Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Bexar County
Bexar County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the District Clerk in San Antonio. The office manages all family court case files including petitions, decrees, custody orders, and support documents. You can search cases online, visit the courthouse, or request copies by mail. Bexar County is one of the largest counties in Texas and has an extensive online records system available to the public.
Bexar County Overview
Bexar County District Clerk
The Bexar County District Clerk's office is one of the busiest in Texas. It serves the 19th largest county in the United States and manages records for 27 district courts, 10 auxiliary courts, and one magistrate court. The family law section handles all dissolution of marriage filings for San Antonio and surrounding communities in Bexar County.
District Clerk Gloria A. Martinez oversees the office. Civil and criminal records searches are available online, and the office provides web access accounts for case file review. You can look up dissolution cases, view docket entries, and find cause numbers through the online system. Certified copies and full file access still require a visit or written request.
Bexar County dissolution records go back to 1837. The courthouse is located at 100 Dolorosa Street in downtown San Antonio. The office also runs a passport center and has an attorney database for those looking for legal help. A fee schedule and court forms are available on the county website.
| Office | Bexar County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Bexar County Courthouse 100 Dolorosa St San Antonio, TX 78205 |
| Phone | (210) 335-2507 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| District Clerk | bexar.org/228/District-Clerk |
| Records Search | bexar.org/1719/Records-Search |
Searching Bexar County Dissolution Records
Bexar County has one of the more developed online court records systems in Texas. The District Clerk's website provides both civil and criminal records searches. For dissolution of marriage cases, go to the civil records search on the Bexar County records search page. Search by party name or cause number. You can view case status, docket entries, and attorney of record information.
For in-person access, visit the courthouse at 100 Dolorosa in downtown San Antonio. The clerk's office can pull case files by name or cause number. You can review documents and request copies on the spot. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay copy fees. Certified copies are more expensive than plain copies and are needed for legal purposes.
Web access accounts are available through the District Clerk's office for those who regularly need case information. This is useful for attorneys and researchers. Members of the general public can also create accounts to view available case documents online. Not every document in a case file is visible online, but basic case information is generally accessible.
Note: Some Bexar County dissolution cases may have sealed documents. Court orders may restrict access to certain financial records or information involving minor children.
re:SearchTX Portal Access
Beyond the county's own system, you can also use the statewide re:SearchTX portal to find Bexar County dissolution cases. This portal covers district courts across Texas and provides case-level information including party names, cause numbers, and docket activity. It is run by the Texas Office of Court Administration and is free to use.
Electronic filing in Bexar County goes through eFile Texas. If you are filing a new dissolution case or submitting documents in an existing one, you do it through this portal. All e-filed documents become part of the official court record maintained by the District Clerk. Pro se filers can use the eFile system too, though some cases may require additional steps.
The Bexar County District Clerk's office manages dissolution of marriage case files for all 27 district courts serving San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Texas DSHS Divorce Records
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide divorce index going back to 1968. You can order a divorce verification letter through the DSHS Vital Statistics unit for $20. This confirms that a dissolution took place in Bexar County and shows basic information like the parties' names and the date. It is not the same as the court decree.
For full legal documentation of a Bexar County dissolution, you need a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce from the District Clerk. That document includes all court orders on property, children, and support. A DSHS verification is quicker to get and works for some administrative purposes, but does not replace the decree for legal transactions like changing ownership of real property or refinancing a home.
Online court records for Bexar County are available through both the county's own portal and the statewide re:SearchTX system, making it easier to find dissolution case information without a trip to the courthouse.
Legal Resources in Bexar County
San Antonio Legal Services Association provides free civil legal help to low-income Bexar County residents. Their services include family law cases such as dissolution of marriage, custody, and support. The Bexar County Bar Association also runs referral programs. You can reach the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 or search at texasbar.com.
TexasLawHelp.org has self-help materials on filing without an attorney in Texas. Official court forms approved for use statewide are available at txcourts.gov/forms. The Texas Court Help site walks you through the dissolution process step by step. The Texas State Law Library has in-depth research tools and guides for self-represented litigants.
Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, one spouse must live in Texas for six months and in Bexar County for at least 90 days before filing. After filing, a 60-day waiting period applies before the court can sign the final decree. This waiting period has limited exceptions under the Family Code.
Cities in Bexar County
Bexar County includes San Antonio and many surrounding communities. All dissolution of marriage cases for residents of these cities are filed with the Bexar County District Clerk.
Other communities in Bexar County include Converse, Universal City, Schertz (partially), Leon Valley, Windcrest, and Helotes. All residents file dissolution of marriage cases with the Bexar County District Clerk.
Nearby Counties
Bexar County is surrounded by several other Texas counties. File your dissolution case in the county where you or your spouse has lived for 90 days or more before filing.