Court records in Cooke County, Texas can be searched through several channels. CookeCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the County Clerk's and District Clerk's offices, and public terminals at the Cooke County Courthouse in Gainesville. The office you contact depends on the type of case — county-level matters are maintained by the County Clerk, while district-level cases are held by the District Clerk.
Cooke Court System & Jurisdictions
Cooke County operates several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court heard a case is the first step to finding the right docket.
- 235th District Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, divorce and family law cases, and contested probate matters. The 235th District Clerk maintains records for this court.
- Cooke County Court at Law — Hears Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil cases within its jurisdictional limits, appeals from Justice of the Peace courts, and juvenile matters.
- Constitutional County Court — Under Texas Government Code Chapter 26, the County Court of Cooke County does not have probate or guardianship jurisdiction. Those matters are handled by the County Court at Law or District Court.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Handle small claims (civil disputes up to $20,000), evictions, Class C misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Cooke County has two Justice of the Peace precincts.
Appeals from Cooke County district and county courts go to the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth. The Texas Judicial Branch website provides general information about the state court structure.
Cooke Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Cooke County publishes court dockets through the Cooke County Courthouse docket page. This page lists upcoming hearing dates for the 235th District Court and other courts housed at the courthouse.
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule:
- Visit the dockets page on the Cooke County website.
- Look for the court you need — dockets are typically organized by court and date.
- If you cannot find a specific hearing, contact the 235th District Court Coordinator's Office at (940) 668-5401 or email 235court@co.cooke.tx.us.
Docket information for Justice of the Peace courts may need to be obtained by contacting the individual JP office directly. County Court at Law schedules are also available through the courthouse or by calling the court coordinator.
How to Get a Copy of a Cooke Court Document
Which clerk you contact depends on the case type:
- District Court records (felonies, civil suits over $200, divorce, family law) — contact the 235th District Clerk's Office.
- County Court records (misdemeanors, probate, civil cases within county court jurisdiction) — contact the Cooke County Clerk's Office.
- Vital records such as marriage licenses and birth certificates are maintained by the County Clerk. Divorce records are available through the District Clerk. The Texas DSHS local vital records directory confirms these assignments for Cooke County.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, making it valid for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings. An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy suitable for personal reference only. Ask the clerk which type you need before placing your request.
How to Request
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Cooke County Courthouse in Gainesville. You will typically need the case number, party names, or the approximate date of filing.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online — The County Clerk's Office offers a public records search on its website. The District Clerk's page references Texas Online Records for child support case documents.
Mailing Addresses
Criminal History Records
For statewide criminal history searches beyond Cooke County court records, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers a Criminal History Name Search tool. The DPS Criminal History Records page also explains expunction procedures under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Cooke Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in Texas are set by statute (Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118 for county clerks and Chapter 51 for district clerks). The County Clerk's fee schedule is available on the office's website. Below are typical fees based on Texas statutory rates:
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard photocopy rate |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 | Includes clerk's seal and signature |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 | Same document |
| Court record search (by name) | $5.00 | Per name searched |
| Issuing a subpoena | Varies | Contact the clerk for current amount |
| DPS criminal history search | $3.00 | Online via TxDPS; fee set by state |
Payment methods: The County Clerk and District Clerk offices generally accept cash, checks, and money orders. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office. Ask the clerk's office directly about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies may vary.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm the current amount with the clerk before submitting a request, especially for mail-in orders. The OCA Appointments & Fees Reports for Cooke County provide additional transparency on court-related fees and appointments.