Law Library

Law Library - FAQ

Hays County Law Library - Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions in the library.

What are the Library's hours, and are you open to the public?
The Law Library is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please see the Law Library Hours & Closures page for changes to these hours.
Where are you located?
The Law Library is inside the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos. 712 South Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2026, San Marcos, Texas 78666.
Do I have to go through security to enter the courthouse?
Yes, everyone is required to pass through security upon entering the building.
What is your telephone number, and can I call with a question?
512-393-7709. Yes – however a reminder that Library staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice.
Is there an ATM in the building?
No, please bring cash or coins to pay for copies or prints.
Is there a cafeteria in the building?
No.
What conduct is prohibited in the library?
Please see the Library’s webpage for the Law Library Rules.
Can I borrow books from the library?
No, patrons cannot borrow books because the collection is non-circulating.
Does the Law Library have eBooks?
The Law Library does not have eBooks. However, Thomson Reuters or O’Connor’s books are available for electronic viewing via Westlaw.
The Texas State Law Library offers Texas residents acccess to e-books. Request an account to access materials from publishers such as Lexis with the Dorsaneo’s Litigation Guide.
What type of legal material does the Library have?
The Library only has access to statutes, practice guides, forms, and secondary materials for Texas. See the Library’s Legal Research – Print and Legal Research – Electronic pages for a list of resources available.
Do you have forms for divorce?
Yes. Patrons can use the Library computers to print Divorce packets from the Texas Law Help site or use Westlaw or the books to print or copy forms. There is a $0.15 per page fee on all copies or prints.
Are there legal forms in spanish?
Yes. Patrons can use the Library computers to print Divorce packets from the Texas Law Help site, which is translated into Spanish.
Does the Library have access to Westlaw or Lexis?
The Law Library has a subscription to Westlaw. Lexis is not available in the Hays County Library.
Do you take credit/debit cards?
No. The Law Library copier and printer only accept cash or coins. Bills cannot be larger than a $5.00 bill.
Does the Library have copy machines?
Yes.
Why must I pay for copies misprinted due to user operator error?
The library copy and print machine is patron self-service only. Library staff cannot issue refunds on behalf of the copy machines due to user operator error. Instructions on how to use the copy machine correctly is posted above the copy station. Please review the instructions before using the machine.
Does the Law Library have color printing services or scanners available for public use?
Yes.
Are there any public telephones in the Library?
No.
Do you have a fax machine?
No.
Does the Library have any court records?
No. Records are at the District or County Clerk.
Can I look up my case/cause information?
Yes. You can look it up online by doing a Hays County Courts Records Inquiry.
Where do I file my divorce, and how much does it cost?
Divorce cases are filed in the District Clerk’s office. Please reach out to their office for the cost.
I need Standing Orders for a family case, where can I find them?
Standing Orders are available on the District Clerk webpage. Standing Orders are also printed and available in the hallway of the Library.
Can Library staff answer legal questions, provide legal advice/opinion, or perform legal research on your behalf?
Library staff are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. The laws against unauthorized practice of law in Texas prohibit Library staff from telling you what to do in your case, choosing the forms you need, or otherwise performing the duties of an attorney. Law Library staff may not interpret legal materials for patrons, advise them on how the law might apply to their particular situation, or draft legal forms or documents. Law Library staff may assist patrons in finding the materials they need for legal research. Library Staff may show you the reference materials, forms, and databases available for public use.
Can library employees help me fill out legal forms?
No, library staff are not attorneys and may not assist in drafting legal documents.
Why can't you answer my legal question or perform legal research?
By law, no member of the Law Library staff may give legal advice. Accordingly, Library staff may not interpret legal materials for patrons, advise them on how the law might apply to their particular situation, or assist them in preparing and filling out legal forms. The Library staff can assist by directing patrons to topical print materials, sections, and subject headings that might help answer a particular legal question.
Do you have legal materials for other states?
Yes. Patrons may access legal materials for other states via Westlaw.
I'm out of state. Are there any Texas legal forms on the internet?
Yes. You can visit the Texas Law Help website for civil case forms.
I'm out of state or city. Can you email me what I need?
Law Library staff will only email if you provide the exact resources that you need. You must provide the name of the book, chapter, page, form number. Library staff will not do research and cannot send forms based on just a titled of the form. You must provide the name of the resource that has the form you need and other information such as form number.