Hunt County Divorce Records
What Are Hunt County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Hunt County are official legal documents maintained by the county's judicial system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are governed by the Texas Family Code § 6.001, which establishes the grounds for divorce in the state of Texas. Hunt County divorce records consist of various court documents filed during divorce proceedings, including the original petition for divorce, temporary orders, financial affidavits, property settlements, child custody arrangements, and the final divorce decree.
The District Clerk's Office in Hunt County is responsible for maintaining these records as part of their official duties pursuant to Texas law. Divorce records serve multiple 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 certain immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) also maintains a statewide index of divorce records, though the actual divorce decrees remain with the county where the divorce was granted. Under Texas law, divorce records are considered vital records and are subject to specific regulations regarding their access and distribution.
Are Hunt County Divorce Records Public?
Hunt County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. The general court case files related to divorce proceedings are typically considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act § 552.001, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection. However, this public access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
Certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public view, including:
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147
- Documents with Social Security numbers, bank account information, or other financial identifiers
- Records pertaining to minor children, including custody evaluations and child support calculations
- Protective orders or records sealed by court order
- Records containing information about victims of family violence
While the general case information may be publicly accessible, certified copies of divorce decrees are typically only available to the parties involved in the divorce or their authorized representatives. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains that certified copies of divorce decrees must be obtained from the district clerk in the county where the divorce was granted, and access may be restricted to authorized individuals.
Third parties seeking divorce records may need to demonstrate a tangible interest in the records or obtain a court order authorizing access, depending on the specific circumstances and the sensitivity of the information contained within the records.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Hunt County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Hunt County may follow these procedural steps to locate and obtain the desired documentation:
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Determine the appropriate office for the request. The Hunt County District Clerk maintains all divorce records for divorces granted within the county.
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Gather necessary information before initiating a search:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year at minimum)
- Case number (if known)
- County where divorce was finalized
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Contact or visit the Hunt County District Clerk's office:
Hunt County District Clerk
2507 Lee Street
Greenville, TX 75401
(903) 408-4190
Hunt County District Clerk
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
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Complete a records request form, which can be obtained in person or downloaded from the county website.
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Pay the applicable search and copy fees. The current fee structure includes:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
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For divorce records older than 25 years, researchers may need to contact the Hunt County Records Management Department or the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, as some older records may have been transferred to archival storage.
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Alternatively, individuals may request a verification of divorce through the Texas Department of State Health Services, which maintains a statewide index of divorce records dating back to 1968.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Hunt County Online?
Hunt County provides limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. Individuals seeking to conduct online searches for divorce records may utilize the following resources:
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Hunt County District Clerk's Online Records Portal:
- Navigate to the Hunt County District Clerk's official website
- Select the "Public Records Search" option
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria such as party names, case number, or date range
- Note that while case indexes may be available online, full document access may be restricted
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Texas Department of State Health Services Marriage and Divorce Indexes:
- These indexes provide basic information about divorces granted in Texas
- Records are available from 1968 to the present
- Information typically includes names, county of divorce, and date
- Full divorce decrees are not available through this system
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Third-party subscription services:
- Several commercial websites offer access to public records databases
- These services may charge fees for searches and document retrieval
- The accuracy and completeness of third-party databases cannot be guaranteed
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idocket.com or re:SearchTX:
- These platforms provide access to court records across multiple Texas counties
- Registration may be required
- Some documents may be viewable online, while others require in-person requests
Users should be aware that online access to divorce records is often limited to basic case information rather than complete files. Sensitive information is typically redacted from online records, and certified copies of divorce decrees generally require in-person requests or written applications to the Hunt County District Clerk.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Hunt County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Hunt County have several options available, though free access is typically limited to basic information rather than complete document copies:
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In-person inspection at the Hunt County District Clerk's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request to view specific divorce case files
- While viewing records is free, copying fees will apply if copies are needed
- Bring identification and case information to facilitate the search
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Hunt County Law Library:
- Located within the Hunt County Courthouse
- Provides public access terminals for searching court records
- Staff may assist with navigating the search system
- Document printing fees may apply
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Public access computers at the Hunt County District Clerk's Office:
- Available for on-site searches of the case management system
- No fee for searching, though printing fees apply
- Limited to basic case information
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Texas Department of State Health Services Marriage/Divorce Indexes:
- Free online access to basic divorce index information
- Limited to name, date, and county information
- Does not include actual divorce documents
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Hunt County Public Library:
- May offer access to public records databases through library subscriptions
- Library card may be required
- Staff can assist with navigating available resources
Researchers should note that while viewing public divorce records may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees. Additionally, records that have been sealed by court order or contain confidential information will not be accessible without proper authorization regardless of the search method employed.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Hunt County
Divorce records in Hunt County comprise a comprehensive collection of legal documents that chronicle the entire divorce proceeding. Pursuant to the Texas Family Code § 6.406, these records typically contain the following components:
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Original Petition for Divorce:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (insupportability, cruelty, adultery, etc.)
