Fort Bend County Clerk - First Quarter Newsletter - October/November/December 2025 + A Look Ahead

First Quarter Newsletter

2026

Catching Up with the County Clerk

As we welcome the new year, the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office is proud to begin 2026 with a renewed commitment to serving our community with efficiency, transparency, and care.

The first quarter brings exciting opportunities to connect with residents and celebrate the milestones that make Fort Bend County such a special place to live. One highlight we’re especially looking forward to is our annual Vows on Valentine’s Day event on February 14, 2026, where 20 couples will be married by the Honorable Judge Becerra and Judge Hrbacek at no cost in a celebration of love and commitment.

In the months ahead, we are also excited to expand access to our services through upcoming Records Express mobile events. This outreach program allows the County Clerk’s Office to travel to remote areas of Fort Bend County, bringing essential services directly to the public. Records Express offers convenient, on-site access to recording and copies of property records, recording of DBAs, discharge documents, and other recordable documents, as well as birth certificates and marriage licenses.

We look forward to meeting residents where they are and continuing to make our services more accessible to all.

Sincerly,

Laura Richard,

Fort Bend County Clerk

✤ County Clerk Division News

The Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office now offers protective poly sleeves for just $2 each! These durable sleeves are available in letter or legal size and are perfect for safeguarding your most important legal documents, including birth records, property records, marriage license certificates, and assumed name certificates (DBAs).

Service Spotlight - Keepsake Certificate

The Fort Bend County Clerk’s Keepsake Marriage Certificate is a decorative, commemorative version of your marriage record—perfect for framing and cherishing for years to come. It’s a wonderful way to honor your special day or give a meaningful gift to newlyweds. If you and your sweetheart purchased your license in Fort Bend County and your license was returned to the County Clerk’s office after the ceremony, you can order a beautifully designed keepsake to celebrate your love story.

Important reminder: The Keepsake Marriage Certificate is not a legal document and cannot be used for official or legal purposes.

✤ Looking Back

Join us in taking a look back to the fourth quarter and everything the County Clerk's office has accomplished with new services, events, and community engagement.

Fort Bend County Clerk Laura Richard and members of our dedicated team who are veterans proudly attended the Fort Bend County Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Gus George Academy – Patton Hall on November 10, 2025. This special event paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of all who have worn our nation’s uniform, the true heroes who safeguard our freedoms every day.

The ceremony also celebrated a historic milestone — the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

In November, Clerk Richard was honored to attend the Field of Honor display, hosted by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, in recognition of Hometown Heroes.

This powerful display features 2,025 American flags flying in solemn formation — each representing those who have selflessly served and inspired our community, including U.S. military members, veterans, fallen servicemen and women, first responders, educators, coaches, clergy, family members, co-workers, and personal heroes of Fort Bend County residents.

County Clerk Laura Richard was deeply honored to be recognized with a flag as a Hometown Hero, and to receive an ‘In Memory’ veteran’s flag honoring her late husband, Jim Richard, for his dedicated military service.

County Clerk Laura Richard attended Hob Nob In The Bend hosted by the Central Fort Bend Chamber on December 2, 2025 at the George Ranch Historical Park Visitor Center!

This premier networking event brought together business leaders, elected officials, and community members from across Texas—perfect timing following the recent elections and amid ongoing legislative activity. It offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on election outcomes, discuss policy developments, and look ahead to what’s next for our region.

On December 16, 2025, the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office proudly dropped off the generous donations collected during our community-wide donation drive benefiting Sugar Paws Pet Pantry, an incredible program operated by Sugar Land Animal Services.

From November 3 – December 3, 2025, our offices ran County Clerk Laura Richard's annual Buddy's Buddies Pet Donation Drive and served as drop-off locations for pet food, toys, bedding, and essential supplies to help local families facing temporary financial hardship keep their beloved pets right where they belong… at home.

The Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office registered 5,560 babies in 2025, check out the Top 10 baby names for girls and boys! A big congratulations to two-year champ Noah and a warm welcome back to Olivia as they claim the #1 spots for last year.

Fun fact: Noah and Olivia were also the top names in 2022!

✤ Clerk Excellence Spotlight

The Records Division Outstanding Employee of the Year Award winner for 2025 was Cesar, a Deputy County Clerk at our Travis office. Cesar has been with our office serving the public for 2 years and we are proud to have him in the County Clerk family. Congratulations!

The Courts Division Outstanding Employee of the Year Award winner for 2025 was Monica, a Deputy County Clerk at our Justice Center office. Fellow employees nominated Monica for her positive outlook, always going the extra mile to help, and being friendly no matter what the situation- stating she is a true asset to the County Clerk family. Congratulations!

✤ Commissioners Court - Notice

The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court schedule has changed! Commissioners Court will now meet on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM, on the second floor of the 1909 Courthouse in Richmond, Texas. If there are planned changes to the schedule, they will appear on the Commissioners Court website located HERE.