Wichita County Public Records /Wichita County Divorce Records

Wichita County Divorce Records

What Are Wichita County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Wichita County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to the Texas Family Code § 6.001, which establishes the grounds for divorce in the state of Texas. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, including the original petition for divorce, temporary orders, financial affidavits, property settlements, child custody arrangements, and the final divorce decree.

The Wichita County District Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of divorce records for cases filed within the county. These records serve several important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in Wichita County are categorized as both court records and vital records. The court records contain the complete case file with all pleadings and orders, while the vital records system maintains an index and statistical information about divorces granted within the county as required by the Texas Health and Safety Code § 194.001.

Are Wichita County Divorce Records Public?

Wichita County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. The Texas Public Information Act generally classifies court records, including divorce proceedings, as public information. However, access to these records is subject to certain limitations and exceptions.

Court divorce case files in Wichita County are generally available for public inspection, with important exceptions:

Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and certain medical information are redacted or restricted pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.147
Cases involving minors may have additional privacy protections
Records sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
Documents containing information related to family violence or protective orders may have restricted access

Certified divorce certificates and verification letters, which are maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services, have more restricted access. Only the following individuals may obtain these documents:

The individuals named in the divorce record
Immediate family members (parents, siblings, children)
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record

The distinction between public court records and restricted vital records reflects the balance between transparency in the judicial system and the protection of personal privacy as established in Texas law.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Wichita County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Wichita County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the parties involved.

For divorce court records:

Visit the Wichita County District Clerk's Office in person to conduct a search of public records.

Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 303
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100
Wichita County District Clerk

Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Provide the clerk with as much information as possible, including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Pay the applicable search and copy fees. Currently, the District Clerk charges:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee

For divorce verification letters or certificates:

Submit a request to the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section using their online portal, mail, or in-person services.
Provide required identification and documentation proving eligibility to access the record.
Pay the state-mandated fee for divorce verification ($20.00) or divorce certificate ($20.00).

Alternatively, requesters may utilize the services of the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District, which serves as a local registrar for vital records.

Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District
1700 Third Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 761-7800
Wichita Falls Vital Records

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Wichita County Online?

Wichita County provides limited online access to divorce record information. The complete process for conducting an online search includes:

Access the Wichita County District Clerk's online case information system through the county's official website. This system allows for basic case information searches but does not provide access to full document images.
For more comprehensive divorce record searches, utilize the Texas Department of State Health Services divorce indexes. These indexes provide basic information about divorces granted in Texas counties, including:
- Names of parties
- Date of divorce
- County where the divorce was granted
For official divorce verification or certificates, submit a request through the Texas Online Vital Records Application. This secure portal allows eligible individuals to order official divorce records directly from the state.
Create an account on the portal and provide:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Date and county of divorce
- Your relationship to the individuals named in the record
- Valid identification documents
Pay the required fee using a credit card or electronic check.

It is important to note that while basic case information may be available online, obtaining certified copies or complete divorce records typically requires additional verification steps to protect privacy and prevent identity theft.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Wichita County?

Members of the public seeking to access divorce records in Wichita County without incurring fees have limited options, as most official record requests involve statutory fees. However, several approaches may allow for free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:

Utilize the public access terminals at the Wichita County District Clerk's Office. While printing documents incurs fees, viewing basic case information on these terminals is typically available at no cost.

Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 303
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100
Wichita County District Clerk
Access the Texas Department of State Health Services divorce indexes online. These indexes provide basic information about divorces granted in Texas counties and can be viewed without charge.
Visit the Wichita Falls Public Library, which may provide access to public records databases as part of their reference services.

Wichita Falls Public Library
600 11th Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 767-0868
Wichita Falls Public Library
For academic or genealogical research purposes, contact the Wichita County Archives to inquire about historical divorce records that may be available for research purposes.

