Garza County Divorce Decree Records
Garza County divorce decree records are kept at the District Clerk's office in Post. The clerk maintains all divorce case files for the county, including final decrees, custody orders, and related documents. Online search options are limited, so most people contact the office by phone or visit in person. If you need to look up a Garza County divorce case or request a certified copy of a decree, the District Clerk is the right contact. This page explains where to go, what to expect, and how the divorce process works in this West Texas county.
Garza County Overview
Garza County District Clerk
The Garza County District Clerk's office in Post handles all divorce records for the county. The clerk files incoming petitions, maintains case files, and processes copy requests. For a small county like Garza, the office staff handles multiple duties. Call ahead to confirm hours and what you need to bring before making a trip to the courthouse.
Garza County sits in the South Plains of West Texas. It is part of the 106th Judicial District, which it shares with other counties in the region. Post is the only city in the county, and all court business takes place at the courthouse there. If you are not sure whether you should file in Garza County or another county, look at where you have lived for the last 90 days.
| Office | Garza County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 W Main St Post, TX 79356 |
| Phone | (806) 637-2371 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.garza.tx.us |
Finding Garza County Divorce Records
Garza County does not have its own online case search portal. To find a divorce record, you need to contact the District Clerk directly or visit the courthouse in Post. The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some case data, but coverage for smaller counties can be limited. It is worth checking, but the clerk's office is the most reliable source.
When you contact the clerk, have as much information as you can. The more you give them, the faster they can find the file. Useful information includes the full names of both spouses, the year the case was filed, and the cause number if you have it. The clerk searches by party name or cause number.
Mail requests are also accepted. Write a letter to the clerk's office explaining what you need, include your contact information, and enclose a check or money order for the copy fees. For certified copies, specify that in your request so the clerk knows to add the court seal. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the copies mailed back to you.
For a statewide verification of whether a divorce happened in Texas, you can contact the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit. They keep a state index of divorces and can provide a verification letter. They do not issue copies of the actual decree, but their letters are accepted for many official purposes.
Divorce Fees in Garza County
Filing fees in Garza County are set by Texas law and local fee schedules. A basic divorce petition typically costs around $300, though the exact amount can vary. Cases with children may run slightly higher because of additional required filings. The clerk can tell you the current fees when you call.
Certified copies of divorce decrees cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. If your decree is long, the cost adds up quickly. Ask how many pages the document is before you pay so you know what to expect. Payment is usually required before the clerk releases any copies.
People who cannot pay filing fees can ask for a waiver by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The form is available at the courthouse and at txcourts.gov.
The Divorce Process in Garza County
To file for divorce in Garza County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Garza County for 90 days. This rule is in Texas Family Code § 6.301. If you do not meet that requirement yet, you may need to wait or file in another county where you do qualify.
Most Garza County divorces use no-fault grounds. Texas allows divorce based on insupportability, which means the marriage can no longer continue due to conflict or discord. The statute is Texas Family Code § 6.001. Fault grounds like cruelty, abandonment, or adultery are also valid in Texas if they apply.
Once you file, a mandatory 60-day waiting period begins. Under Texas Family Code § 6.702, the court cannot sign the final decree until 60 days have passed from the filing date. Simple agreed cases are often finalized shortly after that window ends. If both spouses disagree on key issues, the case can take much longer.
Texas is a community property state, so marital assets and debts are divided by the court under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides property in a way it finds just and right. That does not always mean equal. The judge considers each spouse's circumstances when deciding how to split things.
What Is in a Garza County Divorce File
The case file at the Garza County District Clerk's office holds all documents filed during the divorce. The first document is the Original Petition for Divorce. This starts the case and states what the petitioner is asking for. If the other spouse responds, that response is in the file too. Any temporary orders for support, custody, or property use are also included.
The Final Decree of Divorce is the most important document in the file. It is the court order that ends the marriage and lays out all the terms. Property splits, debt assignments, conservatorship of children, possession schedules, and support amounts all appear in the decree. Once the judge signs it, the decree is a binding legal order.
Most divorce records in Garza County are public. You do not have to be a party to the case to ask for a copy. However, some records may be sealed by court order, and information about children is sometimes restricted. If you need a full copy of the decree, contact the clerk and they can tell you what is available.
The Texas Family Code governs all divorce proceedings in Garza County and across the state.
Garza County divorces follow Texas state law, with the District Clerk in Post maintaining all case files and records.
Legal Resources for Garza County
Self-help resources for Texas divorce are available online. texaslawhelp.org has step-by-step guides, blank forms, and answers to common questions. This site is run by legal aid organizations and is free to use. Court forms are also at txcourts.gov.
To find a licensed attorney near Garza County, use the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at texasbar.com. People with limited income may qualify for free help from regional legal aid organizations. The Texas State Law Library also publishes a useful divorce guide at guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce.
Cities in Garza County
Post is the county seat and main city in Garza County. All divorce cases in the county are filed at the District Court in Post. No cities in Garza County reach the population threshold for a separate city page.
Nearby Counties
Garza County is in West Texas. These neighboring counties also have District Clerks that handle divorce records:
Lynn County | Kent County | Crosby County | Lubbock County | Dawson County