Fayette County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Fayette County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the District Clerk's office in La Grange. If you need to look up a divorce case or get a certified copy of a final decree, the District Clerk is where you start. The county has served as a records hub for this part of Central Texas since the 1800s. The 155th District Court handles family law cases, and the clerk's office maintains all filings from the original petition through the signed decree. You can request records in person or by mail. Online case lookup may be available through the statewide re:SearchTX portal, depending on county participation.
Fayette County Overview
Fayette County District Clerk
The District Clerk's office in La Grange maintains all dissolution of marriage filings for Fayette County. This includes original petitions, agreed decrees, final decree of divorce documents, and any court orders entered during the case. The clerk also handles certified copy requests and can search the records index by party name or cause number.
Fayette County uses the 155th Judicial District Court for family law matters. If you or your spouse lived in the county for at least 90 days before filing, this is the court that handles your case. The clerk's office can tell you which judge your case is assigned to and what documents are in the file.
| Office | Fayette County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 151 N. Washington St. La Grange, TX 78945 |
| Phone | (979) 968-3251 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.fayette.tx.us |
How to Find Fayette County Divorce Records
The fastest way to check if a dissolution of marriage case exists in Fayette County is to contact the District Clerk directly. You can call, visit in person, or send a written request by mail. The clerk can search by the name of either spouse or by cause number if you have it.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal gives online access to case index data for participating counties. You can search by party name or case number and view some documents at no charge. Keep in mind that re:SearchTX shows unofficial copies. Certified copies must come from the District Clerk's office. For mail requests, send a written letter with the names of both parties, the approximate year the case was filed, and a check or money order to cover fees.
The Fayette County official website at co.fayette.tx.us may have additional guidance on record requests. If you need a divorce verification from the state (not a certified copy), the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics section offers verifications for divorces recorded after January 1968 for a $20 fee.
The Fayette County official site was captured as a reference for local services and record access.
The county website offers contact information and links to offices that handle civil court filings, including the District Clerk responsible for dissolution records.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Fayette County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Fayette County, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirement. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, one party must have lived in Texas for six months and in Fayette County for at least 90 days before filing. This is set out at Texas Family Code § 6.301.
The process begins when the petitioner files an Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk. The other spouse must then be served with the petition and a citation, or they can sign a notarized Waiver of Service. After service is complete, Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the dissolution. This rule is found at Texas Family Code § 6.702. Exceptions exist when family violence is involved.
Most Fayette County dissolutions are uncontested. Both parties agree on property, debt, and any child-related matters, and then file an Agreed Final Decree of Divorce for the judge to sign. Contested cases may go to mediation or trial. Either way, all documents filed become part of the public court record stored with the District Clerk.
Property division in Texas follows community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides marital assets in a just and right manner. If children are involved, custody and support terms are governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 153.
Note: The 60-day waiting period runs from the date the petition is filed, not from service on the other party. Plan accordingly if you need a quick resolution.
Fayette County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing fees in Fayette County follow the standard Texas fee structure set by state law. A typical dissolution of marriage filing costs between $250 and $325, depending on case type and whether children are involved. Additional fees apply for service of citation, certified copies, and any motions filed during the case.
Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page for non-certified copies and $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for certified copies. If the clerk performs a records search, there is typically a $5.00 search fee. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order at the courthouse window.
People who cannot afford court costs may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Court forms are available at the clerk's office or online at txcourts.gov. The judge decides whether to waive or reduce the fees based on your financial situation.
What Fayette County Dissolution Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage case file in Fayette County typically holds several documents. The original petition starts the file. From there, you will find service documents, any temporary orders entered by the court, and the final decree. The final decree is the most commonly requested document. It shows the full names of both parties, the date the marriage ended, property division terms, and any child-related orders.
Most dissolution records at the District Clerk's office are public. Anyone can request copies, not just the parties to the case. However, certain details may be redacted in public copies, including Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and information about minor children. If a record is sealed by court order, you will need that order to access it.
Records in Fayette County go back to the county's formation in 1838. Older records may be less complete than modern ones. The clerk's office can tell you what is available for any given year.
Note: Certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce are only available from the District Clerk in the county where the case was filed, not from the state.
Legal Help in Fayette County
If you need help with a dissolution of marriage case in Fayette County, a few resources are available. The State Bar of Texas operates a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690, and you can search for attorneys online at texasbar.com. Many attorneys in the area offer free initial consultations for family law matters.
For people with low income, texaslawhelp.org offers free legal guides, court forms, and step-by-step instructions for filing without an attorney. The site has both English and Spanish resources. Official court forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are available free at txcourts.gov.
Lone Star Legal Aid may serve residents of Fayette County depending on their income and case type. Their main line is (800) 733-8394, and their website at lonestarlegal.org lists the counties they cover and what types of cases they handle.
Cities in Fayette County
Fayette County includes several communities, all of which file dissolution of marriage cases at the District Clerk's office in La Grange. La Grange, Flatonia, and Schulenburg are the main communities in the county.
Nearby Counties
Fayette County is bordered by several other Texas counties. If you are unsure which county handles your case, check where you and your spouse have lived. You must file in the county where one spouse has lived for at least 90 days.