Find Dissolution of Marriage Records in Andrews County

Andrews County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the District Clerk's office at the Andrews County Courthouse. If you need to look up a divorce case or get a certified copy of a final decree, the District Clerk is your starting point. The office handles all civil and family district court filings for the county and can assist with records requests in person, by mail, or through the state's e-filing system.

Andrews County District Clerk

The District Clerk in Andrews County handles all district court filings, including dissolution of marriage cases. The clerk stores case files, accepts new petitions, and provides copies of decrees and other court documents. The current District Clerk is Sherry Dushane. The office is on the second floor of the courthouse at 201 N Main Street in Andrews.

Andrews County is served by the 109th Judicial District, which also covers Crane and Winkler counties. All family law matters, including divorce filings, go through this court. E-filing is mandatory in Andrews County, and parties without attorneys can use the efile.txcourts.gov portal to submit documents electronically.

The Andrews County official website at co.andrews.tx.us provides access to county department information including the District Clerk's office.

Contacting the District Clerk directly is the best way to confirm hours, fee amounts, and how to submit a records request for Andrews County dissolution cases.

How to Search Andrews County Divorce Records

You can look up dissolution of marriage records in Andrews County by contacting the District Clerk's office or using the statewide re:SearchTX portal. The re:SearchTX system allows the public to search Texas district court records by party name or cause number. Search results typically show filing dates, party names, case type, and status.

For an in-person search, go to the courthouse at 201 N Main Street in Andrews. Bring a photo ID and as much information about the case as possible. Staff can search the records index and provide copies. Mail requests are also accepted. Send your written request with the names of both parties, an approximate filing year, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. The office will search the records and respond within a reasonable time.

If you only need verification that a divorce occurred in Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov offers verification letters for divorces from 1968 to the present. This is not the same as a certified copy of the decree, but it serves as official confirmation of the dissolution.

Note: For divorce records that pre-date 1968, only the District Clerk in Andrews County can provide documentation.

Dissolution Filing Requirements

To file for dissolution of marriage in Andrews County, at least one spouse must meet the Texas residency rules. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Andrews County for at least 90 days before filing. Cases not meeting the county requirement may need to be filed elsewhere.

Texas is a no-fault divorce state. The most common ground is insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This means the marriage cannot continue because of conflict or discord. You do not have to prove anyone did anything wrong to get a divorce on this ground. Fault-based grounds like cruelty, adultery, or abandonment are also available in Texas when the facts support them.

After filing the Original Petition for Divorce, the other spouse must be served or must sign a Waiver of Service. Under Texas Family Code § 6.702, no decree can be signed until 60 days have passed from the date of filing. This waiting period applies in virtually all cases. In Andrews County, where e-filing is mandatory, all documents must go through efile.txcourts.gov unless an exemption applies.

When both parties agree on all issues, an agreed decree can be prepared and submitted. The court reviews it and, if everything is in order, the judge signs it. Contested cases require hearings or trial. Cases involving children require the court to address conservatorship under Texas Family Code Chapter 153. Property division follows the community property rules under Chapter 7.

When filing, a BVS 165 statistical form must be filed with the divorce petition under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 192.009. This is a standard requirement in all Texas counties.

Andrews County Filing Fees

Andrews County has a detailed fee schedule for dissolution of marriage filings. The fees shown below were effective as of September 1, 2017, and may have changed. Always confirm current fees with the District Clerk before filing.

• Divorce (No Children) with Waiver: $350
• Divorce (With Children) with Waiver: $350
• Divorce (No Children) with Service in Andrews: $350
• Divorce (With Children) with Service in Andrews: $408
• Divorce with Citation and Temporary Restraining Order: $466
• Copies: $1 per page
• Certification fee: $5 per document
• Citation by Sheriff: $50
• Citation by Certified Mail: $50

Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay. File a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs using the form available at txcourts.gov. The court will review your financial situation and decide if you qualify. Note that e-filing fees are non-refundable once processed.

Legal Resources in Andrews County

For self-represented litigants in Andrews County, TexasLawHelp.org is the go-to resource for free divorce forms and step-by-step filing guides. The site covers uncontested cases, cases with children, and situations where one party cannot be located. The Texas Court Help site at texascourthelp.gov also has videos and guides for navigating the court system without an attorney.

The District Clerk's office can point you to pro se divorce information packets available at the courthouse. These packets explain what documents to file and in what order. For legal representation, the State Bar of Texas runs a referral service at (800) 252-9690 or at texasbar.com. West Texas legal aid organizations may also be able to help if you meet income guidelines.

Cities in Andrews County

Andrews is the county seat and main city in Andrews County. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed at the District Clerk's office in Andrews.

Andrews County is a small West Texas county. The city of Andrews is the only incorporated community of significant size. There are no separate city-level pages for this county on this site.

Nearby Counties

Andrews County is located in West Texas and borders several other counties. Cases must be filed in the county where the petitioner has lived for at least 90 days.