Wichita County Archives
900 7th Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100

It is important to note that while basic information may be accessible without fees, obtaining certified copies or complete divorce records will require payment of statutory fees as established by Texas law.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Wichita County

Divorce records in Wichita County consist of multiple documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of a marriage. The content of these records varies based on the complexity of the case and the specific circumstances of the divorce. Typically, a complete divorce record file contains:

Original Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (such as insupportability, cruelty, adultery, etc.)
- Information regarding children of the marriage
- Requested relief
Citation and Return of Service - Documentation showing the non-filing spouse was properly notified of the divorce action
Answer and/or Counter-Petition - The response filed by the non-filing spouse
Temporary Orders - Court directives regarding:
- Temporary child custody arrangements
- Temporary spousal support
- Temporary use of property
- Temporary payment of debts
Financial Information:
- Inventory and appraisement of assets
- Disclosure of debts and liabilities
- Income verification documents
- Child support worksheets
Settlement Agreements:
- Property division agreements
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support arrangements
- Spousal maintenance terms
Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment that:
- Legally dissolves the marriage
- Allocates parental rights and responsibilities
- Divides marital property and debts
- Establishes child support obligations
- Orders spousal maintenance (if applicable)
- Restores a party's former name (if requested)
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - Special orders for dividing retirement accounts

The divorce certificate, which is maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services, contains more limited information, including the names of the parties, the date the divorce was granted, and the county where the divorce occurred.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Wichita County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Wichita County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the record.

For a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce:

Visit or contact the Wichita County District Clerk's Office, which maintains the official court records for divorces granted in the county.

Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 303
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100
Wichita County District Clerk
Provide the clerk with:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
Pay the required fee:
- $1.00 per page for copies
- Additional $5.00 for certification

For an official Divorce Verification Letter or Certificate:

Submit a request to the Texas Department of State Health Services through their online vital records ordering system.
Alternatively, visit the local vital records office:

Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District
1700 Third Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 761-7800
Wichita Falls Vital Records
Provide required identification and documentation proving eligibility to access the record.
Pay the state-mandated fee:
- Divorce Verification Letter: $20.00
- Certified Divorce Certificate: $20.00

For expedited service, requesters may utilize third-party vital records services authorized by the state, though these typically charge additional convenience fees. All official proof of divorce documents are printed on security paper with official seals to prevent fraud and ensure authenticity.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Wichita County?

While divorce proceedings in Wichita County are generally matters of public record, Texas law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by various provisions in the Texas Family Code and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Sealing of Records - Pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, a court may seal divorce records upon a showing that:
- A specific, serious, and substantial interest clearly outweighs the presumption of openness
- No less restrictive means would adequately protect that interest
- The sealing order is narrowly tailored to serve the interest to be protected
Protective Orders - The court may issue protective orders to prevent disclosure of sensitive information, particularly in cases involving:
- Family violence
- Child abuse or neglect
- Stalking or harassment
Redaction of Sensitive Information - Certain information is automatically protected from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical records
- Information concerning minor children
Confidential Communications - Communications between spouses and their attorneys are protected by attorney-client privilege and are not subject to public disclosure.
Alternative Dispute Resolution - Mediation proceedings and communications are confidential under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 154.053.

Parties seeking confidentiality for their divorce proceedings must file appropriate motions with the court and demonstrate compelling reasons for restricting public access. The court balances the public's right to access judicial records against legitimate privacy concerns on a case-by-case basis.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Wichita County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Wichita County varies significantly based on several factors. Under Texas law, specifically Texas Family Code § 6.702, a divorce cannot be finalized until at least 60 days have passed since the date the petition was filed. This mandatory waiting period, often referred to as a "cooling-off period," represents the minimum time frame for any divorce in the county.

Beyond this statutory minimum, the actual time to complete a divorce depends on:

Type of Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement on all issues: 2-3 months
- Contested divorces requiring negotiation: 4-12 months
- Highly contested divorces with complex issues: 1-2 years or longer
Court Docket Congestion:
- The Wichita County District Courts currently process approximately 600-700 divorce cases annually
- Case scheduling depends on court availability and existing caseload
Complexity Factors:
- Child custody disputes typically add 3-6 months to the process
- Complex property division issues may extend proceedings by 4-8 months
- Business valuation requirements can add 2-4 months
- Retirement account division requiring QDROs adds 1-3 months
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Successful mediation can reduce timeframes by 2-4 months
- Collaborative divorce processes average 4-8 months total

According to statistics from the Office of Court Administration, the average time to disposition for contested divorce cases in Wichita County is approximately 8.5 months from filing to final decree. Uncontested cases with complete agreements typically finalize closer to the minimum 60-day waiting period, often within 75-90 days of filing.

Temporary orders addressing immediate concerns such as child custody, support, and use of property are typically issued within 2-4 weeks of filing, providing interim arrangements while the divorce proceeds.

