Search Lubbock County Divorce Decree Records
Lubbock County divorce decree records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Lubbock, Texas. You can search for divorce cases online through the county's portal, through re:SearchTX, or in person at the courthouse. Lubbock County is home to over 300,000 people and has multiple district courts that handle family law cases. The District Clerk keeps all divorce filings, final decrees, and related case documents. This page covers how to find Lubbock County divorce records, what the filing process requires, and where to get legal help in the area.
Lubbock County Overview
Lubbock County District Clerk
The Lubbock County District Clerk is the official keeper of divorce records for the county. This office files new divorce cases, maintains case files, and provides copies of decrees and other case documents to those who request them. The main office is in the Lubbock County Courthouse in downtown Lubbock.
Lubbock County has several district courts that handle family law matters, including the 72nd, 99th, 140th, 237th, and 364th Judicial District Courts. The court assigned to your case depends on the filing order. All family law courts operate under the same Texas rules. The District Clerk can tell you which court your case is in.
| Office | Lubbock County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 904 Broadway, Room 207 Lubbock, TX 79401 |
| Phone | (806) 775-1040 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.lubbock.tx.us |
How to Search Lubbock County Divorce Records
Lubbock County has online case search available. The District Clerk's website at co.lubbock.tx.us links to the county's case search tools. You can also use the statewide re:SearchTX portal to search by name or cause number. Both give you party names, case status, and filing dates. Full document access requires a visit to the courthouse or a records request.
In person, the District Clerk's office can search by name or cause number and provide copies on the spot. Bring photo ID and the names of both spouses if you have them. Knowing the approximate year of the case helps staff search faster. Certified copies are available for an additional fee and are needed for legal purposes.
To search Lubbock County divorce records, you will need at least:
- Full legal name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Cause number if available
- Photo ID for in-person requests
Mail requests are also accepted by the District Clerk. Include the names of both parties, the year, a check or money order for estimated fees, and a self-addressed stamped return envelope. Call first to confirm current costs and procedures.
Lubbock County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing a divorce petition in Lubbock County costs around $300 to $350, depending on whether children are involved and what surcharges the state requires. The District Clerk's fee schedule breaks out the exact amounts. Call ahead or check the website for the current total before you file.
Additional costs in a Lubbock County divorce may include:
- Service of process fees through the constable or a private server
- Certified copies of the decree at per-page plus certification cost
- Parenting class fees if minor children are involved
- Attorney fees if you hire representation
Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford to pay. Ask the clerk for the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs, or download it from txcourts.gov/rules-forms. The court will review your financial situation and decide whether to waive the fees.
Lubbock County fees can change. Verify current amounts with the District Clerk before submitting any payment or filing any documents.
Lubbock County Divorce Filing Process
To file for divorce in Lubbock County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Lubbock County for 90 days before filing. This residency rule is set by Texas Family Code section 6.301. If you recently moved to Lubbock County, you may need to wait until you meet this requirement.
Texas allows both fault and no-fault divorce. The most common ground is insupportability under Texas Family Code section 6.001, meaning the marriage has broken down due to discord or conflict with no reasonable expectation of saving it. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, and abandonment are also available. Using fault grounds can affect how the court divides property.
After the petition is filed, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period before the judge can grant the divorce. This rule is in Texas Family Code section 6.702. Cases involving family violence can get an exception. If both spouses agree on all terms, the case can be finalized right after the 60 days pass. Contested cases may involve mediation, temporary hearings, and eventually a trial.
Lubbock County divorces follow Texas community property rules. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, marital property is divided in a just and right way. The court weighs fault, earning capacity, and other circumstances. Property each spouse owned before marriage, or received as gifts or inheritances, is generally separate property.
The Texas Judicial Branch at txcourts.gov provides resources on court procedures, forms, and the district courts that handle Lubbock County divorce cases.
What Lubbock County Divorce Records Contain
The Final Decree of Divorce is the most important document in any Lubbock County divorce case. It is the court order that officially ends the marriage. It covers property division, debt assignment, conservatorship of children, the possession and visitation schedule, child support, and any spousal maintenance. Both parties are legally bound by the decree once the judge signs it.
The full case file includes the original petition, any temporary orders the judge issued during the case, financial affidavits, and evidence of service on the other spouse. These documents are public records at the District Clerk's office. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies. Some information, like detailed financial records, may be sealed by court order.
Divorce decrees in Lubbock County are public under the Texas Public Information Act. The act is codified at Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Anyone can ask for copies from the District Clerk's office. Fees apply per page and per certification when a certified copy is required.
Legal Help in Lubbock County
Lubbock has a strong legal community. The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 and online at texasbar.com. You can search by city and practice area to find family law attorneys who serve Lubbock County. Many offer a reduced-fee or free first consultation.
West Texas Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income residents in the Lubbock area, including family law matters like divorce and custody. Contact them to check eligibility. For self-help, visit texaslawhelp.org for guides, forms, and information on how to handle a divorce without an attorney. The Texas Attorney General at texasattorneygeneral.gov handles child support services under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Cities in Lubbock County
Lubbock County is home to the city of Lubbock as well as smaller communities like Slaton, Wolfforth, and Shallowater. All divorce records for the county are on file at the District Clerk's office in Lubbock.
Nearby Counties
Lubbock County is in west Texas. Neighboring counties where divorce records may also be held include Hockley County, Crosby County, Garza County, Lynn County, and Dawson County.