Court records in Starr County, Texas, are available through several channels. StarrCourt.us allows searching for public information on county court cases. Additionally, official records can be viewed through the county official records online portal, directly at the clerks' offices, and on public terminals in the courthouse in Rio Grande City.
Starr Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific categories of cases. Knowing which court is handling your case is the first step to finding the necessary record.
229th District Court — the primary court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal offenses (felonies), civil lawsuits over $200,000, divorce and child custody cases, and cases regarding termination of parental rights. Appeals from this court are directed to the Fourth Court of Appeals.
- County Court at Law — handles misdemeanors (minor criminal offenses), civil disputes ranging from $200.01 to $200,000, appeals from Justice of the Peace Courts, and probation cases.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — minor civil claims up to $20,000, eviction cases, traffic violations, and issuance of search and arrest warrants. Several precincts of justices of the peace operate in the county.
- Probate — inheritance cases, appointment of guardians, and approval of wills are usually handled by the County Court or County Court at Law.
Electronic filing of documents is mandatory for attorneys in civil, family, probate, and criminal cases through eFileTexas.gov.
Starr Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings depends on the specific court. Here's how to find up-to-date information:
- District Court — contact the District Clerk's office at 956-716-4800, ext. 8482, to find out the date and time of the next hearing.
- County Clerk — the County Clerk's page publishes the agendas of the Commissioner's Court, and you can also check the County Court's schedule.
- Texas Judicial Branch website — txcourts.gov contains general information about the state's judicial system and links to individual court resources.
Justice of the Peace Courts calendars are usually posted directly in the offices of the respective precincts. If you are looking for the schedule for today or this week, the quickest way is to call the relevant court office.
How to Get a Copy of a Starr Court Document
The type of document determines which clerk to contact. The District Clerk maintains district court case materials — criminal felonies, family cases, large civil claims. The County Clerk is responsible for County Court records, real estate registration, marriage licenses, and other official county documents.
Certified and Regular Copies
- Certified Copy — has the clerk's seal and legal validity. Required for submission to another court, government agencies, or when processing inheritance.
- Regular (Uncertified) Copy — suitable for review, costs less.
How to Obtain a Document
- Online — use the official records search portal to view and order copies of County Clerk documents. For District Court records, contact the office directly.
- In Person — visit the appropriate office in the courthouse. You will need the party's name, case number, or approximate date.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details, payment, and a self-addressed envelope.
District Clerk
County Clerk
Local divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk, while state-level marriage or divorce verification can be ordered online through DSHS.
Starr Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and clerks' internal fee schedules. Below are typical fees — check with the office for current amounts, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name Search (County Clerk) | $5.00 per name | For every 10 years of search |
| Regular Copy (first page) | $1.00 | Each additional page — $0.25 |
| Certified Copy | $5.00 | Includes the first page; additional pages — $1.00 |
| Document Certification | $5.00 | If the document is already provided |
| Marriage/Divorce Verification (DSHS, state) | $20.00 | Order through Texas.gov |
| Criminal History Search (DPS) | $3.00 | Through Crime Records Division |
Payment at clerks' offices is usually accepted in cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Some offices accept credit cards with an additional processing fee. When ordering by mail, include a money order payable to the appropriate clerk.
Some records have restricted access — including juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, and certain family proceedings. Before requesting, check with the clerk if the document is public. For a broader search of court records across the state, the Texas State Law Library guide may be useful.