Caldwell County Family Court Records
Caldwell County family court records are filed and maintained by the District Clerk in Lockhart. These records include divorce cases, child custody orders, child support actions, paternity proceedings, and protective orders heard in the county's district courts. If you need to search Caldwell County family court records, you can use the statewide re:SearchTX portal for cases filed electronically since 2018, visit the courthouse on the Lockhart town square in person, or submit a written records request to the District Clerk. The clerk's office handles all family law case filings and can direct you to the right records whether you need a final decree, a support order, or a case filed years ago.
Caldwell County Overview
Caldwell County District Clerk
The District Clerk's office in Lockhart is the official custodian of all family court case files in Caldwell County. Staff handle incoming filings for divorce, custody, support, and protective orders. The office also maintains the county's civil case dockets and can help you find records going back many years. If you need a certified copy of a final divorce decree or want to know the status of a pending custody case, this is where you go.
Caldwell County uses the 421st District Court, which handles general civil and family law cases. The courthouse sits on the historic Lockhart town square. Office hours run Monday through Friday. Call ahead to confirm current hours and what you need to bring for your records request.
| Office | Caldwell County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 S. Main St., Lockhart, TX 78644 |
| Phone | (512) 398-1806 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.caldwell.tx.us |
The Caldwell County Clerk handles marriage licenses, probate, and some county court records. For family law filings in district court, the District Clerk is the correct office. Both offices are located at the Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart. If you are not sure which clerk handles the record you need, call the main county line and they can point you in the right direction.
How to Search Caldwell County Family Court Records
The fastest way to search Caldwell County family court records is through the statewide re:SearchTX portal. This tool covers cases filed through the state's electronic filing system since November 2018. You can search by party name, cause number, or attorney. Results show case status, party information, and docket entries. Keep in mind that re:SearchTX provides unofficial access only. The District Clerk is the official source for certified copies.
The Texas Judicial Branch also maintains the Texas Open Court Information System, which provides another access point for public court data. For in-person searches, go to 110 S. Main Street during business hours. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse. Staff can search by name or cause number and help you identify the right case files.
The re:SearchTX portal lets you search family court case records from Caldwell County and every other Texas district court from a single interface.
For cases filed before 2018, or if you need actual document copies, you will need to contact the District Clerk directly. Mail requests should include the case name, approximate filing year, and what documents you need. Include payment with your request. Staff can advise on exact fees before you send anything.
Family Court Record Types in Caldwell County
The District Clerk in Lockhart maintains a range of family law case files. Divorce cases are filed under the Texas Family Code and include the original petition, any temporary orders, the final decree of divorce, and post-decree modifications. Cases that involve children also include conservatorship orders, a possession and access schedule, and child support provisions in the final decree.
Child custody and support cases filed outside of a divorce proceed as separate suits affecting the parent-child relationship. These cases establish or modify conservatorship, set a possession schedule, and can include support orders. Paternity actions also fall under this category when parentage has not been legally established.
Protective order cases are part of the family court docket. Texas maintains a statewide protective order registry under Monica's Law, which allows public searches by county, name, or birth year. Some details in protective order files may be restricted to protect the safety of those involved.
Note: Adoption files, juvenile court records, and child abuse investigation materials are sealed under Texas law and are not available through the public case index.
Filing Requirements for Caldwell County
To file a divorce case in Caldwell County, at least one party must meet the residency requirement under Texas Family Code section 6.301. One spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in Caldwell County for at least 90 days before the petition is filed. If you do not meet this requirement, you cannot file here yet.
Attorneys must file through the state's mandatory e-filing system at eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented parties are encouraged to use e-filing but are not required to do so. Paper filings are accepted at the clerk's office in person. The BVS 165 statistical form must accompany all divorce petitions. Fees vary by case type, so call the clerk's office or visit the county website for current filing fee schedules.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after the divorce petition is filed before a court can finalize the case. This is set out in Texas Family Code section 6.702. The clock starts on the day you file. Limited exceptions exist for cases involving documented family violence. Most cases take longer than 60 days once service, negotiations, and scheduling are accounted for.
Fees and Public Access
Family court records in Caldwell County are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, the Texas Public Information Act. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies of a public record. Standard copy fees in Texas counties are typically $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. Call the District Clerk for the current fee schedule before submitting a paid request.
Payment at the courthouse is generally accepted by cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit and debit cards. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents returned by mail. Online searches through re:SearchTX are free, though certified or official copies require a formal request and payment to the District Clerk.
Attorneys filing family court cases in Caldwell County must use the eFileTexas system. Self-represented parties can also file electronically through the same portal.
Note: Records involving minor children, sealed domestic violence files, and certain financial documents may have restricted public access even when the rest of the case file is available.
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
If you are handling a family court case without an attorney in Caldwell County, the Texas Judicial Branch has a self-help resource page with guides on navigating the court process. The page covers how to file, what to expect at hearings, and how to respond to court notices.
The Texas State Law Library maintains a free guide to family law forms at guides.sll.texas.gov. This covers forms for divorce, custody, paternity, and protective orders. Since Texas has few official fill-in-the-blank forms, the law library guide is a key resource for finding templates and instructions.
TexasLawHelp.org provides free legal help for people who cannot afford an attorney. It has plain-language guides to family law topics, step-by-step instructions for common court procedures, and links to legal aid groups across the state. The Texas Judicial Branch FAQ at txcourts.gov also explains how court records work and how to access them.
The Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics handles certified copies of vital records. If your family court case involves a marriage certificate or other vital record, that office can help. Their records are separate from the District Clerk's court files.
Cities in Caldwell County
Lockhart is the county seat and largest city in Caldwell County. All family court cases for residents of Caldwell County communities are filed at the District Court in Lockhart.
Communities in Caldwell County include Lockhart, Luling, Gonzales (partial), and smaller towns. None of these cities meet the threshold for a dedicated city page. All family law filings go through the District Clerk's office at the Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart.
Nearby Counties
Caldwell County borders several Central Texas counties. Check which county you have lived in for 90 days before deciding where to file your case.