San Antonio Dissolution Of Marriage Records
San Antonio dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Bexar County District Clerk's office at the Bexar County Courthouse in downtown San Antonio. If you need to find a divorce case, look up a Final Decree, or get a certified copy of dissolution papers, the District Clerk is where you start. San Antonio is the county seat of Bexar County and the second largest city in Texas. You can search case records online through the Bexar County case search portal, or visit the clerk in person at 100 Dolorosa Street. Both options give you access to dissolution filings, case status, and docket entries for cases filed in Bexar County.
San Antonio Overview
Where to File in San Antonio
San Antonio residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Bexar County District Court. The District Clerk maintains all case files for divorce and dissolution cases handled in Bexar County. The courthouse sits in downtown San Antonio, and the clerk's office is open Monday through Friday. This is the office to contact if you want to file a new case or get records from an old one.
Bexar County is the fourth largest county in Texas. The county covers San Antonio and many surrounding communities. If you or your spouse lives anywhere in Bexar County, this is the court where you file. The District Clerk serves as the official custodian of all documents filed with the Civil, Family, and Criminal District Courts of Bexar County. That includes every dissolution of marriage case from the initial petition through the Final Decree.
| Office | Bexar County District Clerk - Family Law |
|---|---|
| Address | Bexar County Courthouse 100 Dolorosa Street San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| Phone | (210) 335-2507 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | bexar.org/279/District-Clerk |
The Bexar County Courthouse is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Parking is available nearby. You will go through security at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID. The clerk's staff can help you locate a case, provide copies, and process records requests on the same day in most cases.
The Bexar County District Clerk's website at bexar.org also has a records search portal. You can access case info, party names, and docket entries without visiting the courthouse. For certified copies, you need to go in person or submit a written request by mail.
The Bexar County government website provides an overview of county services including the District Clerk's office, which handles all San Antonio dissolution of marriage filings.
Bexar County is home to over two million residents, with San Antonio serving as the county seat and the hub for all district court proceedings including family law cases.
Search San Antonio Dissolution Records
You can look up dissolution of marriage cases in San Antonio online or in person. Online access gives you basic case details like party names, filing dates, and case status. The in-person option lets you view the full file and order certified copies on the spot.
The Bexar County District Clerk offers an online records search at bexar.org/1719/Records-Search. You can search by party name or cause number. The system returns case details including the names of both parties, the filing date, the type of case, and current status. This is a good first stop before heading to the courthouse.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal is another option. It covers many Texas counties and lets you search dissolution cases by name or case number. Not every county uploads the same level of detail, but for Bexar County the system generally shows party names, case type, and status. For actual documents, you still need to contact the District Clerk.
To search, you need the full name of at least one spouse and the approximate year of filing. A cause number helps narrow results. If you only have a partial name or no year, the search can still return results but may take more time to filter.
Dissolution Filing Process in San Antonio
Dissolution of marriage in San Antonio follows Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. All cases are filed at the Bexar County District Court. The clerk assigns each case a cause number, and every document filed becomes part of the official record.
Before you file, you must meet the residency requirement. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.301, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Bexar County for at least 90 days before filing. If you recently moved to San Antonio, you may need to wait before you can file here.
Texas allows both no-fault and fault-based grounds for dissolution. The no-fault ground is "insupportability" under Texas Family Code Section 6.001. Most San Antonio filers use this ground. It means the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord with no reasonable chance of getting back together. No one has to prove the other spouse did something wrong. Fault grounds are also available and include cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, and living apart for three years.
The process starts with filing an Original Petition for Divorce. The other spouse must be served or sign a Waiver of Service. If both parties agree on all terms, an agreed decree moves the case forward faster. Contested cases may need mediation or a hearing before the judge can sign the Final Decree of Dissolution.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a dissolution can be finalized. This applies to all San Antonio cases filed in Bexar County District Court.
San Antonio Dissolution Filing Fees
Filing fees for dissolution of marriage in San Antonio are set by the Bexar County District Clerk. Fees can change, so check with the clerk before you file. As a general guide, filing a dissolution without children costs around $300. Cases with children typically cost more due to added court costs.
Other costs to expect include fees for serving the other party, certified copy fees, and parenting class fees if children are involved. If you cannot afford to pay, you may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. This asks the court to waive your fees based on your income and financial situation. People who receive public benefits or earn below 125% of the federal poverty line often qualify.
Note: Fee amounts shown here are estimates. Always confirm current fees with the Bexar County District Clerk at (210) 335-2507 before you file.
re:SearchTX for San Antonio Cases
The re:SearchTX portal is a statewide public access system run by the Texas Office of Court Administration. It gives you free access to case records from courts that use the Odyssey case management system. Many Bexar County courts are part of the system.
Using re:SearchTX, you can search dissolution of marriage cases filed in Bexar County by entering the name of one or both parties. Results include the cause number, filing date, case type, and current status. You can also see a list of docket events, which shows key steps in the case like hearings scheduled, orders signed, and decrees entered. The system does not show the full text of documents for all cases, but it is useful for locating a case number before contacting the clerk.
The portal is free to use and does not require an account for basic searches. For document downloads or certified copies, contact the Bexar County District Clerk directly.
Texas DSHS Divorce Verification
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit maintains divorce verification records for the state. These are not the same as full court records, but they serve as official confirmation that a dissolution was granted in Texas. DSHS records cover divorces from 1968 to the present.
To order a divorce verification from DSHS, visit dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics. The fee is $20 per search. The verification letter confirms the names of the parties, the county where it was filed, and the date. It does not include the full decree or case documents. If you need the actual decree, you get that from the Bexar County District Clerk.
You can also order vital records through the Texas.gov portal at ovra.txapps.texas.gov. The CDC also provides guidance on obtaining Texas vital records at cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/texas.htm.
Legal Aid and Self-Help in San Antonio
Several organizations in San Antonio offer legal help for people facing dissolution of marriage. Some provide free services to low-income residents. Others offer referrals or reduced-cost consultations.
Lone Star Legal Aid serves the San Antonio area and handles family law cases for people who qualify. Call (800) 733-8394 or visit lonestarlegal.org to see if you qualify and to apply for services. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid also serves Bexar County residents. You can reach them at (210) 212-3700 or through trla.org.
The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. Their directory at texasbar.com can help you find a family law attorney in San Antonio. For self-help guides and official court forms, go to texaslawhelp.org. All state court forms are also available through txcourts.gov. Texas Court Help at texascourthelp.gov offers plain-language guides for people filing on their own.
The Texas State Law Library at sll.texas.gov provides free access to Texas law resources, legal databases, and research guides. If you are filing without a lawyer, this is a useful resource for understanding Texas Family Code requirements before you go to court.
The Bexar County District Clerk's office is the official custodian of all dissolution of marriage records filed in San Antonio and throughout Bexar County.
The District Clerk manages civil, family, and criminal district court records for Bexar County, including all dissolution of marriage filings since the county's early history.
Bexar County Dissolution Records
San Antonio is in Bexar County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Bexar County District Court. The county handles cases for San Antonio and all surrounding communities within its borders. For more on the county court system, clerk contact details, and records access, see the Bexar County dissolution records page.
Nearby Texas Cities
Other qualifying Texas cities with dissolution of marriage record resources nearby:
- Austin - Travis County District Clerk, about 80 miles northeast
- Laredo - Webb County District Clerk, about 150 miles southwest
- Corpus Christi - Nueces County District Clerk, about 140 miles southeast
- Houston - Harris County District Clerk, about 200 miles northeast