Search Kleberg County Family Court Records
Kleberg County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Kingsville, the county seat of this South Texas county between Corpus Christi and Laredo. Divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and protective order cases all go through the Kleberg County district court in Kingsville. If you need to search Kleberg County family court records, contact the Kingsville courthouse or use the statewide re:SearchTX portal. Kleberg County is home to Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world.
Kleberg County Overview
Kleberg County District and County Clerk
The Kleberg County Clerk's office in Kingsville handles vital records, property records, and marriage licenses. For family law case files and certified court orders, the District Clerk is your primary contact. Both offices operate at the Kleberg County Courthouse in Kingsville. Contact the county at co.kleberg.tx.us for current phone numbers and office hours.
Kleberg County is home to Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which means the county sees a mix of long-term residents and university-affiliated families. The county also hosts the South Texas Archives, which is a major research center for the "Wild Horse Desert" region of South Texas. Family court records in Kleberg County include the full range of divorce, custody, support, and protective order cases typical of a mid-size South Texas county.
Birth and death records are available from the County Clerk. Marriage records are also held there. Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk. Standard Texas fees apply for copies. Certified copies require the certification fee plus per-page charges. In-person access is available during regular courthouse business hours.
| County Seat | Kingsville |
|---|---|
| Location | Kleberg County Courthouse Kingsville, TX |
| Website | co.kleberg.tx.us |
How to Search Kleberg County Family Cases
The re:SearchTX portal is the free statewide tool for searching Texas court records. It covers Kleberg County cases filed electronically since November 2018. Search by party name or cause number. For older records or certified copies, contact the Kleberg County District Clerk in Kingsville.
For family court records not found in the online system, in-person courthouse visits in Kingsville are the best option. Bring valid photo ID. Staff can search by name or case number. The county website at co.kleberg.tx.us should have current contact information and any updates to the records access process.
Electronic filing uses eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented parties in Kingsville and Kleberg County can use the Texas State Law Library family law guide for forms applicable to South Texas family court cases.
Note: Kleberg County divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk; contact that office for certified copies of final decrees and custody orders.
Resources for Kleberg County Family Cases
The Texas courts FAQ page answers common questions about family court procedures in Texas that apply to Kleberg County cases in Kingsville.
This resource covers how Texas family court cases work from filing through final orders, with information applicable to Kleberg County district court proceedings in Kingsville.
The Texas DSHS vital statistics office maintains the statewide index for Texas divorces. For certified copies of Kleberg County divorce decrees, however, you must go through the District Clerk in Kingsville. DSHS handles state-level vital record requests when local records are unavailable.
Filing Family Cases in Kleberg County
To file for divorce in Kleberg County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Kleberg County for 90 days. The residency rule is in Texas Family Code Section 6.301. Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before the divorce can be granted, per Family Code Section 6.702.
Custody cases in Kleberg County follow Family Code Chapter 153. Joint managing conservatorship is the default. Property division follows Texas community property rules under Chapter 7. The Texas Public Information Act governs public access to Kleberg County court records. Most family court documents are accessible to the public. Certain records involving minors or sealed matters have access restrictions.
Fee waivers are available for qualifying parties. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs at the courthouse. Forms are available through txcourts.gov. The Texas Attorney General can also help with child support enforcement through the Child Support Division at 800-252-8014.
Legal Resources in Kleberg County
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid serves South Texas including Kleberg County. Call 888-988-9996 to check eligibility for free legal help. TexasLawHelp.org has free guides on divorce, custody, and support. The State Bar lawyer referral line is (800) 252-9690. Texas A&M University-Kingsville may have student legal services that could provide referrals or basic guidance on family law matters in Kleberg County.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Kleberg County in South Texas. File where you meet the residency requirement.