You can look up divorce records in Texas by requesting verification through the Texas Department of State Health Services and then obtaining the full decree from the District Clerk’s Office in the county where the divorce was granted. When you need to confirm marital status, verify legal details, or access past court filings, divorce records can provide valuable information.
Whether you are pursuing a modification, preparing for remarriage, or simply updating your personal records, knowing how to look up divorce records in Texas can make the divorce process much easier.
Understanding Texas Divorce Records
In the state of Texas, divorce records are generally part of the public record, though the type of record you need will determine where to search. The three main categories are:
- Divorce Decree: The final judgment that legally ends the marriage and details property division, custody, and support orders.
- Divorce Certificate: A shorter document that confirms the names of both spouses, the date, and the county of divorce.
- Divorce Case File: The full record of all pleadings, motions, and court orders associated with the case.
Divorce certificates are issued through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), while divorce decrees and case files are maintained by the county District Clerk’s Office where the divorce was granted.
Beginning Your Texas Public Records Search
If you are unsure where the divorce was filed, start your Texas public records search through the DSHS Vital Statistics Section. This office maintains a statewide index of divorces from 1968 to the present and can verify essential details, including:
- Full names of both spouses;
- The county of divorce; and
- The date the divorce was finalized.
You can request this information using the Texas Divorce Verification Form found on the DSHS website. While the verification document is not the same as a decree, it confirms the county and date of divorce, allowing you to contact the right district clerk for copies.
How to Find Divorce Records in the County Where It Occurred
After identifying the county, your next step is to contact the District Clerk’s Office that handled the case. Each county keeps its own archive of state of Texas court records, including divorce filings and judgments.
Most larger counties, such as Harris County, Travis County, Dallas County, and Bexar County, offer online public access portals. You can search by party name, case number, or date range. Once you locate the record, you can request certified or plain copies directly from the clerk.
To order a certified copy of a divorce decree, you will typically need to provide:
- Both parties’ full names;
- Approximate date of divorce; and
- Payment of a nominal fee (usually $5–$20).
Certified copies are stamped with the court seal and can be used for legal purposes such as name changes or remarriage.
Privacy Restrictions and Sensitive Records
Although Texas divorce records are public, portions of a file may be restricted to protect sensitive data. These may include:
- Financial account details;
- Information about minor children; or
- Addresses or identifying information in cases involving domestic violence.
If a judge has sealed a divorce record, only the parties involved or their attorneys can access it, unless a court order permits release.
How to Find Older or Sealed Divorce Records
For divorces before 1968, you will need to contact the county clerk or district clerk directly, as those records are not in the state index. Many historical files are stored in archives or microfilm collections and may require in-person visits. For genealogical research, certain public libraries or ancestry databases may also maintain archived divorce records.
If your records are sealed and you need access for a legitimate legal purpose, your attorney from KGK Family Law can file a motion to unseal with the court. Judges typically require a strong reason, such as enforcing a court order or correcting an official record.
Using Online Databases to Simplify the Process
Several private services allow you to find divorce records through aggregated databases that pull from county and state data. These tools can be helpful if you do not know the county where the divorce occurred. However, only official government sources, such as DSHS or the district clerk, can issue certified legal copies.
When in doubt, always verify your findings through the official Texas court system or the Texas Department of State Health Services. This ensures accuracy and protects your privacy.
Our Texas Divorce Lawyers at KGK Family Law are Here to Help
Learning how to find divorce records in Texas begins with identifying whether you need verification, a decree, or a full case file. Once you know what you are looking for, the process is straightforward using official state and county resources.
If you have questions about locating or using divorce documents for your case, KGK Family Law is here to help. Our compassionate legal team can guide you through understanding your rights and obligations after divorce, including property, custody, and enforcement issues. For personalized assistance, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation today.
We serve Houston, Sugar Land, and throughout Texas. Visit any of our offices at:
KGK Family Law – Houston Office
7700 San Felipe St #505
Houston, TX 77063
KGK Family Law – Sugar Land
