Frio County Court Records are official documents that show every case filed in the county’s courts. These records include criminal charges, civil lawsuits, family law matters, probate cases, and property disputes. The County Clerk’s office at 500 East San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061, manages all these records. Since 2015, more than 250,000 pages have been digitized and made searchable online. You can look up records by case number, party name, or filing date using secure county portals or trusted third-party sites. Certified copies cost $2.50 per page, and emergency requests after hours need a judge’s written order.
How to Access Frio County Court Records
You can get Frio County Court Records in person, by mail, or online. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at (830) 334-2154. Fax inquiries go to (830) 334-0010. Angie Tullis, the County Clerk, leads a team of five staff members who handle about 1,200 requests each month. To speed up your request, include the full names of the parties, the case number, and a signed request form. If you’re not sure of the exact details, call ahead to confirm what information you’ll need.
Online access is available through platforms like CourtCaseFinder, CourthouseDirect, TexasFile, and Pubrecords. These sites let you search by name, address, phone number, or email. Most offer free summaries and charge a small fee for PDF downloads or certified copies. The county’s own secure portal also allows searches by case number or filing date. All digital records are updated regularly to reflect new filings and court actions.
Types of Records Available
Frio County Court Records cover many kinds of legal cases. Criminal records include misdemeanor arrests, traffic violations, and felony charges. Civil records involve lawsuits over money, contracts, or property damage. Family law records contain divorce decrees, child custody orders, and adoption papers. Probate records deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. Property-related filings such as liens, deeds, and oil and gas leases are also part of the public record.
Each type of record has specific rules for access. For example, probate filings require a notarized affidavit stating your relationship to the person who passed away, plus a copy of the death certificate. Criminal records may be restricted if the case is still under investigation. Always check with the Records Division before submitting a request to avoid delays.
Probate Records in Frio County
Probate records in Frio County are handled by the County Clerk’s office. If you’re requesting records for someone who has died, you must provide a signed and notarized affidavit explaining your connection to them. You also need to include a certified copy of the death certificate. These documents must be submitted in person or by mail during regular business hours—8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The clerk checks every submission against the Official Public Records indexing system before giving it a case number. This ensures accuracy and prevents fraud. If the applicant cannot appear in person, the affidavit must clearly state why and include proof of identity. Emergency releases after hours are only allowed with a written order from a judge.
Digital Access and Online Portals
Since 2015, Frio County has digitized over 250,000 pages of court documents. This includes pleadings, motions, docket entries, and official transcripts. Users can search these records online using case numbers, party names, or filing dates. Popular platforms like CourtCaseFinder and TexasFile offer free accounts and charge small fees for downloads or certified copies.
Appeals briefs and court orders are kept for at least ten years. Researchers who want to view original documents onsite must schedule an appointment with the Records Administrator. Always cite the exact docket number when making a request to avoid confusion or delays. The system logs all activity to follow Texas Public Information Act rules.
Fees and Processing Times
Certified copies of Frio County Court Records cost $2.50 per page. Standard processing takes three business days. Expedited service is available for urgent needs but may cost extra. Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card for in-person requests. Online platforms usually accept credit cards only.
Mail-in requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check payable to the Frio County Clerk. Faxed requests are accepted but must include a cover sheet with contact information. Emergency releases after office hours require a judge’s written order—no exceptions.
Public Notices and Legal Announcements
The Frio County website posts public notices about budgets, tax rates, and community hearings. For example, a recent notice announced a public hearing on the Hilltop Subdivision parking plan scheduled for March 15, 2023, at 10 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ courtroom. Other documents include the 2022–2023 proposed budget and the Chapter 312 Abatement Policy Draft, which outlines how eligible landowners can reduce property taxes.
All notices are downloadable as PDF files and archived for at least seven years. Citizens are encouraged to review these documents before attending meetings or making decisions about local policies. The website also lists upcoming jury duty summonses and court schedules.
Jury Duty and Court Schedules
Frio County District Court sends out jury summonses several weeks before trial dates. In July 2022, a summons was issued for July 18 but later canceled due to staffing shortages. A new date was set for July 26, and affected jurors were told to call (830) 334-2154 to confirm their appointment. Jurors must bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and their original summons paperwork to the courthouse at 500 East San Antonio Street.
Court sessions typically run Monday through Friday, starting at 9 a.m. Attorneys can schedule hearings or submit motions by calling the clerk’s line at (830) 334-2154. Faxed documents are accepted at (830) 334-0010. Judge Donna S. Rayes presides over the 81st District Court from her chambers in Jourdanton, TX.
