Search Gray County Family Court Records

Gray County family court records are filed and maintained by the District Clerk in Pampa, Texas. These records cover divorce cases, child custody orders, child support filings, paternity actions, and protective orders processed through the county's district court. If you need to find Gray County family court records, start with the statewide re:SearchTX portal or contact the District Clerk's office in Pampa directly. This page covers how to search records online, what types of cases are kept, and how to request copies of documents.

Gray County District Clerk

The Gray County District Clerk in Pampa is the official keeper of all family court records in the county. This includes divorce case files, custody orders, support documents, paternity records, and other district court family law case files. The clerk's office is at the Gray County Courthouse at 205 N. Russell in Pampa. Staff can search by name or cause number and provide copies of public court documents.

Gray County is in the 31st Judicial District, which covers Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts, and Wheeler counties. The judge serving this district covers all five counties. Because of the rotating docket, court days in Gray County may not occur every week. Call the clerk's office before visiting to confirm what records are available and whether the courthouse is in session on the day you plan to visit.

The Gray County Clerk handles marriage licenses, vital records, county court documents, and property records. The District Clerk handles family court case files. Both offices are at the Gray County Courthouse in Pampa. Know which office has what you need before you call or visit to save time.

How to Search Gray County Family Court Records

The statewide re:SearchTX portal is the main online resource for searching Gray County family court records. This free system from the Texas Office of Court Administration covers district court electronic filings from November 2018 forward. Filter by Gray County and search by party name or cause number. The system shows case type, filing date, party names, and docket activity. For older cases, contact the District Clerk at (806) 669-8010.

In-person searches are available at the Gray County Courthouse during business hours. Bring a full legal name or the cause number. Staff will help you search the index and locate the file. You can review public documents at the counter and request copies while you are there. Copy fees are $1.00 per page and $5.00 for certification on certified copies.

For new filings, attorneys and self-represented parties use eFileTexas. Attorney e-filing is mandatory in Texas district courts. Self-represented parties may file electronically or bring paper documents to the clerk's office in Pampa.

The re:SearchTX portal provides free online access to Texas district court case records, including Gray County family court filings submitted through the e-filing system.

Select Gray County and search by name or cause number to find divorce, custody, and child support case records from the 31st District Court in Pampa.

Types of Family Court Records in Gray County

The District Clerk in Pampa maintains all family court case files from district court proceedings in Gray County. Divorce records are the most commonly requested. A divorce file includes the original petition, service documents, any temporary orders, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The decree covers property division, child conservatorship, possession schedules, and support obligations. These are public unless sealed by the court.

Child custody and paternity cases filed independently of a divorce are suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, courts use conservatorship to define each parent's rights and responsibilities. The court always focuses on the best interest of the child. These case files are public record. Child support orders, whether from a standalone action or part of a divorce, are also part of the public file.

Protective order cases are part of the family court docket and are filed in district court. Texas runs a statewide protective order registry under Monica's Law. Some identifying details are restricted to protect the person who sought the order. Adoption records and juvenile files are sealed under Texas law and not available to the public.

Filing Family Law Cases in Gray County

To file for divorce in Gray County, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirement under Texas Family Code Section 6.301. One party must have lived in Texas for six months and in Gray County for 90 days before filing. File the Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk at the courthouse in Pampa.

After filing, Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce. Family Code Section 6.702 sets this rule. The 60 days start on the filing date. A limited exception applies when the case involves family violence. An uncontested divorce can typically be finalized at a brief hearing after the waiting period. Contested matters take longer and may require multiple hearings.

Court forms are at txcourts.gov and through the Texas State Law Library. Self-help guidance for people without an attorney is at txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help. Texas is a community property state, and the court divides marital assets under Texas Family Code Chapter 6.

Fees and Public Access

Gray County family court records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Anyone can request copies without showing a reason or being a party to the case. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $5.00 certification fee. Payment at the courthouse in Pampa is by cash, check, or money order.

Sealed cases, adoption records, and juvenile files are restricted. Some financial documents within a case file may have limited access. If you are not sure whether a record is public, ask the clerk before you visit. For fee waivers, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Forms are available at the clerk's office or at TexasLawHelp.org.

Legal Help and Resources

Gray County residents who need family law assistance can look to Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas or other organizations serving the Texas Panhandle. These groups may help qualifying low-income residents with divorce, custody, and protective order cases. The Texas State Bar at (800) 252-9690 can refer you to a private attorney. For self-help, TexasLawHelp.org has free guides for all stages of a Texas family law case. The Texas AG Child Support hotline at 800-252-8014 handles support enforcement questions.

Cities in Gray County

Pampa is the county seat and largest city in Gray County. All family court cases from Gray County residents are processed at the 31st District Court in Pampa. No cities in Gray County meet the threshold for a dedicated city page.

Nearby Counties

Gray County is in the Texas Panhandle. It borders several other Panhandle counties. Check your county of residence for the past 90 days to confirm where to file.