Lee County Divorce Records
Lee County divorce decree records are kept at the District Clerk's office in Giddings, Texas. If you need to find a divorce case filed in Lee County, search the clerk's records by name or case number. The District Clerk handles all family law filings, including divorce petitions, agreed decrees, and final orders. Access is available in person during office hours, and some basic case details may be found through the statewide re:SearchTX system. This page covers how to get Lee County divorce records, what to expect when you file, and where to turn for legal help.
Lee County Overview
Lee County District Clerk
The Lee County District Clerk maintains all divorce records for the county. This office is the official keeper of family court filings, final decrees, and related case documents. You can ask for records in person or mail a written request. The office is in Giddings, which is the county seat.
Lee County is served by the 21st Judicial District. This district court handles divorce, child custody, property division, and other family law matters. Cases go through this court regardless of where you live within the county. The clerk's staff can help you find a case or explain what documents are on file.
| Office | Lee County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 S. Main Street Giddings, TX 78942 |
| Phone | (979) 542-3684 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.lee.tx.us |
Searching Lee County Divorce Decree Records
You can search Lee County divorce records in person at the District Clerk's office. Bring the full name of one spouse and, if you have it, an approximate year for the filing. Staff can look up cases by name or cause number. Certified copies cost more than plain copies, so know what you need before you ask.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal gives you online access to basic case information for many Texas counties, including Lee. You can find party names, case status, and filing dates. Full documents are not available online. You must go to the courthouse or send a mail request to get actual copies of the decree.
To look up a divorce decree in Lee County, it helps to have:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year of the divorce
- Cause number if you have it
- Your valid photo ID
The state also has a divorce verification service. The Texas Department of State Health Services keeps divorce records from 1968 forward. You can order a verification letter from dshs.texas.gov. This is not the same as a certified copy of the decree. For an official copy, go to the Lee County District Clerk.
Lee County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing fees in Lee County follow the state schedule set by statute. The cost to file a divorce petition is typically around $300, though exact amounts can vary. Cases involving children usually cost more than those without. These fees cover court costs, clerk services, and required surcharges.
After the divorce is final, getting copies of the decree costs extra. Plain copies run about $1 per page. Certified copies include a certification fee on top of the per-page charge. If you need the decree for a name change, a property transfer, or any official purpose, you will need the certified version.
Fee waivers are available for those who cannot pay. Ask the District Clerk for a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs, or find the form at txcourts.gov.
Filing for Divorce in Lee County
To file for divorce in Lee County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Lee County for at least 90 days. This is the residency rule under Texas Family Code section 6.301. If you do not meet this rule, you may need to wait or file in a different county.
Texas allows both fault and no-fault divorce. Most people file under no-fault grounds, called "insupportability," which is covered under Texas Family Code section 6.001. You do not need to prove the other spouse did anything wrong. You just need to show the marriage cannot be saved. Fault grounds like cruelty or adultery are also available and can affect property division.
Once filed, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be granted. This is set by Texas Family Code section 6.702. Exceptions exist in cases involving family violence. After the waiting period, if both sides agree, an agreed decree can be submitted to the judge. Contested cases may require a hearing or trial.
Property Division: Texas is a community property state. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, the court divides marital property in a way that is just and right. This does not always mean a 50/50 split.
What a Lee County Divorce Decree Contains
A divorce decree in Lee County is the court order that ends the marriage. It lays out all the terms the judge approved. The decree covers property division, conservatorship of children, the possession schedule, and any support amounts. Both parties are bound by what it says. Creditors and agencies also rely on it when processing name changes or asset transfers.
The full case file includes more than just the decree. You will also find the original petition, any temporary orders, the citation or waiver of service, and financial disclosures. If children are involved, there will be parenting plan documents and possibly a guardian ad litem report. All of these documents are part of the public record unless sealed by court order.
The Texas judicial system provides official court forms at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. These cover divorce petitions, waivers of service, agreed decrees, and many other documents you may need throughout the process.
The state's re:SearchTX system lets you look up basic case information online. Not all Lee County records are indexed there, so an in-person visit may be your best option for older cases.
The Texas Judicial Branch site at txcourts.gov offers resources on court procedures, forms, and finding the right court for your case.
Legal Help for Lee County Divorce Cases
If you need a lawyer for your Lee County divorce, the State Bar of Texas has a referral service. Call (800) 252-9690 or search online at texasbar.com. You can also look for family law attorneys who serve the Giddings and central Texas area.
For those with limited income, Lone Star Legal Aid serves a broad region of Texas and handles family law matters including divorce and custody. Visit texaslawhelp.org for self-help guides, official forms, and information about free legal aid programs. The site is run in partnership with legal aid groups across the state.
If child support is part of your case, the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division can assist. Visit texasattorneygeneral.gov for information on establishing, enforcing, or modifying child support orders under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Cities in Lee County
Lee County communities include Giddings, Lexington, Lincoln, and Dime Box. All divorce filings in Lee County go through the District Clerk in Giddings. None of the cities in Lee County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Lee County borders several central Texas counties. If you are not sure whether to file in Lee County or a neighboring county, check where you or your spouse has lived for the past 90 days. Nearby counties include Bastrop County, Burleson County, Milam County, Robertson County, and Fayette County.