Search Bastrop County Divorce Decree Records

Bastrop County divorce decree records are maintained by the District Clerk at the courthouse in Bastrop. The county sits east of Austin and has been recording divorce filings since 1837, one of the longest records in the state. If you need to search for a divorce case or get a certified copy of your final decree, the District Clerk's office handles all of that. You can search through online systems or in person, and this page walks you through every step of the process for Bastrop County.

Bastrop County District Clerk

The Bastrop County District Clerk's office at the courthouse handles all civil, criminal, and family court records including divorce decrees. The District Clerk maintains district court cases, while the County Clerk handles property records and vital statistics. For a divorce decree, you always go to the District Clerk. Court records in Bastrop County date back to 1837 and 1952 for certain categories, with divorce-specific records going back to 1901 in one historical collection and 1837 in others.

The clerk's office is the primary point of contact for obtaining certified copies of a Final Decree of Divorce, searching active and closed cases, and verifying divorce information for legal or administrative purposes. All records are available under the Texas Public Information Act. For statewide searching, the re:SearchTX portal covers Bastrop County cases.

How to Search Bastrop County Divorce Records

For recent Bastrop County divorce records, use the statewide re:SearchTX system. Enter the names of both spouses and filter by Bastrop County. This works well for cases filed in recent years. For older or historical records, contact the District Clerk directly by phone or visit the courthouse in Bastrop.

In-person searches are the most reliable for getting full case details and certified copies. Go to the Bastrop County Courthouse and give the clerk both party names and the approximate year of the divorce. Staff can search the index and pull the file for you. Plain copies cost $1.00 per page, and certified copies carry a certification fee. Bring a photo ID when you visit.

Bastrop County public records resources include information on court records maintained by the District Clerk and the County Clerk offices in Bastrop.

Bastrop County court records are available through the District Clerk's office, with divorce filings going back to the county's earliest years in the 1800s.

Bastrop County records are governed by the Texas Public Information Act under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This law gives you the right to request most public records without having to explain why you want them. Some records are exempt, such as sealed cases or records involving minors with active court proceedings.

Bastrop County Divorce Fees

Filing a divorce in Bastrop County costs approximately $300 under the Texas state fee schedule. This includes the base filing fee and any required statutory surcharges. Cases involving children may have slightly different totals. Call the clerk to confirm the exact current fees before you submit anything.

Copies of divorce decrees and other case documents cost $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies add a $5.00 certification fee. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope or ask the clerk about postage. The Bastrop County clerk accepts checks, money orders, and usually credit or debit cards. Confirm payment methods when you call.

If you cannot afford court costs, apply for a fee waiver under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Include proof of income or public assistance participation. The judge reviews your request and decides. Get the form at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. The TexasLawHelp.org site can walk you through what to include.

Divorce Filing in Bastrop County

Bastrop County divorces are governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 6. You must meet the residency rule under Section 6.301 before filing: six months in Texas and 90 days in Bastrop County for at least one spouse.

The no-fault ground of insupportability under Section 6.001 is the most common starting point. It does not require proof that either spouse did anything wrong. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, abandonment, or felony conviction are also available. Fault can matter when the court divides property under Texas Family Code Chapter 7.

Once you file the Original Petition for Divorce, a 60-day waiting period begins under Section 6.702. The other spouse must be served with the petition or sign a Waiver of Service. After the waiting period, if both sides agree, the case can move to the signing of the Final Decree of Divorce. Contested cases may require mediation or a hearing before the judge. All documents generated during the case become part of the official Bastrop County divorce record.

Bastrop County Divorce Decree Contents

The Final Decree of Divorce is the document that closes out a Bastrop County divorce case. Signed by the judge, it lays out every term: how property is divided, spousal maintenance if ordered, who has conservatorship of children, the possession and access schedule, and child support amounts. This is the document you need for name changes, refinancing a home, dealing with pension or retirement accounts, and proving your marital status.

The full case file at the District Clerk's office also includes the original petition, any temporary orders issued early in the case, financial affidavits, the settlement agreement if applicable, and all other court filings. Bastrop County has been recording these cases since 1837, so the historical record is substantial. Whether you need a recent divorce decree or a document from decades ago, the clerk's office is the place to look.

Most records are public under the Texas Public Information Act. Some information is redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers and certain financial account details. Cases involving minors may have some restrictions. Sealed cases require a court order to access. Ask the clerk about any limitations when you make your request.

Legal Help in Bastrop County

Several resources are available for Bastrop County residents dealing with a divorce. TexasLawHelp.org has free divorce guides and forms. The site covers everything from the initial petition to the final decree in plain language. Lone Star Legal Aid serves the Austin area, including Bastrop County. Call (800) 733-8394 for information on qualifying for free legal help.

The Texas State Law Library divorce guide explains the law clearly and links to key statutes. Official court forms are free at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. For attorney referrals, call the State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690. If child support is involved, the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division handles enforcement statewide. Electronic filing in Bastrop County goes through eFileTexas.gov.

Cities in Bastrop County

Bastrop County includes Bastrop, Smithville, Elgin, Cedar Creek, and other communities. All divorce cases are filed with the District Clerk in Bastrop regardless of which city you live in.

No cities in Bastrop County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Bastrop is the county seat and largest city. Elgin, Smithville, and Red Rock are other communities in the county. All residents use the Bastrop County District Clerk for divorce filings and records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bastrop County in the Central Texas area. Make sure you have lived in Bastrop County for 90 days before filing your divorce here.