Guadalupe County Court Records

What Is Guadalupe County Court Records

Court records in Guadalupe County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, these records are maintained by court clerks and include a comprehensive array of legal documents.

Guadalupe County court records typically contain:

• Case files with pleadings, petitions, and complaints
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
• Motions filed by attorneys or parties
• Court orders and judicial decisions
• Final judgments and decrees
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing records for criminal cases
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Guadalupe County court system maintains records from various courts operating within its jurisdiction, including:

• District Courts (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $200,000)
• County Courts at Law (misdemeanors, civil cases under $200,000)
• Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations)
• Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations)

Court records in Guadalupe County include documentation from civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic cases. As defined by Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 12, judicial records include all documents created or maintained by courts in their regular course of business.

Are Court Records Public In Guadalupe County

Court records in Guadalupe County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. These laws establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
• Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
• Court judgments, orders, and decrees
• Docket sheets showing case progression
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in federal courts serving Guadalupe County are governed by different access rules than state and county courts. Federal court records are accessible through the PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system.

Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile court records (per Texas Family Code § 58.007)
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Cases involving minors as victims
• Records sealed by judicial order

The Texas Judicial Branch has established specific rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are periodically updated to address emerging issues related to electronic records and personal identifying information.

How To Find Court Records in Guadalupe County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Guadalupe County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently offers both in-person and electronic options for record retrieval.

For in-person requests:

1. Identify the appropriate court clerk's office based on the case type
2. Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form providing case information
4. Present valid identification
5. Pay applicable copy fees as established by county ordinance

For District Court records:

Guadalupe County District Clerk
211 W. Court Street, 2nd Floor
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4188
Guadalupe County District Clerk

For County Court records:

Guadalupe County Clerk
211 W. Court Street, Suite 100
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-8863
Guadalupe County Clerk

For electronic requests:

1. Visit the Guadalupe County Clerk's website
2. Navigate to the court records section
3. Register for an account if required
4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
5. Select desired documents for viewing or purchase
6. Pay applicable fees for certified copies if needed

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, fees may apply for copies of court records. Currently, certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee. The county also offers electronic certified copies of court records through its online portal.

How To Look Up Court Records in Guadalupe County Online?

Guadalupe County provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These digital platforms allow users to search for and retrieve court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.

The primary online resources include:

1. Guadalupe County Records Search Portal

   • Access through the County Clerk's website
   • Search by case number, party name, or date range
   • View case status, hearing dates, and document listings
   • Purchase and download certified copies of documents
   • Records available include civil, probate, and misdemeanor criminal cases

2. District Clerk's Online Records System

   • Access through the District Clerk's website
   • Search felony criminal cases and civil litigation
   • View case information, party details, and document indexes
   • Request copies of specific documents for a fee

3. re:SearchTX

   • Statewide portal for Texas court records
   • Requires registration and possible subscription
   • Provides access to documents from multiple counties
   • Available through the Texas State Law Library

4. Texas Judicial Branch Website

   • Access through txcourts.gov
   • Search appellate case information
   • View court calendars and hearing schedules
   • Access standardized forms and filing requirements

To conduct an online search:

1. Select the appropriate portal based on the case type
2. Create an account if required by the system
3. Enter known information (case number is most efficient)
4. If case number is unknown, search by party name
5. Review search results to identify the correct case
6. Select specific documents to view or purchase
7. Pay any applicable fees for document access or copies

How To Search Guadalupe County Court Records for Free?

Texas law provides for free public inspection of court records under the Texas Public Information Act, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Guadalupe County offers several options for accessing court records without charge.

