Cochran County Family Court Records
Cochran County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk in Morton, the county seat. These records cover divorce cases, child custody orders, child support matters, paternity proceedings, and protective orders heard in the county's district courts. Cochran County is a small South Plains county in West Texas, and the District Clerk's office in Morton handles family law filings for all county residents. You can search Cochran County family court records through the re:SearchTX statewide portal, visit the courthouse in Morton during office hours, or send a written request to the District Clerk.
Cochran County Overview
Cochran County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Morton is the custodian of all family court records for Cochran County. The office handles divorce, custody, support, and protective order filings from the district court. Morton is a small agricultural community, and the courthouse there handles all government functions for Cochran County including the District Clerk's operations. Staff can help you search by name or cause number and assist with records requests.
Cochran County is part of the 286th Judicial District. This district covers Cochran County family law and civil matters. Call the clerk's office before visiting to confirm hours and what information you need to have ready. For rural counties like Cochran, calling ahead is especially important since staffing can vary.
| Office | Cochran County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 N. Main St., Morton, TX 79346 |
| Phone | (806) 266-5450 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.cochran.tx.us |
Searching Cochran County Family Court Records
The re:SearchTX portal covers Cochran County cases filed through the state e-filing system since 2018. Search by party name or cause number and filter by Cochran County. The portal shows case status and docket entries for free. For older records or copies, contact the District Clerk at (806) 266-5450 or visit the courthouse in Morton.
re:SearchTX provides free access to Cochran County family court cases filed through the state's electronic filing system.
Mail requests to the District Clerk should include the case name, approximate year of filing, list of documents wanted, and payment for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail returns. For older cases not yet in the e-filing system, an in-person visit gives you the best chance of finding what you need quickly.
Family Court Records in Cochran County
The Cochran County District Court handles divorce, conservatorship, support, paternity, and protective order cases. Divorce files include the petition, temporary orders, the final decree, and modifications. Cases involving children include custody orders and a possession schedule. Suits affecting the parent-child relationship are used for custody and support matters outside of divorce. Paternity cases also proceed through the district court and can result in orders establishing parentage, setting custody terms, and requiring support payments.
Texas maintains a statewide protective order registry under Monica's Law. The registry allows public searches for active protective orders by name, county, or birth year. Juvenile records and adoption files are sealed and not available through the public case index.
Note: Sealed records and confidential case types including adoptions and juvenile matters are not accessible through the public case index in Cochran County.
Filing Requirements in Cochran County
To file for divorce in Cochran County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Cochran County for 90 days under Texas Family Code section 6.301. Attorneys must file through eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented parties can file online or bring paper documents to the clerk in Morton. The 60-day waiting period under Family Code section 6.702 applies from the filing date. Resources for self-represented parties are available at guides.sll.texas.gov and TexasLawHelp.org.
Fees and Access
Cochran County family court records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional fee. Call (806) 266-5450 for current amounts. Pay by cash, check, or money order at the courthouse or by mail. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with mail requests.
The Texas Judicial Branch FAQ covers how to access court records, what fees apply, and how the court system works in Texas counties like Cochran.
Cities in Cochran County
Morton is the county seat and only incorporated city in Cochran County. All family law cases for Cochran County residents are filed and heard at the District Court in Morton.
Nearby Counties
Cochran County is in the South Plains of West Texas. Confirm which county you have lived in for 90 days before filing a case.