McLennan County Divorce Records
McLennan County divorce decree records are held at the District Clerk's office in Waco, Texas. Waco is the county seat and the largest city in McLennan County. The District Clerk maintains all family law case files, including divorce petitions, agreed decrees, and final orders. You can search for divorce cases online through the McLennan County case portal, through the statewide re:SearchTX system, or in person at the courthouse on Washington Avenue. This page explains how to find and copy McLennan County divorce records, what to expect from the filing process, and where to get legal help in the Waco area.
McLennan County Overview
McLennan County District Clerk
The McLennan County District Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. The office files new cases, maintains full case files, and provides copies of decrees and other documents to those who request them. The main office is at 501 Washington Avenue in downtown Waco.
McLennan County has three district courts that handle family law cases: the 19th, 74th, and 170th Judicial District Courts. All three courts operate from the McLennan County Courthouse in Waco. The case is assigned to one of these courts when first filed. The District Clerk maintains records for all three courts and can help you find the right case regardless of which court handled it.
| Office | McLennan County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 Washington Avenue, Room 300 Waco, TX 76701 |
| Phone | (254) 757-5057 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | McLennan District Clerk Portal |
How to Search McLennan County Divorce Records
McLennan County has an online case search portal at mclennan.edoctec.com. The portal provides access to case information from 2001 to the present. You can search by party name or cause number to find basic case details, docket entries, and case status. Full document images require a visit to the courthouse or a records request.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal is another option for searching McLennan County divorce records online. Both systems let you check whether a case exists and get basic information without going to the courthouse. For certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce or other case documents, contact the District Clerk directly.
In person at the courthouse, staff can search by name or cause number. Bring your ID and the names of both spouses if possible. If you have the cause number, searches go much faster. Copies are available right away at a per-page rate, with an extra certification fee for certified copies. Mail requests are also accepted. Include names, year, fees, and a return envelope.
The McLennan County case search portal covers cases from 2001 to the present. For older cases, an in-person search at the District Clerk's office may be needed.
McLennan County Divorce Fees
Filing a divorce in McLennan County costs around $300 to $315. The total varies based on whether children are involved and what statutory surcharges apply. Fees are set by the District Clerk under state law. Contact the office for the current exact amount before submitting any filing or payment.
The McLennan County fee schedule for copies includes:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name searched
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
- Payment accepted in cash, check, or money order
Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford to pay. Request a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs from the clerk or download it at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. The court reviews your financial situation and decides whether to waive fees.
Divorce Filing in McLennan County
To file for divorce in McLennan County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in McLennan County for 90 days before filing. This residency requirement is set by Texas Family Code section 6.301. If you live in Waco or anywhere in McLennan County and meet this requirement, you file at the District Clerk's office at 501 Washington Avenue.
Texas allows no-fault divorce. The standard ground is insupportability under Texas Family Code section 6.001, which means the marriage is broken due to conflict or discord with no hope of saving it. You do not need to prove anything was done wrong. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, and abandonment are also available. Using fault grounds can affect how the court divides property.
Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before the court can grant a divorce. This is required by Texas Family Code section 6.702. Family violence cases may be exempted. If both parties agree on all terms, the case can move to a final hearing right after those 60 days are up. Contested cases may go through mediation or a trial.
Property is divided in McLennan County under Texas community property rules. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, the court splits marital property in a just and right way. The judge weighs both spouses' circumstances, fault if any, and other relevant facts. Property owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance is generally treated as separate and stays with its owner.
Texas courts offer electronic filing through eFileTexas. McLennan County divorce filings can be submitted electronically, which allows attorneys and self-represented filers to submit documents from anywhere.
McLennan County Divorce Record Contents
The Final Decree of Divorce from McLennan County District Court is the official court order ending the marriage. It covers property and debt division, conservatorship of children, the possession schedule, child support, and any spousal maintenance. Both parties must follow the terms once the judge signs the decree.
The full case file also includes the original petition, any temporary orders, financial disclosures, and proof of service on the other spouse. These are public records. Divorce records in McLennan County are available to anyone under the Texas Public Information Act at Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Fees apply per page for plain copies and per page plus a certification fee for certified copies.
The McLennan County District Clerk's records include: petitions, decrees, orders, child custody arrangements, property settlements, and financial affidavits. Some sealed or restricted records may not be available without a court order. The clerk's staff can tell you what is available for any given case.
Legal Help in McLennan County
Waco has a number of family law attorneys who handle divorce cases in McLennan County. The State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com has a search tool to find attorneys in Waco and surrounding areas. The referral line is (800) 252-9690. Many Waco-area attorneys offer a reduced-fee or free first consultation.
Heart of Texas Legal Services provides free or low-cost civil legal help to low-income residents in the Waco area, including family law matters. Contact them to ask about eligibility and services. For self-help, texaslawhelp.org has guides and official forms for Texas divorce cases. The Texas Attorney General handles child support enforcement for McLennan County at texasattorneygeneral.gov under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Cities in McLennan County
McLennan County includes Waco, Hewitt, Woodway, Bellmead, and Lacy Lakeview among others. All divorce records for the county are at the District Clerk's office in Waco.
Nearby Counties
McLennan County is in central Texas. Bordering counties include Hill County, Limestone County, Falls County, Coryell County, Bosque County, and Bell County.