Several municipal courts in Parker County operate as non-record courts
• These include smaller municipalities that have not established courts of record
• Appeals are heard as new trials in County Courts
• Proceedings are not transcribed by an official court reporter

The primary characteristics of courts not of record include:

• No verbatim transcript of proceedings is created or maintained
• Judges may not be required to be attorneys
• More informal procedural rules may apply
• Appeals result in completely new trials rather than reviews of the original proceeding
• Lower filing fees and court costs generally apply

By contrast, courts of record in Parker County include:

• District Courts (43rd and 415th Judicial Districts)
• County Courts at Law
• Municipal Courts of Record (if established by specific municipalities)

These courts maintain official transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters, and appeals from these courts are based on the record established during the original trial rather than starting anew.

The distinction between record and non-record courts impacts how cases are processed, the formality of proceedings, and the manner in which appeals are handled within the Parker County judicial system.

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