Court records in Comal County, Texas can be searched through several channels. ComalCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Comal County official website, the County Clerk's office, the District Clerk's office, and public terminals located inside the courthouse. The Texas State Law Library offers additional guidance on locating court records statewide.
Comal Court System & Jurisdictions
Comal County operates several courts, each handling different case types. Knowing which court heard a case is the first step toward finding the right docket or record.
- District Courts (22nd, 207th, and 433rd Judicial Districts) — These are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in Texas. They handle felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the county court's limit, family law cases (divorce, custody, adoption, child support modifications), and juvenile cases. The Comal County District Court page provides details on each court's focus areas.
- County Court at Law — Comal County's statutory county courts at law hear Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes generally involving amounts between $200 and $200,000, probate matters (wills, guardianships, mental health commitments), and appeals from justice courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Comal County has multiple JP precincts. These courts handle small claims (civil cases up to $20,000), eviction suits, debt claims, traffic citations, and other Class C misdemeanors.
- Municipal Courts — The City of New Braunfels and other municipalities within Comal County operate municipal courts that adjudicate city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors such as traffic tickets occurring within city limits.
The county clerk keeps case records from the county courts at law and probate courts, while the district clerk maintains records for the district courts. For JP and municipal court records, contact those courts directly.
Comal Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
If you need to check today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Comal County, start with these resources:
- Comal County website calendar — The Comal County official website publishes a public calendar that may include scheduled court dates and county meetings.
- District Clerk's office — For district court hearing schedules, contact the District Clerk directly. Each district court judge's office typically sets and publishes its own docket call schedule.
- County Clerk's office — County court at law calendars can be confirmed through the County Clerk at 830-221-1230.
- Texas Courts website — The Texas Judicial Branch website provides links to appellate court calendars and statewide judicial resources.
Court calendars can shift due to continuances, emergency motions, or judicial reassignments. Always confirm a hearing date by calling the clerk's office the business day before your scheduled appearance.
How to Get a Copy of a Comal Court Document
Comal County court documents — including case filings, judgments, orders, and disposition records — are generally public unless sealed by a judge or restricted by statute (such as certain juvenile or family violence cases).
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference or informal review.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming authenticity. You'll typically need certified copies for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, or submitting documents to another court or government agency.
How to Request Documents
- Online — The Comal County Clerk offers a public access portal for searching land and some recorded documents. For court case documents specifically, you may need to contact the clerk's office to confirm online availability.
- In person — Visit the County Clerk's office or the District Clerk's office at the courthouse. Bring the case number, party names, and approximate filing date to speed up the search.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), full names of the parties, the type of document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment (check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk).
Mailing Addresses
Comal County Clerk
Comal County District Clerk
The County Clerk Records Information page lists available forms and provides additional contact details.
Comal Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches, copies, and certifications in Texas are set by statute (primarily Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118). The table below reflects standard statutory fees. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 |
| Uncertified / plain copy — per page | $1.00 |
| Court record search (by clerk) | $5.00 |
| Certificate with seal (no copy attached) | $5.00 |
| Comparing document to original — per page | $1.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Ask the clerk's office whether credit or debit cards are accepted at the counter.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Comal County Clerk" or "Comal County District Clerk," depending on which office holds the record.
- Online: If records are available through the county's online portal, processing fees and convenience charges may apply.
Fees cited above are based on Texas Local Government Code §118.011 and §118.052. Some specialized documents — such as birth or death certificates filed with the County Clerk — carry separate statutory fees. Contact the County Clerk's office for questions about specific document types or for a current fee schedule.