Harrison County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Harrison County in 2026
HarrisonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Harrison County, Texas. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Harrison County may be searched through official clerk offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. District Clerk Case Search
The Harrison County District Clerk maintains case files related to civil, family, child support, and adult felony matters, including divorce proceedings. Members of the public may search case information online through the District Clerk's office portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document retrieval.
2. State Vital Records — Divorce Verification
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains divorce verification letters for proceedings that occurred in Texas. Under current state policy, as described by the Texas DSHS marriage and divorce records office, certified copies of divorce decrees are available only from the district clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. DSHS provides verification letters — not full decrees — for statewide records. Members of the public may order vital records online through the official DSHS application, which processes requests for birth, death, marriage, and divorce records occurring in Texas.
The Texas vital records portal also provides a centralized entry point for requesting divorce verification letters and other vital documents online.
In-Person Searches
Harrison County District Clerk — Family Division
Harrison County District Clerk
200 W. Houston St., Suite 234
Marshall, TX 75670
Phone: (903) 935-8408
District Clerk | Harrison County, Texas
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Members of the public may submit written requests to the District Clerk's office. Mail requests to:
Harrison County District Clerk
200 W. Houston St., Suite 234
Marshall, TX 75670
Include the following with each written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name, mailing address, and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is subject to current office workload and may range from one to three weeks.
By Phone
Harrison County District Clerk: (903) 935-8408
Staff may confirm by phone whether a case exists, provide a case number, verify case status, and confirm the filing date. Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or confidential case information by phone.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses, including maiden names where applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Additional Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses of either party
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in the Correct County
Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, a suit for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse has resided for the preceding 90-day period. Accordingly, members of the public must search in the county where one of the spouses resided at the time of filing — not necessarily the county where the marriage occurred. If the county of filing is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties.
Time Considerations
- Recent divorces: Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is signed.
- Older divorces: Records predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations, including maiden versus married name
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized
- The record is archived and not yet digitized
- The case has been sealed by court order
Members of the public encountering these issues may contact the District Clerk's office at (903) 935-8408, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or request a verification letter through the Texas DSHS vital records office.
What Are Harrison County Divorce Records?
Harrison County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the county's district courts. These records constitute part of the family law case file maintained by the District Clerk and are subject to the public records provisions of Texas law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for divorce
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Motions, notices, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (where prepared)
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property and debts, spousal support terms if any, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available from the District Clerk.
Supporting Documents may include property appraisals, business valuations, financial disclosure records, modification orders entered after the original decree, and enforcement or contempt filings.
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve legal purposes including proof of marital status for remarriage, name change documentation, property transfer verification, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit determinations. They also serve personal purposes such as genealogical research and family history documentation.
Legal Framework:
The District Clerk serves as the primary custodian of divorce records in Harrison County. Under Texas Family Code § 3.001 and related provisions, the court maintains jurisdiction over the dissolution of marriage and the associated case file. The Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.001, establishes the public's right of access to government records, including court filings, subject to enumerated exceptions for sensitive personal information.
As stated by the Texas Office of Court Administration: "Court records are presumed to be open to the public unless a specific statute, rule, or court order provides otherwise."
Are Harrison County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Harrison County district courts are public court records under Texas law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final decrees without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Final divorce decree and property division orders
- Child custody and support orders (general terms)
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public-facing documents pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns and financial statements may be subject to limited access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Psychological evaluations of children are restricted
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Sealed cases are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: Access to all non-restricted, non-sealed portions of the case file; may be required to present identification and pay copying fees
- Parties to the case: Full access to their own case file, including documents otherwise restricted from public view
- Attorneys of record: Access consistent with their representation; may petition for access to sealed materials
- Researchers and media: Access to public portions; court permission required for sealed records
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public are prohibited from using divorce records for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or any use that violates an existing protective order.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Harrison County?
The Harrison County District Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, which governs fees charged by district clerks.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Search fee | No separate search fee at present |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public records at the courthouse at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certified copies: A certification fee applies in addition to the per-page copy fee. Certified copies of the final decree of divorce are the standard form of proof accepted for legal purposes.
- Divorce verification letters (state level): The Texas DSHS charges a fee for divorce verification letters ordered through the order vital records application. Current fees are listed on the DSHS website at the time of ordering.
- Fee waivers: Members of the public who are parties to the case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. The court determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
- Accepted payment methods: The District Clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and credit or debit cards. Members of the public submitting mail requests should include a money order or cashier's check payable to the Harrison County District Clerk.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Harrison County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Harrison County District Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits from both parties disclosing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure records including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and responses
- Requests for production and responsive documents
- Property inventories
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory covering real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations
Children-Related Documents (where applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets, income information, and support orders
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted)
Support Documents:
- Alimony or spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard-of-living analysis
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing all contested issues
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment of divorce containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody and timesharing, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Judgment Documents (where applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Harrison County
Proof of divorce in Harrison County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of divorce issued by the Harrison County District Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
-
In person: Visit the Harrison County District Clerk's office at 200 W. Houston St., Suite 234, Marshall, TX 75670, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Provide the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce. Pay the applicable certification and per-page fees.
-
By mail: Submit a written request to the District Clerk's office at the address above. Include both parties' names, the approximate divorce date, the case number if known, requestor contact information, and a money order for the applicable fees.
-
Divorce verification letter (state level): For purposes that require only verification of divorce status rather than a full certified decree, members of the public may request a divorce verification letter from the Texas DSHS through the Texas vital records portal. As noted by Texas DSHS: "Certified copies of divorce decrees are only available from the district clerk in the county where the divorce was granted."
Harrison County District Clerk
200 W. Houston St., Suite 234
Marshall, TX 75670
Phone: (903) 935-8408
District Clerk | Harrison County, Texas
The Harrison County Clerk maintains marriage license records but does not maintain divorce decrees; those remain exclusively with the District Clerk.
Harrison County Clerk
200 W. Houston St., Suite 233
Marshall, TX 75670
Phone: (903) 935-8403
County Clerk | Harrison County, Texas
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Harrison County?
Divorce proceedings in Harrison County are presumptively public, but Texas law permits certain records or entire cases to be sealed under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of family violence, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence pursuant to Texas Family Code provisions protecting victims.
- Children's information: Information identifying minor children, including their residential addresses, schools, and medical records, is subject to redaction and restricted access under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected under both state law and federal law, including HIPAA, and are not part of the publicly accessible case file.
- Mediation communications: Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion and court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the district court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure. The court retains discretion to grant or deny such requests.
How Long Does Harrison County Keep Divorce Records?
Harrison County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Texas state records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
- Final decrees of divorce: Permanent retention. Final judgments dissolving a marriage are maintained permanently by the District Clerk and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files: Under current Texas records retention schedules, district court civil case files — including divorce proceedings — are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case. Many records are retained permanently, particularly those involving property rights or child-related orders.
- Archived paper records: Cases filed prior to the implementation of electronic filing systems may be stored in physical archives. These records remain available upon request but may require additional retrieval time.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the Texas electronic filing system are maintained in digital format and are accessible through the District Clerk's online portal.
- Post-judgment modification records: Orders modifying custody, support, or other terms of the original decree are filed in the original case and retained as part of that case file for the same period.
- State-level divorce index: The Texas DSHS maintains a statewide index of divorces granted in Texas. The index is used to generate divorce verification letters and covers records from 1968 to the present for most counties.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the District Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.