Dallas County, Texas Divorce Records

The Dallas County Family District Courts issue official legal documents that record the dissolution of marriages within the county. These records include divorce decrees, case files, and related rulings.

Under Texas law, including in Dallas County, divorce records are generally accessible to the public; courts restrict specific sensitive information to protect legal and privacy interests. Access to sensitive details in Dallas County divorce records is generally limited to individuals with legal authorization.

How to find divorce records in Dallas County depends on the document type and the purpose for requesting it, such as:

• Remarriage
• Name change
• Legal proceedings
• Financial and property matters
• Personal record-keeping
• Genealogical research.

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, Texas reported a divorce rate ranging from 0.9 to 2.2 per 1,000 people in 2023. This reflects an increase from the 2022 rate of 0.7 to 2.1 per 1,000. A similar pattern is likely present in Dallas County.

Are Divorce Records Public in Dallas County?

Yes, divorce records in Dallas County are public. Under Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, government records, including most court documents, must be accessible to the public. However, Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure allows courts to protect sensitive information by redacting or sealing certain records. This often applies to details involving minors, domestic violence, financial accounts, or medical and mental health records.

The sections of a divorce case generally available to the public include:

• Names of the parties
• Case number
• The final divorce decrees
• Case status
• Court location and presiding judge.

How to Find Divorce Records in Dallas County

Interested individuals may look up divorce records in Dallas County through the District Clerk's Office, the official custodian of these records. Record seekers may submit requests online, in person, or by mail.

Online Search

The Dallas County District Clerk's Office offers an Online Case Information Portal where users can search court records. Individuals can look up Dallas County divorce cases by name or case number to obtain basic details such as the parties' names, filing date, and docket information.

In-person Requests

Individuals seeking certified copies of Dallas County divorce records, or information on documents not available online, should visit or contact the Dallas County District Clerk's Office (Civil/Family Records Division) and provide the case number, the full names of both parties, and the approximate year of the divorce, along with any required fees at:

Record seekers should note that a valid photo identification is required to view a divorce file.

Mail Requests

When submitting a mail request for a Dallas County court divorce record search, individuals should include:

• A completed Civil/Family Records Request Form or a written request listing the case number(if known), party names, and approximate divorce date
• A check or money order for the required copy fees (after contacting the office for a cost estimate)
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope. The request should be sent to:

Alternatively, individuals may submit the completed request form by email to: DCRecords@dallascounty.org.

Standard copies cost $1.00 per page, while certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document.

Note: The Dallas County District Clerk's Office sets the fees for divorce record copies, which vary by type. Individuals should contact the Records Department for an estimate.

Overview of the Dallas County Court System

The Dallas County trial court system includes the District Courts, County Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, and Municipal Courts. Within Texas's judicial framework, the District Courts hear civil and criminal cases that exceed the jurisdiction of the lower courts, including family law matters. In Dallas County, the Family District Courts specifically oversee divorce cases and other family-related issues. These specialized courts operate within the larger Texas District Court system and have original jurisdiction over all family law cases. All Dallas County Family District Courts are housed in the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building at:

Dallas County family court divorce filings are through the Dallas County District Clerk's Office. However, the Civil & Family Records Department serves as the official custodian of divorce case files, maintaining and providing access to decrees, case documents, and court rulings. The Civil & Family Records Desk is located on the West B basement floor of the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building.

Online Access to Dallas County Divorce Records

The Dallas County District Clerk's Office provides a free online divorce lookup for Dallas County. This public portal offers access to basic court case records, including divorce cases.

How to Find Dallas County Divorce Records Online

• Log in to the Dallas County District Court Case Information portal
• Choose any of the search criteria (case number or party name)
• Enter the relevant information into the specific field
• Click the Submit button, and the portal will display a list of matching cases. Select the relevant case to view additional details.

The Dallas County District Clerk's online portal is intended for informational use, providing a summary of the case and its history, but it does not grant access to the full case documents.

As an alternative to official government platforms, individuals can access Dallas County divorce records through private websites. However, users should exercise caution, as these non-government sources may contain errors or outdated information.

What's Typically Included in a Dallas County Divorce Record

In Texas, public access to divorce records is regulated by the Texas Public Information Act, which mandates that court records, including those from Dallas County, remain open to the public. However, under Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the court may redact or seal certain sensitive information to protect privacy, allowing access only to authorized individuals. Such divorce records include:

• Information involving minors
• Medical or mental health records
• Financial information (bank accounts, tax returns, property inventories)
• Social security numbers
• Domestic violence or protective order details.

A standard public copy of a Dallas County divorce record usually includes details such as:

• Case summary with the case number, party names, and filing date
• Docket information listing case events and filings
• The court's location and the presiding judge
• Summary of rulings or final judgment (divorce decree)
• Case status.

How to Get Certified Copies of Dallas County Divorce Records

Individuals seeking certified copies of divorce records in Dallas County can obtain them through the Dallas County District Clerk's Office. Unlike informational copies, which hold no legal authority, a certified divorce decree in Dallas County serves as an official document for purposes such as remarriage or legally changing one's name.

To get an official divorce record copy in Dallas County, applicants may visit the Civil & Family Records Desk in the basement of the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building and provide a valid photo ID, the case number, the full names of both parties, and the approximate year of divorce at:

When requesting a certified divorce decree from Dallas County by mail (which usually takes 3 to 4 weeks), applicants should include:

• A completed Civil/Family Records Request Form
• A check or money order for the required fees
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope

Mail the request to:

Individuals may also submit the completed Civil & Family Records Request Form by email to the District Clerk's Office at: DCRecords@dallascounty.org.

Copy Fee: $1.00 per page. Certification Fee: $5.00 per document.

Why People Request Dallas County Divorce Records

Some of the reasons to request divorce records in Dallas County include:

• Legal purposes, such as confirming marital status for court cases, remarriage, or updating a legal name
• Financial reasons, including matters related to property distribution, inheritance rights, or filing insurance claims
• Personal reasons
• Genealogical research.

Employers or background screening firms may also confirm divorce history during thorough background checks, though authorized individuals are restricted from accessing sensitive information.

Dallas County Divorce Records Summary

Accessing Dallas County divorce records may involve the following methods and associated fees.