Find Divorce Decrees in Leon County
Leon County divorce records are on file at the District Clerk's office in Centerville. If you need to find a divorce decree from Leon County, you can search by name at the courthouse or use the statewide re:SearchTX database for basic case information. The District Clerk keeps all family law filings, including original divorce petitions, agreed decrees, and final orders signed by the judge. This page covers what you need to know about searching, copying, and filing divorce records in Leon County, Texas.
Leon County Overview
Leon County District Clerk
The District Clerk is the official keeper of divorce records in Leon County. This office files new divorce cases, maintains the full case record, and provides copies of documents to those who request them. The courthouse is in Centerville, the county seat.
Leon County is in the 278th Judicial District. The district court hears all family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support. If both spouses agree on all terms, the case can often be resolved without a contested hearing. The clerk can tell you what your case needs and how long to expect the process to take.
| Office | Leon County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Leon County Courthouse Centerville, TX 75833 |
| Phone | (903) 536-2346 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.leon.tx.us |
How to Search Leon County Divorce Records
The easiest way to look up a Leon County divorce decree is to visit the courthouse in Centerville. The clerk's staff can search by party name or cause number. If you know roughly when the divorce was filed, that helps narrow things down. Bring your photo ID.
You can also try the statewide re:SearchTX system online. This gives you party names, case numbers, and filing dates for cases in many Texas counties. It does not give you the full documents. You still need to contact the District Clerk directly for certified copies or plain photocopies of the actual decree.
The Texas DSHS keeps divorce verification records from 1968 forward. A verification letter from the state confirms a divorce happened but does not include the full decree or its terms. Order through dshs.texas.gov if a basic confirmation is all you need. For anything more detailed, go to Leon County.
Mail requests to the District Clerk are accepted. Include the names of both parties, the approximate year, a check or money order for fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.
Leon County Divorce Fees and Costs
Filing a divorce petition in Leon County costs around $300, though the exact total depends on the type of case and any applicable statutory surcharges. Cases with minor children typically carry a higher filing fee than uncontested divorces with no children. Check with the clerk's office for the exact fee before you file.
Copies of the divorce decree or case documents cost extra. Plain copies run about $1 per page. Certified copies add a certification fee. If you need the decree for a legal purpose like changing your name or transferring property, you need the certified version. The Texas courts provide fee waiver forms at txcourts.gov/rules-forms for those who cannot pay filing costs.
Leon County Divorce Filing Process
To file for divorce in Leon County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Leon County for the 90 days before filing. This is required under Texas Family Code section 6.301. If you live elsewhere in Texas, you may need to file in your county of residence instead.
Most people file under the no-fault ground of "insupportability" defined in Texas Family Code section 6.001. This means the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord with no chance of fixing things. You do not need to show the other spouse did anything wrong. Fault grounds like cruelty or abandonment are also available and can affect how the court divides property.
After you file, Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant a divorce. This rule is in Texas Family Code section 6.702. There are exceptions for cases involving family violence. If both parties agree on all terms during that time, the case can often be finalized quickly once the waiting period ends.
Property in Texas is divided under community property rules. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, the court splits marital property in a just and right way. This takes into account fault, earning capacity, and other factors. Separate property, such as gifts and inheritances kept apart from marital assets, generally stays with the spouse who owned it.
Leon County Divorce Decree Contents
The Final Decree of Divorce is the legal document that ends the marriage in Leon County. It covers everything the judge approved: who gets which assets, any debts assigned, custody arrangements, the possession schedule, and support amounts. Once signed, it is a court order that both parties must follow.
The broader case file includes the original petition, temporary orders, any financial affidavits, and the citation or waiver of service. These documents are public records unless sealed. Anyone can request copies from the District Clerk. You do not have to be a party to the case to get them.
The Texas Family Code governs all aspects of divorce in Leon County, from residency requirements to property division and child support.
Legal Resources for Leon County Residents
Finding legal help in a rural county like Leon can be harder than in a major metro. The State Bar of Texas operates a lawyer referral line at (800) 252-9690. You can also search for attorneys by location at texasbar.com. Some attorneys in nearby cities like Bryan, Waco, or Palestine serve Leon County clients.
TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has free self-help guides and official court forms. It covers how to file for divorce, what to include in a parenting plan, and how to finalize an agreed decree without a lawyer. Lone Star Legal Aid may also serve Leon County residents. Call their intake line to check eligibility based on income and location.
Cities in Leon County
Communities in Leon County include Centerville, Buffalo, Marquez, and Normangee. All divorce filings for Leon County residents go through the District Clerk in Centerville. No city in Leon County meets the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Leon County is in east-central Texas. Nearby counties where you may also look up divorce records include Robertson County, Madison County, Houston County, Trinity County, and Freestone County.