San Jacinto County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In San Jacinto County in 2026
SanJacintoRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to divorce records in San Jacinto County, Texas. Members of the public may access case filings, final decrees, docket entries, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations.
Divorce records in San Jacinto County may be searched through official resources including the District Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Texas court system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The San Jacinto County District Clerk maintains case records for family law matters, including divorce proceedings. Members of the public may search available case information through the county's online portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Texas Judicial Branch case search provides access to court information across jurisdictions. This statewide resource allows users to search for cases filed in Texas district courts, including family law matters.
3. State Vital Records
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit issues verification letters confirming whether a divorce was recorded with the State of Texas. This office does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees but provides official verification of divorce filings based on records submitted by county clerks. Fees apply for verification letters.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Family Division:
San Jacinto County District Clerk
1 State Hwy 150, Room 2
Coldspring, TX 77331
Phone: (936) 653-2324
San Jacinto County District Clerk
- 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
Records Department:
The District Clerk's office maintains both active and archived case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored separately and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases should be submitted directly to the District Clerk.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: San Jacinto County District Clerk, 1 State Hwy 150, Room 2, Coldspring, TX 77331
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- District Clerk: (936) 653-2324
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex matters or seeking sealed records may retain legal counsel. An attorney of record may access the complete case file, request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court, and obtain certified copies on behalf of a client. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service assists individuals in locating qualified family law attorneys.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Texas
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Texas are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have been a domiciliary of Texas for the preceding six-month period and a resident of the county in which the suit is filed for the preceding 90-day period.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final decree is signed.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the District Clerk at (936) 653-2324
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics verification service
- Consult a licensed Texas family law attorney
What Are San Jacinto County Divorce Records?
San Jacinto County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the county's district courts. These records are maintained by the District Clerk as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to applicable state law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed with the court from initiation through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings:
- Petition for divorce (Original Petition for Divorce)
- Respondent's answer and any counterpetition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Temporary orders
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Hearing notices and docket entries
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce
The Final Decree of Divorce is the controlling legal document ending the marriage. It establishes:
- The official date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance orders, if any
- Child conservatorship (custody) arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested
- All other terms binding on the parties
Certified copies of the Final Decree are available through the District Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure inventories
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-divorce modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record verification
- Confirmation of divorce terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The San Jacinto County District Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files, indexes records by party name and case number, and provides certified copies upon request. At the state level, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit maintains a registry of divorce filings reported by county clerks and issues verification letters, though it does not hold the complete case file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code § 6.001 et seq., which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements. Public access to court records is governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq., which establishes a presumption of openness for government records.
Are San Jacinto County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in San Jacinto County are public court records subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. Certain categories of information within case files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (protective measures available)
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving family violence
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a case file upon a proper showing. Cases involving allegations of family violence, cases with confidential settlement agreements, and cases where a party demonstrates a compelling privacy interest may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 154.073 and are not part of the public record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating good cause. The court evaluates the request on a case-by-case basis, balancing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in San Jacinto County?
The San Jacinto County District Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, which sets the fee schedule for district court records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Certification seal | $5.00 |
| Records search (if applicable) | Varies |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies, where available, are subject to the same per-page fee structure.
- The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit charges a separate fee for divorce verification letters; current fee information is available on the DSHS Vital Statistics fee schedule.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to San Jacinto County District Clerk
- Credit and debit cards (subject to applicable processing fees)
Fee Waivers:
Indigent parties may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. A formal affidavit of indigency must be filed with the court. The court determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. Parties who qualified for a fee waiver during the original proceeding should confirm whether the waiver extends to post-judgment record requests.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Review of docket entries at public access terminals
- Basic case status information provided by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in San Jacinto County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the San Jacinto County District Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment actions.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
- Jurisdiction basis
Initial Pleadings:
The Original Petition for Divorce sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested. The respondent's answer addresses each allegation and may include a counterpetition asserting the respondent's own claims for relief.
Financial Affidavits and Disclosure:
Both parties are required to disclose financial information, which may include income from all sources, monthly expenses, real and personal property assets, retirement and investment accounts, and all liabilities. Supporting documentation such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and property appraisals may be filed as exhibits.
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical conservatorship
- Possession and access schedule, including holidays and summers
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income deduction orders
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Settlement Documents:
A Mediated Settlement Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement, if reached by the parties, resolves all contested issues and is incorporated into the Final Decree. Mediation communications themselves are confidential and are not filed with the court.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders governing conduct and support during the pendency of the case
- Agreed or contested orders on specific issues
- Final Decree of Divorce containing all binding terms
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement benefits, filed as separate orders
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify conservatorship or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence records (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in San Jacinto County
Proof of divorce in San Jacinto County is obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce from the District Clerk, or a divorce verification letter from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit.
Certified Copy of Final Decree — District Clerk:
San Jacinto County District Clerk
1 State Hwy 150, Room 2
Coldspring, TX 77331
Phone: (936) 653-2324
San Jacinto County District Clerk
- In person: Present a valid government-issued photo ID and provide the case number or names of both parties. Pay applicable copy and certification fees at the time of request.
- By mail: Submit a written request including party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, requestor contact information, and payment. Allow 1–2 weeks for processing.
- A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name change applications, and government benefit proceedings.
Divorce Verification Letter — Texas DSHS:
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics issues official letters verifying whether a divorce was recorded with the State of Texas. This letter confirms the existence of the divorce filing but does not reproduce the full decree. It is suitable for purposes requiring only confirmation of divorced status.
- Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the DSHS Vital Statistics office.
- Applicable fees are listed on the DSHS website.
- Processing times vary; expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
Members of the public who require assistance navigating the court system may consult the Texas Judicial Branch Self-Help resources or seek guidance through Texas Judicial Branch Legal Aid programs.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in San Jacinto County?
A divorce proceeding in San Jacinto County may be made partially or fully confidential under limited circumstances established by Texas law and court rules.
- Sealing by court order: A party may file a motion to seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open records against the demonstrated privacy interest of the requesting party.
- Family violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or demonstrated a risk of family violence, the court may restrict public access to addresses, contact information, and related documents.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residence, school, or medical providers of minor children is subject to heightened protection and may be redacted from publicly accessible filings.
- Mediation records: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 154.073 and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions submitted as exhibits may be filed under seal upon motion.
- Confidential settlement terms: Parties may agree to keep specific financial terms confidential; however, the existence of the divorce and the Final Decree itself remain public unless the entire file is sealed by court order.
The Texas State Law Library court records guide provides additional information on accessing and understanding the confidentiality rules applicable to Texas court records.
How Long Does San Jacinto County Keep Divorce Records?
San Jacinto County retains divorce records in accordance with the retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for local government records.
- Permanent retention: Final Decrees of Divorce and the complete case file index are retained permanently. These records are not subject to destruction under current Texas records retention schedules.
- Case files: The complete case file, including all pleadings, orders, and exhibits, is retained permanently for district court civil and family law matters.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same permanent retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Post-judgment documents: Modification orders, enforcement actions, and other post-judgment filings are added to the original case file and retained as part of the permanent record.
- Administrative records: Internal administrative documents related to case processing may be subject to shorter retention periods under applicable schedules.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the San Jacinto County District Clerk directly at (936) 653-2324 to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission publishes the applicable local schedule for district courts governing retention periods.