Fort Bend County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Fort Bend County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Richmond. One of the fastest-growing counties in Texas and in the entire country, Fort Bend County has multiple district courts that handle family law cases. If you need to search for a divorce case or get a certified copy of a final decree, the District Clerk is the place to start. Online case search is available, and the county is part of the statewide e-filing system, making it easier to access records compared to smaller counties.
Fort Bend County Overview
Fort Bend County District Clerk
The Fort Bend County District Clerk's office in Richmond is responsible for all dissolution of marriage records in the county. District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker oversees the office and its case management systems. The office handles original filings, certified copies, and case searches. With multiple district courts operating in Fort Bend County, the clerk's system routes cases to specific courts by random assignment.
Fort Bend County has seen rapid growth, and the court system has expanded to meet demand. New courts were added in early 2026, including additional family and civil courts. If you are trying to locate a recent case, use the online case search to verify which court has your case before contacting a specific division.
The Fort Bend County official website was captured as a reference for services and contact information.
The county's official website at fortbendcountytx.gov lists current court contacts, office hours, and online tools for case search and e-filing access.
| Office | Fort Bend County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469 |
| Phone | (281) 341-8600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | fortbendcountytx.gov |
How to Search Fort Bend County Divorce Records
Fort Bend County offers online case search through the District Clerk's website. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or filing date range. The system shows party names, case status, and docket entries. Because case assignments changed with the addition of new courts in 2026, it is important to use the online system to confirm which court has your case before calling.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal also works for Fort Bend County. This system uses the same credentials as eFileTexas, and you can view some documents at no charge. Keep in mind that re:SearchTX provides unofficial copies. Official certified copies must come from the District Clerk's office.
In-person searches are available at the Richmond courthouse. Bring a government-issued photo ID and the names of the parties or the cause number. For mail requests, include a written letter with full party names, the year of the divorce, your mailing address, and payment. Mail turnaround is typically one to two weeks. For a state-level divorce verification (not the actual decree), contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics for cases after 1968.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Fort Bend County
To file for dissolution of marriage in Fort Bend County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Fort Bend County for at least 90 days. This is the residency requirement under Texas Family Code § 6.301. If you live in Sugar Land, Missouri City, or any other part of the county, you file at the District Clerk in Richmond.
The petitioner files an Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk and pays the filing fee. The case is randomly assigned to one of the district courts. The respondent must be served or sign a Waiver of Service. Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before the court can enter a final decree, as stated in Texas Family Code § 6.702. Exceptions apply in family violence cases.
Attorneys in Fort Bend County are required to e-file through eFileTexas. Pro se filers may also use the e-filing system, though paper filing is still accepted at the clerk's window. Fort Bend County may also have standing orders that take effect automatically when a dissolution petition is filed. These orders restrict both parties from certain actions, like moving children out of the county or disposing of property, while the case is open.
Property division follows Texas community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. Child custody and support are set under Texas Family Code Chapter 153. Spousal maintenance, when applicable, is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 8.
Note: New district courts were added in Fort Bend County in February 2026. If your case was recently transferred, verify your assigned court number through the online case search before contacting the courthouse.
Fort Bend County Divorce Filing Fees
Fort Bend County divorce filing fees run between $300 and $400 depending on case type. Cases involving children are typically slightly higher. These fees cover the basic filing charge plus state-mandated surcharges for court operations and other statutory fees. Service of citation adds another $75 to $100.
Certified copies of the final decree cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Non-certified copies are $1.00 per page. The clerk charges $5.00 for a name search. The county accepts cash, check, credit card, and money order at the courthouse. Online payment may also be available through the district clerk's web portal.
People who cannot afford fees can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. Court forms are available at txcourts.gov. The judge decides whether to waive or reduce fees based on your situation.
What Fort Bend Dissolution Records Contain
A dissolution of marriage case file in Fort Bend County includes all documents filed from petition to final decree. The original petition starts the file. You will also find service documents, any temporary orders, financial disclosures, and the signed final decree. The final decree is the key document most people need. It shows both party names, the date the marriage was ended by court order, how property and debts were divided, and any terms for children.
Most dissolution records are public. Any person can request copies. However, sensitive details such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and information about minor children may be redacted. Some documents may be sealed entirely, requiring a court order to access. Fort Bend County's records go back to county formation in 1837, though older records may be in physical form only.
Legal Help for Fort Bend County Residents
Fort Bend County has a growing legal services community. The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690, and you can search for family law attorneys at texasbar.com. Many attorneys in the Richmond, Sugar Land, and Missouri City area offer initial consultations at no cost.
Lone Star Legal Aid serves Fort Bend County and handles family law cases for people with low income. Their main phone is (800) 733-8394 and their website is lonestarlegal.org. For self-help resources, texaslawhelp.org has guides and court forms for people representing themselves. Official Supreme Court-approved forms are free at txcourts.gov. The Texas Court Help website also has step-by-step instructions for common family law cases.
Cities in Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County includes several large cities. Residents in all of them file dissolution of marriage cases at the District Clerk's office in Richmond.
Other communities in Fort Bend County include Stafford, Rosenberg, Pearland (partly), and Katy (partly). All divorce and dissolution cases for county residents go through the District Court system in Richmond.
Nearby Counties
Fort Bend County is part of the greater Houston metro area and shares borders with several neighboring counties. If you are unsure which county handles your case, you must file where one spouse has lived for at least 90 days.