Are Dallas County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, Dallas County divorce records are mostly classified as public documents. Under the Texas Public Information Act, all parties can view and get copies of public records from designated entities. These entities are mostly responsible for creating and maintaining records of official events like divorce court cases. Persons or entities seeking to obtain such records must fulfill the conditions set by the entity. For instance, you must provide relevant data to access divorce records.

Nevertheless, certain divorce information is restricted from public access. The exempt record may include data whose disclosure may violate the privacy of concerned parties. In Dallas County, case parties in a divorce case may petition the district court to seal records to protect sensitive information.

Who Can Access Dallas County Public Records?

Per Chapter 522 of the Texas Government Code, all persons or entities can access most public records generated in Dallas County. The state law generally grants equal rights to all requesters. However, some records may be sealed or accessible to only the parties involved. The party's legal representatives and immediate family relations are also eligible to access sealed or confidential records.

In contrast, third-party requestors seeking to obtain sealed records may either get a letter of consent from the record subject or use a court order that authorizes the release of such records.

Note: Legally eligible parties must present a valid ID or proof of relationship document to access sealed or restricted public records.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in Dallas County?

Yes, it is necessary to state your reason for requesting divorce records in Dallas County. Before releasing divorce records, record custodian agencies will review the purpose of the request along with other required information. Valid reasons for requesting divorce records may include modifying child support, remarriage, and application for a new marriage license.

How do you Request Divorce Records in Dallas County?

Persons or entities can request Dallas County divorce records via these steps:

1. Determine the agencies responsible for holding the record
   Dallas County divorce records are under the purview of local and state-level agencies. The Texas Department of State Health Services offers divorce verification information from 1968 until the present date. However, the Dallas County district clerk maintains information on divorce cases and decrees.
2. Choose a preferred option for accessing the record
   In Dallas County, interested parties can access divorce records through mail, online search platforms, mail-in, or in-person requests. For instance, the county district clerk allows mail-in requests for divorce decrees and case information.
3. Request for divorce records through your preferred option
   To get divorce verification documents, applicants must send a mail or in-person request to the TxDSHS at:

Mail address
DSHS - VSS
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040.

Physical address
DSHS—Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756

The request must include a completed record request form and a $20 request fee.

In contrast, you can order a divorce decree by sending a completed request form to the district clerk at:

Dallas County District Clerk
600 Commerce Street
Records Department
Suite B-30
Dallas, Texas 75202

The district clerk also hosts an online searchable platform for divorce case information. To use the platform, inquirers must input relevant search data like the case party’s names or case number.

What Information is Included in a Dallas County Divorce Record?

Dallas County divorce records may provide information on the following:

• The case parties’ full names
• Case type and filing date.
• Court location
• Divorce petitioner’s name and lead attorneys
• Court disposition, including judgments.
• District court clerk’s name and signature.

Court documents containing financial data and child custody arrangements are excluded from public access. Custodian agencies may disclose such data to the case parties and other legally eligible requestors.

Fees for Accessing Dallas County Divorce Records

Persons or entities may pay $20 to obtain divorce verification documents via mail or in-person requests to the TxDSHS. The agency may charge additional fees, such as a $5 fee for expedited processing. Express mail also costs additional fees. In contrast, the district court clerk charges $1 per page of certified or non-certified divorce records.

Note: Inquirers may contact the record custodian to find information on available fee waivers.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in Dallas County?

The processing time for accessing divorce records may vary based on factors like the volume of the request. For instance, the district court clerk may take three to four weeks to process large orders for divorce decrees.

The request option also determines how long it will take to obtain divorce records in Dallas County. For example, record custodians may process in-person requests within 24 hours, while mail-based requests have a longer processing time. You can use overnight express mail to expedite mail-based requests.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in Dallas County?

Yes, interested parties can request divorce records through the district clerk’s online case database. To access the platform, interested parties must input the case party's name or document number.

Conversely, inquirers can find divorce records on third-party search websites like Texascourtrecords.us. Such platforms are relatively easy to navigate and do not restrict users based on their locations. Some search sites allow users to directly download divorce documents in their preferred document format. Despite these benefits, third-party search sites are unregulated and may not contain accurate data.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing Dallas County Divorce Records?

Generally, there are no restrictions or exceptions to accessing public divorce records in Dallas County. However, record custodians may seal or redact certain divorce case information from the general public. Such records are exempt under the following conditions:

• The case party filed a motion to seal the record.
• The records contain information whose disclosure is not in the public interest.
• The record contains personal and financial information, including social security numbers and child custody arrangements.