Find Divorce Decrees in Medina County
Medina County divorce decree records are kept at the District Clerk's office in Hondo, Texas. Hondo is the county seat of Medina County, which sits southwest of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. If you need to find or copy a divorce decree from Medina County, you can visit the courthouse, call the clerk's office, or send a written mail request. Online record access is limited. This page covers how to search for Medina County divorce records, what the filing process involves, and where to get legal help in the area.
Medina County Overview
Medina County District Clerk
The Medina County District Clerk is the official keeper of divorce records for the county. The office files new cases, maintains the full case file, and provides copies to those who request them. The courthouse is in Hondo, just off U.S. Highway 90. Call ahead before visiting to confirm hours and what you will need.
Medina County is served by the 38th Judicial District Court. This court handles all family law matters in the county, including divorce, custody, and support. Medina County is close to the San Antonio metropolitan area, and some residents commute between the two. The District Clerk's office in Hondo handles records for all county residents regardless of where they live within the county.
| Office | Medina County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1100 16th Street Hondo, TX 78861 |
| Phone | (830) 741-6070 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | medinatx.gov |
How to Search Medina County Divorce Records
The most direct way to find a Medina County divorce record is an in-person visit to the District Clerk in Hondo. Bring the names of both spouses and a rough year for the filing. Staff can search by name or cause number. Copies are available on the spot at a per-page fee, with an extra charge for certified copies.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal may carry some Medina County case data online. You can check party names and case status there without visiting the courthouse. Full document images are not available online. For certified copies or the full case file, contact the District Clerk directly.
Mail requests are accepted if you cannot visit Hondo in person. Write down the names of both spouses, the approximate year of the divorce, what documents you need, and a check or money order for estimated fees. Include a self-addressed stamped return envelope. Call ahead to confirm the current fee amounts and any specific requirements for mail orders.
For a basic confirmation that a divorce occurred, the Texas DSHS at dshs.texas.gov provides verification letters for $20, covering divorces from 1968 forward. A verification letter is not the same as a certified copy of the decree.
Medina County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing for divorce in Medina County costs around $300. Cases with minor children may be slightly higher due to additional statutory fees required by state law. Contact the District Clerk to confirm the current exact total before submitting any documents or payment.
After the divorce, copies of the decree or other case documents cost extra. Plain copies run about $1 per page. Certified copies add a certification fee on top of the per-page charge. You need the certified version for legal transactions involving the divorce, like a name change or property transfer. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford to pay. Download the form at txcourts.gov/rules-forms or ask the clerk's office for a copy.
Filing for Divorce in Medina County
To file in Medina County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Medina County for 90 days before filing. This residency rule is in Texas Family Code section 6.301. If you do not meet the residency requirement yet, wait before starting the process. Many Medina County residents who work in San Antonio but live in Medina still file here if they have met the county residency period.
Texas allows no-fault divorce. The standard ground is insupportability under Texas Family Code section 6.001, meaning the marriage is broken due to conflict or discord with no hope of reconciliation. You do not need to show the other spouse did anything wrong. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, and abandonment are also available and can affect how the court divides property.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before the judge can grant a divorce. This comes from Texas Family Code section 6.702. Family violence cases may skip this wait. If both parties reach an agreement during the waiting period, the case can be finalized right after the 60 days are up. Contested cases may need mediation or a trial.
Property in Medina County divorces is divided under Texas community property rules. Texas Family Code Chapter 7 requires the court to divide marital property in a just and right way. The judge considers each spouse's circumstances, fault if it applies, and other facts. Separate property, including assets owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance, is generally not subject to division.
The Texas Judicial Branch at txcourts.gov provides statewide information about court procedures, official forms, and how to find the right court for your case in Medina County.
Medina County Divorce Decree Contents
The Final Decree of Divorce from the Medina County District Court is the court's official order ending the marriage. It covers property and debt division, conservatorship of any children, the possession schedule, child support, and spousal maintenance if ordered. Both parties are legally bound by the terms once the judge signs the decree.
The full case file at the District Clerk also includes the original petition, any temporary orders issued while the case was pending, financial affidavits, and proof of service on the other spouse. These documents are public records. Anyone can request copies from the clerk. Fees apply per page for plain copies and per page plus a certification fee for certified copies. Some financial records may be sealed by court order.
Texas divorce records are public under the Texas Public Information Act at Texas Government Code Chapter 552. You do not have to be a party to the case to request copies from the Medina County District Clerk. Official court forms for Medina County divorce cases are at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
Legal Help in Medina County
Hondo has some local attorneys, and many San Antonio lawyers serve Medina County clients. The State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com can help you find family law attorneys near Hondo or in the San Antonio metro area. The referral line is (800) 252-9690.
For free or low-cost legal help, visit texaslawhelp.org. This site has self-help guides and official forms for Texas divorce cases. Lone Star Legal Aid and other legal aid organizations in the San Antonio region may serve Medina County residents who meet income requirements. The Texas Attorney General at texasattorneygeneral.gov handles child support enforcement for all Texas counties including Medina, under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Cities in Medina County
Medina County includes Hondo, Castroville, Natalia, and Lytle. All divorce records for the county are at the District Clerk's office in Hondo. No city in Medina County meets the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Medina County sits southwest of San Antonio. Bordering counties include Bexar County, Atascosa County, Frio County, Uvalde County, and Bandera County.