El Paso County Divorce Records

What Are El Paso County Divorce Records?

El Paso County divorce records are official documents that provide legal evidence of a marriage dissolution in El Paso County, Texas. These records contain information about the divorce proceedings, including the names of the parties involved, the date of divorce, and other relevant details. Divorce records are maintained by the El Paso County District Clerk's Office and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section: 1100 W 49th St, Austin, TX 78756

El Paso County District Clerk's Office: 500 E San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Are El Paso County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in El Paso County are considered public records under Texas law. This means that anyone can request access to these documents, with certain exceptions for confidential information. However, while the basic information about a divorce is public, some sensitive details may be redacted or sealed by court order to protect privacy.

How To Find a Divorce Record In El Paso County in 2025

To find a divorce record in El Paso County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit the El Paso County District Clerk's Office in person to request divorce records.
2. Contact the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section, which maintains divorce records for the entire state.
3. Submit a written request by mail to either office.
4. Use online resources provided by the county or state.

For the most current information, you should have the full names of both parties involved in the divorce and the approximate date of the divorce decree.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in El Paso County Online?

To look up divorce records in El Paso County online:

1. Visit the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics website, which offers an online ordering system for divorce verification letters.
2. Use the El Paso County District Clerk's online case search system.
3. Third-party websites may also offer access to divorce records, though these may charge additional fees and may not be as reliable as official sources.

The most reliable online method is through the Texas DSHS online portal, where you can order divorce verifications 24/7.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In El Paso County?

Finding divorce records for free in El Paso County can be challenging, as most official sources charge a fee. However, you can:

1. Visit the El Paso County Law Library to access public terminals for basic case information.
2. Check if the El Paso County District Clerk's Office offers limited free searches for basic information.
3. Use the public access terminals at the courthouse to search for case information.

While basic information might be available for free, obtaining certified copies or detailed records typically involves a fee.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In El Paso County

El Paso County divorce records typically include:

• Names of both spouses
• Date and location of the divorce filing
• Date the divorce was finalized
• Case number
• Grounds for divorce
• Property division information
• Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
• Child support orders (if applicable)
• Alimony or spousal support details (if awarded)
• Name change information (if applicable)

The level of detail available may vary depending on whether you obtain a divorce verification letter or the complete divorce decree.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In El Paso County?

To get proof of divorce in El Paso County:

1. Request a divorce verification letter from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section. This is an official document that confirms the divorce occurred.
2. Obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the El Paso County District Clerk's Office.
3. Submit a mail application using the form provided by Texas DSHS.
4. Order online through the Texas DSHS portal.

A divorce verification letter costs less than a certified copy of the divorce decree but contains less information.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In El Paso County?

While most divorce records in El Paso County are public, there are ways to maintain some confidentiality:

1. Request that the court seal certain sensitive documents or information.
2. File for a confidential divorce in cases involving domestic violence or other safety concerns.
3. Use initials instead of full names in certain documents (though this is at the court's discretion).

Complete confidentiality is rare, but courts may protect specific sensitive information like financial details, Social Security numbers, or information related to minors.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In El Paso County?

In El Paso County, as in all of Texas:

1. There is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized.
2. Uncontested divorces typically take 2-3 months from filing to finalization.
3. Contested divorces can take 6 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of issues and court schedules.
4. Cases involving significant assets or child custody disputes typically take longer.

Factors that affect timing include court backlog, cooperation between parties, and complexity of assets or custody arrangements.

How Long Does El Paso County Keep Divorce Records?

El Paso County and the state of Texas maintain divorce records indefinitely. These records are considered permanent legal documents and are preserved for historical and legal purposes. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains a centralized database of all divorces granted in Texas since January 1968.

How To Get a Divorce In El Paso County

To get a divorce in El Paso County:

1. Meet the residency requirements: Either you or your spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months and an El Paso County resident for at least 90 days.
2. File a Petition for Divorce with the El Paso County District Clerk's Office.
3. Pay the filing fee (approximately $300, though fee waivers are available for those who qualify).
4. Serve your spouse with the divorce papers.
5. Wait through the mandatory 60-day waiting period.
6. Attend court hearings as scheduled.
7. Finalize the divorce through either a settlement agreement or a court trial.

If the divorce is uncontested, you may only need to appear in court once for the final hearing.

How To Get Divorce Papers In El Paso County

To obtain divorce papers in El Paso County:

1. Visit the El Paso County District Clerk's Office in person.
2. Download forms from the Texas Law Help website, which offers free divorce forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court.
3. Use the El Paso County Law Library resources for self-help divorce packets.
4. Consult with an attorney who can prepare the necessary paperwork.

For those who cannot afford an attorney, legal aid services in El Paso County may provide assistance with divorce paperwork.

Lookup Divorce Records in El Paso County

For convenient access to divorce records in El Paso County, you can use the following resources:

• Marriage and Divorce Records | Texas DSHS - The official Texas Department of State Health Services page with comprehensive information on obtaining marriage and divorce records, including verification letters and public indexes.

• Order Online 24/7 - This official Texas government portal allows you to order marriage or divorce verifications online at any time.

• Download Application - Access the mail application form for requesting marriage or divorce records from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

These resources provide official channels to access divorce records maintained by Texas state agencies.