Borden County Divorce Decree Records

Borden County divorce decree records are maintained by Jana Underwood, who serves as both County Clerk and District Clerk in this small West Texas county. All divorce and court records go through her office at 117 E Wasson Street in Gail. Borden County has an unusual arrangement similar to Baylor County: the County Clerk holds divorce records rather than a separate District Clerk office, because one person serves both roles. If you need to find a divorce decree filed in Borden County or get a certified copy, this page explains the process, contacts, and fees involved.

Borden County and District Clerk

Jana Underwood serves as the County and District Clerk for Borden County. Her office handles all birth, death, marriage, and divorce records in the county, as well as all civil and court filings. Fees are set by Texas state statute, and all fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of a case. E-filing has been mandatory for district court cases in Borden County since July 1, 2016.

Borden County is one of the least populated counties in Texas. The office is small and handles multiple functions. Call ahead before visiting to make sure staff is available to assist with your request. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Photo ID is required for requesting records. The clerk's office at 117 E Wasson Street in Gail also maintains self-help resources for self-represented litigants.

How to Find Borden County Divorce Records

Because Borden County is extremely small, online access to its records is limited compared to larger counties. The best starting point is a direct call to Jana Underwood at (806) 756-4312. She can search by party name or cause number and tell you what is available. The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some coverage for Borden County but is not guaranteed to return all cases.

For in-person visits, go to the courthouse at 117 E Wasson Street in Gail. Bring both party names and the approximate year of the divorce. Photo ID is required. The clerk can search and make copies. The office is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 PM for lunch, so plan your visit for the morning or afternoon session.

The Borden County District Clerk office page has office hours, contact information, and details about self-help resources and Orders of Nondisclosure for those who need them.

Borden County's combined County and District Clerk office in Gail handles all divorce decree records for this small West Texas county.

For mail requests, write to PO Box 124, Gail, TX 79738. Include the names of both parties, approximate filing date, cause number if known, a copy of your photo ID, and payment for fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.

Borden County Divorce Fees

Fees in Borden County are set by Texas state statute. There are no refunds on any fees, regardless of the outcome of a case or whether you change your mind after filing. Filing a divorce case costs approximately $300. Call the clerk to confirm the exact current total before you file.

Copy fees are $1.00 per page for plain copies. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. Death certificate duplicates are $21.00 for the first copy, with the fee structure established as reference for record costs at this office. Divorce record copies follow the standard court fee schedule. Include return postage for any mailed requests.

Fee waivers under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 are available for those who cannot pay. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs with the clerk along with proof of financial hardship. The court decides if you qualify. Get the form at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.

Divorce Process in Borden County

Borden County divorces follow Texas Family Code Chapter 6. The residency requirement under Section 6.301 requires one spouse to have lived in Texas for six months and in Borden County for at least 90 days before filing. E-filing is mandatory through eFileTexas.gov for district court cases in Borden County since July 2016.

The no-fault ground of insupportability under Section 6.001 is the most common basis for filing. Fault grounds can also be raised. After filing, the 60-day waiting period under Section 6.702 applies before a divorce can be finalized. Property division follows community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7.

The other spouse must be served or sign a waiver. After all terms are resolved, the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. That document is filed with the Borden County District Clerk and becomes the official record. In a county this small, the judge may be available only on certain days for hearings, so plan with that in mind when scheduling your case.

Borden County Divorce Decree Contents

The Final Decree of Divorce in Borden County covers all the terms the court ordered: property division, any spousal maintenance, child conservatorship, possession schedules, and child support. This is the document you need for legal and financial purposes after the divorce. Keep a certified copy in a safe place.

Borden County court records go back to 1891 and divorce records from that era as well. Most records are public. Social Security numbers and sensitive financial data are typically redacted. Cases involving domestic violence or sealed by the court have restricted access. The clerk's office also provides information on Orders of Nondisclosure for qualifying cases.

Legal Help for Borden County Divorce

TexasLawHelp.org has free guides and forms for self-represented filers anywhere in Texas. The District Clerk's office in Gail also maintains self-help resources for people filing without an attorney. For attorney referrals, call the State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690. All official Texas court forms are at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. For child support, the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division handles all counties.

Cities in Borden County

Borden County is one of the least populous counties in Texas. Gail is the county seat and only incorporated community. All divorce cases in the county go through the Clerk's office in Gail.

No cities in Borden County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. All residents of the county use the Borden County Clerk's office for divorce filings and records.

Nearby Counties

These West Texas counties border Borden County. Confirm your 90-day county residence before filing your divorce petition.