El Paso County Divorce Records
What Are El Paso County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in El Paso County are official government documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Family Code § 6.001-6.802, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the state.
Divorce records typically consist of several document types:
- Divorce Decree - The final judgment signed by a judge that legally terminates the marriage
- Divorce Certificate - An official document verifying that a divorce was granted
- Divorce Petition - The initial filing that begins divorce proceedings
- Settlement Agreements - Documents detailing division of property, child custody arrangements, and other terms
The El Paso County District Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of divorce records for proceedings that occur within El Paso County. These records are maintained as part of the county's vital records system and are subject to specific regulations regarding access and confidentiality in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.
El Paso County District Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2021
El Paso County District Clerk
Are El Paso County Divorce Records Public?
El Paso County divorce records are generally considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including divorce proceedings, are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access divorce records with certain limitations:
- Basic divorce information (names of parties, date of divorce, case number) is typically available to anyone
- Detailed financial information, Social Security numbers, and certain personal identifiers may be redacted
- Records containing information about minor children may have restricted access
- Cases sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 6.409, the court may order certain portions of divorce records sealed if it determines that public access would create an undue risk of harm to individuals. Additionally, Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a establishes the standards and procedures for sealing court records.
Individuals seeking divorce records must comply with identification requirements established by the El Paso County District Clerk's Office and the Texas Department of State Health Services when requesting certified copies of divorce documents.
How To Find a Divorce Record In El Paso County in 2025
Locating divorce records in El Paso County requires following established procedures through the appropriate government agencies. The process varies depending on when the divorce was finalized and what type of documentation is needed.
For divorces finalized in El Paso County, individuals may:
- Visit the El Paso County District Clerk's Office in person at 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103, El Paso, TX 79901
- Submit a written request by mail to the same address
- Utilize the District Clerk's online case search system for basic case information
- Contact the Texas Department of State Health Services for divorce verifications
Required information for record searches includes:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce (including maiden name if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (month and year)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
The El Paso County District Clerk's Office maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Requestors should note that same-day service is not guaranteed, particularly for older records that may be archived.
For divorces finalized prior to 1968, researchers may need to contact the El Paso County Archives at 800 E. Overland Ave., Suite 120, El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 546-2071, as these older records may not be available through standard channels.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in El Paso County Online?
El Paso County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms. These electronic resources offer varying levels of detail and accessibility in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits reasonable fees for record retrieval.
The primary online resources include:
- El Paso County District Clerk's Case Records Search - Provides basic case information including parties' names, case number, filing date, and case status
- Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit - Offers divorce verification services for divorces granted in Texas since 1968
- idocket.com - A third-party service contracted by El Paso County to provide case information
Users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Complete divorce decrees and filings are not typically available for download
- Online searches may require registration and payment of fees
- Records with restricted access will not appear in public search results
- Information available online is limited and may not include all case details
For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals are advised to contact the El Paso County District Clerk's Office directly at (915) 546-2021 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In El Paso County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in El Paso County have several options available, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to paid services.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the El Paso County District Clerk's Office (500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103, El Paso, TX 79901) during regular business hours
- Basic case information through the public access terminals located in the District Clerk's Office
- Limited online case search functionality through the El Paso City Clerk's public records portal which provides links to county services
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, while inspection of records is generally available without charge, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certification of documents ($5.00 per document)
- Research assistance for records older than 10 years
- Expedited service requests
Researchers should note that while basic record inspection may be free, obtaining certified copies or verification letters will incur standard fees as established by the Texas Department of State Health Services and El Paso County.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In El Paso County
El Paso County divorce records contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution of marriage. The content of these records is governed by Texas Family Code § 6.001-6.802 and typically includes several key components.
Standard elements found in El Paso County divorce records include:
- Case identification information (case number, filing date, finalization date)
- Personal information about both parties (names, addresses at time of filing)
- Grounds for divorce as specified in the petition
- Property division determinations
- Spousal maintenance/alimony arrangements (if applicable)
- Child custody and support provisions (if children were involved)
- Name change authorizations (if requested by either party)
- Signed judicial orders and final decree
Depending on the complexity of the case, additional documents may be included:
- Financial affidavits and property inventories
- Parenting plans and visitation schedules
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings or depositions
- Settlement agreements negotiated between parties
Researchers should be aware that certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records in accordance with Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 76a and applicable privacy statutes.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In El Paso County?
Individuals requiring official documentation of a divorce finalized in El Paso County may obtain verification through established channels. Texas law recognizes several forms of divorce verification that serve as legal proof of marital dissolution.
