Find Family Court Records in Comal County
Comal County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in New Braunfels. The county has seen significant population growth in recent years, and its district court handles a growing volume of divorce, custody, child support, and other family law cases. If you need to search for a family court case filed in Comal County, this page covers where to look, how to request copies, and what information you can expect to find in the records.
Comal County Overview
Comal County District Clerk
The Comal County District Clerk keeps all family court records for the county. The office is in New Braunfels at the county courthouse. Staff can help you find cases, request certified copies, and get information on fees and turnaround times. The clerk's office is the right place to start for divorce decrees, custody orders, child support filings, and related family court documents.
Comal County has grown rapidly as part of the San Antonio metro area. The county is served by the 207th and 274th Judicial District Courts. As the population has grown, the county has added court capacity to keep up with the increased filing volume. Both courts handle family law cases alongside civil and criminal matters.
| Office | Comal County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 150 N. Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130 |
| Phone | (830) 221-1260 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Districts | 207th and 274th Judicial District Courts |
Searching Comal County Family Court Cases
The statewide re:SearchTX portal gives you free online access to court records, including family cases in Comal County. Search by party name or case number and filter by county. The system shows basic case information, docket entries, and in many cases, document images for recent filings.
In person, you can visit the District Clerk's office at 150 N. Seguin Avenue in New Braunfels. Public access terminals are available during business hours. Bring the names of the parties and a general filing date range if you have it. Staff can assist you in narrowing down search results. Certified copies require a fee and can be picked up or mailed to you.
The Comal County District Clerk may also have a local online records portal. Check the county's official website for the most current access options. For electronic filing in existing or new cases, use eFileTexas.gov. All filings in the county go through that statewide system and become part of the court's official record once processed by the clerk.
Note: Search fees may apply for requests that require a clerk to conduct the search on your behalf. If you do the search yourself using online tools or courthouse terminals, there is typically no search fee.
Family Court Matters in Comal County
Comal County's district courts handle the full range of family law cases. Divorce filings are the most common. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, you can file for divorce in Comal County if you or your spouse have lived in the county for 90 days and in Texas for six months. The residency rule is found at Section 6.301. Once the petition is filed, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce, as required by Section 6.702.
Child custody cases in Comal County follow Texas Family Code Chapter 153. Courts use the best interest of the child standard. Joint managing conservatorship is common, but the specific possession schedule and decision-making rights are based on the facts of each case. Child support is governed by Chapter 154, which sets support as a percentage of net income.
Protective order cases are filed in the same court. Under Texas Family Code and related statutes, a protective order can prohibit contact and require an abuser to leave a shared residence. These are serious legal documents and part of the public record unless sealed by the court.
New Braunfels residents and others in Comal County can get help with family law matters through the Texas Courts Self-Help Center. That resource provides forms and guides for self-represented parties.
What Comal County Family Records Contain
Family court files in Comal County include the original petition, any answers or counterclaims filed by the responding party, temporary orders, and the final decree or judgment. Divorce files also contain settlement agreements, property inventories, and any orders related to children. Custody files include parenting plans, possession schedules, and any agreed or court-ordered modifications.
Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, these records are public unless a court has sealed them. Sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers may be redacted on documents available to the public. If you need a complete unredacted copy for official purposes, you will need to show proper standing and identification at the clerk's office.
Vital records related to marriage and divorce are also tracked at the state level. DSHS Vital Statistics keeps a statewide index of divorces, but full case documents are only available through the District Clerk. Marriage licenses for Comal County are issued by the County Clerk's office, also located in New Braunfels.
Self-Help Resources for Comal County
The Texas judicial branch provides free self-help resources at txcourts.gov for people who want to handle their own family law case.
The self-help center covers divorce, custody, and child support, and links directly to the official court forms you need to start or respond to a case.
Finding Legal Help in Comal County
Comal County is part of the San Antonio area, which has a number of family law attorneys and legal aid organizations. For low-income residents, Texas Legal Services Center and Lone Star Legal Aid may offer help. Check TexasLawHelp.org for a list of legal aid groups serving Comal County and the surrounding region.
The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service is available by calling (800) 252-9690. You can also search for family law attorneys at texasbar.com. Court forms are free at txcourts.gov and the Texas State Law Library guide on children and family law is a useful starting point for research.
Cities in Comal County
New Braunfels is the county seat and the largest city in Comal County. It qualifies as a city with its own dedicated page.
Other communities in Comal County include Bulverde and Garden Ridge. Family court cases for all Comal County communities go through the District Clerk in New Braunfels.
Nearby Counties
Comal County borders several other Texas counties. If you are not sure which county has jurisdiction, check where you have lived for the past 90 days.