How to Look Up Divorce Records in Texas

Texas divorce records can be requested from the district clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was finalized, or through the Texas Department of State Health Services for a basic verification letter. To find a divorce record, you’ll need the names of both spouses and the approximate date or county of the divorce.

Where Are Divorce Records Kept in Texas?

Divorce records are maintained by the district clerk in the county where the divorce case was filed and finalized. The Texas Department of State Health Services also keeps limited verification records for divorces that occurred in the state since 1968.

Are Texas Divorce Records Public?

Most Texas divorce records are public information and can be accessed by anyone who requests them. Certain sensitive details, such as financial account numbers and information involving minor children, may be sealed or redacted from public view.

What Types of Divorce Records Are Kept in Texas?

Texas keeps several documents related to a divorce, each serving a different purpose. The type of record needed depends on the purpose of the request:

• Divorce decree: The full court order signed by the judge that officially ends the marriage and spells out all terms, including property division, custody, and support.
• Divorce certificate: A shorter document issued by the Department of State Health Services that verifies a divorce occurred on a specific date.
• Divorce case file: The complete court file containing every document filed during the case, from the original petition through motions, hearings, and the final decree.

Most people requesting divorce records only need the decree or certificate rather than the full case file. The type of record required often depends on the reason for the request, such as remarriage, name changes, or immigration matters.

What Do I Need to Request Copies of My Divorce Records?

Before submitting a request, gather the basic information that clerks and state agencies will ask for. Gathering these details in advance will speed up the process:

• Full legal names of both spouses at the time of divorce
• Approximate date of the divorce
• The county where the divorce was filed
• Case number, if known
• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Payment for copy and certification fees

Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through an online portal, depending on the county. Fees vary by location and by the type of copy requested, with certified copies generally costing more than plain paper copies. Mail requests generally take longer than in-person visits.

How to Check My Divorce Status Online?

Texas offers several online options for checking divorce status and obtaining records without leaving home. The most accurate way is to locate the specific district clerk’s website for the Texas county where the divorce was filed and use the case search or public records function. Other online resources include:

• Online via Texas.gov: The state’s official portal connects users to the Department of State Health Services for divorce verification letters confirming that a divorce occurred on a specific date.
• VitalChek: An authorized third-party service that processes requests for certified vital records, including divorce verifications, on behalf of state agencies for an additional service fee.
• Re:SearchTX: A statewide online portal that allows users to search court records across participating Texas counties and view case information filed with district clerks.

Each option serves a slightly different purpose, so picking the right one depends on whether you need a basic verification letter or access to the full court file. Fees and processing times vary between services, and not every county participates in the Re:SearchTX system.

Situations Requiring Legal Counsel for Divorce Documents

Some divorce record requests involve more than simply obtaining a copy and may require legal assistance. These situations often include disputes, mistakes, or sealed records that need court intervention to address:

• Correcting mistakes in a final decree
• Modifying custody or support orders
• Enforcing property division terms
• Sealing or unsealing sensitive records
• Locating missing or lost case files
• Addressing out-of-state enforcement issues

Contact Our Texas Divorce Lawyers at Collin County Law Group

Divorce record issues can create real obstacles when you need documentation for remarriage, a name change, immigration proceedings, or enforcement of a court order. Our attorneys at Collin County Law Group regularly help clients resolve issues that arise after a divorce is finalized, from correcting clerical errors to enforcing terms the other spouse has ignored. When these issues surface, addressing them promptly matters.

Contact us at (972) 548-7167 or through our online form to schedule a consultation with our Collin County divorce lawyers. There is a $200 consultation fee for divorce and family law cases.