Martin County Divorce Records

Martin County divorce decree records are kept at the District Clerk's office in Stanton, Texas. This small west Texas county has limited online court record access, so most requests go directly to the clerk by phone, in person, or by mail. The District Clerk maintains all family law records for the county, including divorce petitions, agreed decrees, and final orders signed by the judge. This page explains how to find Martin County divorce records, what the filing process requires, and where to turn for legal help.

Martin County District Clerk

The Martin County District Clerk handles all divorce record filings and maintains the case files for the county. The office is in the Martin County Courthouse in Stanton. For records requests, you can visit in person or send a written request by mail. Call ahead to confirm hours and current fees.

Martin County is served by the 161st Judicial District. This district covers Martin and several other west Texas counties. Family law cases, including divorce, go through this court. The clerk's office handles most records requests directly and can tell you what documents are on file for any given case.

Finding Martin County Divorce Decree Records

For most Martin County divorce records, an in-person visit or phone call to the District Clerk is your best approach. The office can search by name or cause number. Bring the name of at least one spouse and an approximate year. Copies are available for a per-page fee, with extra charges for certified copies.

The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some Martin County case data online. Not all small county records are fully indexed. Use it as a starting point, but expect to confirm details with the District Clerk directly, especially for older cases or certified copies.

If you only need to verify a divorce occurred, the Texas DSHS at dshs.texas.gov keeps records from 1968 onward. A verification letter costs $20. It confirms the event but does not include the full text of the decree or any of its terms. For an actual certified copy, contact Martin County.

Martin County Divorce Filing Fees

Filing for divorce in Martin County costs around $300 under the state fee schedule. Cases with minor children may carry higher fees. The exact total depends on the case type and the applicable statutory surcharges. Contact the District Clerk to confirm the current amount before you file.

After the case is final, copies of the decree cost extra. Plain copies run about $1 per page. Certified copies include a per-page charge plus a certification fee. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford court costs. Request the form from the clerk's office or download it at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.

Divorce Filing in Martin County

The residency rule requires that at least one spouse have lived in Texas for six months and in Martin County for 90 days before filing. This is set by Texas Family Code section 6.301. If you have not been in the county long enough, you may need to wait before you can file.

Texas no-fault divorce is the most common path. Under Texas Family Code section 6.001, insupportability means the marriage is broken due to conflict or discord with no chance of being fixed. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, abandonment, and felony conviction are also available and can influence property division.

Texas requires 60 days between filing and the final divorce hearing. This waiting period is set by Texas Family Code section 6.702. Family violence cases may skip this wait. If both parties agree on all terms, the case can be finalized right after the 60-day period ends.

Property division in Martin County follows Texas community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court splits marital property in a just and right way. The judge looks at both spouses' circumstances. Separate property, including things owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance, generally stays with the original owner.

VitalChek and other official channels allow ordering of Texas state-level divorce verifications, though certified copies of Martin County decrees must be obtained from the District Clerk in Stanton.

What Martin County Divorce Records Contain

The Final Decree of Divorce in Martin County is the court order that officially ends the marriage. It sets out property and debt division, conservatorship of children, the possession schedule, child support, and spousal maintenance. Both parties are legally bound by the terms the judge signed off on.

The broader case file at the District Clerk includes the original petition, financial disclosures, temporary orders if any were issued, and proof that the other spouse was served. These are public records. Anyone can request copies. Fees apply per page and per certification. Some financial documents may be sealed by court order.

All standard Texas divorce forms are free at txcourts.gov/rules-forms, including the Original Petition for Divorce, agreed decree templates, and other family law documents you may need in Martin County.

Legal Help in Martin County

Midland and Odessa have the closest large legal communities to Martin County. The State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com can help you find attorneys who practice family law in the area. Call the referral service at (800) 252-9690 for a match near Martin County.

For free legal help, visit texaslawhelp.org for guides and forms to file without an attorney. West Texas Legal Services may serve Martin County residents with limited incomes. The Texas Attorney General at texasattorneygeneral.gov handles child support statewide under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.

Cities in Martin County

Martin County communities include Stanton and Tarzan. All divorce records for the county are on file at the District Clerk in Stanton. No city in Martin County meets the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.

Nearby Counties

Martin County is in west Texas. Neighboring counties include Midland County, Dawson County, Howard County, Glasscock County, and Andrews County.