Mills County Divorce Decree Lookup
Mills County divorce decrees are on file with the District Clerk in Goldthwaite. If you need to search for a divorce case or get a copy of a Final Decree of Divorce filed in Mills County, the District Clerk's office handles all such requests. You can reach them by phone at (325) 648-2711, visit in person at the courthouse in Goldthwaite, or send a written mail request. The statewide re:SearchTX portal may also have basic case information online.
Mills County Overview
Mills County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Mills County maintains all divorce records filed in this county. This is a small county with a single district court, so all family law cases including divorces go through the same office. The courthouse is in Goldthwaite in Central Texas. Staff can search by party name or cause number and can make copies on request.
Mills County is served by the 35th District Court. This court also handles other civil and criminal matters for the county. Because Mills County is small, records requests are typically handled quickly. Contact the clerk first to confirm the case is on file before you travel to Goldthwaite or send payment for copies.
| Office | Mills County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 Broadway Goldthwaite, TX 76844 |
| Phone | (325) 648-2711 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.mills.tx.us |
Searching Divorce Records in Mills County
For Mills County divorce records, calling the District Clerk directly is often the fastest approach. The office is small and staff can usually check for a case quickly if you have the names of the parties and a rough year of filing. If the case is there, you can request copies by phone and pay when you pick them up or pay by mail.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some Mills County case data. Try searching by party name to see if the case appears there. For older cases or full document access, contacting the clerk directly is necessary.
Mail requests work for those who cannot travel to Goldthwaite. Write a request letter with both spouse names, the approximate year, your address, and a check for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will search and send copies when the request is processed.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit at dshs.texas.gov can confirm a divorce was granted in Texas but cannot provide a copy of the decree itself.
Mills County Divorce Decree Fees
Copy fees in Mills County follow the Texas standard. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document. Certified copies are typically needed for legal uses such as name changes, property transfers, or updating financial accounts after a divorce.
Filing a new divorce case in Mills County costs around $300. The exact amount may change based on what is included in the case. Call the District Clerk at (325) 648-2711 to confirm current fees before you file. People with low income may request a fee waiver using a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Forms are at txcourts.gov.
How to File for Divorce in Mills County
Filing for divorce in Mills County requires meeting the Texas residency rule. At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Mills County for 90 days before filing. This is the requirement under Texas Family Code § 6.301. Once you meet this standard, you file the Original Petition for Divorce at the District Clerk's office in Goldthwaite.
The no-fault ground of "insupportability" under Texas Family Code § 6.001 is the most common basis for divorce in Texas. It means the marriage cannot continue due to conflict with no real chance of reconciliation. You do not have to prove fault. Fault grounds such as cruelty, adultery, or abandonment are also recognized if they apply.
After filing, a 60-day waiting period applies under Texas Family Code § 6.702. The court cannot grant the divorce until this period has passed. Once both parties agree on all terms or a judge rules on contested issues, the Final Decree of Divorce is signed and filed with the District Clerk.
Property is divided under community property rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides marital property in a just and right manner. Separate property stays with the original owner. The decree sets out all the property, debt, and support terms in a single signed court order.
The Texas State Law Library's divorce guide is a helpful resource for understanding the legal process for a divorce filed in Mills County or any other Texas county.
The law library guide covers topics like residency requirements, grounds for divorce, property division, and child custody rules under Texas law.
Mills County Divorce Records Contents
A Mills County divorce file contains all documents submitted during the case. This starts with the petition and may include the other spouse's answer, temporary orders, and any property or custody agreements. The Final Decree of Divorce is the last document in the file and is what most people need for legal purposes.
The decree covers all terms of the divorce. It states how property and debts are divided, whether spousal maintenance is ordered under Texas Family Code Chapter 8, and all arrangements for any minor children. Child support is addressed if there are children, using the guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The decree is a permanent public record.
Most Mills County divorce records are accessible to anyone. Some items may be sealed by court order, particularly financial source documents or records related to protective orders. Ask the clerk what is available for the specific case you are requesting.
Legal Help for Mills County Residents
TexasLawHelp has free guides on Texas divorce law and official court forms. The Texas Bar's referral service is at (800) 252-9690 or texasbar.com. Central Texas legal aid programs may serve Mills County residents who qualify based on income.
All court forms are at txcourts.gov. If you plan to file on your own, the forms and the law library guide are good places to start. The District Clerk's staff can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice.
Cities in Mills County
Mills County includes Goldthwaite, Mullin, Priddy, and other small communities. All divorce cases for residents of this county go through the Mills County District Court in Goldthwaite. No city in Mills County meets the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Mills County is surrounded by several Central Texas counties. If a divorce was filed in a different county, check with the right District Clerk. Neighboring counties include Lampasas County, Hamilton County, Comanche County, Brown County, and San Saba County.