Collin County Court

Collin County court information helps people check case details, hearing updates, and basic judicial info without confusion. The system offers clear tools that show case numbers, filings, and important dates in a simple format. Many visitors use these tools to review case status and understand what is happening in district, county, or justice courts. This keeps the process smooth and avoids long waits or guesswork. Every page centers on quick results and plain language.

Collin County court records are organized so users can look through case data with steady, easy steps. Search filters sort results by party name, case type, or filing date to shorten the time spent scrolling. Each listing provides helpful elements such as hearing notes, court locations, and filing timelines. These small details make the process feel clearer and more direct. With steady formatting across the system, people can move through information without feeling lost.

About Collin County Court System

The Collin County court system handles local cases, manages county-level justice services, and supports residents who need county court info. It operates within the larger Texas judicial system and follows a clear county legal structure.

The system includes county courts, district courts, probate courts, and justice courts, each handling different types of cases. These courts work together to keep legal processes steady and easy for the public to follow.

To give helpful context, here are quick facts often included in competitor content:

Collin County Fast Facts

These historical details support users who want reliable background info before looking deeper into county court functions.

County Governance & Commissioners’ Court

The structure of Collin County influences how its courts operate day to day. At the center of county governance is the Commissioners’ Court, which sets policy and manages county-wide planning linked to public safety, justice services, and community growth.

The court consists of four commissioners and a county judge. They work together to make decisions that keep county operations steady. Their role connects directly to court functions, since they manage funding for buildings, staff, and legal programs.

Key responsibilities of the Commissioners’ Court include:

• Financial oversight: Approving budgets for county courts, the sheriff, prosecutors, and other justice-related offices.
• Administrative duties: Managing county facilities, reviewing contracts, and supporting programs that keep legal services running smoothly.
• Local policy decisions: Setting rules that affect public services, including those tied to the Texas judicial system.

Because they control budgets and major county services, the commissioners influence how well the court system can respond to population growth and rising case numbers. Their decisions help shape the county’s legal structure and keep services aligned with public needs.

How to Search Collin County Court Records Online

Collin County allows public users to perform a court record search online via its official portals. A record lookup or case search becomes easy if you know where to go and what to enter.

Using the Official Case Search System

The official website for Collin County’s court system is collincountytx.gov. From there, users can access the “Judicial Online Search” tool which brings together multiple court-case databases (civil, criminal, probate, justice courts, etc.).

Key available tools:

• Justice System App — covers active and past court cases, warrants, current inmate status, bond info, and more.
• Case Search — a simple interface that lets you search across all case types at once.
• Case Record Inquiry — lets you choose a specific court or case type (for example, civil, criminal, probate) and view detailed docket information.

If the online tools do not return records (especially older or sealed cases), Collin County also allows manual record requests via the relevant Clerk’s office.

Official Link: https://www.collincountytx.gov — from there, navigate to Public Safety & Courts → Judicial Online Search.

What Information You Need to Search

For best results, you should have:

• Full name of at least one party in the case (first and last)
• Case number, if available — this yields the most accurate result
• Court type — whether District Court, County Court at Law, Justice Court, etc.
• Optional additional info — e.g. filing date range, parties’ city, or type of case (civil, criminal, probate).

When a name is common, specifying court type or filing year helps narrow down the results.

Steps to Search Court Records in Collin County

Here’s a step-by-step guide to use the official site for record lookup:

• Open a web browser and go to https://www.collincountytx.gov.
• In the site’s navigation menu, choose “Public Safety & Courts”.
• Click “Judicial Online Search” (or similar link) to access search tools.
• Select the type of tool: Case Search, Case Record Inquiry, or Justice System App.
• Enter the required details: name of party, case number (if known), court type. Optionally include filing date or other filters.
• Submit your search. The system will return matching cases — including docket entries, hearing dates, case status, parties, and more.
• Review results. If you find the case, you can click to view details. If not, you may need to request records manually through the relevant Clerk’s office. The online tools typically cover civil and criminal cases from 1984/1988 onward.

Collin County Courthouse Details

The Collin County courthouse system has shifted over time, moving from a landmark downtown building to a large, modern justice complex. Each courthouse marks a key stage in the county’s growth and rising demand for court services.

Historic Collin County Courthouse (1876–1927)

The historic courthouse stood at the center of McKinney’s town square and remained the county’s main court building for more than fifty years. Built in 1876, it featured three floors, a formal layout, and a signature mansard roof modeled after the Second Empire style. Its stone façade, tall windows, and square tower made it one of the most recognizable buildings of its era.