How Long Does Wichita County Keep Divorce Records?

Wichita County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules and the Texas Local Government Records Act. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical significance.

District Court divorce records in Wichita County are retained according to the following schedule:

Case Files (including Final Decree of Divorce): Permanent retention
Indexes to Cases: Permanent retention
Docket Books: Permanent retention
Judgment Books: Permanent retention

The permanent retention of these records reflects their ongoing legal importance and historical value. These records remain available through the Wichita County District Clerk's Office indefinitely.

For vital records purposes, the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains divorce indexes and statistical information permanently. According to the Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051, the state registrar is required to permanently preserve vital statistics records, including divorce records.

Electronic records of divorces granted in Wichita County since approximately 1968 are maintained in the state's vital records database and are accessible through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Records prior to this date may be available in microfilm or paper format.

For historical research purposes, older divorce records may also be available through:

Wichita County Archives
900 7th Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100

The permanent retention of divorce records ensures their availability for legal purposes, including proof of marital status, property rights, and genealogical research.

How To Get a Divorce In Wichita County

Obtaining a divorce in Wichita County requires following specific legal procedures established by the Texas Family Code. The process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence:

Establish Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months
- One spouse must have resided in Wichita County for at least 90 days
- These requirements are mandated by Texas Family Code § 6.301
Prepare and File the Original Petition for Divorce:
- Complete the appropriate petition forms
- File the petition with the Wichita County District Clerk
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $300-350)
Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 303
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100
Wichita County District Clerk
Serve the Respondent:
- Have the non-filing spouse served with the petition and citation
- Alternatively, the respondent may sign a Waiver of Service
- Service must comply with Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
Wait for the Respondent's Answer:
- The respondent has approximately 20 days to file an answer
- If no answer is filed, you may proceed with a default judgment
Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial:
- Develop agreements on property division, child custody, and support
- Participate in mediation if required by the court
- Prepare for trial if agreements cannot be reached
Attend Temporary Orders Hearing (if necessary):
- Establish interim arrangements for property, support, and custody
- These orders remain in effect until the divorce is finalized
Complete Parenting Classes (if children are involved):
- Wichita County courts typically require completion of a parenting course
- Certificates of completion must be filed with the court
Finalize the Divorce:
- Wait the mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing
- Schedule a final hearing with the court
- Present the Final Decree of Divorce for the judge's approval
File the Signed Decree:
- Ensure the signed decree is filed with the District Clerk
- Obtain certified copies for your records

For individuals unable to afford filing fees, the court may grant a waiver based on financial need. Additionally, free or low-cost legal assistance may be available through:

Legal Aid of Northwest Texas - Wichita Falls Office
500 Broad Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 723-5542
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas

How To Get Divorce Papers In Wichita County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Wichita County have several options for obtaining the necessary divorce papers. The required documents include the Original Petition for Divorce, Citation, Waiver of Service, and Final Decree of Divorce, among others.

To obtain divorce papers in Wichita County:

Visit the Wichita County District Clerk's Office:

Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 303
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100
Wichita County District Clerk

The clerk's office provides basic divorce forms for a nominal fee.
Access forms through the Texas Law Help website:
- Visit TexasLawHelp.org
- Navigate to the family law section
- Download divorce forms appropriate for your situation
- These forms are provided free of charge and include detailed instructions
Utilize the Texas Supreme Court approved forms:
- The Supreme Court of Texas has approved standardized divorce forms
- These forms are specifically designed for uncontested divorces without children or significant property
- Available through the Texas Judicial Branch website
Consult with the Wichita County Law Library:

Wichita County Law Library
900 7th Street, Room 300
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8170

The law library maintains reference materials and form books for divorce proceedings.
Seek assistance from legal aid organizations:

Legal Aid of Northwest Texas - Wichita Falls Office
500 Broad Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 723-5542
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas

This organization provides legal assistance to qualifying low-income individuals.
Consult with a private attorney:
- The Wichita County Bar Association can provide referrals to local family law attorneys
- Many attorneys offer initial consultations at reduced rates

It is important to note that while standardized forms are available, divorce proceedings can be legally complex. The forms appropriate for your situation depend on factors such as:

Whether children are involved
The extent and nature of marital property
Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested
Special circumstances such as family violence or military service

For complex cases, consultation with a qualified family law attorney is strongly recommended to ensure proper preparation and filing of divorce papers.