Lubbock County Divorce Records
What Are Lubbock County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Lubbock County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained as part of the public record pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Public Information Act. Divorce records typically consist of several key documents:
- Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that begins the divorce process
- Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment that legally terminates the marriage
- Property Settlement Agreements - Documents detailing the division of assets and liabilities
- Child Custody and Support Orders - If applicable, arrangements regarding minor children
- Name Change Orders - If requested by either party as part of the divorce proceedings
The Lubbock County District Clerk's Office is the primary custodian of divorce records filed within the county. These records are maintained both for legal purposes and as vital statistics for the state of Texas.
Lubbock County District Clerk
916 Main Street, Suite 220
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1124
Lubbock County District Clerk
Are Lubbock County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Lubbock County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations:
- Basic divorce record information is available to any person without restriction
- Court proceedings related to divorces are typically open to public attendance
- Final divorce decrees become part of the public record once filed with the court
- Case indexes listing divorce filings are publicly accessible
However, certain components of divorce records may be restricted from public access under specific circumstances:
- Records containing sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or medical information may be redacted
- Cases involving minors may have additional privacy protections
- Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
- Cases involving domestic violence may have certain protective elements
The Texas Family Code §107.0125 provides additional protections for information related to children in family law cases, which may limit public access to portions of divorce records involving minor children.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lubbock County in 2025
Individuals seeking divorce records in Lubbock County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The process requires specific information to facilitate an efficient search:
- Full legal names of both parties involved in the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization (at minimum, the year)
- Case number, if available
- County where the divorce was filed (confirmation that it was indeed Lubbock County)
To obtain divorce records in person, requestors may visit:
Lubbock County District Clerk's Office
916 Main Street, Suite 220
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1124
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Lubbock County District Clerk
For verification of divorce through the state vital records system:
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
(888) 963-7111
Texas Vital Statistics
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies. As of 2025, fees are subject to change, and current fee schedules should be verified with the respective offices prior to submitting requests.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Lubbock County Online?
Lubbock County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through its online portal systems. The county's online court records access system allows users to search for divorce cases filed within the county. To utilize this service:
- Navigate to the Lubbock County official website
- Select the "Court Records" option from the services menu
- Create a user account if required (some basic information may be viewable without an account)
- Enter search criteria such as party names, case numbers, or filing dates
- Review the results to locate the specific divorce case
For statewide verification of divorce, the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains an online ordering system for divorce verifications. This system provides:
- Official verification of divorce (not complete court records)
- Access to records dating back to 1968
- Secure electronic delivery options
- Payment processing for required fees
Users should note that online access may be limited to basic case information, and complete divorce files may still require in-person requests or written applications for certified copies.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Lubbock County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Lubbock County have several options available, though services may be limited compared to paid requests:
- Public access terminals at the Lubbock County District Clerk's Office allow free on-site viewing of non-confidential divorce records
- The Lubbock County Clerk Records service page provides information on available public records
- Basic case information may be accessible through the county's online portal without fees
- Public law libraries may offer access to divorce record indexes
Lubbock County Law Library
916 Main Street, 8th Floor
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1003
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While viewing basic record information may be available at no cost, fees typically apply for:
- Printed copies of documents
- Certified copies of divorce decrees
- Research assistance from clerk staff
- Complete case file reproductions
Pursuant to Texas Government Code §51.318, the District Clerk is authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records to recover the cost of providing these services.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Lubbock County
Divorce records maintained by Lubbock County contain comprehensive documentation of the legal dissolution process. A complete divorce file typically includes:
- Original Petition for Divorce - The initiating document stating grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Citation and Return of Service - Documentation showing the non-filing spouse was properly notified
- Answer and/or Counter-Petition - The responding spouse's formal reply to the petition
- Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct and responsibilities during the pendency of the case
- Financial Disclosures - Sworn inventories of assets, liabilities, and financial resources
- Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment containing all terms of the divorce
- Property Division Orders - Detailed allocation of marital property and debts
- Child Support Orders - If applicable, terms for financial support of minor children
- Custody and Visitation Schedules - Parenting plans and possession schedules for minor children
- Name Change Orders - If requested by either party
Additional documents may include mediation agreements, transcripts of hearings, expert witness reports, and other evidence submitted during proceedings. The specific contents vary based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Lubbock County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce from Lubbock County may obtain this documentation through established procedures. Official proof of divorce typically comes in two forms:
- Certified Copy of Divorce Decree - A complete copy of the final judgment with the court's official seal
- Verification of Divorce - A certificate confirming the divorce occurred without full case details
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree from Lubbock County:
Lubbock County District Clerk
916 Main Street, Suite 220
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1124
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Lubbock County District Clerk
Requestors must:
- Complete a records request form
- Provide identification
- Pay the applicable fee (approximately $1.00 per page plus certification fee)
- Provide case information including names and approximate date
For state verification of divorce:
- Submit a request through the Texas Online Vital Records Application
- Provide required identifying information
- Pay the state fee (approximately $20 per verification)
- Allow processing time (typically 10-15 business days)
Pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code §194.0011, the state maintains an index of divorces granted in Texas since January 1968.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Lubbock County?
