Divorce Decrees in Montague County
Montague County divorce decrees are maintained by the District Clerk in the town of Montague. The clerk holds all case files for dissolution of marriage cases filed in this county. If you need to find a divorce decree or request certified copies, contact the District Clerk at (940) 894-2461, visit the courthouse in Montague, or submit a written mail request. The statewide re:SearchTX portal also offers basic case lookup for Montague County cases.
Montague County Overview
Montague County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Montague County is the official keeper of all divorce records. All petitions, orders, and final decrees for dissolution of marriage cases are on file at this office. The courthouse is located in the town of Montague in North Texas, near the Oklahoma border. Staff can assist with name searches and copy requests.
Montague County is served by the 97th District Court. This court handles family law cases including divorce, conservatorship, and property matters. The county also has online access through the statewide re:SearchTX portal. For certified copies, contact the District Clerk directly.
| Office | Montague County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 77 Montague, TX 76251 |
| Phone | (940) 894-2461 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.montague.tx.us |
How to Look Up Montague County Divorce Records
To find a divorce decree in Montague County, start with the statewide re:SearchTX portal. Enter the names of the parties to see if any matching cases show up. The system provides basic case information like the filing date, case type, and case number. This is a useful first step before contacting the clerk.
For full file access or certified copies, call the District Clerk in Montague at (940) 894-2461. Have the full names of both spouses and an approximate year of filing ready. The clerk will search the index. If the case is found, you can arrange to pick up copies in person or have them mailed to you.
Mail requests are also accepted. Write a letter with both spouse names, the year of filing, your return address, and a check or money order for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can send copies back. Processing time may vary depending on the volume of requests.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit at dshs.texas.gov maintains a statewide divorce index from 1968 forward and can issue verification letters. They do not issue copies of decrees.
Montague County Copy Fees
Copy fees follow the Texas standard schedule. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document. Certified copies are needed when you use the decree for a legal purpose, such as changing your name with the Social Security Administration or updating property records after the divorce.
The filing fee to start a divorce case in Montague County is around $300. The exact fee can vary. Call the clerk before you file to get the current amount. People who cannot afford to pay may file for a fee waiver using a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Forms are available at the courthouse and at txcourts.gov.
Divorce Filing in Montague County
To file for divorce in Montague County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Montague County for 90 days before filing. This comes from Texas Family Code § 6.301. Once that test is met, you take your Original Petition for Divorce to the District Clerk's office in Montague.
No-fault divorce under the ground of "insupportability" is available in Texas under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This is by far the most common ground used. You just show that the marriage is broken due to conflict with no real hope of repair. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, or felony conviction can also be pled if they apply to your case.
After you file, a 60-day waiting period kicks in under Texas Family Code § 6.702. The court cannot grant the divorce until that period has passed. If both parties agree on all terms, an agreed decree can move through quickly after the 60 days. Contested cases may require mediation or a trial.
Property is split 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 spouse who owned it before the marriage or received it as a gift or inheritance. The decree puts all of this in writing once the judge signs it.
The Texas Judicial Branch oversees the 97th District Court that serves Montague County and provides statewide guidance on divorce procedures and filing requirements.
Information about court procedures and forms for Montague County divorce cases is available through the Texas courts website.
Contents of Montague County Divorce Files
A Montague County divorce file contains all documents submitted during the case. The Original Petition starts the file. Other items may include the respondent's answer, temporary orders, agreements, and the signed Final Decree of Divorce. The decree is what most people need for legal and personal use.
The Final Decree of Divorce sets out all terms of the dissolution. Property and debts are divided as the court orders under community property rules. Any spousal maintenance is outlined under Texas Family Code Chapter 8. If children are involved, the decree includes conservatorship orders, a possession schedule, and child support terms. Child support is calculated under the guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Montague County divorce records are generally public. Anyone can request copies from the District Clerk. Some materials may be sealed, including financial source documents or records related to protective orders. Ask the clerk what is available for the specific case you need.
Legal Resources in Montague County
If you need legal help with a divorce in Montague County, the Texas Bar's referral service is at (800) 252-9690 and at texasbar.com. Legal aid organizations in North Texas may serve qualifying Montague County residents.
TexasLawHelp has free guides and official forms. All court forms are also posted at txcourts.gov. The District Clerk can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice. For questions about your specific case, contact a licensed attorney in Texas.
Cities in Montague County
Montague County includes Nocona, Bowie, and the town of Montague along with other smaller communities. All divorce filings for residents of this county go through the Montague County District Court. No city in Montague County meets the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Montague County sits in North Texas near the Oklahoma state line. If a divorce case was filed in a neighboring county, contact that county's District Clerk. Neighbors include Clay County, Jack County, Wise County, Cooke County, and Nocona areas served by those surrounding courts.