Access Motley County Divorce Decrees
Motley County divorce decrees are kept by the District Clerk in Matador. If you need to find a divorce decree or request a certified copy, the District Clerk's office at the Motley County Courthouse is the right place to contact. Reach the clerk at (806) 347-2621, visit in person in Matador, or send a written mail request. The statewide re:SearchTX system may also provide basic online case information for Motley County.
Motley County Overview
Motley County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Motley County maintains all divorce records for the county. Because Motley County is one of the smallest counties in Texas by population, the office is small and requests are typically handled quickly. The courthouse is in Matador, in the Rolling Plains region of West Texas. Call before visiting to confirm the case is on file and the office is open.
Motley County is served by the 110th District Court. This court sits at the Matador courthouse and handles all family law matters for the county. Records are kept at the clerk's office. The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some case data for Motley County. For certified copies, contact the District Clerk directly.
| Office | Motley County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 701 Ballard St. Matador, TX 79244 |
| Phone | (806) 347-2621 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.motley.tx.us |
How to Look Up a Motley County Divorce Decree
In a small county like Motley, calling the District Clerk directly is often the fastest way to find a divorce record. The clerk can usually check the index and confirm quickly if the case is on file. Have the names of both spouses ready and a rough idea of the year the divorce was filed. If the case is there, you can request copies by mail or pick them up in person.
You can also check the statewide re:SearchTX portal for Motley County cases. Search by party name and look for family law or civil case types. Not all older cases may be in the online system, so contacting the clerk is still a good backup if the online search turns up nothing.
For mail requests, write a letter with both party names, the approximate year of the divorce, your return address, and a check for the copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail copies back to you. Allow time for processing, especially for small county offices.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit at dshs.texas.gov can verify that a divorce occurred in Texas from 1968 forward. They issue verification letters but not copies of decrees.
Motley County Divorce Decree Fees
Copy fees follow the standard Texas 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 what you need when using the decree for legal purposes, such as a name change or property transfer.
Filing a new divorce case in Motley County costs around $300. Call the clerk at (806) 347-2621 to get the current fee. Fee waivers are available for people who cannot pay. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs with your petition. Forms are at txcourts.gov.
Filing for Divorce in Motley County
To file for divorce in Motley County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Motley County for 90 days before filing. This comes from Texas Family Code § 6.301. Once you meet that test, you file the Original Petition for Divorce at the District Clerk's office in Matador.
No-fault divorce is the most common path in Texas. Under Texas Family Code § 6.001, "insupportability" is available as a ground. It simply means the marriage has broken down and cannot be repaired. Fault-based grounds like cruelty or adultery can also be used if they apply. A 60-day waiting period is required under Texas Family Code § 6.702 before the court can grant the divorce.
Property in Texas is divided under community property rules set in Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides what was acquired during the marriage in a just and right manner. The Final Decree of Divorce puts all terms into writing and becomes a permanent public record with the District Clerk once the judge signs it.
The Texas State Law Library divorce guide provides useful information about the divorce process in Texas, including how property is divided and what courts handle family law cases like those in Motley County.
The Texas State Law Library is a free online resource available to all Texans, including Motley County residents looking for guidance on divorce law.
Motley County Divorce Record Contents
A Motley County divorce case file contains all documents filed during the case. The Original Petition starts it. Other items may include the respondent's answer, temporary orders, property agreements, and financial disclosures. The Final Decree of Divorce is the last document and the most important one for legal purposes.
The decree states all the terms of the divorce. It covers how property and debts are divided, any spousal maintenance under Texas Family Code Chapter 8, and all orders for any children. If minor children are involved, the decree includes conservatorship orders, the possession schedule, and child support amounts calculated under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Most Motley County divorce records are public. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies. Some documents may be sealed by court order. Ask the clerk what is accessible for the specific case you need.
Legal Resources for Motley County Residents
TexasLawHelp has free guides and forms for Texas divorce cases. The Texas Bar's referral service is at (800) 252-9690 and at texasbar.com. Legal aid programs in West Texas may serve Motley County residents who qualify based on income.
All official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The District Clerk in Matador can explain how to file but cannot give legal advice. Contact a licensed Texas attorney for advice about your specific case.
Cities in Motley County
Motley County includes only Matador and a few small communities. It is one of the most rural counties in Texas. All divorce cases for Motley County residents are filed with the District Court in Matador. No city in Motley County meets the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Motley County is in West Texas, south of the Panhandle. If you need to check a neighboring county for divorce records, see the counties below. Neighbors include Cottle County, Floyd County, Dickens County, King County, and Crosby County.