Are Divorce Records Public in Texas?

•       Types of divorce records available
•       What you need to access public divorce records
•       How to get Texas divorce verification letters
•       How to get Texas divorce certificates and records
•       Frequently asked questions
•       References

At the end of your Texas divorce, you’ll be given detailed copies of your final paperwork and signed court orders. If you lose them, you may need another copy when you do things like renew your car’s registration, update your mortgage, or enroll your child in a new school.

Other people might want to see your Texas divorce records, too. For example, your child’s caseworker might want to understand your custody arrangements, or your employer might need copies to verify your benefits.

Only a few types of divorce records are publicly available in Texas. Getting those is relatively easy. Accessing other types requires more information.

What types of Texas divorce records are available?

Texas has three types of divorce records, each with different data pieces.

The three types include the following:

•       Divorce verification letters: These documents contain basic information about your divorce, including your names, the location of your divorce, and the date your split was final. You can use a form like this to prove your eligibility to remarry.
•       Divorce decree: This document contains a significant amount of personal data, including who has custody of your children, who is responsible for your debts, and who gains control of your assets. You can use this document to understand your path forward after your marriage ends.
•       Divorce records: These documents contain your divorce case files (all the paperwork you filed with your divorce).

This chart can help you understand the differences:

What will you need to access public divorce records in Texas?

Texas divorce indexes managed by the Department of Health and Human Services are public and very easy to access.

Indexes include the following information:

•       Case file number
•       Names of both people
•       Ages of both people
•       Date of the marriage
•       Number of children younger than 18
•       Date of the divorce
•       County where the divorce was filed

All you need to access these reports is reliable internet access. You can download a large file filled with records of all divorces and search for the one you want.

How to get Texas divorce verification letters

The Vital Statistics section of the Texas Health and Human Services Department provides public Texas divorce verification letters. The easiest way to get one is to order it online.

Follow these steps:

1.  Search online public indexes to ensure the department has the record you need.
2.  Use this form to specify the record you want and where it should be sent.
3.  Pay a $10 fee for the record.
4.  Wait for it to arrive in your mailbox.

How to get Texas divorce certificates and records

If you're looking for more detailed divorce information, including official copies stamped and signed by a clerk, you must visit the courthouse that processed your divorce.

Follow these steps:

1.  Use this map to find the district court that handled your divorce.
2.  Visit the courthouse and show identification so the courts can release private data. Only you and your lawyers can see some types of divorce records.
3.  Specify whether you want a copy of your divorce decree or a full copy of your divorce records.
4.  Fill out paperwork and pay fees, which can vary from county to county and the type of records you want.
5.  Walk out of the courthouse with your information.

Frequently asked questions

These are the questions we often hear about Texas divorce records:

How long does it take to get divorce certificates and records?

If you know the date of your divorce and have the right paperwork, you could get your divorce certificate from the courthouse the same day. If you need the clerk to research the date and find the document for you, it will take longer.

How long does it take to get divorce verification letters?

It typically takes a few days from the time you submit your online request to the time you receive the documents in the mail.

Can anyone see your divorce records?

No. Typically only you and your lawyer can see your divorce records, as they include so much detail about your divorce and the process.

Should I get a copy of my divorce decree or my divorce records?

A divorce decree contains plenty of details about your divorce, including your child custody arrangements and asset splits. Your divorce records contain the paperwork you traded to come to those agreements. If you want a complete paper trail of your divorce, you will need your records.

What identification do I need to order a divorce decree or divorce records?

You’ll need a form of government-issued identification (such as a driver’s license) that includes your full name.

References

Marriage/Divorce Indexes. Texas Department of State Health Services
Marriage and Divorce FAQs. Texas Department of State Health Services
Marriage and Divorce Records. Texas Department of State Health Services

What's after divorce? 

Make sure you've got everything covered with our FREE checklist.

Sign up to get our Post-Divorce checklist to put your mind at ease.