Reeves County Family Court Records

Reeves County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk at the courthouse in Pecos, Texas. These records cover divorce cases, child custody orders, child support filings, paternity actions, protective orders, and other family law matters handled by the 143rd District Court. Reeves County is in far West Texas and uses the county courthouse at 100 E. 4th Street as the central location for court records. If you need to search Reeves County family court records, you can use the statewide re:SearchTX portal, visit the courthouse in person, or request records by mail. This page explains how the system works and what to expect when you need access to family court records in Reeves County.

Reeves County District Clerk

The Reeves County District Clerk handles all family court records in the county. District Clerk Julia Perez runs the office on the second floor of the courthouse in Pecos. The office keeps the official files for all district court cases, including divorce filings, custody orders, child support proceedings, paternity cases, and protective orders. Staff can search for cases by name or cause number and provide copies of public documents on request.

Reeves County is served by the 143rd Judicial District Court. This court handles all family law matters for the county. An unusual feature of Reeves County is that all court proceedings are televised live on YouTube, which is not common in most Texas counties. This provides an extra level of public access to courtroom proceedings beyond what most Texas courts offer. The County Court at Law, presided over by Judge Scott W. Johnson, handles lower-level civil and misdemeanor matters, but all family law cases go through the district court.

Note: Call the District Clerk using Option 6 when dialing the main courthouse number. Office hours may vary around county holidays.

How to Search Reeves County Family Court Records

The main online tool for searching Reeves County family court records is re:SearchTX, the statewide case portal run by the Texas Office of Court Administration. It covers district court records across all Texas counties, including Reeves County. Search by party name or cause number to find active and closed family law cases. The system shows case numbers, filing dates, party names, and docket entries. Some older records from the 1889-1983 period are also available through the county's own KOFILE and VANGUARD records systems.

The county's public records portal at reevescounty.org/departments/public-records provides access to property records with images from 1997 to present. Index-only access is available for criminal, civil, probate, birth, death, and marriage records. Family court case files are in the civil and family court categories. For in-person searches, go to the courthouse at 100 E. 4th Street, 2nd Floor in Pecos. Bring a full name or cause number and the clerk can pull the case file.

For electronic filing in Reeves County district court, Texas attorneys use eFileTexas. Self-represented parties may file paper documents at the clerk's office during business hours. Mail submissions are also accepted. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for copies. The Texas self-help center at txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help provides guidance for unrepresented parties.

The re:SearchTX portal from the Texas Office of Court Administration is the primary online resource for searching Reeves County family court records, covering divorce, custody, and other district court filings in Pecos.

Select Reeves County and search by party name or cause number to find family law cases filed in the 143rd District Court in Pecos.

Types of Family Court Records in Reeves County

Reeves County family court records include all cases handled by the 143rd District Court. Divorce cases are the most frequently filed family law matter. A divorce file includes the Original Petition for Divorce, the other party's response, temporary orders, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The Final Decree covers property division, custody arrangements, possession schedules, and child support obligations. These documents are public record in Texas unless sealed by a judge.

Child custody is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The court assigns managing and possessory conservatorship. In most cases, one parent serves as the managing conservator with primary custody, and the other has scheduled possessory time. The court uses the best interest of the child as the standard for all custody decisions made in Reeves County.

Child support amounts follow the income-based formula in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Paternity cases, protective orders, name change petitions, and modification requests are also handled by the district court. The county clerk maintains birth records, death records, and marriage licenses as well, which are separate from the district court's family law filings. The public records portal for Reeves County at reevescounty.org provides index access to many of these record types.

Filing for Divorce or Family Court in Reeves County

To file for divorce in Reeves County, meet the residency requirement first. Texas Family Code Section 6.301 requires that at least one spouse has lived in Texas for six months and in Reeves County for 90 days. After meeting this threshold, file the Original Petition for Divorce at the courthouse in Pecos. Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 if you cannot afford it.

Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be granted. Texas Family Code Section 6.702 sets this rule. The waiting period begins on the day you file. Once it expires, if both parties agree on all terms, a final hearing can be scheduled. If the case is contested, additional hearings will be needed. The other spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers after filing.

Official court forms for Reeves County family law cases are at txcourts.gov and the Texas State Law Library. The clerk's office in Pecos may also have some local forms on hand. For cases with children, additional required documents include the child support worksheet and a standard possession order. TexasLawHelp.org has free guides for all major family law case types in Texas.

Fees and Access to Reeves County Records

Reeves County family court records are public under the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552. You can view public records at the clerk's office at no charge during business hours. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $5.00 per document fee. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and prepayment by check or money order made to the Reeves County District Clerk.

Some records are restricted. Juvenile records are confidential under the Texas Family Code. Sealed records require a court order. Adoption files are not open to the public. Private information including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver's license numbers is redacted before public release per Texas Family Code Section 105.006. Anyone with standing in the case can request access to restricted documents through a formal court process.

Note: Call the office before submitting a request to confirm current fees and acceptable payment methods, as these can change.

Legal Help for Reeves County Residents

Reeves County residents who need legal help with family court matters have several options. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid serves far West Texas and may cover Reeves County residents who meet income guidelines. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and protective orders. For private legal representation, the Texas State Bar referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a family law attorney who handles Reeves County cases.

For self-help, TexasLawHelp.org provides free guides and forms for all major Texas family law case types. The Texas State Law Library also has online guides and form packets. Official forms are at txcourts.gov. The County Court at Law for Reeves County can be reached at 432-287-0222 Option 2 for questions about county-level civil matters, though family law cases go through the district court.

The Texas courts system also provides a public access portal with information about Reeves County court proceedings at topics.txcourts.gov. This site has data on court caseloads, judge information, and court contact details for all Texas counties including Reeves.

The eFileTexas portal is used for electronic filing in Reeves County district court, allowing attorneys to submit divorce petitions, custody motions, and other family law documents without a trip to the courthouse in Pecos.

Electronic filing through eFileTexas is the standard method for attorneys filing in the 143rd District Court and for Reeves County family law cases.

Nearby Counties

Reeves County is in far West Texas. Neighboring counties each have their own District Clerk and family court systems.