Wichita Falls Dissolution Of Marriage
Wichita Falls residents who need to file or search dissolution of marriage records go through the Wichita County District Clerk. Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County in North Texas, near the Oklahoma border. The District Clerk holds all divorce case records for the county, including final decrees and petitions. You can search for cases through the statewide online portal or visit the courthouse in person to get certified copies or view the full case file.
Wichita Falls Overview
Wichita County District Clerk
Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County, so the District Clerk's office is right in the city at the courthouse on 7th Street. This is where all dissolution of marriage cases are filed and where all records are kept. The courthouse is in downtown Wichita Falls. The District Clerk maintains both the District Court and the County Clerk offices in the same building.
The District Clerk's office handles civil and family law records. For dissolution of marriage cases, staff can search by party name or cause number and make copies from the case file. Certified copies require a small fee. Call ahead to ask about current wait times or to confirm hours, especially around holidays.
| Office | Wichita County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 900 7th Street, Room 303 Wichita Falls, TX 76301 |
| Phone | (940) 766-8190 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Note: The County Clerk's office is in the same building at Room 250. County Clerk handles marriage licenses and other vital records. The District Clerk at Room 303 handles divorce and dissolution of marriage records. Make sure you go to the right office when you arrive.
How to Search Wichita Falls Divorce Records
Use the statewide re:SearchTX portal to search Wichita County dissolution cases online. Register for a free account and search by party name or case number. The portal shows case status, party names, and docket entries. You can also set up free alerts to track a case. Not all older records are in the digital system, so for historical cases, contact the District Clerk directly.
In-person requests at the District Clerk's office at Room 303 let you view the full file and get certified copies on the same day. Mail requests are accepted as well. Include full party names, the filing year, and payment for any copy fees. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return the copies to you.
The City of Wichita Falls at wichitafallstx.gov handles city services. The city does not keep dissolution of marriage records. Those are at the District Clerk's office in the courthouse.
Filing Dissolution of Marriage in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Wichita County District Court under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. The filing goes to the District Clerk at Room 303 in the courthouse on 7th Street. You file the Original Petition for Divorce, pay the fee, and the clerk assigns the case a cause number.
To file in Wichita County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Wichita County for at least 90 days under Texas Family Code Section 6.301. Texas offers a no-fault ground called "insupportability" under Section 6.001. You can also file on fault grounds like cruelty or adultery if those apply. Most cases use the no-fault ground since it requires less proof.
After filing, the other spouse must be served or must sign a Waiver of Service. There is a mandatory 60-day waiting period under Texas Family Code Section 6.702 before the court can grant a final divorce. For agreed cases, both spouses sign the Final Decree of Divorce and submit it after 60 days. Contested cases need a hearing or trial in front of a district court judge.
Wichita County courts may have local rules that affect family law cases. When you file, ask the clerk about any county-specific standing orders or local rules that apply to your case.
Wichita County Dissolution Filing Fees
Filing fees for dissolution of marriage in Wichita County are in the typical Texas range of $300 to $350 without children and slightly more with children. Call (940) 766-8190 to get the current fee schedule. Fees can change, so confirm before you go.
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for certified copies. If you cannot pay, Texas allows fee waivers. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Forms are available at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov/forms.
Online Records Access for Wichita County
The re:SearchTX portal covers Wichita County cases. This statewide system is run by the Texas Office of Court Administration. Register for a free account and search for Wichita Falls dissolution of marriage cases. The portal shows case summaries, party names, and docket activity. You can also set up free case alerts to be notified of updates.
Electronic filing through eFile Texas lets you submit documents from anywhere. It shares a login with re:SearchTX. Attorneys are required to e-file in civil cases. Self-represented parties may also use the e-filing system. Documents go to the clerk's queue and are returned with a file stamp by email once accepted.
Texas DSHS Statewide Divorce Index
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide divorce index from 1968 forward. A DSHS search and verification letter costs $20. This confirms a divorce on record but does not include decree text or case details.
Order online at Texas.gov or by mail. Certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce are only available from the Wichita County District Clerk. DSHS does not issue certified decree copies.
Legal Resources in Wichita Falls
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas covers Wichita County and provides free family law services to those who qualify on income. Call (888) 529-5277 or visit lanwt.org to apply. They can assist with divorce cases and related family matters.
TexasLawHelp.org has free forms and guides for filing dissolution cases without a lawyer. Texas Court Help has instructional videos in English and Spanish. Official court forms including the Original Petition for Divorce are at txcourts.gov. For an attorney referral, call the State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690. The Texas State Law Library also offers an "Ask a Librarian" service for general legal questions.
About Wichita Falls
The City of Wichita Falls provides city services to residents through its municipal website.
The city's municipal government handles permits, utilities, and local services. Dissolution of marriage records are maintained separately at the Wichita County District Clerk's office in the courthouse.
Wichita County court records are indexed through the Wichita court records portal for online case reference.
For certified copies of dissolution records, contact the Wichita County District Clerk at (940) 766-8190 or visit Room 303 at the courthouse on 7th Street.
Nearby Cities
Wichita Falls is in North Texas. Other qualifying cities in the broader region with dissolution pages include:
Wichita County Dissolution Of Marriage
Wichita Falls is in Wichita County. All dissolution of marriage filings go through the Wichita County District Court. For more on county records access and the District Clerk, visit the Wichita County dissolution page.