Austin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Austin County in 2026
AustinRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Austin County, Texas. Members of the public may find final divorce decrees, case filing dates, party names, court orders, and related family law documents. Available record categories may include dissolution judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Austin County may be searched through official resources including the District Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and authorized online tools. The following sections outline all available search methods, required information, and applicable procedures.
Online Searches
1. District Clerk Case Search
The Austin County District Clerk maintains the official index of divorce case filings. Members of the public may search case information online through the county's official web portal. Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is available at no charge. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. Texas Vital Records — DSHS
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains divorce verification records for proceedings finalized in Texas. These records confirm whether a divorce was granted but do not contain the full case file. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available only from the District Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted.
3. Texas.gov State Portal
The Texas.gov official state website provides a centralized directory of state and county government services, including links to court records systems and vital statistics offices across all Texas counties.
In-Person Searches
District Clerk — Family Law Division:
Austin County District Clerk
1 East Main Street
Bellville, TX 77418
Phone: (979) 865-5911
Austin County District Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating case records
Austin County Clerk
1 East Main Street
Bellville, TX 77418
Phone: (979) 865-5911
Austin County Clerk's office
- The County Clerk maintains birth, death, and marriage records; divorce records are held by the District Clerk.
- For copies of deed records and related documents, members of the public may email the Public Records Department at ccvault@austincounty.com.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Austin County District Clerk, 1 East Main Street, Bellville, TX 77418
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to office workload and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- District Clerk: (979) 865-5911
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex divorce matters may retain legal counsel to access case records on their behalf. An attorney may request sealed or restricted documents by filing the appropriate motion with the court. The State Bar of Texas provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date range
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Additional Information:
- Date and county of marriage
- Previous addresses of either party
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Texas law, a divorce petition is filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record must search in the county of residence, not the county where the marriage occurred, unless those are the same. If the county of filing is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties.
Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must 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 before a petition for divorce may be filed.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in the online index immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are processed within days to weeks of the court's entry of the final decree.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time and may not be available through online search tools.
- The Texas State Library and Archives Commission maintains county records available on microfilm, which may assist in locating historical divorce records.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county than expected.
- Name variations exist between maiden name, married name, and legal name at time of filing.
- Spelling differences in party names affect index search results.
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending.
- Very old records are stored in archives and require special retrieval.
- The case has been sealed by court order.
Next Steps:
- Contact the District Clerk's office at (979) 865-5911 to request staff assistance.
- Attempt alternate name spellings and both spouses' names.
- Search the local vital record offices directory maintained by Texas DSHS to identify the correct custodian.
- Consult an attorney for assistance locating sealed or difficult-to-find records.
What Are Austin County Divorce Records?
Austin County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the county's district court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law case file maintained by the District Clerk and are subject to Texas public records law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files contain the complete record of the proceeding, including:
- Petition for divorce (Original Petition for Divorce)
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Motions, temporary orders, and court rulings
- Hearing transcripts (if prepared)
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and conservatorship arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested
Certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce are available from the Austin County District Clerk and serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes including remarriage, name changes, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit applications.
Supporting Documents within the case file may include:
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Income withholding orders for child support
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Contempt and enforcement filings
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Austin County District Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit maintains a separate index of divorce verifications but does not hold complete case files. Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 3.001 and related provisions, the district court retains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings and the District Clerk maintains the official record.
Are Austin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Austin County are public court records under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted or Redacted:
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 tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access.
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted or restricted.
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records.
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order.
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted.
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety.
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law.
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Sealed cases are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the district court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents otherwise restricted from public view.
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition for access to sealed materials.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires court authorization.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Austin County?
The Austin County District Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with the Texas Government Code. Current fees applicable to divorce records are as follows:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $5.00 for certification + $1.00 per page |
| Clerk's certificate (seal) | Included in certification fee |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies; confirm with clerk's office |
- Fees are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the District Clerk's office at (979) 865-5911 prior to submitting a request.
- Accepted payment methods at the Austin County District Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Austin County District Clerk. Confirm availability of credit or debit card payment directly with the office.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon submission of an affidavit of inability to pay, pursuant to applicable Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Basic case index information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, may be viewed at no charge through public access terminals at the courthouse.
- There is no charge to inspect public records in person; fees apply only to copies and certifications.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Austin County
A complete Austin County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the District Clerk from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following categories represent the standard contents of a divorce case file.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Original Petition for Divorce: Identifies both parties, states the marriage date and place, asserts grounds for divorce (in Texas, insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001 is the no-fault ground), identifies children of the marriage, and states the relief requested including property division, conservatorship, and support.
- Respondent's Original Answer: States the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for divorce.
- Financial Affidavits: Disclose both parties' income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Property-Related Documents:
- Inventory and appraisement of marital estate
- Real property descriptions and valuations
- Vehicle, bank account, investment, and retirement account listings
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Expert appraisal reports and business valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed or agreed parenting plan (conservatorship and possession schedule)
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income withholding orders
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (may be restricted)
Settlement Documents:
- Mediated Settlement Agreement (MSA): A binding agreement resolving all contested issues, signed by both parties and their attorneys.
- Final Decree of Divorce: The court's comprehensive order dissolving the marriage, dividing property, establishing conservatorship and support, and addressing all remaining issues.
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): A separate order directing retirement plan administrators to divide retirement benefits between the parties.
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify conservatorship, possession, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Income deduction orders and enforcement actions
- Contempt motions and related orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and related sealed filings
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation correspondence (not part of the official record)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Austin County?
Proof of divorce in Austin County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce issued by the Austin County District Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by confirming the case number and filing county. The local vital record offices directory maintained by Texas DSHS confirms that the Austin County District Clerk is the custodian of local divorce records.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or as directed by the District Clerk's office:
Austin County District Clerk
1 East Main Street
Bellville, TX 77418
Phone: (979) 865-5911
Austin County District Clerk
- Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $5.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page; confirm current fees with the office).
- For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and allow approximately 1–2 weeks for processing.
For a divorce verification (confirming that a divorce occurred without obtaining the full decree), members of the public may also contact the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit, which maintains a statewide index of divorce records. The DSHS issues divorce verifications but not certified copies of decrees; certified copies are available only from the District Clerk in the county of filing.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Austin County?
Divorce proceedings in Austin County are presumptively public, but certain cases or portions of case files may be made confidential by court order or by operation of law.
Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential:
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion to seal all or part of a divorce case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open records against the privacy interests of the parties or children. A showing of good cause is required.
- Domestic violence cases: Information identifying the address or location of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public records to protect victim safety under applicable Texas protective order statutes.
- Children's sensitive information: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of minor children may be sealed to protect the best interests of the child.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court procedure.
- Mediation communications: Under Texas law, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These are restricted under both state and federal law, including HIPAA, and are not disclosed in public-facing court documents.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential portions of a divorce case file must file a motion with the Austin County District Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for access.
How Long Does Austin County Keep Divorce Records?
Austin County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Local Schedule CC (Records of County and District Clerks).
Retention periods for divorce records:
- Final Decrees of Divorce and permanent court orders: Retained permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (all filed documents): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of final judgment for most civil family law cases, with permanent retention for cases involving children or property of significant value.
- Index records: Retained permanently, allowing case identification even when original paper files have been transferred to archives.
- Archived paper records: Older case files may be transferred to off-site storage or converted to microfilm. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission maintains county records on microfilm and provides access to historical records for genealogical and legal research purposes.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records.
Members of the public seeking records older than those available through the online case search system should contact the Austin County District Clerk directly to inquire about archived file retrieval procedures and any associated fees.