Free access options include:

• In-person inspection at clerk's offices

  • Visit the District Clerk or County Clerk during business hours
  • Use public access terminals to view electronic records
  • Examine physical case files with assistance from clerk staff
  • No charge for viewing records, only for copies

• Basic online case information

  • Limited case information available through the county website
  • Search case status, hearing dates, and party information
  • Document content may require payment to access
  • Available through the Guadalupe County Courts portal

• Public law libraries

  • Guadalupe County Law Library (located in the courthouse)
  • Free access to public terminals for record searches
  • Staff assistance available for research guidance
  • Limited printing capabilities (fees may apply)

• Texas Judicial Branch website

  • Free access to appellate opinions and orders
  • Court calendars and docket information
  • Standardized forms and filing requirements
  • Available at txcourts.gov

While basic record searches are available without charge, fees typically apply for:

• Printed or electronic copies of documents
• Certified copies of judgments or orders
• Extensive research assistance from clerk staff
• Expedited record retrieval services

What's Included in a Guadalupe County Court Record?

Court records in Guadalupe County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

For Civil Cases:

• Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
• Summons and proof of service documents
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Court orders and rulings on motions
• Final judgment or dismissal order
• Post-judgment motions and orders
• Appeal documents if applicable

For Criminal Cases:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arrest warrant and return of service
• Bond information and conditions
• Defendant's plea
• Motions filed by prosecution or defense
• Evidence logs and exhibits admitted
• Court orders on pretrial matters
• Trial transcripts (if requested)
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing documents
• Probation terms and conditions
• Appeal notices and briefs

For Probate Cases:

• Will and testament (if applicable)
• Petition for probate or administration
• Inventory of estate assets
• Claims against the estate
• Guardian ad litem reports
• Accountings of estate administration
• Orders approving distributions
• Final decree closing the estate

For Family Law Cases:

• Petition for divorce or custody
• Temporary orders
• Financial disclosure statements
• Parenting plans
• Child support worksheets
• Property division agreements
• Final decree of divorce
• Modification petitions

Each court record also typically includes a docket sheet that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, serving as an index to the file contents. According to the Texas District Clerk's Association, court records must contain sufficient information to document the legal proceedings fully and accurately.

How Long Does Guadalupe County Keep Court Records?

Guadalupe County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of court documents.

Standard retention periods include:

• Felony case records: Permanently maintained
• Misdemeanor case records: 5 years after final disposition
• Civil case records: 12 years after final judgment
• Probate case records: Permanently maintained
• Family law cases:
  • Divorce records: Permanently maintained
  • Child custody: Until the youngest child turns 18 plus 10 years
• Small claims and justice court records: 4 years after final disposition
• Traffic cases: 6 years after final disposition
• Juvenile records: Until the individual reaches age 23 (with exceptions)
• Court dockets: Permanently maintained
• Indexes to court records: Permanently maintained

The Guadalupe County District Clerk and County Clerk are responsible for implementing these retention schedules. Many older records have been digitized for preservation, while some historical records may be transferred to the county archives for permanent storage.

Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed to ensure all retention requirements have been met, including any extended retention periods due to appeals or ongoing related litigation. The destruction process follows protocols established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.

Types of Courts In Guadalupe County

Guadalupe County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The following courts operate within the county:

District Courts
211 W. Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-4188
Guadalupe County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• 25th Judicial District Court
• 274th Judicial District Court
• 2nd 25th Judicial District Court

County Courts at Law
211 W. Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-8852
Guadalupe County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• County Court at Law No. 1
• County Court at Law No. 2
• County Court at Law No. 3

Justice of the Peace Courts

• Precinct 1: 1101 Elbel Road, Schertz, TX 78154, (830) 303-8867
• Precinct 2: 1922 FM 78, Schertz, TX 78154, (830) 303-8868
• Precinct 3: 1101 E. Court Street, Seguin, TX 78155, (830) 303-8869
• Precinct 4: 11144 FM 725, Seguin, TX 78155, (830) 303-8870 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal Courts

• Seguin Municipal Court: 205 N. River Street, Seguin, TX 78155, (830) 401-2318
• Schertz Municipal Court: 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154, (210) 619-1500
• Cibolo Municipal Court: 200 S. Main Street, Cibolo, TX 78108, (210) 658-9900 Hours vary by location

The court hierarchy in Guadalupe County follows the Texas state court structure:

1. Municipal and Justice of the Peace Courts (lowest level)
2. County Courts at Law
3. District Courts
4. Fourth Court of Appeals (San Antonio)
5. Texas Supreme Court or Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (highest level)

Appeals from Guadalupe County courts are directed to the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, with final appeals going to either the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases).

