- Types of divorce records available
- What you need to access public divorce records
- What to do to obtain divorce records
- References
Only a few types of divorce records are publicly available in Texas. Getting those versions 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 certificates: 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 decrees: These documents contain 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 could use these documents 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).
Texas also keeps divorce indexes, which are a matter of public record. These contain even less information than the other three types of records.
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.
What to do to obtain divorce records in Texas
Visit the Texas Health and Human Services Department website for a list of public indexes. They are organized by year, so you must know the date the divorce was final.
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. Be prepared to show identification so that the courts can release private data. Only you and your lawyers can see some types of divorce records, and expect the staff to check your eligibility to do so.
Suggested:
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
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