Grayson County Family Court Records Database

Grayson County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk in Sherman, Texas. These records include divorce cases, child custody orders, child support filings, paternity actions, and protective orders heard in the county's district courts. Grayson County sits just south of the Oklahoma border and has a busy court system that handles a high volume of family law matters. You can search Grayson County family court records through the statewide re:SearchTX portal, through the county's own case search system, or by contacting the District Clerk's office in Sherman. This page explains how to access records, what types of cases are available, and what fees apply.

Grayson County District Clerk

The Grayson County District Clerk in Sherman manages all family court case files in the county. This office handles divorce filings, custody records, child support orders, and all other district court family law documents. Three district courts serve Grayson County: the 15th, 59th, and 397th District Courts. Cases are assigned to one of these courts when filed. The District Clerk handles all case records across all three courts from the courthouse in Sherman.

The courthouse is located at 100 W. Houston Street in Sherman. Staff can search case records by party name or cause number and can help you identify which of the three courts has the case you are looking for. The Grayson County District Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday and handles records requests both in person and by mail.

The Grayson County Clerk handles marriage licenses, vital records, probate records, and county court matters. The District Clerk handles family court case files including divorce, custody, and support records. Both offices are at the courthouse in Sherman. For a divorce decree or custody order, go to the District Clerk. For a marriage certificate, see the County Clerk.

The official Grayson County website at co.grayson.tx.us provides department listings, office hours, and links to online services including the clerk's case search portal. It is a good first stop for finding contact information and available online tools.

Searching Grayson County Family Court Records

Grayson County has an online case search portal through the District Clerk's office. This system lets you search by party name, cause number, or case type and filter by the specific district court. The portal shows filing dates, case status, party names, and docket entries. It is available at any time for basic lookups. For certified copies or full document access, you need to contact the clerk's office or visit in person.

The statewide re:SearchTX portal is also available. Run by the Texas Office of Court Administration, it covers district court electronic filings statewide since November 2018. Select Grayson County and search by party name or cause number. The portal returns case-level information and docket activity. Re:SearchTX provides unofficial access only. Certified copies come from the District Clerk.

In-person access is available at the courthouse in Sherman. Bring a full name or cause number. Staff will help you find the case and request copies. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $5.00 extra for certified copies. Bring cash or a check.

Note: Older cases filed before the county's electronic records system may not appear in the online portal. For historical filings, contact the District Clerk directly at (903) 813-4352.

The Texas Courts topics portal at topics.txcourts.gov provides background on how Texas courts work and links to resources for finding court records, including Grayson County family court filings.

Use this portal to explore court topics relevant to family law in Grayson County, including how cases are processed and how to find public records.

Types of Family Court Records in Grayson County

The Grayson County District Clerk maintains a full range of family court case files. Divorce records are the most commonly searched. A divorce case file includes the original petition, service documents, any agreed or contested orders, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The decree covers property division, child conservatorship, the possession schedule, and support obligations. These documents are public unless sealed.

Child custody and paternity cases filed outside of a divorce are suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 153, the court uses conservatorship to define each parent's legal role. The best interest of the child is the guiding standard. These case files are part of the public record. Child support orders, whether standalone or as part of a divorce, are also public records.

Protective order cases are filed in district court and are part of the family court docket. Texas operates a statewide protective order registry under Monica's Law. Some details of these cases are restricted for the safety of the applicant. Adoption files are sealed. Juvenile records are confidential and not part of the public case index.

Filing Family Court Cases in Grayson County

To file for divorce in Grayson 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 Grayson County for 90 days before filing. File the Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk at the courthouse in Sherman.

Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be granted. Family Code Section 6.702 sets this rule. The wait starts on the filing date. There is a narrow exception when family violence is documented. In a simple agreed case, the divorce can often be finalized shortly after the waiting period ends. Contested cases with disputed property or custody take significantly longer.

Attorneys file new cases through eFileTexas, which is mandatory for district court filings. Self-represented parties may also use the portal or file paper documents in Sherman. Court forms are at txcourts.gov and the Texas State Law Library. Texas is a community property state under Texas Family Code Chapter 6.

Fees and Access

Grayson County family court records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Anyone can request copies. Standard fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies require an additional $5.00 certification fee. Payment at the Sherman courthouse is by cash, check, or money order. Ask about online payment options if submitting a request remotely.

Restricted records include sealed cases, adoption files, juvenile records, and some financial documents. Ask the clerk whether the records you want have any access restrictions. For fee waivers, file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Forms are at the clerk's office or at TexasLawHelp.org.

Legal Help in Grayson County

Grayson County residents can seek family law assistance through Lone Star Legal Aid, which serves North Texas. Qualifying low-income residents may receive free help with divorce, custody, and protective order matters. The Texas State Bar's referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a private attorney in Sherman or the surrounding area.

For self-help, TexasLawHelp.org has free guides for every stage of a Texas family law case. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The Texas State Law Library guide explains which forms you need and how to use them. The Texas Judicial Branch self-help center walks you through the process step by step. The Texas AG's Child Support hotline at 800-252-8014 handles enforcement questions.

Cities in Grayson County

Sherman is the county seat of Grayson County. Denison is the second-largest city in the county. All family court cases filed by Grayson County residents go through the district courts in Sherman. No cities in Grayson County meet the threshold for a dedicated dedicated city page.

Nearby Counties

Grayson County is in North Texas on the Oklahoma state line. It borders several other Texas counties in the Red River region.