Bowie County Divorce Decree Records

Bowie County divorce decree records go back to 1883 and are maintained by the District Clerk's office at 710 James Bowie Drive in New Boston. The District Court in Bowie County handles all divorce, land dispute, and other civil cases. If you need to search for a divorce decree filed in Bowie County or get a certified copy of a final order, you can visit the courthouse in New Boston or send a mail request to the clerk's office. This page covers search options, fees, and the steps involved in a Texas divorce in Bowie County.

Bowie County District Clerk

The Bowie County District Clerk's office at 710 James Bowie Drive in New Boston is the official keeper of all divorce records for Bowie County. The District Courts in the county have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases including divorce, land disputes, election disputes, slander, and defamation. The clerk maintains all case records from filing to close. Records include the original petition, all temporary and permanent orders, financial documents, and the Final Decree of Divorce.

Bowie County divorce records go back to 1883, and some court records date to 1889. The courthouse location is at 710 James Bowie Drive in New Boston, Texas. The office phone is (903) 628-6750, and the fax is (903) 628-6761. Printed copies cost $1.00 per page. Electronic copies cost $1.00 for the first ten pages and $0.10 per page for each additional page beyond that. Search portals for civil and criminal records are available online.

How to Search Bowie County Divorce Records

Bowie County has a search portal available for civil and criminal records. You can search by defendant name, case status, and date filed. This covers divorce and other civil cases. Use the statewide re:SearchTX system as an additional resource for searching Bowie County cases by party name.

For in-person searches, go to 710 James Bowie Drive in New Boston. Give the clerk both party names and the year of the divorce if you know it. A cause number helps narrow the search. Staff can pull the file and make copies. Printed copies are $1.00 per page. Electronic copies are $1.00 for the first ten pages and $0.10 per page after that. Bring photo ID.

Bowie County divorce records information provides details on how to request copies in person or by mail, including what documents to include and where to send your request.

The Bowie County District Clerk in New Boston holds all divorce decree records for the county and handles certified copy requests through the courthouse office.

For mail requests, write to the District Clerk at 710 James Bowie Drive, New Boston, TX 75570. Include the full names of both parties, approximate filing date, cause number if known, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail. Include your check or money order for the copy fees.

To get a divorce verification rather than a full copy, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040 or call (888) 963-7111. DSHS verifications cover divorces from 1968 to present and cost $20.00 per copy.

Bowie County Divorce Filing Fees

Filing fees in Bowie County follow Texas state statute. A new divorce case costs approximately $300. The exact amount depends on the case type and mandatory surcharges. Cases involving children run slightly higher in most counties. Call (903) 628-6750 to confirm the current fee before you file.

Copy fees are $1.00 per page for printed copies. Electronic copies cost $1.00 for the first ten pages and $0.10 per additional page. Certified copies add a $5.00 certification fee. For mailed copies, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Confirm payment methods with the clerk when you call.

Fee waivers are available under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs with proof of financial hardship. The judge reviews the request and decides. Get the form at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.

Divorce Filing in Bowie County

Bowie County divorces fall under 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 Bowie County for at least 90 days before filing.

Most cases use the no-fault ground of insupportability under Section 6.001. Fault grounds are available and may affect property division under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. After filing, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period under Section 6.702.

The other spouse must be served with the petition or sign a waiver. Once all terms are resolved through agreement or a hearing, the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. That decree is filed with the Bowie County District Clerk. Electronic filing in Bowie County goes through eFileTexas.gov. Spousal maintenance rules are in Texas Family Code Chapter 8.

What Bowie County Divorce Records Include

Bowie County divorce records include the original petition, any temporary orders, financial affidavits, property settlement agreements, child custody arrangements, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The decree is the main document. It covers property and debt division, conservatorship, possession schedules, child support, and any spousal maintenance.

Most records are public. Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and medical information are redacted before copies are given out. Cases involving domestic violence or sealed by the court have restricted access. Sealed cases require a court order to access. Ask the clerk about restrictions when you make your request. Records go back to 1883, making Bowie County a useful source for older genealogy and legal research as well.

Legal Resources in Bowie County

Lone Star Legal Aid serves Northeast Texas, including Bowie County. Call (800) 733-8394 for information on qualifying for free legal help with divorce and family law matters. TexasLawHelp.org has free guides and forms for self-represented filers. The Texas State Law Library divorce guide explains the process from start to finish. For attorney referrals, call the State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690. Official forms are at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. Child support services are through the Texas Attorney General.

Cities in Bowie County

Bowie County includes New Boston as the county seat, along with Texarkana and several smaller communities. All divorce cases are filed with the District Clerk in New Boston regardless of where you live in the county.

No cities in Bowie County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Texarkana is the largest city in the county and straddles the Texas-Arkansas border. New Boston is the administrative county seat where all court filings go. Other communities include De Kalb, Nash, Hooks, and Wake Village.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Bowie County in Northeast Texas. Confirm 90-day residence in Bowie County before filing your divorce here.