The structure received several updates over time. Repairs reinforced the foundation, expanded interior office areas, and restored the roof after storm damage. Long after it stopped serving as the main courthouse in 1927, it remained a cultural landmark. Later renovations preserved the exterior and kept the building active as part of McKinney’s historic downtown.

Historic Courthouse Location (Past Use):

• Downtown McKinney Square
• Intersection of Tennessee Street & Virginia Street
• McKinney, Texas

Current Courthouse Location & Contact

Collin County’s court system now operates from the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, a modern complex built to support district courts, county courts, jury operations, and court administration. The building handles high daily traffic, offering screening stations, public counters, jury assembly rooms, and designated parking areas.

Current Courthouse Location:

• Russell A. Steindam Courts Building
• 2100 Bloomdale Road
• McKinney, TX 75071

Main Phone Numbers:

• General Courthouse Line: 972-548-4100
• County Clerk: 972-548-4185
• District Clerk: 972-548-4320

Collin County District Courts

The Collin County district courts handle the county’s most serious cases and provide the highest level of trial authority at the county level. These courts manage felony cases, large civil disputes, and family law matters that require district jurisdiction.

What Cases District Courts Handle

The district courts cover several major case categories:

• Felony criminal cases — charges that can lead to longer sentences or heavy penalties.
• Civil cases — disputes involving larger financial claims or issues that need a full trial.
• Family law cases — divorce, custody, support, property division, and other domestic matters.

Because these courts oversee both criminal cases and civil cases with higher stakes, the judges use a structured process that helps keep hearings clear and steady. District courts also handle protective orders, contested motions, and jury trials.

Full List of District Court Judges (13 Courts)

Collin County has 13 district courts, each led by a judge responsible for felony cases, major civil matters, and family issues. Here is the full list:

How These Courts Fit Into the County Legal Structure

District courts serve as the main trial courts for the county. They handle:

• Jury trials
• Bench trials
• Case filings and motions
• Sentencing for felony offenses
• Orders in family law cases

These courts sit at the top of county-level justice, so their decisions shape many outcomes in criminal, civil, and family matters. Each judge manages a full docket, which often includes daily hearings and scheduled trials. Because the population continues to grow, these courts stay active year-round and work within the broader Texas judicial structure.

Collin County Courts at Law

The Collin County courts at law handle an important share of the county’s criminal and civil workload. These courts focus on misdemeanor charges, mid-level civil cases, guardianship issues, probate-related matters, and some mental health cases. They sit between the justice courts and district courts, giving residents a steady place to resolve cases that need more authority than the lower courts can provide.

Types of Cases Handled

The courts at law manage several case categories:

• Misdemeanors — including Class A and Class B offenses, along with appeals from justice courts.
• Civil cases — matters within the county courts’ financial limits, such as contract disputes and injury claims.
• Guardianship cases — including oversight of adults who need a legal guardian.
• Appeals — especially cases that move up from the justice courts after a party contests a ruling.

These courts also assist with probate matters and mental health cases when needed, helping keep the county’s legal system balanced and organized.

County Court Judges

Collin County operates seven County Courts at Law, each led by an elected judge:

• County Court at Law 1 — Judge Corinne Mason
• County Court at Law 2 — Judge Barnett Walker
• County Court at Law 3 — Judge Lance S. Baxter
• County Court at Law 4 — Judge David Rippel
• County Court at Law 5 — Judge Dan Wilson
• County Court at Law 6 — Judge Jay A. Bender
• County Court at Law 7 — Judge David Waddill

A separate Probate Court, led by Judge Sarah Duff, focuses on estates, guardianships, and mental health matters.

Collin County Justice Courts

Collin County Justice Courts serve as the first level of the Texas court system, handling a wide range of lower-level legal matters. These courts focus on quick, accessible resolutions for everyday disputes and violations. Their jurisdiction includes small claims, traffic cases, and issues such as bad checks and truancy, making them an essential resource for residents who need straightforward, efficient justice at the local level. Each court is led by an elected Justice of the Peace, who also performs administrative and judicial duties within their precinct.

Precincts 1–4

Precincts 1–4 collectively cover different geographical areas of Collin County, ensuring that residents have convenient access to justice services. Across all precincts, the courts share similar responsibilities:

• Small Claims: They oversee disputes involving limited monetary amounts, providing an accessible forum for resolving disagreements without the formality of higher courts.
• Traffic Cases: These courts process citations issued by local law enforcement, including speeding and other minor violations.
• Bad Checks & Collections: Justice courts address matters involving dishonored checks and assist businesses or individuals seeking repayment.
• Truancy Issues: They handle cases involving school attendance problems and work with families and schools to encourage compliance.

