Medina County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Medina County in 2026
MedinaRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Medina County, Texas. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Records available through official channels may include dissolution filings, court orders, and certified copies of final judgments. Access and completeness vary depending on the age of the record and the custodial office.
Divorce records in Medina County are maintained primarily by the District Clerk, as Texas district courts hold jurisdiction over divorce proceedings. Members of the public may search for these records through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Medina County District Clerk maintains divorce case files and provides access to case information. Members of the public may contact the office directly to inquire about available online search tools. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies and certified records.
2. State Vital Records
Texas registers divorce records through the Texas Department of State Health Services. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office notes that local divorce records for Medina County are maintained by the Medina County District Clerk. Members of the public may also order vital records online through the official Texas.gov application for divorces that occurred in Texas.
In-Person Searches
Medina County District Clerk — Family Division
Medina County District Clerk
1300 Avenue M, Room 201
Hondo, Texas 78861
Phone: (830) 741-6070
District Clerk | Medina County TX
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Members of the public visiting the District Clerk's office in person may:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Receive staff assistance for locating records
Historical and archived cases may require additional retrieval time. Records predating electronic filing systems may exist only in paper format.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Medina County District Clerk, 1300 Avenue M, Room 201, Hondo, Texas 78861
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's 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 1–2 weeks, subject to office workload and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Medina County District Clerk: (830) 741-6070
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Texas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper court channels, and assist with complex or older records. The Texas State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed legal professionals. The Texas State Law Library's divorce legal forms guide provides additional resources for locating court-approved forms and procedural guidance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Medina County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
In Texas, divorce proceedings are filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record must search the county where the case was filed, not necessarily where the marriage occurred. If the county of filing is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties.
Residency Requirement: 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 where the suit is filed for the preceding 90-day period.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final decree is signed
- Electronic filing systems update more rapidly than paper-based systems
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic systems may be archived or stored off-site
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional time
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be accessed in person
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- 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
- Record sealed or subject to restricted access by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the District Clerk's office at (830) 741-6070
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Texas DSHS local vital record offices directory
- Consult a licensed Texas attorney for complex searches
What Are Medina County Divorce Records?
Medina County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Medina County District Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file and are maintained by the District Clerk as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for divorce (original filing initiating the case)
- Respondent's answer or counterpetition
- Financial affidavits disclosing income, assets, and liabilities
- Parenting plans and custody arrangements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders issued during proceedings
- Transcripts of court hearings (where prepared)
- Final judgment of divorce
Final Decree of Divorce
The final decree is the official court order dissolving the marriage. It is the primary legal document establishing:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal maintenance orders, if any
- Child custody and possession schedules, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested by either party
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the District Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents and supporting statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Post-divorce modification orders, if any
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
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 requiring marital history
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code, which establishes grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to the public unless a specific exception applies.
Are Medina County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Medina County district courts are public court records subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- 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 pursuant to court rules)
- 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 evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (subject to restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Sealed cases are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents with court authorization |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court order |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
Permitted Uses:
- Legal proceedings and background verification
- Genealogical research
- News reporting protected under the First Amendment
- Academic research
- Personal verification of one's own records
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Medina County?
The Medina County District Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, which governs fees charged by district clerks for court records and services.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page |
| Record search (if applicable) | Varies; contact clerk for current schedule |
| Online vital record order (DSHS) | $20.00 per certified copy |
Notes on Fees:
- Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Fees for certified copies of the final decree are assessed per page plus the certification fee
- Payment methods accepted at the District Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order; contact the office to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted
- Mail requests must include payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Medina County District Clerk
- Online orders through the Texas DSHS vital records portal require payment by credit or debit card at the time of submission
Fee Waivers:
- Indigent parties may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Texas statutes
- Waiver requests require a sworn statement of inability to pay and are subject to court approval
What Is Available at No Cost:
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Verbal confirmation of case existence, case number, and filing date by phone
- Review of docket entries at public access terminals
What's Included in Divorce Records in Medina County
A complete Medina County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the District Clerk from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Case number assigned by the District Clerk
- Court name and cause number
- Petitioner and respondent names
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date the original petition was filed
