King County Court Docket
King County court docket records are held at the District Clerk's office in Guthrie, Texas, one of the smallest and most remote counties in the entire state. With a population often counted in the low hundreds, King County handles very few court cases each year. But the system works the same as it does in larger counties. Civil, criminal, and family law filings are all recorded on the official court docket. This page covers how to search for records, what the docket contains, and how to contact the clerk. Online options are extremely limited for King County, making phone and mail requests the most practical approach for most people.
King County Overview
King County District Clerk
The District Clerk in King County manages all court docket records for the district court. Despite the tiny population, the office follows the same procedures as every other Texas county. Every case filing gets logged on the docket, from the first petition to the final judgment. Civil suits, criminal charges, family law matters, and juvenile cases all go through this office when they arise.
Guthrie is not really a town in the traditional sense. It is a small unincorporated community that serves as the county seat. The courthouse is there, and the clerk's office handles all court record business. Because cases are so rare, the staff can give individual attention to each request. Phone calls are the best first step for most people since Guthrie is remote and not easy to reach.
| Office | King County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Main Street, Guthrie, TX 79236 |
| Phone | (806) 596-4412 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
In King County, the District Clerk and County Clerk functions may be handled by the same person or shared staff. Call the office to confirm who handles the record type you need.
Note: King County has one of the smallest populations of any county in the United States, so court sessions are infrequent and staff availability may vary.
Searching Court Docket Records Online
The main free tool for King County court docket searches is re:SearchTX, the statewide portal run by the Office of Court Administration. This system covers over 150 Texas counties and allows searches by name or case number. Results show basic case details like filing dates, case types, parties, and status.
King County does not have its own online court records system. Coverage on re:SearchTX for extremely small counties can be minimal or nonexistent. If a search comes up empty, the record may still be on file at the courthouse. Not every document from every county appears in the state system. For this county, a phone call to the clerk is often more productive than an online search.
Mail requests work too. Send a written request with whatever details you have and a check or money order for estimated copy fees.
The Texas Judicial Branch website provides information on how King County fits into the state court system. Below is the Texas Judicial Branch homepage, which lists court contacts for all Texas counties.
This site links to court directories, rules, and the re:SearchTX portal for searching King County and other Texas counties.
What King County Docket Records Contain
A court docket logs every action in a case. King County court docket records cover civil disputes, criminal charges, family law proceedings, and juvenile matters in district court. Each entry shows the case number, parties, action taken, and date.
Inside a docket you will find the original petition or indictment, answers from the other side, motions and their outcomes, hearing dates, trial dates, orders from the judge, and the final judgment. Family dockets may include temporary orders, property filings, and divorce decrees. Criminal dockets note arraignments, pleas, bond amounts, and sentencing. The Texas Government Code governs record keeping. Felony and civil case files are permanent records.
When attorneys do file cases in King County, they use the eFileTexas system. The image below shows the eFileTexas login page, the mandatory e-filing portal for Texas courts.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys across Texas, even in the smallest counties like King.
How to Get Court Docket Records
Given King County's remote location, most people contact the clerk by phone or mail rather than visiting in person. A phone call to the District Clerk can confirm whether a record exists, what the fees will be, and how to get copies sent to you. This is the most efficient first step.
Mail requests should include as much detail as possible: names, case numbers, and dates if you have them. Include a check or money order for estimated fees. The staff will process your request and may call if the cost differs from your payment.
If you do visit the courthouse in Guthrie, bring photo ID and a list of what you need. The small office can usually handle requests on the spot.
Texas copy fees are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and are needed for legal proceedings in other courts.
Public Records and Open Access
King County court docket records are public under the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552. The law says government records are open unless an exception applies. Court records follow additional rules, but the general right of access holds.
Formal requests should be in writing to the District Clerk. The office has ten business days to respond. The Attorney General oversees compliance with the Act and publishes guidance for requesters.
The image below shows the Texas Attorney General's open records page, which explains the public's rights when requesting documents from offices like the King County District Clerk.
Understanding your rights under this law is helpful when requesting King County records that should be publicly accessible.
King County Court System
King County has one district court covering felony criminal cases, civil suits above $200, family law, and juvenile matters. The county court handles misdemeanors, probate, and smaller civil cases. Court sessions are held only as needed due to the extremely low case volume.
The Texas Supreme Court handles civil appeals at the state level. The Court of Criminal Appeals oversees criminal matters. The Office of Court Administration tracks case data for all Texas counties, including King, and publishes the findings in annual reports.
Legal Resources
TexasLawHelp has free guides on family law, debt, housing, and other civil matters. The Texas State Law Library provides free access to statutes and court rules online. The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service. Legal aid organizations serving the West Texas and Panhandle region may offer free civil legal help to qualifying residents. Current Texas statutes are available at Texas Legislature Online.
Note: Sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain family law documents are restricted from public view under Texas law.
Nearby Texas Counties
King County is in the rolling plains of West Texas, surrounded by sparsely populated counties that each maintain their own court docket records through their District Clerk offices.