Kaufman Court Records are public documents stored and managed by the Kaufman County Clerk’s Office in Texas. These records include civil, criminal, probate, and family case files from county courts. Anyone can view them for free during business hours. Copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost an extra $5. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 100 West Mulberry Street, Kaufman, TX 75142. Mental health and juvenile records are not public and are kept separate.
How to Access Kaufman Court Records
There are three main ways to access Kaufman Court Records: in person, by mail, or online. Visiting the County Clerk’s Records Room is the fastest method. No appointment is needed. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff will help you locate files using case number, party name, or filing date. Most requests are processed the same day.
For remote access, use the Tyler Odyssey portal at txkaufmanodyprod.tylerhost.net. This site offers searchable civil, family, and probate records. Users must register with an email address. Each search is logged. The portal works best on Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer 11. JavaScript and cookies must be enabled.
Mail requests are also accepted. Send a written request with your name, contact info, case details, a copy of your ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes up to 10 business days. Include payment if requesting copies. Cash is not accepted by mail—use check or money order.
Types of Records Available
Kaufman Court Records cover a wide range of legal matters. Civil cases include lawsuits, evictions, and contract disputes. Criminal records include misdemeanor charges like theft, assault, and traffic violations. Probate files contain wills, estate settlements, and guardianship orders. Family court records include divorce, child custody, and adoption papers—though some may be sealed.
The County Clerk maintains files for three main courts: County Commissioners Court, County Court at Law, and County Court at Law 2. Each handles different cases. The Commissioners Court deals with budgets and land use. County Court at Law handles misdemeanors and civil cases under $20,000. County Court at Law 2 manages Class A and B misdemeanors, probate, and guardianship.
All original documents are stored in climate-controlled vaults. Indexes are updated daily. Records are kept for at least 10 years after a case closes. Older files may be archived but remain accessible upon request.
Fees and Payment Options
Viewing Kaufman Court Records is free. Printing copies costs $1 per page. If you need an official certification—such as a notarized stamp confirming the copy is true and correct—add $5 per document. This fee applies even for single-page records.
Payments can be made in cash, check, or credit card. Credit cards incur a small processing fee. For mail requests, only checks or money orders are accepted. Make payments payable to “Kaufman County Clerk.” Receipts are provided upon request.
Same-day service is available for most in-person requests. Large orders may take longer. Rush services are not offered. All fees are non-refundable, even if no records are found.
Using the Tyler Odyssey Portal
The Tyler Odyssey portal is the official online system for searching Kaufman Court Records. It provides access to civil, family, and probate dockets. To start, visit txkaufmanodyprod.tylerhost.net and click “Public Access.” Register with a valid email. Confirm your account via the link sent to your inbox.
Once logged in, use the search bar to enter a case number, party name, or attorney name. For better results, use the “Advanced Search” option. You can filter by case type, filing date, or court location. The system supports wildcard searches. Type “Gar*” to find all last names starting with “Gar,” like Garcia or Garner.
Each search is recorded for audit purposes. Results show case number, parties involved, filing date, and current status. Full documents are not available online. To get copies, note the case number and visit the Clerk’s Office or submit a mail request.
Municipal Court vs. County Court Records
Kaufman has two types of courts: county courts and municipal courts. County courts handle serious misdemeanors, probate, and larger civil cases. Municipal Court deals with city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and Class C misdemeanors like minor theft or public intoxication.
Municipal Court records are managed separately. The court is located at 209 South Washington Street, Kaufman, TX 75142. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 972-932-2216 for questions. Fax documents to 972-932-0307. Dockets are posted online each morning.
Not all municipal cases appear in the county’s main record system. If you’re searching for a traffic ticket or city violation, contact the Municipal Court directly. Some records may be available through the city’s website or in person.
Restricted and Sealed Records
Not all Kaufman Court Records are open to the public. Juvenile cases and mental health proceedings are confidential by law. These files are stored separately and cannot be viewed without a court order.
Some adult records may also be sealed. Judges can order records sealed in cases involving sensitive personal information, ongoing investigations, or protection orders. If a record is sealed, it will not appear in public searches. You’ll need to file a motion with the court to request access.
Adoption records are partially restricted. While the case file exists, identifying details about birth parents or adoptees may be redacted. Researchers should contact the Clerk’s Office for guidance on what information is available.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Kaufman County Clerk’s Office is located at 100 West Mulberry Street, Kaufman, TX 75142. The historic courthouse was built in 1906 and features a sandstone exterior. Public access is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A secure lobby requires visitors to show ID before entering restricted areas.
For court-related questions, call the Court Division at 469-376-4736. For real estate or vital records, use e-fax 469-595-0587. Court documents can be sent via e-fax to 469-595-0562. The main website is www.kaufmancounty.net.
