Bee County Divorce Decree Search
Bee County divorce decree records date back to 1858 and are kept by the District Clerk at the Bee County Courthouse in Beeville. The District Court Clerk's office maintains all civil and family court records including divorce cases, and provides access through the iDocket online system and in-person at Room 304 in the courthouse. If you need to find a Bee County divorce decree or request a certified copy, this page covers where to go, what it costs, and how the process works.
Bee County Overview
Bee County District Clerk
The Bee County District Court Clerk's office at Room 304 of the courthouse in Beeville is the primary keeper of all divorce records for Bee County. The office handles filings, stores case documents, and provides copies on request. Divorce records in Bee County go back to 1858, making it a useful resource for both recent legal needs and older genealogical research. The courthouse survived two fires, in 1888 and 1911, with most records saved.
Online access to Bee County court records is available through the iDocket portal. You can search divorce cases by name and view case information. For full document access and certified copies, an in-person visit or mail request to the clerk's office is required. The District Clerk's office also handles divorce verifications at a fee of $20 per copy, which is separate from the DSHS verification service.
| Office | Bee County District Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 105 W. Corpus Christi, Room 304 Beeville, Texas 78102 |
| Phone | (361) 621-1557 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard courthouse hours |
| Online Portal | iDocket (search from clerk's website) |
The Bee County Clerk's office is at Room 108 of the same building and handles marriage records separately. For marriage records going back to 1858, contact the County Clerk at (361) 621-1557 and ask for Room 108.
How to Search Bee County Divorce Records
Bee County uses the iDocket portal for online court records access. The portal lets you search by party name and view case information. Basic index access is free. For document images and certified copies, you need to contact the clerk's office directly or visit the courthouse in Beeville.
The statewide re:SearchTX system is another option for online searches of Bee County divorce cases. Enter both party names and filter by county. This can help you locate a case number before visiting the courthouse, saving time when you make the trip.
Bee County court records information includes details on how to access District Clerk records and the iDocket portal for Bee County divorce case searches.
Bee County provides online divorce record access through the iDocket system, with the District Clerk's office in Beeville handling certified copy requests.
For mail requests, write to the District Clerk at 105 W. Corpus Christi, Room 304, Beeville, Texas 78102. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate filing date, the cause number if known, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.
Divorce verifications through DSHS are $20 per copy and cover cases from 1968 to present statewide. For Bee County records before 1968, contact the District Clerk directly. For very old records going back to 1858, availability may vary and older documents may be in archived paper form.
Note: Divorce verification through the Bee County District Court Clerk costs $20 per copy and differs from certified copies of the full decree, which are priced per page plus a certification fee.Bee County Divorce Fees
Filing fees for divorce in Bee County follow Texas state statute. A new divorce case typically costs around $300, with exact amounts depending on the case type and required statutory surcharges. Confirm the current total with the clerk at (361) 621-1557 before you file.
Copy fees are $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies require a certification fee in addition. If you need copies mailed, include return postage with your request. The office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about card payments specifically, as smaller counties vary on this.
Fee waivers are available for those who cannot pay. A Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs can be filed under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Bring proof of income or public benefits. Get the form at the courthouse or online at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
Divorce Filing in Bee County
Divorces in Bee County are governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 6. The residency rule under Section 6.301 requires one spouse to have lived in Texas for six months and in Bee County for at least 90 days before filing the petition here.
The no-fault ground of insupportability under Section 6.001 is the most common. Fault grounds can also be raised if applicable. After filing, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period under Section 6.702 before the divorce can be granted. Property division follows community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7.
The other spouse must be served with the petition or sign a waiver. If both agree on all terms, the case resolves after the waiting period. Contested cases go to mediation or trial. The judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce, which is filed with the Bee County District Clerk and becomes the official record. Electronic filing in Bee County goes through eFileTexas.gov.
What Bee County Divorce Records Contain
The Final Decree of Divorce in Bee County sets out the full terms of the divorce: property division, any debt allocation, child conservatorship arrangements, the possession and access schedule, child support amounts, and spousal maintenance if ordered. This is the court order that legally ends the marriage and is the document you need for most post-divorce legal and financial purposes.
The full case file also contains the original petition, temporary orders, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and all court filings from the case. Most records are public. Social Security numbers and some financial data are typically redacted. Cases involving domestic violence or sealed by the court have restricted access. Ask the clerk about any specific restrictions before visiting.
Legal Resources in Bee County
TexasLawHelp.org has free divorce guides and forms for self-represented filers. Lone Star Legal Aid serves South Texas including Bee County. Call (800) 733-8394 for eligibility information. The State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690 can provide attorney referrals for the Beeville area. The Texas State Law Library divorce guide is free and explains the full process. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
For child support enforcement or establishment, the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division handles all counties statewide. You can open a case with them regardless of whether your divorce is final.
Cities in Bee County
Bee County includes Beeville as the county seat along with several smaller communities. All divorce cases filed in the county go through the District Clerk's office in Beeville.
No cities in Bee County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Beeville is the largest community. Other towns include Skidmore, Normanna, Pawnee, and Tuleta. All residents use the Bee County District Clerk for divorce filings and records.
Nearby Counties
These counties surround Bee County. Confirm 90-day residence in Bee County before filing your divorce petition here.