Search Grayson County Divorce Records
Grayson County divorce decree records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Sherman. The clerk keeps all divorce case files for the county and handles requests for certified copies, case lookups, and document access. Grayson County has online search access, so you can look up case information without making a trip to Sherman. If you need to find a divorce record or get a certified copy of a final decree from Grayson County, this page walks you through the process and the applicable Texas laws.
Grayson County Overview
Grayson County District Clerk
The Grayson County District Clerk's office in Sherman is responsible for all divorce records in the county. The clerk accepts new filings, maintains the court files, and provides copies of decrees and other case documents. The office handles requests in person, by phone, and by mail. Staff can search by party name or cause number and can pull both current and historical records.
Grayson County is in North Texas, along the Oklahoma border north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Sherman is the county seat, and Denison is the other large city in the county. The county has multiple district courts that hear family law cases. If you live anywhere in Grayson County, you file for divorce in Sherman. The clerk's office can answer questions about the filing process and what documents you need.
| Office | Grayson County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 W Houston St Sherman, TX 75090 |
| Phone | (903) 813-4330 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.grayson.tx.us |
Searching Grayson County Divorce Decree Records
Grayson County offers online case search access. You can use the statewide re:SearchTX portal to look up Grayson County divorce cases by name or cause number. The portal shows case status, filing dates, party names, and docket activity. This is a good starting point before contacting the clerk directly.
For certified copies or full document access, contact the District Clerk's office. You can call (903) 813-4330 or visit the courthouse in Sherman. Bring a photo ID and as much information about the case as possible. The clerk can search by name or cause number and tell you what documents are on file.
To search, have the following ready:
- Full names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Approximate year the divorce was filed
- Cause number if available
Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the District Clerk's office, describe the case, and include payment for copy fees. Specify whether you need plain or certified copies. The clerk will process the request and contact you if more information is needed. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed copies.
Grayson County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing a divorce petition in Grayson County costs around $300 or more, depending on the case type and any additional filings required. Cases involving children typically cost more. The clerk's office can give you the exact current fee schedule when you call. Fees can change, so always confirm before you file.
Certified copies of the final decree cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. Payment is required before the clerk releases any copies. Ask how many pages the decree is before paying so you can plan accordingly.
If you cannot afford filing fees, you may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Get the form from the clerk or at txcourts.gov. The court will review your income and decide if you qualify for a waiver.
Grayson County Divorce Process
Divorce in Grayson County follows Texas family law. Residency is the first step. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Grayson County for at least 90 days before filing. Sherman, Denison, and all other communities in the county qualify if you have been there long enough.
Texas allows no-fault divorce. The ground of insupportability, defined in Texas Family Code § 6.001, means the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord with no reasonable chance of reconciliation. You do not have to prove anyone is at fault. Fault grounds like adultery, cruelty, or abandonment are also available when they apply to the situation.
After filing, a mandatory 60-day waiting period begins. Texas Family Code § 6.702 prohibits the court from signing a final decree until those 60 days have passed. If both parties agree on all terms, the case can be finalized as soon as the waiting period ends. Contested divorces can take months or longer.
Property division follows community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides marital assets and debts in a just and right manner. Separate property, including things owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance, is usually not subject to division. The judge looks at each spouse's circumstances before deciding the split.
Grayson County Divorce Decree Contents
Divorce files at the Grayson County District Clerk start with the Original Petition for Divorce. Every document filed after that is added to the case file. This can include the other spouse's response, temporary orders for support or property use, financial affidavits, and a mediated settlement agreement if the parties used mediation. The file closes when the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce.
The Final Decree is the binding court order that ends the marriage. It includes the grounds for divorce, how property was divided, any debt assignments, spousal maintenance if ordered, and all provisions related to children. For cases with kids, the decree sets up a conservatorship arrangement, a possession and access schedule, and child support calculated under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Most divorce records in Grayson County are public. You do not have to be a party to ask for copies. However, some records may be sealed, and information about children is sometimes restricted. The clerk will advise you on what is accessible for any specific case.
The Texas Judicial Branch oversees all district courts in Grayson County and across the state, setting rules for how divorce cases are filed and processed.
District courts in Grayson County operate under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, and the District Clerk maintains all records in compliance with state law.
Legal Help in Grayson County
Self-help guides for Texas divorce are at texaslawhelp.org. This site covers residency rules, how to file, what forms are needed, and what to expect during the process. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The Texas State Law Library also has a detailed guide at guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce.
To find a licensed attorney in Sherman or Denison, use the Texas State Bar referral service at texasbar.com. People with limited income may qualify for free legal help through legal aid programs that serve North Texas.
Cities in Grayson County
Grayson County includes Sherman and Denison as its two main cities. All divorce cases filed in the county go through the District Court in Sherman, regardless of which city you live in. No cities in Grayson County meet the population threshold for a separate city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Grayson County in North Texas. File in the county where you have lived for at least the past 90 days.
Cooke County | Fannin County | Collin County | Denton County