Caldwell County Court Docket Records
Caldwell County court docket records track every case filed with the District Clerk in Lockhart, just south of Austin in Central Texas. These records are public documents that log filings, hearings, and orders for civil, criminal, and family law cases. This guide covers how to search Caldwell County dockets online, what the records contain, how to get copies from the courthouse, and what rights you have under Texas law.
Caldwell County Overview
Caldwell County District Clerk
The Caldwell County District Clerk in Lockhart files and maintains the official court docket for all district court cases in the county. The clerk accepts new filings, records orders and judgments signed by the judge, issues subpoenas and citations, and keeps the case record from first filing through final disposition. Caldwell County's district court handles felony criminal matters, civil suits, family law cases including divorce and child custody, and juvenile proceedings. As the county sits just south of Travis County and sees ongoing growth from the Austin metro, the court's caseload has increased in recent years.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| District Clerk Phone | (512) 398-1806 |
| County Seat | Lockhart, TX |
| District Courts | 1 |
| Online Access | Limited |
| Case Types | Felony, civil, family law, juvenile |
The courthouse in Lockhart holds the district court and the clerk's office. Both the District Clerk and the County Clerk are located there. The county clerk handles misdemeanor cases, probate records, real property records, and marriage licenses separately from the district court docket.
Note: Call (512) 398-1806 ahead of an in-person visit to confirm hours and what information you need to bring for your records request.
Searching Caldwell County Court Dockets Online
The re:SearchTX portal is the best free online tool for searching Caldwell County court docket records. Maintained by the Texas Judicial Branch, it covers district and county courts across the state. You can search by party name, attorney, or cause number. Results include case type, filing date, current status, and a timeline of docket events. For Caldwell County, this is often the only way to search cases online without visiting Lockhart in person.
When using re:SearchTX, start with a full legal name. If results don't appear, try just the last name or check for possible spelling variations. Using the county filter helps narrow results for common names. For cases not showing up in re:SearchTX - particularly older cases - contact the clerk at (512) 398-1806 for a direct search of internal records.
The screenshot below shows the Texas Judicial Branch homepage, where you can find the re:SearchTX portal link and the directory of all Texas county court offices.
The Judicial Branch site also has contact information for the Caldwell County District Clerk and links to court forms used statewide.
What Caldwell County Court Dockets Contain
Court docket records in Caldwell County are chronological logs of case activity. Civil dockets list the original petition, responsive pleadings, discovery motions, hearing dates, and the final judgment or dismissal. Criminal dockets show the charge, arraignment, bond conditions, plea, any trial settings, and the sentence. Family dockets track divorce filings, temporary restraining orders, final decrees covering custody and support, and any post-decree modifications. Each entry is dated and tied to the cause number assigned when the case was first filed.
A docket sheet is an index. It shows you what happened and when but does not include the full text of each document. To read a specific motion or order, request that document from the clerk's office by cause number. People who need docket records often include attorneys checking case status, parties verifying what orders have been entered, and journalists or researchers reviewing court activity in the county.
Requesting Copies of Court Records
Standard copies of Caldwell County court records cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $1.00 per page and carry the clerk's official seal. Certified copies are commonly needed for legal proceedings in other courts, loan applications, or immigration matters. You can request copies in person at the courthouse in Lockhart or by sending a written request by mail. Mail requests should include the cause number or case name, a description of what you need, your return address, and a check or money order payable to the Caldwell County District Clerk.
In-person requests are typically faster and allow staff to help you identify records you may be uncertain about. For mail requests, allow extra processing time and confirm the current fee by calling (512) 398-1806 before sending payment.
Note: The county clerk handles probate and misdemeanor records. If you need those, contact the Caldwell County Clerk, not the District Clerk.
Texas Public Information Act
Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code gives the public the right to request records held by government agencies, including court dockets. Most Caldwell County district court records are public. The main exceptions are juvenile files, sealed cases, and records restricted by specific statutes. When a record is withheld, the clerk must state the legal basis. If you believe a denial was improper, you can seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General's Open Government division. The AG's website has guidance on how to write a records request and what to do if it is denied.
A written request gives you the strongest legal position and starts the clock on the agency's response deadline. Most straightforward requests - docket sheets, specific orders, final judgments - are available without any dispute.
Caldwell County Court System and eFileTexas
Caldwell County has one district court. It holds regular sessions in Lockhart throughout the year. As a county that borders Travis County, Caldwell sees a mix of cases including family law disputes that involve parties who live in the Austin metro but own property or have other connections to Caldwell County. The court's family law docket is particularly active given the area's growth.
Texas courts use eFileTexas for electronic filing. Attorneys must e-file in most cases. Self-represented parties can also use the system. The screenshot below shows the eFileTexas login page, which is the entry point for all electronic filings in Caldwell County courts.
After a document is e-filed, it typically appears on the docket within one business day. This makes tracking active cases through re:SearchTX more reliable for electronically filed matters.
The DPS Crime Records Service maintains a statewide criminal history database that complements court docket searches for criminal cases. The screenshot below shows the DPS Crime Records page.
Criminal history records from DPS are separate from court dockets but can provide additional context about arrests and dispositions in Caldwell County cases.
Legal Resources in Caldwell County
TexasLawHelp.org provides free legal guides for people handling civil, family law, housing, or consumer matters in Texas courts without an attorney. The State Bar of Texas has a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys who practice in Caldwell County and the Central Texas area. Lone Star Legal Aid serves income-eligible residents in Caldwell County and may be able to assist with civil legal matters. The Texas State Law Library offers free online access to Texas statutes and legal research materials.
Caldwell County does not have any qualifying cities with populations over 100,000. Lockhart is the largest city in the county and is served directly by the county's district court in town.
Nearby Counties
Caldwell County borders Travis County to the north and several other Central Texas counties. Each has its own district court and records system.