Search Comal County Divorce Decrees
Comal County divorce decrees are on file at the District Clerk's office in New Braunfels. The clerk keeps all family law records, including divorce petitions, final decrees, and related case documents. Comal County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, located between San Antonio and Austin. If you need to find a divorce decree filed here, the District Clerk is your starting point. Online case access is available, and the clerk's office handles both in-person visits and mail requests for certified copies.
Comal County Overview
Comal County District Clerk
The Comal County District Clerk manages all divorce records for the county. The office is located at the courthouse in New Braunfels. Staff handle all filings, maintain the case index, and provide copies of records to the public. Comal County has grown quickly in recent years, and the court system has expanded to keep pace with the rising caseload. The District Clerk's office handles civil and family law cases including divorces filed by residents across the county.
All divorce filings in Comal County go through the District Clerk regardless of where in the county the parties live. New Braunfels is the main population center, and the courthouse is where all records are stored. The clerk's staff can help you with basic questions about case lookup and record requests, though they cannot give legal advice.
| Office | Comal County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Comal County Courthouse New Braunfels, TX 78130 |
| Phone | 830-221-1350 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.comal.tx.us |
Note: The statewide re:SearchTX portal may include Comal County case data. Try searching there first before calling the clerk's office.
How to Search Comal County Divorce Records
Comal County has online access to court records. You can start your search at the statewide re:SearchTX portal, which indexes case information from courts across Texas, including Comal County. Search by party name or case number to find basic case details. The county's own case search system may also be accessible through the courthouse website.
When searching online, you will need at least the last name of one spouse. Providing the approximate year the case was filed can help narrow results. Online searches show basic case information like party names, filing date, and case status. Document images may be available for purchase, or you may need to contact the clerk directly for certified copies.
For in-person searches, go to the District Clerk's office at the Comal County Courthouse in New Braunfels. Staff can search the case index and pull the file for you. Bring a photo ID and come prepared to pay copy fees. For mail requests, write to the District Clerk at the courthouse, include the parties' names, the approximate year, and a return address. Enclose payment or wait for a fee estimate before sending it.
Texas court e-filing and case search tools are available statewide and can be used to find Comal County divorce cases along with records from other Texas courts.
Divorce Filing Process in Comal County
Divorces in Comal County follow the same Texas state law process used across all 254 counties. The first step is meeting the residency requirement under Texas Family Code section 6.301. At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Comal County for at least 90 days before the petition is filed. People who live near county borders should check carefully to confirm which county applies to their situation.
The most widely used ground for divorce in Texas is insupportability under Texas Family Code section 6.001. This no-fault ground simply means the marriage has broken down and is not going to recover. You do not need to prove fault or that either spouse did anything wrong. Texas also recognizes fault-based grounds like cruelty, adultery, and abandonment, but most cases use the no-fault approach.
After the petition is filed, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce. This comes from Texas Family Code section 6.702. It applies to all divorces regardless of whether the parties agree. The period starts on the day the petition is filed. Once the waiting period ends, an agreed case can finalize quickly. Contested cases may require hearings, mediation, or a full trial.
Property division in Texas follows community property rules. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, the court divides marital property in a way that is just and right. Community property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property, like items owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritances, stays with the original owner if properly documented. All civil filings in Comal County go through eFileTexas.gov.
Waiting Period: Texas law requires 60 days from the filing date before a divorce can be finalized. This rule applies in Comal County just as it does everywhere in the state.
What Comal County Divorce Decrees Contain
The Final Decree of Divorce is the core document in any Comal County divorce case. It is signed by the judge and becomes part of the permanent court record. The decree covers the division of property and debts, any child conservatorship arrangements, a possession schedule if children are involved, child support amounts, and any orders for spousal maintenance. This is the document most people need when they want proof of their divorce or need to change their name.
The full case file also includes the Original Petition for Divorce, proof of service, financial affidavits, and any interim orders signed before the final decree. Child support is governed by guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. All of these records are stored at the Comal County District Clerk's office in New Braunfels.
Most Comal County divorce records are public. Anyone can ask for copies. Copy fees apply at $1.00 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for certified copies. Some documents may be sealed or redacted by court order. Financial source documents like tax returns attached to sealed motions are not accessible without court approval.
Legal Resources in Comal County
People dealing with divorce in Comal County have access to several helpful resources. TexasLawHelp.org offers free guides and court forms specifically designed for Texas residents. The site explains each step of the divorce process, from filing the petition to getting the final decree signed. It is especially useful for people who want to handle their own case without hiring a lawyer.
The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at texasbar.com where you can search for attorneys licensed to practice in Texas. Lawyers in the referral program offer an initial consultation at a set rate. Legal aid organizations serving the San Antonio and Austin regions may provide free or low-cost assistance to people who qualify based on income. Court forms are available at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
Note: Comal County is close to both Bexar County (San Antonio) and Hays County (Austin metro), so legal aid organizations in those cities may also serve Comal County residents.
Cities in Comal County
Comal County is anchored by New Braunfels, one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Divorce cases from all communities in the county go through the District Clerk in New Braunfels.
Other communities in Comal County include Garden Ridge, Bulverde, Spring Branch, and Canyon Lake. All divorce filings from these areas go through the Comal County District Court.
Nearby Counties
Comal County is centrally located between several major Texas counties. Nearby counties include Bexar County (San Antonio), Hays County, Guadalupe County, Kendall County, and Blanco County. File your divorce in the county where you have lived for at least 90 days.