Harrison County Divorce Records
Harrison County divorce decree records are on file at the District Clerk's office in Marshall. The clerk maintains all divorce case files for the county and handles requests for certified copies and case lookups. Online search access is limited for Harrison County, so most records requests go through the clerk's office directly. If you need to find a Harrison County divorce case or get a certified copy of a final decree, this page covers the office, the process, and the Texas laws that apply.
Harrison County Overview
Harrison County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Marshall maintains all divorce records for Harrison County. This includes the original petition, temporary orders, and the signed final decree. Staff can search records by party name or cause number. Older paper records are also available when needed. The office handles requests in person, by phone, and by mail during regular business hours.
Harrison County is in East Texas, west of Shreveport, Louisiana. The county seat is Marshall, where all district court proceedings take place. The county is served by the 71st Judicial District. If you live in Marshall or anywhere in Harrison County and meet the residency requirements, you can file for divorce here.
| Office | Harrison County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 W Houston St Marshall, TX 75670 |
| Phone | (903) 935-8403 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | harrisoncountytexas.gov |
How to Search Harrison County Divorce Records
Harrison County has limited online case search access. Check the statewide re:SearchTX portal first, which may have some Harrison County case data. You can search by party name or cause number on that site. If you do not find what you need, contact the District Clerk directly at (903) 935-8403.
For in-person searches, visit the courthouse in Marshall during business hours. Bring a photo ID and information about the case. Full names of both spouses and the approximate year of filing are the most important details to have. A cause number speeds up the search if you know it. The clerk can search paper records for older cases.
Mail requests are accepted. Write to the Harrison County District Clerk, describe the case you need, and include payment for copy fees. State whether you need plain or certified copies. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of documents. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Harrison County District Clerk.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains a statewide index of Texas divorces. They can issue a verification letter confirming that a divorce occurred in Texas. This is useful when you just need to prove a divorce happened without getting the full decree.
Harrison County Divorce Fees
Filing a divorce petition in Harrison County typically costs around $300. Exact fees depend on the type of case and the current fee schedule. Cases with children may cost more because of additional required filings. Always call the clerk before filing to confirm current fees.
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 must be made before copies are released. Ask the clerk how many pages the decree is before you pay so you know the total cost. The clerk can advise on accepted payment methods.
If you cannot afford court fees, ask the clerk for a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The form is also at txcourts.gov.
Divorce Filing in Harrison County
To file for divorce in Harrison County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Harrison County for 90 days. This residency requirement is in Texas Family Code § 6.301. If you live in Marshall and meet the residency test, this is the right county to file in. Both spouses do not need to live here, only one.
Most divorces in Texas are filed on no-fault grounds. Under Texas Family Code § 6.001, insupportability means the marriage cannot continue due to conflict or discord, and there is no chance of reconciliation. You do not have to prove anyone is at fault. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, and abandonment are also available in Texas when applicable.
After the petition is filed, a 60-day waiting period starts. Under Texas Family Code § 6.702, the court cannot finalize the divorce until those 60 days have passed. After the wait, agreed cases can close quickly. Contested cases can take much longer, especially if children or significant assets are involved.
Texas uses community property rules for dividing marital assets. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, the court divides property in a just and right manner. This is not always equal. Separate property owned before the marriage is generally not divided. The judge looks at each spouse's situation before deciding.
What Harrison County Divorce Files Include
The divorce case file at the Harrison County District Clerk starts with the Original Petition for Divorce. Every document filed after that becomes part of the record. This includes citations, service waivers, temporary orders, the other spouse's response if filed, financial affidavits, and any mediated settlement agreement. The file ends when the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce.
The final decree is the key record. It ends the marriage and sets all the terms. Property division, debt assignments, and any support orders are in the decree. When children were part of the case, the decree includes a conservatorship plan, a possession schedule, and child support ordered under Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Certified copies are needed for name changes, account updates, property transfers, and legal proof of divorce status.
Most Harrison County divorce records are public. You do not have to be a party to request copies. Some records may be sealed, and information about children may have limited access. The clerk can advise on what is available for any specific case.
The Texas Family Code is the primary law governing divorce proceedings in Harrison County and throughout Texas.
Understanding the applicable statutes helps you know what to expect when filing for or searching for a divorce record in Harrison County.
Legal Help for Harrison County Divorce
Free self-help guides for Texas divorce are at texaslawhelp.org. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The Texas State Law Library guide at guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce gives a full overview of the process. To find an attorney in Marshall or Harrison County, use the Texas State Bar referral service at texasbar.com.
East Texas Legal Services and other regional legal aid programs may offer free help to people who qualify based on income. They handle family law cases including divorce, custody, and support. Legal aid organizations can be a good first call if you need help but are not sure you can afford an attorney.
Cities in Harrison County
Marshall is the county seat and largest city in Harrison County. All divorce cases filed in the county go through the District Court in Marshall. No cities in Harrison County meet the population threshold for a separate city page on this site. Note that Longview, which borders Harrison County, is actually located in Gregg County.
Nearby Counties
Harrison County is in East Texas near the Louisiana border. These counties are in the same region:
Gregg County | Panola County | Rusk County | Upshur County | Marion County