Find Family Court Records in Randall County

Randall County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk in Canyon, Texas. These records include divorce cases, child custody and conservatorship orders, child support filings, protective orders, paternity actions, and other family law matters filed in the district court. The county's district courts serve residents across the Amarillo area, as Amarillo spans both Randall and Potter counties. If you need to search Randall County family court records, you can use the statewide re:SearchTX portal online or visit the District Clerk's office at the courthouse complex in Canyon. This guide covers how to find records, what to expect, and how the court system works for family law cases in Randall County.

Randall County District Clerk

The Randall County District Clerk maintains all family court records for the county. The office is located at the Russell Long Boulevard complex in Canyon. Family law cases go through the 181st and 251st District Courts. These courts handle divorce, custody, child support, protective orders, adoptions, and modification cases for Randall County residents. The District Clerk's office keeps the official case files, dockets, and pleadings for all of these proceedings.

Amarillo spans both Randall and Potter counties. Residents on the Randall County side of Amarillo file their family law cases with the Randall County District Clerk in Canyon. Residents on the Potter County side file with the Potter County District Clerk. If you are unsure which county applies to your case, check your county of residence, which determines where you must file under the Texas residency rules.

The Randall County Law Library is also at the Russell Long Boulevard address. It has reference materials, sample forms, and legal research resources for self-represented litigants. Staff can point you to the right shelf but cannot provide legal advice.

Note: For vital records including birth and death certificates and marriage licenses, contact the Randall County Clerk at (806) 468-5505, not the District Clerk.

Searching Randall County Family Court Records

The primary online search tool is re:SearchTX, the free statewide case search portal run by the Texas Office of Court Administration. It covers district courts across all 254 Texas counties, including Randall County. You can search by party name, cause number, or case type. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, party names, and docket entries. Active cases and many closed cases are searchable through this tool. Older cases may not be fully indexed online.

Randall County also has its own public records access portal at randallrecords.us. This portal lets you search for court records and property records online. Some document images require a paid subscription. Basic case information is free. The county website at randallcounty.gov lists the court information documents available, including Civil and Family Fees, the Civil Case Information Sheet, Child Support Information, and local rules in PDF format.

For in-person searches, go to the courthouse complex at 2309 Russell Long Blvd. Bring the full name of a party to the case or a cause number. Staff will check the index and help you find the file. You can review public documents at the clerk's counter. For copies, the standard fee is $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $5.00 per document.

The re:SearchTX portal run by the Texas Office of Court Administration provides free online access to Randall County family court records, including divorce, custody, and child support cases filed in Canyon.

Search Randall County cases by selecting the county and entering a party name or cause number to find active and closed family law cases.

Types of Family Court Records in Randall County

Randall County family court records cover all family law cases in the district courts. Divorce cases are the most common. A divorce file includes the Original Petition for Divorce, any response from the other party, temporary orders, the Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship (ISAFR), and the Final Decree of Divorce. The Final Decree is the key document. It states how property is divided, which parent has conservatorship, the possession schedule, and support amounts. In Texas these records are generally public unless sealed.

Child custody cases use the conservatorship system under Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The court names one parent as the managing conservator and the other as the possessory conservator. Joint managing conservatorship is also common. The court's standard possession order sets out specific times each parent has the child. In Randall County, the 181st and 251st District Courts handle all conservatorship cases.

Child support cases follow the rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The court uses income-based guidelines to set support amounts. Required forms for cases with children include the Child Support Worksheet, the Standard Possession Order, and a Medical Support Order. Paternity cases, protective orders under the Texas Family Violence statute, and name change petitions also go through the district court and are part of the records held by the Randall County District Clerk.

Filing Family Court Cases in Randall County

To file for divorce in Randall County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Randall County for 90 days. This requirement comes from Texas Family Code Section 6.301. Once you meet that threshold, file the Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk. A Civil Case Information Sheet approved by the Texas Judicial Council must also be filed with the petition. The sheet is for court statistics only and does not replace the petition or other required documents.

After filing, Texas Family Code Section 6.702 requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce. The clock starts on the filing date. After the waiting period, if both parties agree, a final hearing can be scheduled quickly. If the case is contested, it may take considerably longer. Mandatory e-filing for attorneys in Randall County uses the eFileTexas system. Self-represented parties may file paper documents at the clerk's office.

Required forms for Randall County divorce cases include the Original Petition for Divorce, the Civil Case Information Sheet, the ISAFR (Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship), a Waiver of Service if applicable, and the Final Decree of Divorce. For cases with children, you also need the Child Support Worksheet, Standard Possession Order, and Medical Support Order. Forms are available at txcourts.gov and through the Texas State Law Library.

Fees and Record Access in Randall County

Randall County family court records are public under Government Code Chapter 552, the Texas Public Information Act. You can request copies without stating a reason. Copy fees are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $5.00 per document. Exemplified copies run $10.00. The District Clerk accepts various payment methods including check, money order, cash, and in some cases credit or debit cards. Confirm accepted methods when you request records.

Certain records are not public. Adoption files are sealed. Sealed court records need a court order. Information protected under Texas Family Code Section 105.006 includes Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account numbers. Certified divorce verifications in Randall County are restricted to the individuals named in the decree, their immediate family, and legal representatives with authorization. Free inspection of public records is allowed during business hours at the courthouse.

Note: Fee schedules and payment methods can change. Always confirm current costs with the Randall County District Clerk before submitting a request.

The eFileTexas system is used by attorneys and self-represented filers to submit court documents electronically in Randall County family law cases, including divorce petitions, custody motions, and support modifications.

Electronic filing through eFileTexas is mandatory for attorneys in Randall County district court proceedings, including all family law cases.

Legal Help for Randall County Residents

People in Randall County who need help with family law have several options. The Law Library at 2309 Russell Long Blvd. in Canyon has reference books, sample forms, and legal research resources for people who represent themselves. Staff can help you find materials but cannot advise on your case. For legal representation, the Texas State Bar referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a family law attorney in the Amarillo or Canyon area.

For free or low-cost legal help, Lone Star Legal Aid serves West Texas and may cover Randall County residents who meet income guidelines. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and protective orders. You can also reach out to Texas Legal Services Center for additional resources. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division handles enforcement of child support orders and can be reached through texasattorneygeneral.gov.

For self-help, TexasLawHelp.org has detailed guides for divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders. All official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The Texas Judicial Branch self-help center at txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help also walks through the full process for unrepresented parties filing in Randall County courts.

Nearby Counties

Randall County is in the Texas Panhandle. Adjacent counties have their own District Clerks and family court systems. Amarillo residents should confirm which county covers their address before filing.