- Information regarding children of the marriage
- Requested relief
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Citation and Return of Service:
- Documentation showing the respondent was properly notified
- Proof of service or waiver of service
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Answer and Counter-Petition (if filed):
- Respondent's formal reply to the divorce petition
- Any counter-claims made by the respondent
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Temporary Orders:
- Interim arrangements for child custody and support
- Temporary use of property and payment of debts
- Temporary spousal support if awarded
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Financial Information:
- Inventory and appraisement of community property
- Disclosure of separate property claims
- Financial statements and tax returns
- Wage information and employment details
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Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan
- Child support calculations
- Visitation schedule
- Provisions for health insurance and medical care
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Property Settlement Agreement:
- Division of assets and liabilities
- Disposition of the marital residence
- Distribution of retirement accounts and investments
- Allocation of personal property
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Final Decree of Divorce:
- Official judgment dissolving the marriage
- Final orders regarding property division
- Permanent orders for child custody and support
- Name change authorization (if requested)
- Court's findings and rulings on all contested issues
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Post-Judgment Motions and Orders:
- Any modifications to the original decree
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
The level of detail in divorce records varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and whether the parties reached settlement agreements or required court intervention to resolve disputes.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Hunt County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Hunt County must follow established procedures to obtain certified documentation. The following steps outline the process for securing legally recognized proof of divorce:
- Request a certified copy of the divorce decree from the Hunt County District Clerk:
Hunt County District Clerk
2507 Lee Street
Greenville, TX 75401
(903) 408-4190
Hunt County District Clerk
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Submit a written request including:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's relationship to the parties
- Contact information
- Copy of valid photo identification
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Pay the required fees:
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
- Payment methods include cash, money order, or credit card (in person)
- Mail requests must include money order or cashier's check
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For verification of divorce without the full decree, request a Verification of Divorce from the Texas Department of State Health Services:
- Complete the application for verification of divorce
- Include required identification
- Pay the state fee ($20.00 per verification)
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
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For expedited service, individuals may:
- Visit the District Clerk's office in person
- Request same-day service (additional fees may apply)
- Provide all necessary identifying information
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For divorce records needed for international purposes:
- Request an apostille or authentication from the Texas Secretary of State
- Submit the certified copy from Hunt County with appropriate forms
- Pay additional state fees for authentication
Authorized individuals who may obtain certified copies of divorce decrees include the divorced parties, their legal representatives, immediate family members with direct interest, or others who can demonstrate legitimate need through court order or other legal authorization.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Hunt County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Hunt County may be subject to confidentiality protections. The Texas Family Code and Rules of Civil Procedure provide several mechanisms through which divorce records may be shielded from public access:
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Sealing of Records: Pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, a court may order divorce records sealed upon a showing that:
- A specific, serious, and substantial interest clearly outweighs the presumption of openness
- No less restrictive means would adequately protect the interest
- The sealing order is narrowly tailored to serve the interest
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Protective Orders: The court may issue protective orders limiting disclosure of sensitive information when:
- The information involves matters of personal privacy
- Disclosure would create risk of harm to a party or child
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information is involved
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Automatic Confidentiality Provisions:
- Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and certain other financial identifiers
- Medical records and health information
- Records pertaining to victims of family violence
- Information about minor children beyond basic identification
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Special Circumstances:
- Cases involving high-profile individuals may receive additional confidentiality protections
- Divorces involving allegations of domestic violence may have restricted access
- Cases with national security implications may be partially sealed
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings, parties must:
- File a motion to seal records with the court
- Demonstrate compelling reasons for confidentiality
- Attend a hearing where the judge will determine if sealing is warranted
- Obtain a specific court order outlining which documents are confidential
It is important to note that even when records are sealed, certain government agencies, law enforcement, and authorized individuals may still access the information through proper legal channels. Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, as court indices typically remain public even when the underlying documents are sealed.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Hunt County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Hunt 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 elapsed since the date the petition was filed. This mandatory waiting period, often referred to as a "cooling-off period," represents the minimum timeframe for any divorce in Hunt County.
Beyond this statutory minimum, the actual timeline depends on several key factors:
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Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce:
- Uncontested divorces (where parties agree on all issues) typically finalize within 2-3 months
- Contested divorces may take 6-18 months or longer, depending on complexity
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Property Division Complexity:
- Simple property divisions may add minimal time
- Complex estates with businesses, multiple real estate holdings, or retirement accounts may extend the process by several months
- Valuation disputes often require expert testimony and additional hearings
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Child Custody Issues:
- Cases involving children typically take longer to resolve
- Court-ordered social studies may add 2-3 months
- Contested custody cases may require multiple hearings
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Court Docket Congestion:
- Hunt County's 196th District Court handles family law matters
- Current caseload affects scheduling of hearings and trial dates
- Average time to trial setting is approximately 4-6 months from request
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Alternative Dispute Resolution:
- Mediation is often required and can expedite resolution
- Collaborative divorce processes typically take 3-6 months
- Failed mediation attempts may extend the timeline
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Attorney and Party Cooperation:
- Prompt responses to discovery requests can reduce delays
- Scheduling conflicts among attorneys may extend timelines
- Party cooperation in document production impacts duration
According to statistics from the Texas Office of Court Administration, the average time to disposition for contested divorces in Hunt County is approximately 8.5 months, while uncontested divorces average 3.2 months from filing to final decree.
