Divorce records in Harris County, Texas, are available through several channels. HarrisCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information online. You can also obtain records directly from the district clerk's office that issued the decree, the Harris County Clerk's office, or the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) vital records office. Whether you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or a divorce verification letter, the right office depends on the type of document you're looking for and how you plan to use it.
Harris County Divorce Records Search
Harris County maintains divorce records through two primary offices. The Harris County District Clerk's office keeps the official court file for every divorce case filed in the county, including the original petition, the final decree of divorce, property settlement agreements, custody orders, and any post-judgment modifications. These records date back decades and are generally considered public unless a court has sealed part or all of a case file.
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide index of divorce records and can issue divorce verification letters for divorces granted in Texas since 1968. This office does not hold the full court file — only a statistical record confirming that a divorce occurred.
Start your search at the District Clerk's office:
You can search the District Clerk's online case records system to locate a divorce case by party name or case number before visiting in person.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Harris County
In Texas, divorce cases are handled by district courts. Harris County has multiple family district courts that hear divorce and family law matters exclusively. When a judge signs the final decree of divorce, the document is filed with the Harris County District Clerk, who serves as the custodian of all district court records.
Here's which office to contact based on what you need:
- Full divorce decree or court file documents — Contact the Harris County District Clerk. This office holds the original decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related filings.
- Divorce verification letter — Contact the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section. This office can confirm that a divorce took place in Texas and issue a verification letter, but it does not provide copies of the actual decree.
If you're unsure which court handled your case, the District Clerk's online case search lets you look up cases by name. Once you identify the case number and court, you can request specific documents.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Harris County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| District Clerk — uncertified copy of divorce decree | $1.00 per page | Same day to 3 business days (in person) |
| District Clerk — certified copy of divorce decree | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Same day to 5 business days |
| DSHS — divorce verification letter (standard) | $20.00 | Approximately 2–4 weeks |
| DSHS — divorce verification letter (expedited) | $20.00 plus expedited shipping fee | Approximately 5–7 business days |
| DSHS — additional search (per 5-year period) | $3.00 | Included with request processing |