Parking is available behind the County Annex building (150 spaces) and at the corner of West Cherry Street and South Jackson Avenue (75 spaces). Meters operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Signage directs visitors to open spots.
Online Resources and Government Portals
Kaufman County provides several online tools for accessing public information. The official county website (www.kaufmancounty.net) includes links to court records, tax payments, election data, and health services. It also lists department contacts and community event calendars.
The Courts and Public Safety portal offers docket searches and hearing schedules. It is compatible with Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer 11. Users must enable JavaScript and cookies. The site does not support mobile browsers or older versions of Safari.
For statewide searches, Texas State Records (texas.staterecords.org/kaufman) aggregates public data from multiple sources. This includes arrest reports, indictments, and judgment entries. Results are compiled from county databases and may not be real-time.
Smart Search Tips for Faster Results
To find Kaufman Court Records quickly, use precise search terms. Start with a case number if you have one. These follow formats like “CV-2023-1234” for civil cases or “CR-2022-5678” for criminal. Enter the full number exactly as written.
If you only know a name, use the “Last, First” format. For example, search “Smith, John” instead of “John Smith.” The system is case-insensitive but sensitive to spacing and punctuation. Avoid middle initials unless certain.
Use wildcard searches wisely. Type “Joh*” in the first name field to find John, Johnny, or Johanna. In the last name field, use at least three letters before the asterisk, like “Bro*” for Brown or Brooks. This reduces irrelevant results.
Filter by date range when possible. Most portals allow you to set a start and end date. This is helpful when searching for old cases or tracking recent filings. Always double-check spelling—misspelled names return no results.
Legal Use and Limitations of Public Records
Kaufman Court Records are public under Texas law, specifically Government Code Chapter 441. This means anyone can view or copy them unless restricted by court order. However, misuse of information is prohibited. Do not use records for harassment, stalking, or illegal background checks.
Employers, landlords, and lenders may review records for legitimate purposes. But they must follow federal and state laws, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Always verify information before making decisions based on court data.
Records may contain errors. The county provides data “as-is” and does not guarantee accuracy. If you find a mistake, contact the Clerk’s Office to request a correction. Keep copies of all communications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kaufman Court Records
Many people have similar questions about accessing and using Kaufman Court Records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries. These cover fees, access methods, restrictions, and troubleshooting tips.
Can I get court records online for free?
Yes, you can search for Kaufman Court Records online at no cost using the Tyler Odyssey portal. However, viewing full documents requires visiting the Clerk’s Office or requesting copies by mail. The online system only shows basic case information like party names, case numbers, and filing dates. To download or print official files, you must pay the standard copy fees. There is no charge for registering or performing searches, but each query is logged for security.
How long does it take to receive records by mail?
Mail requests for Kaufman Court Records take up to 10 business days to process. This includes time for staff to locate the file, verify your identity, make copies, and prepare the package for return shipping. Delays may occur during holidays or high-volume periods. To speed up the process, include a clear description of the case, your full contact information, a copy of your ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payments must be by check or money order.
Are juvenile records available to the public?
No, juvenile court records in Kaufman County are not public. These files are sealed by law to protect the privacy of minors. Only authorized individuals—such as parents, attorneys, or court officials—can access them. If you believe you have a legal right to view a juvenile record, you must file a motion with the court and obtain a judge’s approval. The Clerk’s Office cannot release these documents without a court order.
What if I can’t find a case in the online search?
If a case doesn’t appear in the Tyler Odyssey portal, it may be in a different court system, sealed, or not yet entered into the database. Try searching by alternate spellings or partial names. Check the Municipal Court for city violations or the District Clerk for felony cases. Some older records may only be available in paper format at the courthouse. Contact the Clerk’s Office at 469-376-4736 for assistance.
Can I get certified copies the same day?
Yes, most certified copies of Kaufman Court Records are available the same day if requested in person. Bring your ID and payment. Certification adds a $5 fee per document plus $1 per page. The notarized stamp confirms the copy matches the original file. Allow extra time during busy hours. Mail requests cannot be rushed and take up to 10 business days.
Are adoption records public?
Adoption records in Kaufman County are partially restricted. The case file exists and may be searched, but personal details about birth parents or adoptees are often redacted. Full access usually requires a court order. Researchers should contact the County Clerk for guidance on what information is available and how to request it legally.
What browsers work with the court portal?
The Tyler Odyssey portal for Kaufman Court Records works best on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer 11. It does not support Safari, Edge, or mobile browsers. Users must enable JavaScript and cookies to view search results. If the site doesn’t load, check your browser settings or try a different device.
Official Contact Details
Kaufman County Clerk’s Office
100 West Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
Phone: 469-376-4736
E-fax (Courts): 469-595-0562
Website: www.kaufmancounty.net
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.