King County Divorce Decree Records

King County divorce decree records are filed at the District Clerk's office in Guthrie, the county seat in northwest Texas. King County is one of the smallest counties in the state by population, and there is no online search system for court records here. All requests for divorce records must go directly to the clerk's office in Guthrie, either in person or by mail. If you need to find a divorce case or get a certified copy of a final decree from King County, the clerk is the right starting point. This page covers what to expect and how to proceed.

King County District Clerk

The District Clerk in Guthrie holds all divorce records for King County. King County is among the least populated counties in Texas, and the courthouse in Guthrie operates on a smaller scale than urban counties. The 110th Judicial District Court covers King County and handles family law matters. Given the very low volume of cases, the clerk can typically search the entire records index by hand if needed.

There is no online portal for King County court records. The statewide re:SearchTX may have limited data for King County given its size, but direct contact with the clerk is the most reliable approach. Call ahead to confirm the clerk's schedule, as very small county offices may have modified hours on some days.

For mail requests, send a written letter with both party names, the approximate year of the filing, and payment by check or money order made out to the King County District Clerk. Call (806) 596-4412 to confirm the current fee schedule before mailing your request.

How to Search King County Divorce Records

Because King County has no online case search, your best option is calling the District Clerk directly. Provide both party names and the approximate filing year. The clerk will search their records and tell you if the case is on file. If you have a cause number, that speeds up the search considerably.

If you are not sure the divorce was filed in King County, check the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics statewide index at dshs.texas.gov/vs. Their records go back to 1968 and cover all Texas counties. A verification letter from DSHS can confirm a divorce occurred in Texas and help you identify which county holds the records. Once you know the county, you can contact the right clerk's office directly.

For actual case documents and certified copies, only the King County District Clerk can provide those. Most divorce records are public under the Texas Public Information Act. If any documents in a file were sealed by judge's order, the clerk will let you know they are not available for public access.

Divorce Filing Requirements in King County

Filing for divorce in King County requires meeting Texas residency rules. Under Texas Family Code section 6.301, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in King County for 90 days before the petition can be filed. Given how small and rural this county is, confirming your residency here before filing is an important first step.

Texas allows no-fault divorce under the "insupportability" ground in Texas Family Code section 6.001. That ground means the marriage can no longer continue because of conflict or discord and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation. You do not need to prove fault. Fault grounds like cruelty or adultery are also available if relevant to your situation.

The 60-day waiting period under Texas Family Code section 6.702 applies in King County just as in every other Texas county. The judge cannot sign the Final Decree of Divorce until at least 60 days after the petition is filed. For agreed divorces where both parties have settled all terms, the final decree can be signed soon after that window closes. Property is divided under Texas Family Code Chapter 7.

Fees for King County Divorce Records

Filing a divorce petition in King County costs around $280. Cases with children are slightly higher. These are estimates, and the exact amount depends on the current fee schedule. Call the clerk at (806) 596-4412 to get a precise figure before you file or send payment.

For copies of existing records, plain copies run about $1 per page. Certified copies are $1 per page plus $5 per document for the certification. For small counties like King, the case files tend to be shorter, so total copy costs are usually modest. Confirm all fees with the clerk before sending payment by mail.

People who cannot pay the filing fee can submit the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. This form is at txcourts.gov/rules-forms or at the courthouse. The judge will review your financial information and decide whether to grant a waiver.

What King County Divorce Files Contain

A King County divorce file starts with the Original Petition for Divorce. This document names both parties, states the grounds for divorce, and sets out what the petitioner wants the court to order. The Citation and service records show how the other spouse was notified. Together, these early filings establish the case in the court's records.

The Final Decree of Divorce is the document most people need from a divorce file. It is the judge's signed order ending the marriage. The decree covers property division under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, conservatorship and possession for any children, child support under Texas Family Code Chapter 154, and spousal maintenance if ordered. You need this document for name changes and other legal steps after the divorce.

Other documents in the file may include temporary orders, income withholding orders, and any agreements between the parties. Financial records submitted to the court may be sealed if the judge ordered it. The clerk will tell you what is available for public access in any given case.

Legal Help for King County Residents

West Texas Legal Services and similar regional legal aid providers serve rural counties including King County. They offer free legal help to qualifying residents in family law matters. The State Bar of Texas referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a licensed attorney. You can also search at texasbar.com.

Free self-help resources are at texaslawhelp.org, with official court forms at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. The Texas State Law Library divorce guide at guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce explains the full divorce process in plain language and is especially useful for residents in remote areas who may need to prepare filings on their own before visiting the courthouse.

The CDC guide to Texas vital records explains how to obtain marriage and divorce verification documents at both the state and county level.

The CDC guide lists contact information for Texas DSHS and explains the difference between a statewide verification letter and a county-level certified copy of a divorce decree.

Cities in King County

Guthrie is the only community in King County, serving as both the county seat and the sole incorporated place in the county. With a population of only a few hundred, there are no qualifying cities in King County for a dedicated page on this site. All divorce cases go through the clerk's office in Guthrie.

Nearby Counties

King County borders Stonewall, Kent, Dickens, Cottle, Foard, and Knox counties. The county you file in is determined by where you have lived for the past 90 days.

Stonewall County | Kent County | Knox County | Dickens County | Cottle County