Houston County Public Records /Houston County Divorce Records

Houston County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Houston County in 2026

HoustonTXRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Houston County, Texas. Members of the public may locate divorce decrees, case filings, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories include final divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and case docket entries. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the date of filing and the nature of the case.

Divorce records in Houston County, Texas, are maintained by the District Clerk of Houston County, as divorce proceedings in Texas are filed in the district courts. Members of the public may search for these records through official resources including the county clerk's online portal, in-person at the courthouse, by mail, or by phone.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Houston County District Clerk maintains case records that may be searchable through the Texas court system. Members of the public may access basic case information at no charge, while copies of documents typically require payment of applicable fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The Texas Judicial Branch case search portal provides access to court records across Texas jurisdictions. This consolidated database allows users to search for divorce cases filed in district courts statewide.

3. Texas Vital Statistics

Texas does not issue divorce certificates through the vital records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a Verification of Divorce or Annulment letter service. This document confirms that a divorce occurred but does not replace the official court decree.

In-Person Searches

District Clerk's Office — Houston County:

Houston County District Clerk
401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835
Phone: (936) 544-3255
Houston County District Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older records

By Mail

Members of the public may submit written requests for divorce records to the District Clerk's Office. A written request should include:

Full legal names of both parties
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's full name and contact information
Purpose of the request, if required
Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
A self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence

Mail requests to:

Houston County District Clerk
401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835
Phone: (936) 544-3255
Houston County District Clerk

Processing time for mailed requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on the volume of requests and whether records require retrieval from archives.

By Phone

The District Clerk's Office may be reached at (936) 544-3255. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide a case number, confirm case status, and provide the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of records, and confidential information cannot be provided by phone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Texas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may otherwise require a formal showing of need. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
Approximate date of divorce or date range
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses of either spouse in Houston County
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Texas law, divorce proceedings are filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.

Texas law under § 6.301 of the Texas Family Code requires that at least one spouse have been a domiciliary of Texas for the preceding six-month period and a resident of the county in which the suit is filed for the preceding 90-day period.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is signed
Electronic filing systems update more rapidly than paper-based systems

Older Divorces:

Records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives
Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
Some older records may not be digitized and must be reviewed in person

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations, including maiden names or spelling differences, affect search results
The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending
Very old records are stored off-site or in physical archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the District Clerk's Office at (936) 544-3255
Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
Search under both spouses' names
Request a Verification of Divorce letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit
Consult a licensed Texas family law attorney

What Are Houston County Divorce Records?

Houston County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the district courts of Houston County, Texas. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the District Clerk under the authority of the Texas Family Code and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files

The complete case file for a divorce proceeding in Houston County may include:

Original petition for divorce
Respondent's answer or counterpetition
Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
Parenting plans and child custody arrangements
Marital settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Hearing notices and docket entries
Final decree of divorce

Final Decree of Divorce

The final decree is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the primary document sought by individuals who need legal proof of divorce. The final decree establishes:

The date the marriage is legally dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Spousal maintenance or alimony provisions, if any
Child custody and conservatorship arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Any court-ordered name restoration

Certified copies of the final decree are available through the District Clerk's Office upon payment of applicable fees.

Supporting Documents

The case file may also contain:

Original marriage certificate submitted as evidence
Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
Property inventories and appraisals
Parenting plan modifications
Post-divorce modification orders
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for name change proceedings
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
Social Security benefit applications

Personal Purposes

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of divorce terms and obligations

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The District Clerk of Houston County is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and maintains the official docket. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit maintains a separate index of divorces granted in Texas and can issue verification letters, though the complete case file remains with the District Clerk.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code, Title 1, Subtitle C, which addresses the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq.

Are Houston County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Houston County district courts are presumptively public records under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act establishes that government records are open to the public unless a specific exception applies. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a particular need or interest.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and docket entries
Final decree of divorce
Property division orders
General case status and disposition

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information

Social Security numbers are redacted from public-facing documents pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed financial statements may have limited public access in certain circumstances
Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be subject to restricted access

Children's Information

Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are typically restricted
Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed

Sensitive Personal Information

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed upon motion
Mental health and substance abuse records are protected under applicable state and federal law
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims may be withheld
Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record

Sealed Records:

A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or an entire case file. Under Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, court records may be sealed only upon a showing that the public interest in access is outweighed by a specific, serious, and substantial interest in sealing. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.

