Johnson County Civil Court Records

Johnson County civil court records are on file at the courthouse in Cleburne. The County Clerk and the District Clerk each maintain separate sets of records covering different types of civil cases. This page covers both offices, how to search Johnson County civil court records online and in person, and the fees involved in getting copies.

Johnson County Clerk

Sammye Long serves as the Johnson County Clerk. The office is in the Johnson County Courthouse at 2 N. Main Street in Cleburne. The County Clerk handles county court civil records, probate filings, misdemeanor cases, real property documents, marriage licenses, and assumed name certificates. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Online records for Johnson County are available through TexasFile at texasfile.com/johnson-county-clerk. Records from 1986 to the present are searchable with a free account. The Johnson County website at johnsoncountytx.org also has information about county services and court offices.

Johnson County District Clerk

The Johnson County District Clerk maintains all district court civil records, felony criminal records, and family court records. Johnson County is served by the 355th Judicial District, which covers both Hood and Johnson Counties. District court cases in Johnson County include major civil suits, divorce and custody proceedings, and large property disputes. The District Clerk assigns cause numbers, keeps the docket, and handles copies of case files.

Johnson County's growth in recent years has brought more civil filings. The courthouse in Cleburne handles cases for residents throughout the county, including those in areas near Fort Worth and Burleson that fall within Johnson County boundaries. Note that Mansfield spans parts of both Tarrant and Johnson Counties. If you are looking for a Mansfield-area case, check both counties to make sure you find the right filing.

How to Search Johnson County Civil Court Records

The best place to start a search for Johnson County civil court records is re:SearchTX, the statewide court case portal. You can look up cases by name, cause number, or attorney. The system shows docket entries, case status, and party information for district and county courts across Texas. It is free to use and does not require registration.

For county clerk records including property filings and recorded documents, TexasFile covers Johnson County with records back to 1986. Go to texasfile.com/johnson-county-clerk and create a free account to search. The Johnson County website at johnsoncountytx.org may also have links to online services.

In-person searches are done at the courthouse at 2 N. Main Street in Cleburne. Bring a case name, cause number, or party name. Staff in both the County and District Clerk offices can pull records from their respective systems. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. You can also search and file electronically through eFileTexas.

Note: Mail requests are accepted. Send a written request to the relevant clerk's office at 2 N. Main Street, Cleburne, TX 76033, along with a check or money order for copy fees.

Types of Civil Court Records in Johnson County

Johnson County civil court records include a broad range of case types. At the district court level, you will find civil suits involving contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and debt collection. Family law cases at this level include divorce, child custody, and modifications to court orders. Felony criminal cases are also filed in district court, though those are separate from civil records.

At the county court level, smaller civil claims are handled here, including those under the jurisdictional limits set by Texas law. Probate matters, including wills and estate administration, go through the county court as well. Misdemeanor criminal cases and guardianship proceedings are also part of the county court's docket. The County Clerk maintains all of these records along with real property documents, marriage licenses, and assumed name filings.

Most civil court records in Johnson County are public. Access is governed by the Texas Public Information Act at Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Some records may be sealed by court order or protected by statute. Juvenile files and certain sensitive family law documents have restricted access. If a record is not available at the counter, ask the clerk why and what steps you can take to request access.

Johnson County Court Fees and Filing

Filing fees in Johnson County follow the Texas statutory schedule. District court civil cases typically cost $200 to $350 to file, depending on the case type and any applicable local surcharges. County court civil filing fees are generally lower. Recording fees for official documents are $26.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. Certified copy fees are $5.00 plus $1.00 per page.

If you cannot pay court costs, you may qualify for a fee waiver under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. You file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs with the court. The court reviews the statement and decides whether to waive the fees. Forms are available at the courthouse or online at txcourts.gov.

Electronic filing in district court is done through eFileTexas. This system is mandatory for attorneys in most civil cases and is also available for self-represented parties. You can pay filing fees online when you submit your documents. The clerk's office processes the filing and stamps it with the filing date.

For self-help with civil cases, TexasLawHelp.org provides guides and forms for common civil matters. The State Bar of Texas offers a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 if you need to find an attorney in the Cleburne or Johnson County area.

Nearby Counties

Johnson County sits south of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Several neighboring counties may also hold relevant civil records, especially for parties near county lines.