Johnson County Family Court Records
Johnson County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Cleburne, covering all family law cases filed in the county including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and protective orders. If you are searching Johnson County family court records, you can access them through the county's online database, the statewide re:SearchTX portal, or in person at the Cleburne courthouse. Johnson County is a fast-growing North Texas county south of Fort Worth with court records dating back to 1852.
Johnson County Overview
Johnson County District Clerk Office
The Johnson County District Clerk in Cleburne is the official keeper of all family court records. The office maintains divorce filings, custody orders, child support decrees, paternity records, and protective order files. For certified copies of court orders or case status checks, this is where you go. The District Clerk's office is at 204 South Buffalo Avenue in Cleburne.
Johnson County also offers online access to court records and property records through their county website. Land records, property documents, and some court records can be searched through the Johnson County online records portal. This makes it easier for residents to check records without visiting the courthouse in person.
Johnson County maintains an extensive archive. Court records go back to 1852, and marriage records date from 1854. Birth and death records are available from 1903. For family court cases specifically, the District Clerk handles records from the divorce and family dockets. Search fees are $10.00 per name. Copy fees vary by document type. Birth certificates cost $23.00 and death certificates cost $21.00 for the first copy.
| Office | Johnson County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 204 South Buffalo Avenue Cleburne, Texas 76033 |
| County Clerk Mailing | 204 S. Buffalo Ave. #407, PO Box 662, Cleburne, TX 76033 |
| County Clerk Phone | (817) 556-6323 |
| District Clerk Phone | (817) 556-6839 |
| Fax | (817) 556-6327 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - Noon and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | johnsoncountytx.org |
How to Search Johnson County Family Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the statewide court records search tool for Texas. It covers Johnson County cases filed electronically since November 2018. Free registration lets you search by party name or cause number. You can view docket entries and document previews. For official certified copies, contact the Johnson County District Clerk.
Johnson County also offers online access to court records and land records through johnsoncountytx.org. This is a useful tool for property and deed searches. For family court records, the District Clerk's online system may also be available through this portal. Check the county website for the most current access options.
For older Johnson County records not available online, in-person visits to the Cleburne courthouse are the best route. Records go back to the 1850s in some categories, and older files exist only in paper or microfilm form. Staff at both the County Clerk and District Clerk offices can assist. Electronic filing for new cases uses eFileTexas.gov.
Resources for Johnson County Family Cases
The official eFileTexas.gov portal is the system for electronic filing of all court documents in Johnson County, including family law petitions and motions.
Attorneys filing in Johnson County must use eFileTexas. Self-represented litigants in Cleburne and the rest of the county are also encouraged to use this system for all new filings.
The Texas courts self-help center provides guidance for people handling family cases without lawyers. This resource is especially helpful in a growing county like Johnson, where more residents are navigating the family court system on their own.
Filing Divorce and Custody Cases in Johnson County
Filing for divorce in Johnson County requires one spouse to have lived in Texas for six months and in Johnson County for 90 days. This comes from Texas Family Code Section 6.301. Johnson County is part of the DFW metroplex growth area, so many families move frequently. If you have recently relocated to the county, check that you have satisfied the 90-day residency before filing.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a final divorce can be granted. This is set by Family Code Section 6.702. Even simple agreed divorces must wait. Because Johnson County's population is growing rapidly, court scheduling may take some extra time for contested hearings. Budget at least two to three months for an uncontested case.
Child custody cases in Johnson County follow Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The state defaults to joint managing conservatorship. Agreed parenting plans are routinely accepted. Contested cases go before a district judge. Property division in Johnson County divorces follows Chapter 7 of the Family Code, which governs community property in Texas. All final orders are filed and kept by the District Clerk in Cleburne.
Legal Resources in Johnson County
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas serves the Johnson County area. Call 800-955-3959 to check eligibility for free family law help. TexasLawHelp.org has free resources for divorce, custody, and child support that apply to Johnson County cases. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral line is (800) 252-9690 for those who need help finding a family attorney in Cleburne.
The Texas Attorney General Child Support Division enforces support orders and can be reached at 800-252-8014. For those seeking to modify existing custody or support orders in Johnson County, the District Clerk's office can confirm the case number and which court has jurisdiction before you file.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Johnson County in North Texas. File where you meet the residency requirement.