Official proof of divorce may be obtained through:
- Certified Copy of Divorce Decree - Available from the El Paso County District Clerk's Office at 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103, El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 546-2021
- Divorce Verification Letter - Available from the Texas Department of State Health Services for divorces granted after January 1, 1968
Required documentation for requesting proof of divorce includes:
- Completed application form (available from the respective agency)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Appropriate fee payment (varies by document type)
- Case information including names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
Processing times vary by agency and request method:
- In-person requests at the District Clerk's Office may be processed same-day depending on workload and record availability
- Mail requests typically require 10-15 business days for processing
- Online requests through the Texas Department of State Health Services require 10-20 business days plus mailing time
Expedited service options may be available for an additional fee through both agencies.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In El Paso County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings in El Paso County may be granted confidential status. Texas law provides specific mechanisms for protecting sensitive information while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
Confidentiality options in El Paso County divorce cases include:
- Sealing of Records - Pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, a court may order records sealed upon showing a specific, serious, and substantial interest that outweighs public access rights
- Protective Orders - Under Texas Family Code § 6.709, courts may issue orders protecting certain information from disclosure
- Redaction of Sensitive Information - Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and children's information may be redacted from public documents
The process for requesting confidentiality requires:
- Filing a motion with the court handling the divorce case
- Demonstrating compelling reasons for confidentiality
- Attending a hearing where the judge will determine if sealing is warranted
- Obtaining a court order specifically outlining what information will be protected
It should be noted that complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or situations where public disclosure would create a substantial risk of harm.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In El Paso County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in El Paso County varies based on multiple factors. Texas Family Code § 6.702 establishes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized, regardless of circumstances.
The timeline for divorce completion typically follows these parameters:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement between parties: 60-90 days from filing
- Contested divorces requiring negotiation: 6-12 months
- Complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes: 12-18 months or longer
Factors that influence the duration of divorce proceedings include:
- Court docket congestion in El Paso County District Courts
- Complexity of property division and child custody arrangements
- Willingness of parties to negotiate and reach agreements
- Availability of required documentation and financial disclosures
- Need for expert witnesses or special evaluations
The El Paso County District Courts, located at 500 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 546-2000, handle divorce cases according to established scheduling procedures. Parties seeking expedited processing should consult with legal counsel regarding available options within the constraints of Texas law.
How Long Does El Paso County Keep Divorce Records?
El Paso County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules. These records are preserved for extended periods due to their legal significance and potential relevance to future proceedings.
The retention schedule for divorce records includes:
- Case Files - Permanent retention by the El Paso County District Clerk's Office
- Indexes and Dockets - Permanent retention for reference purposes
- Divorce Certificates - Permanent retention by the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit
While records are permanently retained, their storage location may change over time:
- Recent records (typically less than 10 years old) are maintained in active storage at the District Clerk's Office
- Older records may be transferred to the El Paso County Archives at 800 E. Overland Ave., Suite 120, El Paso, TX 79901
- Some historical records may be preserved on microfilm or in digital format
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 441.158, all county records must be maintained according to approved retention schedules, ensuring that divorce records remain available for legal and historical purposes indefinitely.
How To Get a Divorce In El Paso County
Initiating divorce proceedings in El Paso County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. The process begins with proper filing and continues through several required stages.
To commence a divorce in El Paso County, individuals must:
- Establish eligibility by meeting Texas residency requirements (resident of Texas for 6 months and El Paso County for 90 days)
- Prepare an Original Petition for Divorce citing appropriate grounds
- File the petition with the El Paso County District Clerk's Office at 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103, El Paso, TX 79901
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $300, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Serve the petition on the other spouse through approved methods
After filing, the divorce process includes:
- Mandatory 60-day waiting period from date of filing
- Exchange of financial information and required disclosures
- Temporary orders hearing (if requested) to establish interim arrangements
- Negotiation of settlement terms or preparation for trial
- Final hearing before a judge to approve agreements or issue rulings
- Entry of Final Decree of Divorce
The El Paso County District Courts provide forms and limited guidance for self-represented litigants, though legal representation is recommended, particularly for complex cases involving children or significant assets.
How To Get Divorce Papers In El Paso County
Individuals seeking divorce documentation in El Paso County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms. While Texas does not mandate the use of specific forms, certain documents are required to properly initiate and complete divorce proceedings.
Divorce papers may be obtained through:
- El Paso County Law Library - Located at 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Room 108, El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 546-2566
- Texas Law Help website - Provides standardized forms approved for use in Texas courts
- El Paso County District Clerk's Office - Offers basic procedural information at 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103, El Paso, TX 79901
- Legal aid organizations - Such as Texas RioGrande Legal Aid at 1331 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 585-5100
Essential divorce documents typically include:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Citation or Waiver of Service
- Answer and Counter-Petition (if applicable)
- Financial Information Statement
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Child support and custody documents (if children are involved)
Individuals should note that while forms are available, the proper completion of divorce paperwork requires understanding of legal principles and local court rules. The El Paso County District Clerk's staff cannot provide legal advice regarding form completion or divorce strategy.