Collin County Magistrate Court

The Collin County Magistrate Court handles early steps in criminal cases. Magistrate judges review arrests and decide what happens before a case moves forward.

Responsibilities of Magistrate Judges

Magistrate judges focus on fast decisions that protect rights while keeping cases moving. Their duties include:

• Determining probable cause after an arrest
• Setting bond amounts and placing bond conditions when needed
• Issuing criminal warrants, including emergency warrants
• Advising individuals of their rights during initial hearings

Court Location: Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071
Main Phone (courthouse): 972-548-4100

The Magistrate Court runs every day, as arrests and warrant requests happen around the clock. An administrative office handles scheduling and coordination for judges working these shifts.

Collin County Court Dockets & Case Schedules

Collin County keeps daily hearing calendars and long-term case records. These schedules help people see when hearings take place and how older cases were handled.

How to Access Current & Historical Dockets

Current dockets show hearing dates for district courts, county courts, justice courts, and specialty courts. They list times, parties, case types, and assigned judges.

Historical information is kept by the county as well:

• Historical cases from the 1800s through 1999 are stored in physical and digital archives
• District Court historical criminal files include early felony and major civil records
• County Court historical civil files contain older probate matters, civil disputes, and misdemeanor records

To view any docket or schedule, residents may visit the courts building, use public search stations, or contact the clerks who manage older case files. Officials can confirm whether a record is available online or only in the archives.

Records Location:
2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071 (District Courts, County Courts, public records terminals)

Collin County Clerk Office Guide

The Collin County Clerk’s Office manages a wide range of official records and filings for the county. This office is responsible for storing important documents and issuing certified copies when requested.

Clerk Responsibilities

The Clerk’s Office manages many key functions, including:

• Storing minutes, bonds, orders, and official court records
• Filing assumed business names
• Processing beer and wine permit applications
• Issuing birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses
• Handling deeds, liens, and other property-related filings
• Managing various county-level records used by courts, businesses, and residents

Main Office Location:
2300 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: 972-548-4185

How to Request Records Through the Clerk

Residents can request records in three ways:

Online request platforms
Some documents can be ordered through forms provided by the Clerk’s Office. Payment is usually required before processing begins.

In-person requests
Visitors can go to the main office and request records at the service counter. Staff will confirm details and prepare copies. This method works well for urgent needs.

Mail requests
A written request may be mailed with:

• Full names involved
• Type of record
• Date of the event or filing
• Any required fees (check or money order)
• A return envelope

Fees vary based on the type of document, number of pages, and whether certification is required.

Marriage & Divorce Records in Collin County

Collin County keeps marriage and divorce records through the Clerk and District Clerk offices. These documents are needed for name changes, family history research, identification updates, and legal processes.

Steps How to Obtain Marriage & Divorce Records

Marriage Records

1. Gather full names of both applicants.
2. Include the approximate date of the marriage license.
3. Contact the County Clerk’s Office or submit a written request.
4. Provide identification if a certified copy is needed.
5. Pay the required fee for certified or plain copies.
6. Pick up the record in person or request delivery by mail.

Divorce Records

1. Collect names of both parties.
2. Include the case year and any known case numbers.
3. Contact the District Clerk or send a written request for a copy.
4. State whether you need the complete file or just the final decree.
5. Pay the fee that applies to copy requests or certification.
6. Receive the document by mail or in person at the records counter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collin County Courts

Residents often have practical questions about case lookup, filing needs, and who to contact. The Collin County court system offers several tools and offices that help people track cases, request records, and get updates on hearings.

How can someone find a case number?

A case number appears on most court paperwork, but if someone does not have those documents, they can search by name through the county’s case-lookup tools or ask the clerk’s office for help. The clerk can confirm case numbers for district, county, probate, and justice courts.

How does someone search the court docket?

Daily dockets are posted through the county’s scheduling system. People may check them by searching a party name, case number, or selecting a specific court. Public terminals at the main courthouse also show updated schedules for all courts.

How can someone contact a judge?

Judges do not take direct calls from the public. Anyone who needs to reach a judge must contact the court coordinator or court administrator for that specific court. They handle scheduling, filings, and messages related to hearings.

How long do records usually take to receive?

Record processing times depend on the type of request. Standard copies may be ready the same day, while certified or older historical files may take several days. Requests that involve large case files or archived boxes may require extra time.