What Types of Cases Do Guadalupe County Courts Hear?

Each court within Guadalupe County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific types of cases as established by the Texas Government Code and local court rules.

District Courts handle:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil matters with amounts in controversy over $200,000
• Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
• Juvenile matters
• Real property disputes
• Contested probate matters
• Civil appeals from lower courts
• Administrative agency appeals

County Courts at Law preside over:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $200,000
• Probate and guardianship proceedings
• Mental health commitments
• Eminent domain cases
• Appeals from justice and municipal courts
• Certain family law matters

Justice of the Peace Courts adjudicate:

• Civil cases with amounts up to $20,000
• Small claims cases
• Class C misdemeanors
• Traffic violations
• Eviction proceedings
• Debt claims
• Repair and remedy cases
• Magistrate duties (arrest warrants, search warrants)
• Inquests

Municipal Courts handle:

• City ordinance violations
• Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic violations within city limits
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement cases
• Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, truancy)

The Guadalupe County court system processes thousands of cases annually across these various courts. Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by state law, with certain specialized dockets created to address specific case types efficiently.

How To Find a Court Docket In Guadalupe County

Court dockets in Guadalupe County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods.

To locate a court docket:

1. Online Docket Search

   • Visit the Guadalupe County Courts website
   • Select the appropriate court type (District, County, Justice)
   • Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
   • Review results showing hearing dates, times, and locations
   • Note that some courts may require registration for full access

2. In-Person Docket Review

   • Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court:
     • District Court: District Clerk's Office
     • County Courts: County Clerk's Office
     • Justice Courts: Individual precinct offices
   • Request to view the docket book or use public access terminals
   • Provide case information to narrow the search

3. Telephone Inquiry

   • Contact the appropriate clerk's office by phone
   • Provide case number or party names
   • Request hearing date and time information
   • Note that detailed docket information may require in-person or online access

4. re:SearchTX Portal

   • Access through the Texas State Law Library
   • Register for an account
   • Search for cases across multiple Texas counties
   • View docket information and case status

5. Court Bulletin Boards

   • Visit the courthouse in person
   • Check daily docket postings near courtrooms
   • Review weekly or monthly hearing schedules
   • Note that these postings are typically for current or upcoming hearings only

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and style (parties involved)
• Presiding judge
• Hearing type (arraignment, motion, trial, etc.)
• Date and time of scheduled proceedings
• Courtroom location
• Attorney information
• Recent filings and orders

For specialized dockets such as criminal arraignments or foreclosure proceedings, contact the specific court directly as these may follow different scheduling and access procedures.

Which Courts in Guadalupe County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" maintains an official transcript or recording of proceedings that can be used for appeals, while a "court not of record" does not create such documentation. According to Texas Government Code § 27.042, certain courts are designated as not being courts of record.

In Guadalupe County, the following courts are not courts of record:

• Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts)

  • Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in County Courts
  • No official transcript is maintained of proceedings
  • Decisions cannot be appealed based on the record of proceedings
  • Informal procedures are often followed

• Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record)

  • Standard Municipal Courts in Seguin, Schertz, and other municipalities
  • Proceedings are not recorded by an official court reporter
  • Appeals are handled through trials de novo in County Courts
  • Focus primarily on Class C misdemeanors and ordinance violations

Courts of record in Guadalupe County include:

• District Courts
• County Courts at Law
• Probate Courts
• Any Municipal Courts specifically designated as "Municipal Courts of Record"

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case is essentially retried completely in the higher court rather than reviewed based on the record of the original proceeding. This provides a second opportunity to present evidence and arguments.

The Texas Judicial Branch provides guidance on the appeals process from courts not of record, including specific timelines and procedures that must be followed to preserve appeal rights.

Lookup Court Records in Guadalupe County

Guadalupe County Court Records

District Clerk | Guadalupe County, Texas

County Clerk | Guadalupe County, Texas

Court Records - Guides at Texas State Law Library

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