• Information in a divorce decree
• Documents you need to see your divorce decree
• Where you can get a copy of your divorce decree
• The difference between a decree and a certificate
• Is a divorce decree enforceable?
• Who has access to a divorce decree?
• References

People move through several steps to obtain a Texas divorce. At the end of the process, you will visit a courtroom with a final set of forms, including your Final Decree of Divorce. When the judge signs it and you file it with the clerk, your marriage is over. 

The signed, stamped Final Decree of Divorce is your official divorce decree. You and your former partner can order copies of this document from the clerk who processed your divorce. 

What information is in a Texas divorce decree?

A formal Texas divorce decree works as a roadmap to life after your divorce. It includes plenty of information.

A Texas divorce decree can include the following details:

• Child custody arrangements
• Child support payments
• Child health insurance obligations
• Asset distribution between both parties
• Debt distribution between both parties
• Retirement fund allocations
• Name changes
• Court costs

The document also includes the judge’s name, your name, your ex's name, and the signatures of all people. 

What documents do you need to see your divorce decree?

Texas laws say that divorce decrees are private, meaning you can't walk into any courtroom and ask for them. Only you and your former spouse can get copies. 

Visit the clerk, and bring along proof of your identity. Ideally, that means a Texas driver's license with the same address and signature shown on your divorce decree. 

Where can you obtain a copy of your divorce decree?

Visit the district clerk’s office to get a copy of your divorce decree. This must be in the same county where your divorce was granted. Make sure to bring proof of your identity with you. 

Divorce decree vs. divorce certificate

Texas courts keep close ties on how many people get divorced within the state. Two versions of records are available, and they are very different. 

A divorce decree, as explained, contains all of the details about your estate and your split. This extremely detailed version contains a lot of information people might like to keep private. 

A divorce certificate is much less formal and contains only basic information about your divorce, such as your name and the date/time your divorce was finalized. If you must prove you're divorced, this type of document is usually enough. You can ask for one from the courthouse that handled your divorce.

Read: Tips for Keeping Your Divorce Out of the Public Eye

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.

Is a divorce decree enforceable in Texas?

Yes, a divorce decree is fully enforceable within the state of Texas. This legal document, signed by a judge, contains details about what happens to your estate and your life after your marriage. Everything listed in this document is enforceable by the courts. 

If you don’t agree with the details listed in your divorce decree, you can file paperwork to change them. But until the court approves your request, you must follow the agreements listed on the document. 

Who has access to a divorce decree in Texas?

Generally, only you, your ex-spouse, and either of your lawyers (if applicable) can access your divorce decree. Since so much of the information provided on these documents is private, the courts usually keep them safe from outsiders.

Free Downloadable Worksheet: Create a Texas Co-Parenting Plan

References