Tyler County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Tyler County in 2026
TylerRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Tyler County, Texas. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official county and state resources. The following record categories are available through various search methods:
- Divorce decrees and final judgments
- Case docket entries and hearing dates
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Property division and support orders
- Post-judgment modification orders
Divorce records in Tyler County may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Tyler County District Clerk, which maintains all family law case files filed in the 1st District Court of Tyler County.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Tyler County District Clerk's office provides access to district court dockets online. Members of the public may search case information at no charge for basic docket entries; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
- Access district court dockets through the Tyler County District Clerk portal
- Search by party name or case number
- Free basic case information
- Certified copy fees apply for document requests
2. Texas State Court System Portal
The Texas Judicial Branch case search provides a statewide resource for locating court records across Texas jurisdictions, including Tyler County district court filings.
3. Texas Vital Statistics
Texas does not issue a separate "divorce certificate" in the same manner as a birth or death certificate; however, the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit maintains a Verification of Divorce or Annulment, which confirms that a divorce was granted. This document is distinct from the full court record and carries a separate fee.
In-Person Searches:
Tyler County District Clerk — Family Division:
Tyler County District Clerk's Office
100 W. Bluff St., Courthouse
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162
District Clerk - Tyler County Texas
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance available during business hours
- Operating hours are posted on the official District Clerk page
Records Department:
The Tyler County District Clerk also maintains archived and historical divorce case files. Older records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted in writing.
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Tyler County District Clerk, 100 W. Bluff St., Woodville, TX 75979
- Include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester'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 1–2 weeks; allow additional time for archived records
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Tyler County District Clerk: (409) 283-2162
- 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 documents
- Confidential or sealed case information
Through Attorneys:
An attorney licensed in Texas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of good cause. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for family law matters, which is particularly useful in complex or contested cases.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and county of marriage
- Previous addresses in Tyler County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, a suit for divorce must be filed in the county where either spouse has resided for the preceding 90 days, provided that one spouse has been a domiciliary of Texas for at least six months. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of filing, as the record will be held by the clerk in that county — not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately; allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for processing
- Older divorces, particularly those predating electronic filing, may be archived in paper format and require additional retrieval time
- Cases filed prior to the adoption of electronic records systems may not be fully digitized
What If You Can't Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Search under alternate name spellings and maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Confirm whether the case has been finalized or remains pending
- Check the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit for a Verification of Divorce or Annulment
- Contact the District Clerk's office directly at (409) 283-2162
What Are Tyler County Divorce Records?
Tyler County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the 1st District Court of Tyler County, Texas. These records are maintained by the Tyler County District Clerk and constitute part of the permanent family law case file.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce (Original Petition for Divorce)
- Respondent's answer and any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure documents
- Proposed or agreed parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings (if prepared)
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce:
The Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The date the marriage is dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance orders, 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 through the Tyler County District Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-divorce modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Tyler County District Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in Tyler County. The Tyler County District Clerk indexes records by party names and case number, and provides certified copies upon request.
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit maintains a separate statewide index of divorces granted in Texas and issues Verifications of Divorce or Annulment, which serve as official confirmation that a divorce was granted but do not contain the full case file contents.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code, which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural rules. Under Texas Family Code § 6.001, insupportability (no-fault) is the primary ground for divorce in Texas. Public access to court records is governed by the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to the public unless a specific exception applies.
Are Tyler County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Tyler County are public court records subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are restricted or redacted under state and federal law.
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
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some circumstances)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. 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 applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including confidential information
- Attorneys: May access case files and, with appropriate showing, may petition for access to sealed documents
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court permission
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Tyler County?
The Tyler County District Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, which governs fees charged by district clerks in Texas.
| Service | Current 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 search (state vital records) |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | Additional fee; contact clerk for current rate |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge
- Electronic copies, where available, may be subject to the same per-page fee
- Payment methods accepted at the Tyler County District Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order; members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the office
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record copies; indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for waiver of certain fees
- The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit charges a separate fee of $20.00 for a Verification of Divorce or Annulment, payable at the time of request
Members of the public may view documents in person at the courthouse at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Tyler County
A complete Tyler County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the District Clerk from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The following summarizes the principal 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 location, asserts grounds for divorce, identifies minor children, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, support, and custody
- Respondent's Answer: States the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for divorce
- Financial Affidavits: Both parties' sworn statements of income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Inventory and appraisement of marital assets and debts
- Real property appraisals and valuations
- Business valuations, if applicable
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed or agreed parenting plan (conservatorship and possession schedule)
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Settlement Documents:
- Mediated Settlement Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement, incorporating all agreed terms
- Agreed Final Decree of Divorce (in uncontested cases)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders (temporary conservatorship, support, and use of property)
- Final Decree of Divorce, which constitutes the court's binding order dissolving the marriage and resolving all issues
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Petitions to modify conservatorship or support
- Income withholding orders for child support enforcement
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Tyler County?
Proof of divorce in Tyler County is obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce from the Tyler County District Clerk, or a Verification of Divorce or Annulment from the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit.
Certified Copy of Final Decree of Divorce:
A certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and estate purposes.
- Submit a written or in-person request to the Tyler County District Clerk
- Provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the applicable certification fee ($5.00 + $1.00 per page under current fee schedules)
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by contacting the office directly
Tyler County District Clerk's Office
100 W. Bluff St., Courthouse
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162
District Clerk - Tyler County Texas
Verification of Divorce or Annulment (State Vital Records):
For purposes requiring only confirmation that a divorce was granted — without the full decree — the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit issues a Verification of Divorce or Annulment for divorces granted in Texas from 1968 to the present.
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 776-7111
Texas Vital Statistics - DSHS
- Current fee: $20.00 per search
- Processing time varies; expedited options may be available
- This document confirms the divorce occurred but does not contain the terms of the decree
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Tyler County?
Divorce proceedings in Tyler County are presumptively public under the Texas Public Information Act; however, specific records or entire case files may be made confidential under limited circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion to seal records under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, which requires a showing that the specific harm from disclosure outweighs the presumption of open records. The court must hold a public hearing before sealing any records.
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public disclosure under Texas Family Code provisions protecting victim safety.
- Children's information: Certain information relating to minor children — including residential addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations — may be restricted or redacted from publicly accessible portions of the file.
- Mediation communications: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement agreements incorporated by reference but not filed in full may not appear in the public record.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Tyler County Keep Divorce Records?
Tyler County divorce records are maintained in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules, which govern the retention of district court records throughout Texas.
- Permanent retention: Final Decrees of Divorce and other final judgments are retained permanently by the Tyler County District Clerk, as required by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Local Schedule for District Courts.
- Case files: Complete divorce case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of final judgment for most civil family law cases; cases involving child support or conservatorship orders may be retained longer due to ongoing enforcement obligations.
- Archived records: Older case files that have been transferred to archival storage remain retrievable upon request, though additional processing time may be required.
- 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.
- Vital statistics index: The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit maintains its statewide divorce index for divorces granted from 1968 to the present on a permanent basis.
Members of the public seeking records from cases older than those available in the active electronic system should contact the Tyler County District Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.