Divorce records in Tom Green County, Texas, are available through several channels. TomGreenCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, the original court decisions are maintained by the District Clerk's office, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains indexes and issues verification letters. Records can also be requested in person, by mail, or through the state's online portal.
Tom Green Divorce Records Search
In Texas, divorce cases are handled by District Courts. The Tom Green County District Clerk's Office maintains complete court cases: divorce decrees, property division agreements, child custody orders, and all related procedural documents. District Clerk Vicki Vines is the registrar and custodian of these materials.
DSHS, on the other hand, maintains divorce record indexes at the state level. These indexes contain basic information — names of the parties, date, and county — but not the full text of the court decision. A certified copy of the decision itself is issued exclusively by the District Clerk.
Tom Green County District Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Tom Green
When a judge signs a divorce decree, it is filed with the District Clerk's office of the county where the case was filed. In Tom Green County, cases are handled by two District Courts — 119th District Court and 51st District Court — both served by the same District Clerk's office.
Which office to choose depends on what is needed:
- Complete copy of the court decision (divorce decree) — contact the District Clerk. Only this office can issue a certified copy with a wet seal.
- Verification letter — can be ordered through the DSHS online portal. This document confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain agreement details.
- Index search — DSHS publishes divorce indexes where you can check if a specific divorce is registered in the state.
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) — Vital Statistics
The County Clerk's Office does not issue copies of divorce decrees. This office is responsible for property records, marriage licenses, and lower-level county court cases, but not for District Court materials.
According to Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, court records are generally public. However, some documents — particularly those involving minors' financial data or sealed cases — may have restricted access.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Tom Green
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS, online order) | $20.00 | 2–3 weeks |
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS, by mail) | $20.00 | 3–4 weeks |
| Index search for an additional year (DSHS) | $3.00 per additional year | Included in the main term |
| Expedited processing (DSHS, FedEx delivery) | additional $5.00 | expedited by a few days |
| Certified copy of the divorce decree (District Clerk) | Depends on the volume of the document; check with the office | Usually 1–5 business days for in-person requests |