Nacogdoches County Divorce Records
Nacogdoches County divorce decrees are on file with the District Clerk in Nacogdoches. The clerk maintains all dissolution of marriage case records and provides certified copies on request. You can search online through the statewide re:SearchTX portal or contact the District Clerk at (936) 560-7733 directly. In-person visits at the courthouse and mail requests are also accepted for certified copies of divorce decrees.
Nacogdoches County Overview
Nacogdoches County District Clerk
The District Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in Nacogdoches County. All petitions, orders, and Final Decrees of Divorce for cases filed in this county are maintained at this office. The courthouse is in the city of Nacogdoches, one of the oldest towns in Texas and the county seat of Nacogdoches County in East Texas.
Nacogdoches County has two district courts handling its caseload. Both the 145th and 420th District Courts serve the county and handle family law matters including divorce. The District Clerk's office manages records for both courts. Online case search is available through the statewide re:SearchTX system. For certified copies, contact the clerk directly.
| Office | Nacogdoches County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 W. Main St. Nacogdoches, TX 75961 |
| Phone | (936) 560-7733 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.nacogdoches.tx.us |
Searching Nacogdoches County Divorce Records
You can search Nacogdoches County divorce cases using the statewide re:SearchTX portal. Enter one or both party names and filter by Nacogdoches County to see matching cases. The system shows basic case information including the filing date, case type, and status. It is a good starting point for any search.
For full document access or certified copies, go through the District Clerk in Nacogdoches. In-person visits let you view the case file and request copies at the counter. Bring a valid ID and the names of both spouses. If you have the cause number, that speeds up the search significantly. The clerk can make copies while you wait or have them ready for pickup later.
Mail requests are also an option. Write a letter with both party names, the year of filing, your contact information, and a check for the copy fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail copies back to you. Allow time for processing, which can take a few days for busy county offices.
Nacogdoches County Divorce Record Fees
Copy fees follow the Texas standard. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Certified copies are needed when using the decree for legal purposes, such as a name change or property transaction. Filing fees to start a new divorce case in Nacogdoches County are around $300.
The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division may also have payment records for cases with child support orders. The AG's office is separate from the District Clerk. Their information is at texasattorneygeneral.gov. For court orders, the District Clerk in Nacogdoches is the right source.
People who cannot pay court costs can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Forms are available at the courthouse and at txcourts.gov.
Filing for Divorce in Nacogdoches County
To file for divorce in Nacogdoches County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Nacogdoches County for 90 days before filing. This is the residency requirement under Texas Family Code § 6.301. Once that is met, you file the Original Petition for Divorce at the District Clerk's office.
No-fault divorce on the ground of "insupportability" is available under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This is the most common approach. It means the marriage has broken down due to conflict with no real chance of being saved. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, or abandonment can also be used if they apply to your situation.
60-Day Waiting Period: Texas law requires a 60-day wait between filing and when the court can grant the divorce. See Texas Family Code § 6.702. Exceptions apply in family violence cases.
Property is divided under community property rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court splits marital assets in a just and right manner. Separate property stays with the original owner. The Final Decree of Divorce sets all terms in writing and is signed by the judge before being filed with the District Clerk.
The Texas Judicial Branch oversees all district courts in the state including the two courts serving Nacogdoches County and has forms and guidance available online.
All forms needed for filing a divorce in Nacogdoches County are available through the Texas courts website at no cost.
What Nacogdoches County Divorce Records Contain
A Nacogdoches County divorce case file holds all documents from the start of the case to its conclusion. This includes the Original Petition for Divorce, any temporary orders, mediation agreements, property settlement terms, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The decree is the most important document and contains all the court's final orders.
The decree spells out how property and debts are divided, any spousal maintenance ordered under Texas Family Code Chapter 8, and all orders related to children. This includes conservatorship, the standard possession schedule, and child support calculated under Texas Family Code Chapter 154.
Most Nacogdoches County divorce records are public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request copies. Financial source documents or records sealed by court order may have restricted access. Ask the clerk what is available for any specific case you need.
Legal Help in Nacogdoches County
Several organizations can help with divorce cases in Nacogdoches County. TexasLawHelp has free guides and official court forms online. The Texas Bar's referral service at (800) 252-9690 and texasbar.com can connect you with attorneys in the East Texas area.
Legal aid programs in the Deep East Texas region may serve qualifying residents of Nacogdoches County. Contact the District Clerk's office to ask about local programs. All official court forms are at txcourts.gov. The clerk can point you in the right direction, but legal advice must come from a licensed attorney.
Cities in Nacogdoches County
Nacogdoches County includes the city of Nacogdoches and smaller surrounding communities. All divorce filings for residents of this county go through the Nacogdoches County District Court. No city in Nacogdoches County meets the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Nacogdoches County is in Deep East Texas, surrounded by other East Texas counties. If a divorce was filed in a nearby county, contact that county's District Clerk. Neighbors include Shelby County, Sabine County, San Augustine County, Angelina County, Cherokee County, and Rusk County.