Knox County Court Docket Records
Knox County court docket records are filed and stored at the courthouse in Benjamin, Texas. The District Clerk and County Clerk together manage civil, criminal, family, and probate case records for this rural Northwest Texas county. Knox County sits in the 50th Judicial District and handles a small but consistent number of filings each year. This page walks you through how to search Knox County court docket records, who to contact, and what to expect when requesting documents from the clerk's office.
Knox County Overview
Knox County District Clerk Office
The District Clerk in Knox County keeps all district court docket records for the 50th Judicial District. This office processes felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits above $200, family law matters like divorce and child custody, and juvenile cases. Every filing, motion, hearing, and court order gets logged in the docket. The clerk maintains these records from initial filing through final disposition.
Benjamin is one of the smallest county seats in Texas. The courthouse there is the only place to access physical court files. Staff can pull records, make copies, and answer questions about pending or closed cases. Call ahead if your request involves older records or multiple files. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies run $5.00 plus $1.00 per page.
| Office | Knox County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 W. Cedar Street, Benjamin, TX 79505 |
| Phone | (940) 459-2441 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The County Clerk also works out of the courthouse and handles county court matters, misdemeanors, and probate. You can reach that office at (940) 459-2191. For most felony and higher-value civil cases, start with the District Clerk.
The Texas Judicial Branch website is a solid starting point for researching how the 50th Judicial District fits into the statewide court system. The image below shows the main portal for Texas courts.
From this page you can reach court directories, the Office of Court Administration, and the re:SearchTX portal that covers Knox County records.
How to Search Knox County Court Docket Records
The best free option for searching Knox County court docket records online is re:SearchTX. This portal is operated by the Office of Court Administration and covers more than 150 Texas counties. Search by party name or case number. Results show filing dates, case types, parties, and current case status.
Knox County does not have its own online court records system. That makes re:SearchTX the primary digital tool. Keep in mind that not every document appears online. Detailed docket sheets, motions, and exhibits usually need a direct request to the District Clerk. Try name variations when searching, since data entry errors do happen. A case number gives you more exact results.
For older records or cases not in the system, call the clerk's office in Benjamin. Staff can search internal databases that go beyond the public portal. You can also send a mail request with the case details and estimated fees.
Note: re:SearchTX is free for basic lookups and requires no registration, but some detailed document views may carry a small charge.
Court Docket Record Contents
A court docket tracks every step of a case. Knox County court docket records cover felony criminal matters, civil disputes, family law proceedings, and juvenile cases in the 50th District Court. Each docket entry lists the case number, the parties, the action taken, and the date. Inside a typical record you will find the original petition or indictment, party responses, motions with rulings, hearing dates, judge's orders, and the final judgment or disposition.
Criminal dockets include arraignment dates, bond details, plea entries, and sentencing information. Family law dockets contain temporary orders, property inventories, and divorce decrees. Under the Texas Government Code, felony and civil case files are permanent records. Juvenile and sealed case records are restricted from public view in most situations.
The eFileTexas system is how attorneys file documents in Knox County's district court. The image below shows the eFileTexas login page.
Public users cannot file through this portal, but it explains why new filings show up in the docket soon after attorneys submit them.
Getting Records: In Person, Mail, or Online
Three methods work for getting Knox County court docket records. In person at the courthouse in Benjamin is the most reliable. Bring photo ID and a written list of cases. Staff will pull files and copy pages on the spot for straightforward requests. This approach is best for older records or when you need to review a physical file.
Mail requests go to the District Clerk at 100 W. Cedar Street, Benjamin, TX 79505. Include the case name and number if possible, along with a check or money order. Processing time depends on staff availability. The clerk may contact you if the fees differ from your estimate.
Online, re:SearchTX handles basic lookups. Full document access is limited for Knox County online, but the Office of Court Administration steadily adds more records. Check back periodically if you could not find what you needed before.
Open Records Law and Court Docket Access
Knox County court docket records are public under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, found in Government Code Chapter 552, establishes that government records are open unless a specific exception applies. Court records have additional rules under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Government Code, but public access is the default.
To make a formal open records request, submit it in writing to the District Clerk. Response time is ten business days. The Texas Attorney General's office oversees compliance with the Public Information Act and provides guidance for both requesters and government offices.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Records page, shown below, lays out your rights when requesting court records from the Knox County District Clerk.
This resource is useful if you encounter difficulty obtaining Knox County docket records that should be publicly available.
Note: Sealed cases, juvenile records, and some family law documents are exempt from public disclosure even under the Public Information Act.
Knox County Court System
Knox County is served by the 50th Judicial District Court, which handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes above $200, family law, and juvenile matters. The constitutional county court covers misdemeanors, probate, and smaller civil cases. Justice of the peace courts deal with small claims and Class C misdemeanors.
The Texas court system has a split top. The Texas Supreme Court handles civil appeals. The Court of Criminal Appeals takes criminal matters. The Office of Court Administration publishes annual reports on filings and caseloads for all Texas counties, including Knox. These reports help you understand the volume and types of cases moving through the system.
Attorneys must use eFileTexas for district court filings. People representing themselves can file in person at the courthouse. The District Clerk's office can explain which forms to use.
Legal Resources for Knox County
Several free tools can help if you need to understand a court docket or navigate the legal system in Knox County. TexasLawHelp publishes plain-language guides on family law, debt, housing, and civil legal issues. The Texas State Law Library gives free access to statutes, court rules, and research tools that self-represented litigants will find useful.
The State Bar of Texas has a lawyer referral service linking you to attorneys in the Northwest Texas region. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas provides free civil legal help for income-qualifying residents. They serve the region that includes Knox County and can assist with family, housing, and benefits matters.
The Texas State Law Library homepage below gives free access to statutes, court rules, and research databases for Knox County court cases.
Library staff can help you find the right rules and statutes for your situation whether you visit in person in Austin or use their online tools.
Nearby Texas Counties
Knox County is in Northwest Texas, surrounded by several rural counties. Each one keeps its own court docket records through their District Clerk offices, and cross-county cases can show up in more than one system.