Property and Land Records
Frio County land records include mortgages, deed transfers, easements, and right-of-way permits. These documents date back to 1970 and are searchable online through CourthouseDirect.com. Users can enter a parcel address, legal description, or owner’s name to find recorded filings. The office at 500 E San Antonio St answers phone calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (830) 334-2214.
Certified copies are mailed within three business days for a standard fee. The TexasFile directory also lists contact details for the County Clerk and District Clerk, including email addresses and building locations. Registered users can search deeds, liens, and plat maps after creating a free account.
District Court Information
The 81st District Court serves Frio County and is located in Jourdanton, TX. Judge Donna S. Rayes oversees civil and criminal cases from her chambers at #1 Courthouse Circle, Suite 206. Her office operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Staff members handle case filings, continuances, and docket management.
Attorneys should call (830) 769-3750 to schedule hearings or submit written motions. Faxed documents go to (830) 769-2841. Additional resources, including court rules and opinion archives, are available at www.81st-218thdistrictcourt.org. The 218th District Court shares administrative staff and facilities with the 81st.
Contact and Location Details
The main Frio County Courthouse is at 500 East San Antonio Street, Pearsall, TX 78061. The County Clerk’s office handles most record requests and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For questions, call (830) 334-2154 or fax (830) 334-0010. Angie Tullis is the current County Clerk and supervises all record-keeping operations.
Emergency releases after hours require a written judicial order. Researchers visiting in person should bring valid ID and know the exact case or docket number. Appointments are recommended for viewing archived materials or appeals documents.
Official Resources and Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official sources: Frio County Clerk: https://www.co.frio.tx.us/page/frio.County.Clerk Texas State Records: https://texas.staterecords.org/frio County Office Directory: https://www.countyoffice.org/tx-frio-county-court-records/ CourtCaseFinder: https://courtcasefinder.com/texas/frio-county-district-court TexasFile: https://www.texasfile.com/texas-deed-records-directory/frio-county-clerk/ CourthouseDirect: https://www.courthousedirect.com/PropertySearch/Texas/Frio 81st-218th District Court: https://81-218.txcourts.gov/ Pubrecords: http://pubrecords.com/resources/Court-Records/Texas/Frio/
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how to get court records, what fees apply, and whether certain documents are public. Below are answers to the most common questions based on current Texas law and Frio County policies.
How do I request certified copies of a divorce decree?
To request a certified copy of a divorce decree in Frio County, you must contact the County Clerk’s office at (830) 334-2154. Provide the full names of both parties, the case number if known, and the approximate filing date. You’ll also need to submit a signed request form and pay $2.50 per page. If you’re not listed as a party on the case, you may need to show proof of relationship or legal interest. Certified copies are mailed within three business days or can be picked up in person during office hours.
Can I access criminal records online for free?
Yes, basic criminal records for Frio County are available online through platforms like CourtCaseFinder and Pubrecords. These sites offer free summaries that include case type, filing date, and status. However, full documents or certified copies require payment—usually around $2.50 per page. Some sensitive cases, such as those involving minors or ongoing investigations, may not be publicly accessible. Always verify the case number before requesting to avoid delays.
What happens if I miss my jury duty date?
If you miss your jury duty date in Frio County, you must call the Jury Administration at (830) 334-2154 immediately. Failure to appear or reschedule can result in fines or a warrant. The court may assign you a new date, as happened in July 2022 when a session was canceled due to staffing issues. When you reschedule, bring your original summons, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency to avoid further penalties.
Are probate records confidential?
No, probate records in Frio County are public unless sealed by a judge. Anyone can request them, but if you’re not the executor or a direct family member, you must provide a notarized affidavit explaining your relationship to the deceased and include a copy of the death certificate. The clerk verifies all submissions against the Official Public Records system before releasing any documents. Emergency requests after hours still require a judge’s written order.
How long does it take to process a record request by mail?
Mail-in requests for Frio County Court Records typically take three business days to process once received. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, a check for $2.50 per page, and a completed request form with case details. Faxed requests are accepted but must include a cover sheet with your contact information. Processing may take longer during busy periods or if additional verification is needed.
Can I search for property liens online?
Yes, you can search for property liens in Frio County using CourthouseDirect.com or TexasFile. Enter the property address, owner’s name, or legal description to find recorded liens, mortgages, or easements dating back to 1970. Results show document type, recording date, and grantor-grantee details. Certified copies cost $2.50 per page and are mailed within three business days. The office at 500 E San Antonio St also answers phone inquiries from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Who do I contact for help with an online search?
For help with online searches, contact the platform you’re using—such as CourtCaseFinder (1-800-309-9351) or TexasFile support. If you’re using the county’s official portal, call the Records Division at (830) 334-2154. Staff can assist with complex queries, explain search filters, or help locate missing case numbers. Always have the party names and approximate filing date ready to speed up the process.