Gregg County Divorce Records
Gregg County divorce decree records are kept at the District Clerk's office in Longview. The clerk maintains all divorce case files for the county, including final decrees, custody orders, and related documents. Online case search is available for Gregg County, making it easier to look up cases before visiting the courthouse. If you need to find a Gregg County divorce record or request a certified copy of a final decree, this page covers the process, the office, and the applicable Texas laws.
Gregg County Overview
Gregg County District Clerk
The District Clerk's office in Longview handles all divorce records for Gregg County. The clerk accepts new petitions, maintains all case files, and processes requests for copies. Staff can search by party name or cause number. Older cases that predate online systems may be on paper, but the clerk can still pull those records when requested. The office is in the Gregg County Courthouse in downtown Longview.
Gregg County is in East Texas, centered on Longview. It is a mid-sized county with multiple district courts. All divorce cases from the county, including those filed by residents of Kilgore and other communities, go through the courthouse in Longview. The District Clerk's office is the primary place to get certified copies of final decrees and to look up case information.
| Office | Gregg County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 E Methvin St, Suite 333 Longview, TX 75601 |
| Phone | (903) 236-8250 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.gregg.tx.us |
How to Search Gregg County Divorce Records
Gregg County has online case search access. The statewide re:SearchTX portal covers Gregg County and is a good starting point. You can search by party name or cause number and view basic case information like filing dates, party names, and docket activity. This works well for finding case numbers before requesting copies.
For certified copies or full document access, contact the District Clerk directly. Call (903) 236-8250 or visit the courthouse during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the names of both spouses plus the approximate filing year. Staff will search the records and tell you what is available. Older cases may require a manual search.
Mail requests are accepted. Write to the Gregg County District Clerk, describe the case you need, and include payment for copy fees. State clearly whether you need plain or certified copies. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for mailed returns. The clerk will process your request and notify you of any issues.
Gregg County Divorce Fees
Filing a divorce in Gregg County typically costs around $300 or more, depending on case type and the court's current fee schedule. Cases with children usually cost more because of additional required filings. Call the clerk's office to get the exact current fees before you file.
Certified copies of the final decree cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for the court seal and clerk's signature. Plain copies run $1.00 per page. Ask the clerk how many pages the decree is before paying. Payment is required before copies are released. The clerk can tell you what payment methods are accepted.
If you cannot pay, ask the clerk for a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The form is also at txcourts.gov. The court will review your situation and may waive some or all fees.
Divorce Filing in Gregg County
To file for divorce in Gregg County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Gregg County for at least 90 days. This residency rule is in Texas Family Code § 6.301. Longview, Kilgore, and all other communities in the county qualify. Both spouses do not need to live in the county, only one does.
Texas allows no-fault divorce based on insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This means the marriage cannot continue due to conflict or discord, and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation. You do not have to prove anyone is at fault. Fault grounds like cruelty, abandonment, and adultery are also valid when they apply.
After the petition is filed, Texas imposes a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce. This is required by Texas Family Code § 6.702. Exceptions apply in cases involving family violence. If both spouses agree on everything, the divorce can be finalized shortly after the waiting period. Contested cases take longer and may require mediation or a trial.
Community Property: Texas divides marital property under Texas Family Code Chapter 7 in a just and right manner. The court takes both spouses' circumstances into account. Separate property is generally not divided.
When children are part of the case, the court establishes conservatorship, a possession and access schedule, and child support. Support amounts are calculated under Texas Family Code Chapter 154. All of these orders go into the final decree and are legally binding.
What Is in a Gregg County Divorce File
The case file at the Gregg County District Clerk contains every document filed during the divorce. The first document is the Original Petition for Divorce. After that, you may find citations, waivers of service, temporary orders, a response from the other spouse, financial affidavits, and if the parties used mediation, a mediated settlement agreement. The file ends when the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce.
The final decree covers all the terms of the divorce. It ends the marriage and assigns property, debts, and any support obligations. If children were involved, the decree includes conservatorship and possession arrangements plus a child support order. Certified copies of the decree are needed for name changes, updating financial accounts, and proving marital status for legal or official purposes.
Most Gregg County divorce records are open to the public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request copies. Some records may be sealed by court order, and information about children may have limited access. The District Clerk can tell you what is available for a specific case.
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics maintains a statewide index of Texas divorces and can issue verification letters for divorces that occurred in Texas.
For a certified copy of the actual decree, the Gregg County District Clerk in Longview is the right office to contact.
Legal Help in Gregg County
For free self-help guides on Texas divorce, visit texaslawhelp.org. This site has plain-language explanations and official forms for all steps in the divorce process. The Texas State Law Library guide at guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce is another good resource. All official forms are at txcourts.gov.
To find a licensed attorney in Longview or Gregg County, use the Texas State Bar lawyer referral service at texasbar.com. East Texas Legal Services and other regional legal aid organizations may offer free or low-cost help for people who qualify based on income.
Cities in Gregg County
Gregg County includes Longview and Kilgore as its main cities. All divorce cases filed in the county go through the District Court in Longview.
Kilgore and other communities in Gregg County also file divorce cases at the Longview courthouse.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Gregg County in East Texas. File in the county where you have lived for at least 90 days.
Upshur County | Rusk County | Harrison County | Panola County | Smith County