While divorce proceedings in Lubbock County are generally public records, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information or maintain confidentiality in specific circumstances. Texas Family Code §107.0125 and Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a govern the sealing of court records.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Cases involving domestic violence or abuse
- Matters affecting the safety of parties or children
- Protection of sensitive financial or proprietary information
- Situations where public disclosure would cause undue harm
To request confidentiality or sealing of divorce records:
- File a motion with the court requesting sealing of records
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of public access
- Attend a hearing where the court will consider the request
- Obtain a court order specifically directing which records are to be sealed
Even when records are sealed, certain basic information typically remains public, such as the names of parties and the fact that a divorce was granted. Complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and requires extraordinary circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Lubbock County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Lubbock County varies based on several factors, with statutory timelines establishing minimum processing periods. Pursuant to Texas Family Code §6.702, a divorce may not be granted before the 60th day after the date the suit was filed.
Typical timeframes for Lubbock County divorces include:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 60-90 days from filing
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 4-6 months
- Complex contested divorces: 6-12 months or longer
- Cases requiring trial: Often 12+ months
Factors affecting the timeline include:
- Court docket congestion
- Complexity of property division
- Child custody disputes
- Discovery processes
- Mediation requirements
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Judicial availability
The 60-day waiting period may be waived only in cases involving family violence as specified in Texas Family Code §6.702(c). Parties seeking expedited processing should consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
How Long Does Lubbock County Keep Divorce Records?
Lubbock County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules. These records are considered permanent legal documents and are retained indefinitely. The retention policy ensures:
- Complete divorce decrees are preserved permanently
- Case files are maintained for a minimum of 25 years after final disposition
- Records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic formats for long-term preservation
- Original paper records may eventually be transferred to the Texas State Archives
For records research purposes:
- Recent records (typically less than 10 years old) are generally maintained in active storage at the District Clerk's Office
- Older records may be stored in off-site facilities requiring additional retrieval time
- Very old records may be available only in alternative formats such as microfilm
The Lubbock County Clerk's Office can provide guidance on locating older divorce records that may have been transferred to alternative storage systems.
How To Get a Divorce In Lubbock County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Lubbock County must follow established legal procedures in accordance with the Texas Family Code. The process typically includes:
-
Residency Requirements: At least one spouse must have been a Texas resident for the preceding six months and a resident of Lubbock County for the preceding 90 days.
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Filing the Petition: Submit an Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk's Office: Lubbock County District Clerk
916 Main Street, Suite 220
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1124
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Service of Process: Ensure the non-filing spouse receives legal notice through:
- Personal service by a constable or process server
- Waiver of service signed by the respondent
- Alternative service methods if ordered by the court
-
Waiting Period: Observe the mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized.
-
Resolution of Issues: Address matters including:
- Division of property and debts
- Child custody and support if applicable
- Spousal maintenance if applicable
-
Finalization: Obtain a Final Decree of Divorce through:
- Agreement between parties (uncontested)
- Mediated settlement
- Court hearing or trial (contested matters)
Legal forms and guidance are available through the Texas State Law Library divorce resources.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Lubbock County
Individuals seeking divorce forms in Lubbock County have several resources available to obtain the necessary documentation. Required paperwork typically includes:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Waiver of Service or Citation
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Child Support and Custody forms (if applicable)
- Property Division Inventory forms
These documents may be obtained from:
Lubbock County Law Library
916 Main Street, 8th Floor
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1003
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lubbock County District Clerk's Office
916 Main Street, Suite 220
Lubbock, TX 79401
(806) 775-1124
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Online resources include:
- Texas State Law Library divorce forms
- TexasLawHelp.org - Free legal forms and guidance
- Texas Supreme Court approved forms
While forms are available for self-represented litigants, complex divorce cases involving significant assets, businesses, retirement accounts, or contested child custody matters may require legal assistance. The Lubbock County Bar Association can provide referrals to qualified family law attorneys.
Lookup Divorce Records in Lubbock County
Lubbock County court records search
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