Dissolution of Marriage Records in Foard County

Foard County dissolution of marriage records are held at the District Clerk's office in Crowell. One of the smallest counties in Texas, Foard County uses the 100th Judicial District Court for family law cases. If you need to look up a divorce case or request copies of a final decree, the District Clerk in Crowell handles those requests. Online access is very limited in this rural county, so most searches are done by phone, in person, or through the mail.

Foard County District Clerk

The District Clerk's office in Crowell is responsible for all dissolution of marriage records in Foard County. As one of the least populous counties in Texas, the office is small. Staff can search by party name or cause number. Calling ahead before visiting is strongly recommended to confirm office hours and staff availability.

Foard County is served by the 100th Judicial District, which covers a group of rural North Texas counties. The district judge holds court in Foard County on a rotating schedule. If you need to appear in court, the clerk can tell you when the next available court date is. For record requests only, you do not need to appear in person.

Accessing Foard County Divorce Records

Because Foard County has very limited online records access, your best options are to call the District Clerk directly or submit a written request by mail. When you call, have the names of both parties and an approximate year for the divorce. The clerk will check the index and let you know if the case is on file and what it will cost to get copies.

For mail requests, include a written letter with full names of both spouses, the year of the divorce, and any cause number you have. Enclose a check or money order for estimated fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Most mail requests take 7 to 14 business days to process.

The re:SearchTX portal may have limited data for Foard County. It is worth trying before you call, but small rural counties often have less complete coverage on this portal. For a statewide divorce verification (not the actual decree), the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics section maintains records since 1968 and charges $20 per search.

How to File for Dissolution of Marriage

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Foard County follows the same rules that apply across Texas. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Foard County for at least 90 days. You file the Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk in Crowell and pay the required filing fee.

After filing, the other party must be served with the petition and a citation, or they can sign a Waiver of Service. Texas imposes a 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce under Texas Family Code § 6.702. There are exceptions for cases involving family violence.

Texas grounds for dissolution include insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001 (the most common no-fault ground), as well as fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, abandonment, and felony conviction. Property is divided under community property rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 7. If children are part of the case, the court makes custody and support orders under Texas Family Code Chapter 153.

Foard County Filing and Copy Fees

Dissolution filing fees in Foard County are in line with the standard Texas range. Most cases cost between $250 and $300 to file, though fees can vary based on case details. Service of citation by a constable is an additional cost, typically $50 to $75.

Certified copies of the final decree are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Non-certified copies are $1.00 per page. A clerk-assisted search adds a $5.00 fee. Check, cash, and money order are accepted. If cost is a barrier, you can request a fee waiver under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145 by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Forms are at txcourts.gov.

What Is in a Dissolution of Marriage Record

A dissolution of marriage case file in Foard County holds the original petition, any temporary orders, and the final decree. The final decree is the most-requested document. It states the names of both parties, the date the marriage was legally ended, how property and debts were split, and any orders for children such as custody and support terms.

Most dissolution records are open to the public. You do not have to be one of the parties to request copies. Sensitive information like Social Security numbers and financial account numbers is typically removed from public copies. Foard County records date back to the county's organization in 1891. Older records may be available in physical form only, and the clerk can advise on what is accessible.

Legal Resources for Foard County Residents

Finding an attorney in Foard County may require looking to nearby larger cities like Wichita Falls. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with attorneys who practice family law in your area. Search online at texasbar.com.

If you plan to represent yourself, the texaslawhelp.org website has free guides and standardized court forms. Approved forms are also available at txcourts.gov. North Texas Legal Aid may serve Foard County residents. Contact Lone Star Legal Aid at (800) 733-8394 or check their site at lonestarlegal.org to see if you qualify for free or reduced-cost help.

Cities in Foard County

Foard County is one of the smallest counties in Texas by population. Crowell is the only incorporated city and serves as the county seat. All dissolution of marriage filings for Foard County residents go through the District Clerk in Crowell.

Nearby Counties

Foard County is located in North Texas near the Red River. Nearby counties in this region also have District Clerks who handle dissolution cases for their residents.