Cass County Family Court Records
Cass County family court records are filed with the District Clerk in Linden and cover all family law cases heard in the county's district court, including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and protective orders. Cass County is in deep East Texas near the Arkansas and Louisiana borders, and the District Clerk's office in Linden maintains all case files for the county. To search Cass County family court records, use the re:SearchTX statewide portal for recent filings, visit the courthouse in Linden in person, or mail a written request to the clerk's office. The 5th Judicial District Court, which covers Cass and Bowie counties, handles family law matters for all Cass County residents.
Cass County Overview
Cass County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Linden holds all family court records for Cass County. The office handles new case filings for divorce, custody, support, and protective orders, and maintains case files going back through the county's history. Linden is a small East Texas town that serves as the county seat for Cass County. The courthouse sits at the heart of the community and the clerk's office handles filings for the 5th Judicial District within Cass County.
Cass County shares the 5th Judicial District with Bowie County to the northeast. The district judge rotates between both counties. When court sessions are scheduled in Cass County, hearings take place at the Linden courthouse. Contact the District Clerk for the court calendar if you need to know when the judge will be available in Cass County.
| Office | Cass County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 468, Linden, TX 75563 |
| Phone | (903) 756-5071 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.cass.tx.us |
The Cass County Clerk handles vital records, marriage licenses, deed records, and county court matters. The District Clerk handles district court family law filings. Both offices are in the Cass County Courthouse in Linden. If you are not sure which office has the record you need, call either clerk's office and they can help you.
Searching Family Court Records in Cass County
The re:SearchTX portal provides free online access to Cass County family court records for cases filed through the state e-filing system since November 2018. You can search by name, cause number, or filing year. Filter by county to see only Cass County results. The portal shows case status, party names, and docket entries without charge.
For older cases or when you need document copies, contact the District Clerk at (903) 756-5071. Staff can search by name or cause number. In-person visits are accepted during business hours. Bring a government-issued ID and be prepared to pay for any copies you request. Mail requests should include the case name, approximate filing year, list of documents wanted, and a check for the applicable fees.
re:SearchTX covers Cass County family court cases filed through the state's electronic filing system and is the primary free online search tool.
The Texas Open Court Information System may also list Cass County docket information. Check this resource if you need docket-level details that go beyond what re:SearchTX shows. For certified copies and official records, the District Clerk is the only source.
Family Court Record Types Available in Cass County
The Cass County District Court handles divorce, conservatorship, support, paternity, and protective order cases. Divorce files contain the original petition, any temporary orders issued during the case, the final decree, and modifications filed after the divorce. Cases with children include custody orders, a possession schedule, and support terms as part of the final decree.
Custody and support cases not related to a divorce are filed as suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Paternity cases also proceed through the district court. These cases establish legal parentage, set custody and visitation terms, and may include support orders. All of these are stored with the District Clerk in Linden.
Protective orders from the Cass County District Court are part of the public docket to the extent they are not restricted. Texas maintains a searchable statewide registry under Monica's Law that lets you check for active protective orders. Some information in protective order files may be restricted for safety reasons.
Note: Adoption cases and juvenile court records in Cass County are sealed by law and are not available through the public index.
Filing in the Cass County District Court
Residency requirements under Texas Family Code section 6.301 require that at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Cass County for 90 days before filing for divorce. If you do not yet meet this threshold, you must wait or file elsewhere.
Attorneys file new cases through eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented parties may also use e-filing or submit paper documents at the clerk's office in Linden. Texas requires a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized, per Family Code section 6.702. Most cases take longer than that minimum once service, paperwork, and scheduling are completed.
Fees and Public Access
Cass County family court records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Any person can request copies of non-restricted records. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional fee. Call the District Clerk at (903) 756-5071 for current amounts before sending payment. Pay by cash, check, or money order at the courthouse. Mail requests should include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The Texas Courts rules and forms page has official documents for family law cases in Cass County, including divorce petitions, custody forms, and motion templates.
Legal Help in East Texas
East Texas legal aid organizations may serve Cass County residents who qualify based on income. TexasLawHelp.org has a legal aid finder and free guides to divorce, custody, and protective orders. The Texas Judicial Branch self-help center offers step-by-step guidance for people representing themselves in family court.
The Texas State Law Library at guides.sll.texas.gov provides a family law forms guide with templates for all major case types. This is a good resource for self-represented parties anywhere in Texas, including in smaller rural counties like Cass. The Texas Courts FAQ explains how to access records and navigate the court process.
Cities in Cass County
Linden is the county seat of Cass County. All family court cases from Cass County go through the District Court in Linden.
Other communities in Cass County include Atlanta, Queen City, and Domino. None meet the threshold for a dedicated city page. All family court filings from Cass County residents are handled at the courthouse in Linden.
Nearby Counties
Cass County borders several counties in Northeast Texas and borders Arkansas to the north. Verify which county you have lived in for 90 days before filing.