El Paso County Divorce Records
El Paso County divorce decree records are kept by the District Clerk in downtown El Paso, the county seat. The District Clerk maintains all family law case files in the county, including divorce petitions, agreed settlements, and final decrees. El Paso County is the largest county in far West Texas and the sixth most populous in the state, with over 800,000 residents. Online case search is available through the county's Odyssey portal. You can also visit the courthouse in person or submit requests by mail. For certified copies of a divorce decree, the District Clerk's office is the only official source.
El Paso County Overview
El Paso County District Clerk
The El Paso County District Clerk, Norma C. Favela, manages all court records for the county. The main office is at 500 E. San Antonio Ave. in downtown El Paso. The District Clerk keeps all divorce case files, including petitions, motions, decrees, and custody orders. El Paso County has multiple family district courts to handle the high volume of cases in the region.
El Paso County is the major metro center for far West Texas and serves a population that spans the city of El Paso, Socorro, Horizon City, Anthony, Clint, and many other communities. All divorce cases for residents of El Paso County go through the District Clerk's office. Certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce are issued only from this office. Plain copies are also available at a lower cost if you do not need the certification seal.
| Office | El Paso County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79901 |
| Phone | (915) 546-2021 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | epcounty.com/departments/district-clerk |
Searching El Paso County Divorce Records Online
El Paso County offers online case search through the Odyssey portal. You can search by party name or cause number. The portal at odyssey.epcounty.com shows basic case information including party names, filing dates, case status, and docket entries. Document images may be available for purchase directly through the portal.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal also indexes El Paso County cases. You can search there as well for basic case data. Both portals are free for basic searches. For full document access or certified copies, you need to go through the District Clerk's office either in person or by mail.
In-person searches at the courthouse at 500 E. San Antonio Ave. allow you to view case files and get certified copies the same day in most cases. Bring your ID and the names of the parties or the cause number. Mail requests are accepted by writing to the District Clerk at the address above. Include names, approximate filing year, type of copy needed, and payment. Self-help resources are at TexasLawHelp.org and forms are at txcourts.gov.
Filing for Divorce in El Paso County
To file for divorce in El Paso County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in El Paso County for at least 90 days before filing. This is required under Texas Family Code Section 6.301. El Paso County requires e-filing for civil cases through eFileTexas. Walk-in paper filings are handled by the clerk's office, but electronic filing is the standard process for attorneys and represented parties.
Texas allows no-fault divorce under Texas Family Code Section 6.001. The ground of insupportability means the marriage cannot continue because of conflict or discord. You do not need to prove that anyone did something wrong. This is the most common ground used in El Paso County. Fault-based grounds including cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, and confinement are also available in Texas law.
After filing, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period under Texas Family Code Section 6.702 before the court can grant the divorce. The wait starts the day the petition is filed. After 60 days, if both parties agree on all terms, they can submit an agreed decree to the judge. El Paso County family courts frequently handle agreed divorces this way. Contested cases go through mediation or trial, which adds significant time.
Texas uses community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides marital assets in a just and right way, which is not always a 50-50 split. Separate property is protected from division. Real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests often require additional legal steps to properly transfer after the decree is signed.
El Paso County Divorce Record Contents
A divorce case file in El Paso County includes many documents. The Original Petition for Divorce starts the case and states the grounds and what the petitioner wants the court to order. Temporary orders may follow to set rules on property, children, and finances while the case is pending. The Final Decree of Divorce is the signed court order that ends the marriage and sets all final terms.
The final decree covers property and debt division, conservatorship of children if any are involved, a possession and access schedule, child support under Texas Family Code Chapter 154, and any agreed or ordered spousal maintenance. Certified copies are required for name changes, bank account updates, retirement plan transfers, and real property deed changes. Get certified copies from the District Clerk as soon as the judge signs the decree.
Most El Paso County divorce records are public. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies. Financial source documents like tax returns may be sealed. Records involving children may have limited public access in some circumstances. The clerk can advise you on what is available for your specific request.
Legal Help in El Paso County
El Paso County has several legal aid resources. Lone Star Legal Aid serves the El Paso area for qualifying low-income clients and handles family law cases including divorce, custody, and support. Call (800) 733-8394 or visit lonestarlegal.org. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid also serves parts of Far West Texas. Check their website at trla.org for coverage and eligibility.
The State Bar of Texas offers a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 or at texasbar.com. For free self-help guides on how to file a Texas divorce, respond to a petition, or understand child support, visit TexasLawHelp.org. All official court forms are at txcourts.gov. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
El Paso County Court System
The El Paso County District Clerk maintains all court records including divorce filings for the county's 870,000+ residents.
El Paso is the county seat and home to the District Clerk's office, where all divorce decree records for El Paso County are on file.
Cities in El Paso County
El Paso County is home to El Paso, a major Texas city. Other communities in the county include Socorro, Horizon City, Anthony, Clint, and Fabens. All divorce cases in El Paso County are filed with the District Clerk in El Paso.
Nearby Counties
El Paso County borders Hudspeth County to the east. It also shares state borders with New Mexico and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. If you live in El Paso County, your divorce must be filed here with the El Paso County District Clerk.
The only neighboring Texas county is Hudspeth County.