Who Can Access Records:

General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees
Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization

Restrictions on Use:

The Texas Public Information Act prohibits the use of public records for purposes of stalking, harassment, or identity theft. Protective orders issued in connection with divorce proceedings carry their own enforcement mechanisms under Texas Penal Code provisions.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Houston County?

The Houston County District Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the fee schedule established under Texas Government Code § 51.318, which governs fees charged by district clerks.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Plain copy (per page)	$1.00 per page
Certified copy (per document)	$5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page
Verification of Divorce (DSHS)	$20.00 per request
Electronic copy (if available)	Varies by county system

Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
Certified copies of the final decree of divorce are the most commonly requested documents and require both the per-page copy fee and the certification fee
The Texas Department of State Health Services charges a separate fee for a Verification of Divorce or Annulment letter, currently set at $20.00 per request, payable to DSHS

Accepted Payment Methods:

The District Clerk's Office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Houston County District Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the office, as electronic payment options may vary.

Fee Waivers:

Indigent parties who have been granted a fee waiver by the court in connection with their own divorce proceeding may be entitled to obtain copies of their own case documents at reduced or no cost. A formal affidavit of indigency must be filed with the court and approved prior to the waiver taking effect.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public case files at the courthouse
Review of docket entries and case status information at public access terminals
Basic case information confirmed by phone (case number, filing date, case status)

What's Included in Divorce Records in Houston County

A complete divorce case file maintained by the Houston County District Clerk contains a comprehensive set of documents generated throughout the divorce proceeding. The contents vary depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.

Basic Case Information

Case Caption:

Case number assigned by the district court
Court name and cause number
Full legal names of petitioner and respondent
Name of the presiding judge
Names and bar numbers of attorneys of record

Filing Information:

Date the original petition was filed
Filing fees paid and receipts
Case type designation (divorce/dissolution)
Basis for jurisdiction and venue

Initial Pleadings

Petition for Divorce:

Petitioner's identifying information
Respondent's identifying information
Date and place of marriage
Date of separation, if applicable
Grounds for divorce (in Texas, the primary ground is insupportability under § 6.001 of the Texas Family Code, with fault grounds available in certain circumstances)
Information regarding children of the marriage
Claims regarding marital property
Requests for spousal maintenance
Relief requested from the court

Response and Counterpetition:

Respondent's admissions or denials
Respondent's own requests for relief
Counterpetition for divorce, if filed

Financial Affidavits:

Income from all sources
Monthly living expenses
Marital assets including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and retirement accounts
Marital liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations

Property-Related Documents

Marital Asset Inventory:

Descriptions and estimated values of real property
Vehicle identification and values
Bank and investment account information
Retirement and pension account details
Business interests and valuations
Personal property of significant value

Debt Inventory:

Mortgage balances and lender information
Vehicle loan balances
Credit card obligations
Personal and business loans
Tax liabilities

Appraisals and Expert Reports:

Real property appraisals
Business valuations
Personal property appraisals where applicable

Children-Related Documents

Parenting Plan / Conservatorship Order:

Legal conservatorship designation (sole or joint managing conservatorship)
Primary residence designation
Possession and access schedule, including standard and extended schedules
Holiday and vacation provisions
Transportation arrangements
Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
Geographic restrictions on the child's primary residence

Child Support:

Child support calculation worksheet based on Texas Child Support Guidelines
Net monthly income of the obligor
Number of children before the court
Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
Amount of child support ordered
Payment method and schedule
Income withholding order

Custody Evaluations (if ordered):

Reports from court-appointed psychologists or social workers
Home study findings
Recommendations regarding conservatorship and possession

Support Documents

Spousal Maintenance:

Eligibility findings under Texas Family Code provisions
Type and duration of maintenance ordered
Amount and payment schedule
Conditions for modification or termination

Settlement Documents

Agreed Final Decree of Divorce:

Comprehensive resolution of all issues by agreement of the parties
Property division specifying assets and debts awarded to each party
Spousal maintenance terms, if any
Conservatorship and child support provisions, if applicable
Signatures of both parties, their attorneys, and the presiding judge

