Brewster County Divorce Decree Records
Brewster County divorce decree records are maintained by the District Clerk at the courthouse in Alpine. The county is the largest in Texas by area and includes the Big Bend region along the Rio Grande. The District Clerk's office in Alpine handles all civil and family law filings for the county, including divorce cases. If you need to search for a Brewster County divorce decree or get a certified copy, you can contact the clerk's office by phone or visit the courthouse in Alpine. This page covers how to search, what fees apply, and the steps involved in filing for divorce in Brewster County.
Brewster County Overview
Brewster County District Clerk
The Brewster County District Clerk's office at the courthouse in Alpine is the official keeper of all divorce records for the county. The clerk handles all civil and family law filings including divorces, custody matters, and child support cases. Online access to Brewster County records is limited compared to larger metropolitan counties. The best way to search or get copies of a divorce decree is to call the clerk's office at (432) 837-3366 or visit the courthouse in Alpine.
Brewster County is the largest county in Texas by land area, covering over 6,000 square miles of the Big Bend region. Despite its large area, the county has a small population. The courthouse in Alpine handles records for the entire county. For statewide online searches, use the re:SearchTX system, which may have coverage for Brewster County cases. For certified copies and older records, contact the clerk directly.
| Office | Brewster County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Brewster County Courthouse Alpine, TX 79830 |
| Phone | (432) 837-3366 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard courthouse hours |
| Website | co.brewster.tx.us |
Because Brewster County is remote and sparsely populated, it is particularly important to call ahead before making a trip to the courthouse. Staff can confirm what records are available, how to request them, and what fees to expect. This saves time and avoids unnecessary travel for out-of-county requesters.
Searching Brewster County Divorce Records
Brewster County has limited online access for court records. The statewide re:SearchTX portal is the best starting point for remote searches. Enter both party names and filter by Brewster County if the option is available. This tool works best for recent cases. For older cases or records not found in re:SearchTX, call the District Clerk at (432) 837-3366.
For in-person searches, go to the Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine. Bring both party names and the year of the divorce if you know it. A cause number will help the clerk search more quickly. Staff can pull the file and make copies. Bring a photo ID. Call ahead if you are traveling from Marfa, Presidio, or another community in the region, as staff availability may vary on a given day.
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics provides official divorce verifications for cases statewide from 1968 to present at $20.00 per copy, which can be a faster option if you only need confirmation of a divorce rather than a full certified copy of the decree.
Texas vital records resources and the CDC guide can help you locate Brewster County divorce records through the right channels when online access is limited.
For mail requests, write to the Brewster County District Clerk at the courthouse in Alpine, TX 79830. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, 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.
Note: Brewster County's remote location means in-person and phone requests are more reliable than online searches for this county. Call ahead to confirm record availability and current fees before visiting or mailing a request.Brewster County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing fees in Brewster County follow the Texas state schedule. A new divorce case costs approximately $300, with the exact amount depending on case type and required surcharges. Cases involving children may have slightly different totals. Call the District Clerk at (432) 837-3366 to confirm the current fee before filing.
Copy fees follow the standard Texas schedule: $1.00 per page for plain copies and a certification fee for certified copies. For mailed copies, include a self-addressed stamped envelope or ask the clerk about postage options. Payment methods accepted at smaller county courthouses typically include checks and money orders. Ask about card payments when you call.
For people who cannot afford court costs, a fee waiver is 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 court reviews and decides. Get the form at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
Divorce Filing in Brewster County
Divorces in Brewster County 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 Brewster County for at least 90 days before filing. This is particularly relevant given how large the county is geographically, covering Alpine, Marfa-adjacent areas, Terlingua, Study Butte, and Big Bend National Park communities.
The no-fault ground of insupportability under Section 6.001 is the most common ground for divorce in Texas. It does not require proving wrongdoing by either party. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, or abandonment can also be raised and may affect property division under community property rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 7.
After filing the Original Petition for Divorce, Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period under Section 6.702 before the divorce can be granted. The other spouse must be served with the petition or sign a Waiver of Service. After the waiting period, if all issues are resolved by agreement or court hearing, the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. That decree is filed with the Brewster County District Clerk as the official record. Electronic filing goes through eFileTexas.gov.
60-Day Rule: Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be granted per Family Code Section 6.702. Only limited exceptions apply in family violence cases.
Brewster County Divorce Decree Contents
The Final Decree of Divorce is the core document produced in any Brewster County divorce. The judge signs it after all issues are resolved. It covers how property and debts are divided, any spousal maintenance, child conservatorship, possession and access schedules, and child support amounts. Keep a certified copy somewhere safe. You will need it for name changes, real estate deals, bank accounts, and many other purposes after the divorce.
The full case file at the District Clerk's office includes the original petition, temporary orders, financial affidavits, settlement agreements, and all other court filings. Most records are public. Social Security numbers and certain financial details are typically redacted. Cases involving domestic violence or sealed by the court have restricted access. Ask the clerk about any specific restrictions when you make your request.
Spousal maintenance rules in Texas are governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 8. Maintenance is only available under limited circumstances and is not automatically awarded in every divorce. The decree will reflect whether maintenance was ordered and for how long.
Legal Resources for Brewster County
Finding a family law attorney in a remote area like the Big Bend region can take more effort than in a city. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 can help you find attorneys who practice in or near Brewster County. Some attorneys in Midland, El Paso, or Odessa may take cases in Brewster County for the right situation.
TexasLawHelp.org is the best free resource for self-represented filers. It has step-by-step guides and downloadable court forms you can use anywhere in Texas. The Texas State Law Library divorce guide is also free and explains Texas divorce law clearly. All official court forms are at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. For child support, contact the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division, which serves all counties statewide regardless of location.
Cities in Brewster County
Brewster County is the largest Texas county by land area. Alpine is the county seat and main community. Marathon and Terlingua are other communities in the county. All divorce cases go through the District Clerk in Alpine regardless of where in the county you live.
No cities in Brewster County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. Alpine is the largest community with approximately 6,000 residents. All Brewster County residents file divorce cases with the District Clerk in Alpine.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Brewster County in the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos region. Verify 90-day residence in Brewster County before filing your divorce petition here.