Knox County Civil Court Records

Knox County civil court records are maintained at the courthouse in Benjamin by both the County Clerk and the District Clerk. If you need to look up a civil case, get copies of court documents, or search for case filings in Knox County, this page has the office details, search options, and fees you need to know.

Knox County Clerk and District Clerk

Sharon R. Mowery serves as the Knox County Clerk. The office is at 107 S. Stewart Street in Benjamin. The County Clerk handles county court civil records, probate filings, misdemeanor records, real property documents, marriage licenses, and assumed name certificates. Online records from 1986 onward are searchable through TexasFile at texasfile.com/knox-county-clerk. Free registration is required.

The District Clerk's office is in the same building. Knox County is served by the 50th Judicial District, which covers Baylor, Knox, and Haskell Counties. The 50th District Court handles major civil suits, family law cases, and felony criminal cases for Knox County. Both offices share a phone number and are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Civil Court Cases in Knox County

Civil cases in Knox County go through either the county court or the 50th District Court. County court handles smaller civil claims, probate proceedings, guardianship matters, and misdemeanor cases. The district court takes on larger civil suits, divorce and family law matters, and felony criminal cases. Because the 50th District serves three counties, the judge travels among Benjamin, Seymour in Baylor County, and Haskell. Court session days in Benjamin are set by the judge's rotation schedule.

Probate cases are common in rural West Texas counties like Knox. When someone dies with property or debts in the county, the estate often goes through the probate court. All probate records are kept by the County Clerk. Property disputes, especially those involving ranch land or mineral rights, also come through the Knox County courts. These records are public and available at the courthouse.

Texas civil procedure applies to all civil cases in Knox County. Rules for filing, service of process, discovery, and judgment are the same here as in any Texas county. You can find current rules and statutes at statutes.capitol.texas.gov. The Texas Office of Court Administration also provides procedural guides at txcourts.gov.

How to Search Knox County Civil Records

Start with re:SearchTX, the free statewide court portal. You can search Knox County civil cases by party name, cause number, or attorney. Results for smaller counties may be limited, but it is the fastest online option before you contact the courthouse directly.

TexasFile covers Knox County from 1986 forward. Register free at texasfile.com/knox-county-clerk to search recorded instruments, property records, and county clerk filings. This is most useful for real property searches and official documents rather than active court cases.

For in-person searches, visit the courthouse at 107 S. Stewart Street in Benjamin or send a mail request to P.O. Box 196, Benjamin, TX 79505. Bring a party name or case number. Staff can search and make copies. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. You can also file and track district court cases electronically through eFileTexas.

Court Fees and Legal Resources in Knox County

Filing fees in Knox County follow the Texas statutory schedule. District court civil filings typically cost $200 to $350. County court civil cases are less expensive. Recording fees are $26.00 for the first page and $4.00 per additional page. Certified copies are $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. Call (940) 459-2001 to confirm current fees before you file.

If you cannot pay court costs, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 allows you to file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The court reviews your request and may waive the fees. Forms are available at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov.

For legal assistance, TexasLawHelp.org provides free guides and forms for civil matters. The State Bar of Texas offers a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. Attorneys based in Wichita Falls or Abilene commonly handle civil cases for counties in this part of West Texas. Most civil records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552.

Note: For small claims and debt cases in Knox County, the Justice of the Peace court handles cases under $20,000. The JP court is separate from the county and district courts, but the records are still kept in Benjamin.

Nearby Counties

Knox County is in West Texas near the Red River region. These neighboring counties share the 50th Judicial District or border Knox County.