Jim Hogg County Civil Court Records

Jim Hogg County civil court records are kept at the courthouse in Hebbronville and cover cases filed in both the County Court and the 79th District Court. If you need to search civil filings, look up a judgment, or get copies of court documents from Jim Hogg County, the clerk's office is your first stop. This page lays out what records exist, where they are, and how to get them.

Jim Hogg County Clerk and District Clerk

The Jim Hogg County Courthouse in Hebbronville holds both the County Clerk and District Clerk offices. Both share the same address and phone number. The County Clerk handles county court civil cases, probate matters, misdemeanor records, real property filings, and marriage licenses. The District Clerk takes care of district court civil cases, felony criminal records, and family court matters. Staff can help you find records and make copies.

Both offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The courthouse is at 102 E. Tom Graham Street in Hebbronville. If you plan to visit in person, call ahead to confirm the office can assist with your specific request. Jim Hogg is a small county, so staffing can be limited on any given day.

Civil Courts in Jim Hogg County

Jim Hogg County falls under the 79th Judicial District, which also serves Brooks County. The district court handles civil cases involving larger amounts of money, family law matters like divorce and child custody, and felony criminal cases. The county court at law takes on smaller civil disputes, probate filings, and misdemeanor cases.

Civil court cases in Jim Hogg County can include suits for debt collection, contract disputes, property disputes, and personal injury claims. Probate filings cover wills, estate administration, and guardianship proceedings. Family court cases include divorce petitions, child support modifications, and custody orders. All of these records are kept at the courthouse and are generally open to the public unless sealed by court order.

Texas civil procedure rules apply in Jim Hogg County just as they do statewide. You can find the rules and statutes that govern civil cases at statutes.capitol.texas.gov. The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure set deadlines for filings, service of process, and hearings. Understanding those rules can help if you are handling a case on your own.

How to Search Jim Hogg County Civil Records

The easiest way to search Jim Hogg County civil court records is through the statewide re:SearchTX portal. This free tool lets you look up cases by name, cause number, or attorney across Texas courts. Not every small county has all of its records online, but re:SearchTX is always worth checking first before you call or visit the courthouse.

TexasFile also has some Jim Hogg County records available. Free registration is required. Visit texasfile.com/jim-hogg-county-clerk to see what is available. Keep in mind that online coverage may be limited for this county, especially for older filings.

For in-person searches, go to the courthouse at 102 E. Tom Graham Street in Hebbronville. Bring the name of a party or a case number if you have one. Staff can search the index and pull the file for you. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. You can pay at the counter by cash or check.

Note: Mail requests are accepted. Send a written request to P.O. Box 878, Hebbronville, TX 78361. Include the case name or number, the year filed if you know it, and a check or money order for the copy fees. The office will contact you if they need more information.

Civil Court Records in Jim Hogg County

Jim Hogg County maintains civil court records at both the county and district court level. County court civil records cover smaller claims and probate proceedings. District court civil records handle larger disputes and family law cases. Both sets of records are available through the clerk's office at the courthouse.

The types of civil court records kept in Jim Hogg County include original petitions and complaints, answers and responses filed by defendants, motions and orders, final judgments and decrees, and case dockets showing all activity in a case. Probate records include wills, inventory filings, letters testamentary, and final accounts of estate administration. Family court records include divorce decrees, child custody orders, and support orders.

Most civil court records in Texas are public under the Texas Public Information Act, which is found at Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Some records may be sealed by the court. Juvenile records and some sensitive family court records have restricted access. If a record is sealed, the clerk will tell you when you ask for it.

Filing and Online Tools

Texas requires most civil cases to be filed electronically through eFileTexas. Attorneys and self-represented parties can use this system to submit filings in Jim Hogg County district court cases. The system accepts petitions, motions, answers, and other documents. You create an account, upload your documents, and pay any filing fees online. The clerk's office receives the filing and stamps it with the date received.

For people who are not attorneys, the Texas courts provide self-help resources. TexasLawHelp.org has plain-language guides on common civil court matters including debt suits, small claims, evictions, and family law. The site also has fillable forms that match the court's requirements. If you need a lawyer, the State Bar of Texas has a referral service that can connect you with a local attorney.

The Texas Office of Court Administration provides court forms and procedural guides at txcourts.gov. This site covers rules for both county and district courts and is a good starting point when you are not sure what forms you need.

Jim Hogg County Court Fees

Filing fees in Jim Hogg County follow the Texas statutory fee schedule. The cost to file a new civil case depends on the type. District court civil filing fees typically start around $200 to $250 for most cases, though the exact amount varies by case type and any local surcharges. County court filing fees are generally lower.

Copy fees at the Jim Hogg County clerk's office are $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. Recording fees for documents are $26.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. If you cannot afford court costs, you may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. The court reviews the request and may waive fees for qualifying individuals.

Note: Always call the clerk's office at (361) 527-4031 to confirm current fees before you file or request copies, as fee schedules can change.

Nearby Counties

Jim Hogg County borders several other counties in South Texas. If you are not sure whether a case was filed in Jim Hogg or a neighboring county, you can check the clerk's office in those counties as well.