How Long Does Hunt County Keep Divorce Records?
Hunt County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that complies with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention requirements. The preservation timeframes vary based on the type of document and its legal significance:
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Final Divorce Decrees:
- Permanent retention
- Never destroyed or purged from county records
- Eventually transferred to archival storage but remain accessible
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Case Files and Supporting Documentation:
- Minimum retention period of 25 years from date of final judgment
- After 25 years, records may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Original paper documents may be destroyed after proper conversion
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Indexes and Docket Books:
- Permanent retention
- Serve as finding aids for locating specific divorce cases
- Maintained in both physical and electronic formats
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Temporary Orders and Interim Filings:
- Retained as part of the case file for the 25-year minimum period
- Not separately preserved beyond the case file retention period
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Exhibits:
- Retained for 30 days after final judgment becomes final
- May be reclaimed by the parties who submitted them
- Unclaimed exhibits may be destroyed after the retention period
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Financial Records and Child Support Documentation:
- Retained until the youngest child reaches age 25
- May be retained longer if enforcement actions are ongoing
The Hunt County District Clerk's Office has implemented a digital records management system for more recent divorce records, making them more readily accessible. However, older records may exist only in paper format or on microfilm, requiring more time-intensive retrieval processes.
Researchers seeking divorce records older than 50 years may need to consult with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, as some historical records may have been transferred to state archives for permanent preservation.
How To Get a Divorce In Hunt County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Hunt County must follow specific procedural requirements established by Texas law. The process involves several distinct steps:
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Establish Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months
- One spouse must have resided in Hunt County for at least 90 days
- Military exceptions may apply under certain circumstances
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Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Out-of-State Notice (if applicable)
- Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship form
These documents must be filed with:
Hunt County District Clerk
2507 Lee Street
Greenville, TX 75401
(903) 408-4190
Hunt County District Clerk
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Pay Filing Fees:
- Current filing fee: Approximately $300-350
- Additional fees for citation service if required
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals (Affidavit of Inability to Pay)
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Serve the Respondent:
- Personal service through constable or private process server
- Alternative service methods if approved by the court
- Waiver of service if the respondent agrees to sign
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Wait for Response Period:
- Respondent has 20 days plus the next Monday to file an Answer
- If no response, petitioner may proceed with default judgment after waiting period
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Temporary Orders (if needed):
- Request hearing for temporary orders regarding property, support, and children
- Attend temporary orders hearing
- Comply with court's temporary directives
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Discovery Process:
- Exchange of financial information and relevant documents
- Depositions and interrogatories in contested cases
- Expert evaluations if needed for property or custody issues
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Negotiation and Settlement:
- Mediation (often court-ordered)
- Informal settlement conferences
- Attorney-to-attorney negotiations
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Final Hearing:
- Schedule final hearing after 60-day waiting period
- Present agreed decree or try contested issues
- Testimony required even in uncontested cases
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Post-Divorce Procedures:
- File certified copies of decree with property records if real estate involved
- Submit qualified domestic relations orders for retirement divisions
- Update estate planning documents
Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings, though this is generally advisable only for simple, uncontested cases without children or significant property. The Texas Law Help website provides forms and guidance for self-represented litigants.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Hunt County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Hunt County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal documents. The following methods are available for acquiring divorce papers:
- Hunt County District Clerk's Office:
- Visit in person to request divorce petition forms
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can confirm required documents
Hunt County District Clerk
2507 Lee Street
Greenville, TX 75401
(903) 408-4190
Hunt County District Clerk
Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Texas Law Help Website:
- Access free, standardized divorce forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court
- Forms available for both uncontested and contested divorces
- Includes detailed instructions for completion
- Available at TexasLawHelp.org
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Hunt County Law Library:
- Located in the Hunt County Courthouse
- Contains reference materials with divorce forms and examples
- Public computers available for accessing online resources
- No checkout privileges, but copying services available
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Legal Aid of Northwest Texas:
- Provides forms and assistance to qualifying low-income residents
- May offer clinics on divorce procedures
- Contact their Greenville office for eligibility requirements
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Private Attorneys:
- Local family law attorneys can prepare customized divorce papers
- Initial consultations often available at reduced rates
- Fees vary based on complexity and attorney experience
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Online Legal Document Services:
- Commercial websites offer Texas-specific divorce forms for a fee
- Quality and accuracy vary significantly between providers
- No legal advice provided with forms
Required forms typically include:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Waiver of Service (if spouse agrees)
- Citation Request (if formal service needed)
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Income Withholding Order (if children involved)
- Standard Possession Order (for cases with children)
Individuals should ensure all forms comply with local Hunt County requirements and Texas state law. While standardized forms are acceptable, they may need modification for complex situations involving significant assets, businesses, or contested custody matters.