How to Obtain and Use Information in Texas Divorce Records

Like other vital records, divorce records belong in the public domain. Unlike them, they are maintained only by the counties where the divorce decrees were granted. It all depends on how much detail you need. For example, do you want to check Texas divorce records just to see if someone is actually divorced or not? Or, do you want details of the divorce case itself?

For instance, you can always access the essential facts of any Texas divorce record from January 1st, 1968 at the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Texas Department of Health, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Or, you can phone 512-458-7111.
 
You will not be given the details, such as grounds for divorce, terms of child custody etc. or a certified copy. Detailed divorce records are maintained mainly by the counties. As in other states, for details about TX divorce records or divorce records in Dallas, you have to contact the county of jurisdiction. It will cost you $9.00, payable by check or money order to the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

If you write, do remember that you must keep your letter as concise and topical as you can. Never mention too many avoidable details or multiple requests. Also keep in mind that you should not expect very fast turnaround times. This is because the office is almost always under-staffed and while they are willing to help you, it might take some time for them to process your request. Also make sure that you include all the relevant facts when you are submitting your request.

Requesting Texas Divorce Records

Though these types of records contain personal information about the person who was party to the divorce, you can still legally access them without seeking any consent from the person whose record you are searching. The best news is that you can find the record you want at quite an affordable price.

What Kind of Information Can You Find and What Is Prohibited in These Records?

When submitting a request for Texas divorce records, it is essential that you know you will never be allowed to know everything. For example, you can never know the Social Security number of the person, address or other such information. You will also never be given a certified copy of the divorce decree.

Actually, the divorce records you will receive contain information on whether the person about whom you have placed the request is actually divorced or not. You can also know the date when the person was granted the divorce, as well as the county and the state where it was granted.

In a vast majority of cases this is enough. For example, if you are getting married to someone whom you know was married before, you may want to be certain before the wedding date whether he or she has actually been divorced or not. With this information, and if the Texas divorce records show that he/she is indeed divorced, you can finally have that peace of mind.