Concho County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Concho County dissolution of marriage records are on file at the District Clerk's office in Paint Rock. This small rural county in central Texas processes dissolution cases through the 51st Judicial District Court. If you need to search for a dissolution filing, request a copy of a final decree, or confirm a case is on record, the District Clerk is the right place to start. Records are available by request in person or by mail. The county has kept dissolution case files going back many decades, and the clerk can help you locate them with a name or cause number.
Concho County Overview
Concho County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Paint Rock keeps all dissolution of marriage case files for Concho County. This office is the place to go for certified copies of decrees, case status checks, and record requests. The 51st Judicial District Court handles all family law matters, including dissolution cases filed by Concho County residents.
Concho County is a small rural county in central Texas. Because the county has a smaller population, the District Clerk's office is a more personal setting than larger metro courthouses. Staff can often assist you directly by phone or in person. If you know the cause number or the names of the parties, the clerk can pull records quickly. Mail requests are also accepted for those who cannot visit in person.
| Office | Concho County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Concho County Courthouse Paint Rock, TX 76866 |
| District Court | 51st Judicial District Court |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Access Concho County Dissolution Records
You can get dissolution of marriage records from Concho County by visiting the courthouse in Paint Rock or by sending a written request by mail. Online access is limited for this small county, so direct contact with the clerk's office is the best first step. Call ahead to confirm what information you need before making the trip or sending your request.
When you contact the District Clerk, be ready to give the full name of one or both parties and the approximate year the case was filed. If you have the cause number, that makes the search faster. The clerk can search by name or case number. For certified copies of the Final Decree of Dissolution, there is a fee per page plus a certification charge. Plain copies cost less than certified ones.
For in-person visits, bring a valid photo ID. Staff can make copies while you wait in most cases. Mail requests should include a written description of the case, your contact information, and a check or money order for the estimated fee. The clerk will contact you if more payment is needed before sending the copies.
You can also check the statewide re:SearchTX portal online. This system covers many Texas counties and lets you search dissolution cases by party name or cause number. It is a free resource. Some older Concho County records may not appear online, but newer filings often do. The portal is a good starting point before you call the clerk.
To search dissolution records in Concho County, you typically need:
- Full legal name of at least one spouse
- Approximate filing year
- Cause number if available
- Valid photo ID for in-person requests
Note: For mail requests, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your written request and payment to help speed up the response.
re:SearchTX and Online Access
The Texas Office of Court Administration runs re:SearchTX, a statewide court records portal. You can use it to look up dissolution of marriage cases from Concho County and other Texas counties. The system is free to use and does not need an account for basic searches. You can search by party name, case number, or date range.
The portal shows case information such as party names, court, filing date, case type, and docket entries. It does not always give you full documents, but it helps you confirm a case exists and find the cause number. Once you have the cause number, you can contact the Concho County District Clerk to order certified copies of the decree or other documents.
The Texas court system also offers electronic filing through eFile Texas. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can submit dissolution filings online through this platform. If you are filing for dissolution of marriage in Concho County, e-filing is the standard method for submitting your original petition and subsequent documents.
The screenshot below shows the re:SearchTX statewide portal, which covers Concho County dissolution filings.
The re:SearchTX portal lets you search dissolution of marriage cases across Texas counties at no cost.
Use the portal to find cause numbers and basic case details before contacting the Concho County District Clerk for certified copies.
Vital Statistics and State Records
The Texas Department of State Health Services keeps a statewide index of divorces and dissolutions going back to 1968. You can order a certified copy of a dissolution record from DSHS if you need proof that a dissolution occurred in Texas. These records are separate from the full court file kept by the District Clerk.
DSHS dissolution records show the names of both parties, the county where the case was filed, and the date the dissolution was granted. They do not include the full decree or property terms. For most legal purposes, you will need the certified copy of the Final Decree from the District Clerk rather than the DSHS record.
The DSHS Vital Statistics page at dshs.texas.gov has ordering details and fees. You can also order through the Texas.gov portal at ovra.txapps.texas.gov.
The Texas DSHS vital statistics page covers how to order dissolution records for Concho County and all other Texas counties.
The DSHS statewide index is useful when you need to confirm a dissolution happened in Texas but do not have the case number or county of filing.
Filing for Dissolution in Concho County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Concho County, at least one spouse must meet the residency rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. One spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Concho County for at least 90 days before filing. You file the Original Petition for Dissolution with the District Clerk in Paint Rock.
Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before the court can grant the dissolution. This rule applies in Concho County the same as everywhere else in the state. The waiting period starts on the date the petition is filed. The court cannot sign the final decree until the 60 days are up, unless an exception applies under Texas Family Code § 6.702 due to family violence.
After you file, the other spouse must be served with the petition and citation. If both sides agree on all terms, an agreed decree can be presented to the judge once the waiting period ends. Contested cases may require hearings. The judge signs the Final Decree of Dissolution when everything is resolved, and that signed decree becomes part of the public record at the District Clerk's office.
Texas is a community property state. The court divides marital assets under Texas Family Code Chapter 7 in a way it finds just and right. Property each spouse owned before the marriage, plus gifts and inheritances kept separate, may qualify as separate property.
Residency Requirement: You must live in Texas for six months and in Concho County for 90 days before filing. If you just moved, you may need to wait before the court has jurisdiction over your case.
Legal Help in Concho County
Legal resources in rural Concho County are limited compared to larger metro areas, but several statewide services can still help. Texas Law Help at texaslawhelp.org has free self-help guides and official court forms for dissolution of marriage. It is a good place to start if you are handling your case without a lawyer.
The Texas State Law Library at sll.texas.gov offers free online legal research tools and guides for Texans. You can access family law resources, look up statutes, and find court forms. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service can connect you with an attorney in your area. Call (800) 252-9690 or visit texasbar.com.
Texas Court Help at texascourthelp.gov provides step-by-step guides on how to file for dissolution of marriage without an attorney. Official court forms are available at txcourts.gov/forms. If you cannot afford filing fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the District Clerk about the Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form.
The screenshot below shows the Texas Court Help website, a key resource for self-represented litigants in Concho County.
Texas Court Help walks you through the dissolution process step by step and links to official forms used in Concho County courts.
Cities in Concho County
Concho County is a small rural county. Paint Rock is the county seat. All dissolution of marriage cases for residents of Concho County are filed with the District Clerk in Paint Rock.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Concho County. Residents near county lines should confirm their address falls in Concho County before filing here.