Robertson County Family Court Records

Robertson County family court records are filed and maintained in Franklin, Texas, the county seat. The District Clerk handles divorce records and court filings from 1838 onward, while the County Clerk maintains vital records and marriage records going back to 1837. Family law cases including divorce, custody, child support, paternity, and protective orders go through the district court in Franklin. If you need to search Robertson County family court records, you can use the statewide re:SearchTX portal or contact the District Clerk directly. This page explains how to find records, what they contain, and what the filing process looks like for family law cases in Robertson County.

Robertson County District and County Clerk

Robertson County has two separate clerk offices. The District Clerk handles divorce records and district court case files going back to 1838. The County Clerk handles vital records, marriage records from 1837, probate records from 1837, and land records. For family court records specifically, the District Clerk is the right point of contact for divorce decrees, custody orders, child support filings, and protective orders. The County Clerk handles marriage licenses and records related to vital events.

Robertson County serves communities including Astin, Bremond, Calvert, Franklin, Hammond, Hearne, Mumford, New Baden, Petteway, Ridge, Tidwell Prairie, and Wheelock. All family law matters for residents of these communities go through the district court in Franklin. The county courthouse on E. Morgan Street in Franklin is the location for both offices.

Note: The District Clerk handles divorce and court case records. The County Clerk handles vital records and marriage licenses. Call ahead to confirm which office holds the records you need.

Searching Robertson County Family Court Records

The main online tool for finding Robertson County family court records is re:SearchTX, the statewide portal run by the Texas Office of Court Administration. It covers district court records across Texas, including Robertson County. Search by party name or cause number. The system returns case numbers, party information, filing dates, and docket entries for active and closed cases. Robertson County court records go back to 1838, though older records may not be fully indexed in the online system.

For in-person searches, go to the courthouse in Franklin. Bring a full party name or cause number. Staff at the District Clerk's office will search the index and help you find the file. You can view public documents at the counter. Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $5.00 per document fee. Mail requests are accepted. Send a written request, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copies to the P.O. Box 1029 address.

For electronic filing in Robertson County district court, attorneys use eFileTexas. Self-represented parties may file paper documents at the clerk's office. The Texas courts self-help page at txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help has instructions for people handling family law cases on their own in Texas district courts.

The re:SearchTX portal from the Texas Office of Court Administration provides free online access to Robertson County family court records, including divorce and custody filings handled in Franklin since 1838.

Select Robertson County and search by party name or cause number to find divorce, custody, child support, and other family law cases filed in the district court.

Types of Records in Robertson County Family Court

Robertson County family court records include all cases handled by the district court. Divorce is the most common case type. The District Clerk holds divorce records going back to 1838. A complete divorce file includes the Original Petition for Divorce, the other party's response, any temporary orders, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The Final Decree is the key document, covering property division, custody, the possession schedule, and support obligations. These are public records under Texas law unless sealed by a court order.

Custody cases in Robertson County use the conservatorship structure in Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The court assigns managing conservatorship and possessory conservatorship. In joint managing conservatorship arrangements, both parents share decision-making rights but one parent typically has the child's primary residence. The court bases all custody decisions on the best interest of the child. Robertson County courts apply these standards to every family law case that comes before them.

Child support orders follow the income guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The County Clerk also maintains marriage records from 1837, which are among the oldest in Central Texas, and probate records from the same year. These older records can be valuable when researching family history in Robertson County. Paternity cases, protective orders, and modification actions are also part of the district court's family law docket.

Filing for Divorce or Family Court in Robertson County

To file for divorce in Robertson County, you must meet the residency requirement in Texas Family Code Section 6.301. At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Robertson County for 90 days before filing. Once you meet those requirements, file the Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk in Franklin. Pay the filing fee or request a waiver under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 if you cannot afford it.

After filing, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce. Texas Family Code Section 6.702 sets this rule. The clock starts on the day you file the petition. If both parties agree on all terms once the wait expires, an uncontested final hearing can move quickly. Contested cases require more hearings and more time. The other spouse must be served with the petition after it is filed.

Official court forms for Robertson County cases are at txcourts.gov and the Texas State Law Library. Forms include the Original Petition for Divorce, the Civil Case Information Sheet, the Waiver of Service, and the Final Decree. For cases with children, additional forms are required including the child support worksheet and possession order. TexasLawHelp.org provides free downloadable forms and step-by-step instructions for Robertson County filers.

Fees and Record Access in Robertson County

Robertson County family court records are public under the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552. Anyone can inspect records at no charge during business hours at the courthouse in Franklin. Copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $5.00 per document certification fee. Mail requests require a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for copy fees made payable to Robertson County District Clerk.

Sealed court records require a court order to access. Juvenile records are confidential under the Texas Family Code. Adoption files are not public. Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information are redacted from public records under Texas Family Code Section 105.006. These rules apply in Robertson County just as they do statewide. People with standing in a case can request restricted documents through the court.

Note: Always verify current fee amounts with the Robertson County District Clerk before submitting any record request. Fees may vary from the standard amounts listed here.

Legal Help in Robertson County

Robertson County residents who need help with family court matters have access to several resources. Lone Star Legal Aid serves Central Texas and may assist Robertson County residents who meet income guidelines. They handle divorce, custody, and protective order cases. For private attorneys, the Texas State Bar referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a family law attorney familiar with Robertson County courts.

For self-help resources, TexasLawHelp.org has free guides for all major family law case types in Texas. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The Texas State Law Library has family law form packets you can use without charge. The Texas courts self-help center at txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help provides step-by-step guidance for handling a family law case from start to finish.

For vital records including marriage licenses and divorce verifications for Robertson County, the County Clerk in Franklin handles marriage records from 1837. For a statewide divorce verification, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office maintains statewide records going back to 1968, which can supplement the District Clerk's records when researching Robertson County family matters.

The Texas courts rules and forms page provides official approved forms used in Robertson County family court proceedings, from divorce petitions to child support worksheets.

These forms are approved by the Texas Supreme Court and used in Robertson County district court for all family law case types.

Nearby Counties

Robertson County is in Central Texas. Neighboring counties have their own District Clerks and family court records.