- Filing fees paid and receipts
- Case type designation (divorce/dissolution)
- Jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Divorce:
- Petitioner's identifying information
- Respondent's identifying information
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (in Texas, insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001 is the no-fault ground)
- Information regarding minor children, if any
- Property and debt claims
- Relief requested by petitioner
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's requested relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property
- Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Property-Related Documents
Marital Asset Inventory:
- Real property descriptions and estimated values
- Vehicle descriptions and values
- Financial account balances
- Retirement and investment account information
- Business interests, if applicable
- Personal property of significant value
Debt Inventory:
- Mortgage obligations
- Vehicle loans
- Credit card balances
- Personal and business loans
- Tax obligations
Appraisals and Valuations:
- Real property appraisal reports
- Business valuation reports, if applicable
- Personal property appraisals
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan / Possession and Access Order:
- Legal custody and decision-making authority
- Primary residence designation
- Standard possession schedule or customized timesharing
- Holiday and summer schedules
- Transportation arrangements
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Number of overnight periods
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Amount ordered and payment schedule
- Income withholding order
Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):
- Evaluator's report and recommendations
- Home study findings
- Parenting assessments (may be subject to restricted access)
Support Documents
Spousal Maintenance:
- Type and duration of maintenance ordered
- Monthly payment amount
- Termination conditions
- Modification provisions
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive resolution of all contested issues
- Property division terms
- Debt allocation
- Spousal maintenance terms
- Child-related provisions
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures and notarization
Court Orders and Final Judgment
Temporary Orders (If Issued):
- Temporary custody and possession
- Temporary support obligations
- Temporary use of marital residence or vehicles
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Decree of Divorce:
- Court's findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Date of dissolution
- Complete property and debt division
- Spousal maintenance orders
- Child custody, possession, and support orders
- Name restoration, if applicable
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Issued when retirement accounts are divided
- Directs plan administrator on benefit division
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
- Petitions to modify custody, possession, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Minor children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How Records Are Organized:
Records are filed in chronological order as received by the District Clerk. Each document is assigned a filing date and reflected in the case docket. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format; older cases may exist in paper or hybrid format. The case file index lists all documents by type and filing date.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Medina County
Proof of divorce in Medina County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of divorce issued by the Medina County District Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally recognized for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other official purposes.
Step 1 — Identify the Correct Office
The Medina County District Clerk is the custodian of divorce records and the office authorized to issue certified copies of final decrees.
Medina County District Clerk
1300 Avenue M, Room 201
Hondo, Texas 78861
Phone: (830) 741-6070
District Clerk | Medina County TX
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Step 2 — Gather Required Information
Before submitting a request, members of the public should have the following available:
- Full legal names of both parties as they appear on the divorce filing
- Approximate date the divorce was finalized
- Case number, if known
- Requester's name, address, and contact information
Step 3 — Choose a Request Method
- In Person: Visit the District Clerk's office during business hours. Present identification and complete a records request form. Certified copies are prepared and fees are collected at the time of the visit.
- By Mail: Submit a written request to the District Clerk at 1300 Avenue M, Room 201, Hondo, Texas 78861. Include all identifying information, a check or money order for applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online (Vital Records): Texas DSHS maintains a statewide divorce index. Members of the public may order vital records online through the official Texas.gov application. This service provides a certified divorce record from the state index, which may differ from the full court file available through the District Clerk.
Step 4 — Pay Applicable Fees
Certified copies are subject to the fee schedule established by the District Clerk. Current fees include a per-page copy fee and a certification fee. Payment methods vary by request channel.
Step 5 — Receive the Certified Copy
In-person requests may be fulfilled the same day, subject to staff availability. Mail requests are processed within 1–2 weeks. Online DSHS orders are subject to the processing times published on the Texas DSHS vital records portal.
The Medina County Clerk also maintains official public records for the county and may assist members of the public in identifying the appropriate office for specific record types.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Medina County?
Divorce proceedings in Medina County are presumptively public under Texas law; however, specific records or entire cases may be subject to confidentiality protections under defined circumstances.
Records That May Be Confidential:
- Sealed cases: A district court may seal a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.
- Domestic violence cases: Information identifying the address or location of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access pursuant to Texas law.
- Children's information: Addresses, schools, and identifying information for minor children are subject to redaction and restricted access.
- Mental health and medical records: Psychological evaluations, mental health treatment records, and medical information submitted during proceedings may be sealed or restricted.
- Mediation communications: Under Texas law, communications made during mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the district court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. The Texas State Law Library's divorce resources provide additional procedural guidance on court filings and access requests.
How Long Does Medina County Keep Divorce Records?
Medina County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Texas records retention requirements applicable to district court case files.
Retention Periods:
- Final decrees and permanent court orders: Retained permanently. These documents constitute the official legal record of the dissolution of marriage and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested and uncontested): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of final judgment, with many records retained permanently in practice.
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the applicable retention period.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic records management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived paper records: Older case files may be transferred to off-site storage or the county archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Texas records retention schedules for district court records are established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Medina County District Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.