Mediated Settlement Agreement:

Terms reached through mediation
Mediator's certification
Incorporated into the final decree upon court approval

Court Orders and Judgments

Temporary Orders:

Temporary conservatorship and possession arrangements
Temporary child support
Temporary spousal support
Temporary use and possession of marital residence
Temporary restraining orders or injunctions

Final Decree of Divorce:

Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law
Date of dissolution of the marriage
Complete property division
Conservatorship and possession orders
Child support orders
Spousal maintenance orders
Name restoration, if requested
Judge's signature and court seal

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):

Separate order directing retirement plan administrators to divide benefits
Issued when retirement accounts are part of the property division

Post-Judgment Documents

Modification Proceedings:

Petitions to modify conservatorship, possession, or support
Evidence of material and substantial change in circumstances
Court orders on modification requests

Enforcement Actions:

Motions for enforcement or contempt
Income withholding orders
Liens filed against property for unpaid support

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
Addresses and schools of minor children
Domestic violence allegations and evidence (may be sealed upon motion)
Mental health evaluations and records
Substance abuse treatment records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents

How Information Is Organized

Documents in a Houston County divorce case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. Each document is assigned a filing date and appears in the case docket in the sequence received. The docket serves as an index to all documents in the file. Recent cases filed electronically through the Texas e-filing system are organized digitally, while older paper files may require in-person review.

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Houston County

Proof of divorce in Houston County is obtained primarily through a certified copy of the final decree of divorce issued by the Houston County District Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming it as a true and accurate reproduction of the original court record. This document is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy of the Final Decree:

Gather identifying information: full names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number if available.
Contact the Houston County District Clerk's Office in person, by mail, or by phone at (936) 544-3255 to confirm the case number and current fee schedule.
Submit a written request or complete the clerk's request form, including all required identifying information and payment for applicable fees.
Allow processing time for the clerk to locate the file, prepare the certified copy, and return it by mail or make it available for in-person pickup.

Houston County District Clerk
401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835
Phone: (936) 544-3255
Houston County District Clerk

For individuals who need only a confirmation that a divorce occurred rather than the full decree, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit issues a Verification of Divorce or Annulment letter. This letter confirms the names of the parties, the county where the divorce was granted, and the date of the decree. It does not contain the terms of the divorce and is not a substitute for the certified decree in most legal proceedings.

Texas Department of State Health Services — Vital Statistics Unit
1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 776-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics

Members of the public may also request proof of divorce through the Texas Judicial Branch if the case is accessible through the statewide court records system.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Houston County?

Divorce proceedings in Houston County are presumptively public, but Texas law provides mechanisms through which specific documents or entire case files may be sealed or restricted from public access.

Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:

Court-ordered sealing: Under Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, a party may file a motion to seal court records. The court must find that a specific, serious, and substantial interest clearly outweighs the presumption of openness before sealing any record.
Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public records pursuant to Texas Family Code provisions and applicable protective order statutes.
Children's information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical providers of minor children is subject to restriction and is not disclosed in publicly accessible documents.
Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, or medical conditions submitted in evidence are protected under state and federal privacy laws, including HIPAA where applicable.
Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 154.073 and are not part of the public court record.
Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement agreements that are not incorporated into the final decree are not filed with the court and therefore do not become part of the public record.

A party seeking to seal records must file a motion, provide public notice, and obtain a court order. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a subsequent court order authorizing access.

How Long Does Houston County Keep Divorce Records?

Houston County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with the records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Government Code § 441.185.

Retention Periods for Divorce Records:

Final decrees of divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of final judgment, with many counties retaining these records permanently.
Uncontested divorce case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years following final judgment.
Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the applicable retention period.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
Archived records: Older records that have been transferred to physical archives remain retrievable upon request, though additional processing time may be required.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission Local Schedule for Courts provides the authoritative retention schedule applicable to district court records, including divorce case files. Members of the public seeking records older than those maintained in the active filing system should contact the Houston County District Clerk directly to inquire about archive retrieval procedures.

Houston County District Clerk
401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835
Phone: (936) 544-3255
Houston County District Clerk