Denton County Divorce Records
Denton County divorce decrees are filed with the District Clerk's office in Denton. The clerk keeps all family law records for the county including divorce petitions, final decrees, and related case documents. Denton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, covering communities like Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and many others. Online case access is available through the county's justice portal, and the clerk's office also handles in-person and mail requests for certified copies of divorce decrees.
Denton County Overview
Denton County District Clerk
The Denton County District Clerk manages all divorce records for the county. David Trantham serves as District Clerk as of the most recent records. The office maintains civil, family, and criminal case records and handles all records requests from the public. Staff in the family law division can assist with divorce record lookups, copy requests, and filing questions. The main office is located at 1450 E. McKinney Street in Denton.
Denton County covers a large part of the northern Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. It includes the city of Denton along with many large suburban communities. Every divorce case filed by residents anywhere in the county goes through the District Clerk. The county's rapid growth means the District Clerk processes a significant volume of family law cases each year.
| Office | Denton County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1450 E. McKinney St. Denton, TX 76209 |
| Phone | 940-349-2200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | dentoncounty.gov/Departments/District-Clerk |
How to Search Denton County Divorce Records
Denton County offers online access to court records through the Denton County Justice Portal at justice.dentoncounty.gov. This portal gives the public 24/7 access to civil, family, and criminal case records. You can search by party name or case number, and results include case details, docket entries, and case status. Document images may be available for purchase through the portal.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal also includes Denton County case data and is another option for basic lookups. Try either portal first before calling the clerk's office. If you find the case online, note the cause number. That number speeds up any follow-up request for certified copies or other documents.
For in-person access, visit the District Clerk's office at 1450 E. McKinney Street during business hours. Public access terminals are available. Staff can search by name or cause number and make copies. Bring a photo ID and payment for copy fees. For mail requests, write to the Denton County District Clerk at 1450 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76209. Include both parties' names, the cause number or filing year, a description of what you need, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
E-filing is required for all civil filings in Denton County. Divorce petitions must be submitted through eFileTexas.gov. Standing orders apply automatically to all family law cases filed in Denton County and govern finances and children during the pendency of the case.
Denton County Justice Portal
The Denton County Justice Portal provides free public access to court case records including divorce cases filed in the county. Search by party name or case number to find basic case information.
Denton County uses the Texas state e-filing system for all new civil filings. Records from cases filed through eFileTexas are accessible through the Denton County Justice Portal and the statewide re:SearchTX system.
Denton County Divorce Fees
Denton County uses a fee schedule set by the District Clerk in accordance with Texas state law. Filing a divorce petition costs roughly $300 or more depending on case type and statutory surcharges for court facilities, security, and related costs. Cases involving children typically have a slightly higher base fee. Contact the clerk at 940-349-2200 or check the county website for the current fee schedule before filing.
Copy fees in Denton County are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page plus $5.00 per document for certified copies. A $5.00 per name search fee applies when staff conducts the search for you. Payment at the window is accepted by cash, check, money order, and credit card. Make checks payable to the Denton County District Clerk.
Fee waivers are available for people with low income. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The form is at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. You must show documentation of your financial situation. The court decides whether to grant the waiver. If approved, you can file and proceed without paying the upfront fees.
Fees change periodically. Verify current amounts with the Denton County District Clerk at 940-349-2200 or at dentoncounty.gov before you submit any payment or request.
Filing for Divorce in Denton County
Divorces in Denton County are governed by Texas state law. To file here, one spouse must meet the residency requirement under Texas Family Code section 6.301: at least six months in Texas and at least 90 days in Denton County. People who have recently moved to Lewisville, Flower Mound, or other Denton County communities from elsewhere in the metro area should check their move-in dates before filing.
Most divorces in Denton County are filed on the no-fault ground of insupportability under Texas Family Code section 6.001. This means the marriage cannot continue due to conflict and there is no reasonable hope of reconciliation. No proof of wrongdoing is required. Texas also allows fault-based divorce on grounds like cruelty, adultery, abandonment, and felony conviction, but these are less common and require more evidence.
After the petition is filed, a mandatory 60-day waiting period applies under Texas Family Code section 6.702. The divorce cannot be finalized before 60 days have passed from the filing date. Family violence situations may qualify for an exception. After the wait, agreed cases can conclude quickly. Contested cases may require discovery, mediation, and trial, and can take months or longer. Property is divided under Texas community property rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 7.
Standing Orders: Denton County family law cases are subject to standing orders that take effect automatically when a divorce is filed. These restrict financial transfers, changes to insurance, and other actions during the case. Violations can result in contempt findings.
What Denton County Divorce Decrees Include
A Denton County divorce decree is the final court order signed by the judge. The Final Decree of Divorce covers all terms including property and debt division, child conservatorship, the possession and access schedule, child support per Texas Family Code Chapter 154 guidelines, and any spousal maintenance under Texas Family Code Chapter 8. Certified copies are required for name changes and other official purposes.
The full case file also includes the Original Petition, service documents, temporary orders, financial affidavits, any mediated settlement agreements, and all other documents filed during the case. Most Denton County divorce records are public. Copy fees apply. Some financial documents attached to sealed motions are restricted. Adoption, juvenile, and mental health records are not accessible to the general public.
Legal Help in Denton County
Denton County residents dealing with divorce have access to a range of resources. TexasLawHelp.org provides free guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for Texas divorces. The site is especially useful for uncontested cases. Court forms are also available at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at texasbar.com can connect you with a licensed family law attorney in the Denton area. Lone Star Legal Aid and other legal aid organizations serving the DFW area may provide free help to qualifying low-income residents. The Texas Attorney General's child support division at texasattorneygeneral.gov/child-support offers free enforcement and modification services to parents.
Note: Denton County District Clerk staff can answer questions about filing procedures and fees but cannot provide legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Cities in Denton County
Denton County includes several large cities in the northern DFW area. All divorce cases from these communities go through the Denton County District Clerk in Denton.
Other communities in Denton County include Frisco (which spans into Collin County), The Colony, Little Elm, Corinth, Highland Village, Aubrey, and Argyle. Residents of these cities file divorce cases with the Denton County District Clerk in Denton.
Nearby Counties
Denton County is in the north Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Nearby counties include Collin County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, Wise County, Cooke County, Grayson County, and Fannin County. File in the county where you have lived for at least 90 days.