Howard County Dissolution Of Marriage

Howard County dissolution of marriage records are on file at the District Clerk's office in Big Spring. The clerk handles all dissolution filings for the county and maintains case documents from the initial petition through the final decree. Records go back to 1882. You can search for cases in person at the courthouse, use the statewide re:SearchTX portal for online lookups, or send a written request by mail. The District Clerk can search by party name or cause number and provide certified copies of case documents.

Howard County District Clerk

The District Clerk in Big Spring is responsible for all dissolution of marriage records in Howard County. The office is on South Main Street in the courthouse. Staff handle records searches, copy requests, and filing intake. All case documents, from the original petition through the signed final decree, are stored here and available for public review with some exceptions.

Howard County is located in the Permian Basin region of West Texas. Big Spring is the county seat. The 118th Judicial District Court handles family law cases for this county. Howard County sits at a key crossroads in West Texas, and its courthouse handles dissolution cases for a county with a mix of urban and rural residents.

The Howard County official website at co.howard.tx.us lists county offices and contact details. Check there for updates before making an in-person visit.

The screenshot below shows the Howard County official website where you can find the District Clerk's contact information for dissolution of marriage records requests.

Visit the Howard County official website for current contact information and services provided by the District Clerk in Big Spring.

The county website is the most reliable place to confirm current office hours and contact details for the Howard County District Clerk.

How to Search Howard County Dissolution Records

Howard County dissolution of marriage records can be searched in person at the courthouse, online through re:SearchTX, or by mail. In-person is the best option for certified copies. Online is faster for basic case lookups. Mail works when you cannot visit Big Spring.

For in-person access, visit 300 S. Main St. in Big Spring during business hours. Have the names of one or both parties ready, along with the approximate year the case was filed. Staff can search by name and give you the cause number and details. Bring a photo ID. Certified copies are $1 per page plus $5 per document certification.

The re:SearchTX portal provides online access to Howard County dissolution case records. Search by party name or cause number. The system returns filing dates, case status, and party names. Document downloads may require fees. It is a free tool for basic lookups.

re:SearchTX and eFile Texas Access

The re:SearchTX portal is the official Texas court records search system. Howard County cases are included. Search for dissolution of marriage filings by party name or cause number. The system is maintained by the Texas Office of Court Administration and is reliable for current case lookups.

New dissolution petitions filed by attorneys in Howard County must go through eFile Texas. E-filing is required for attorney-filed civil cases statewide. Self-represented parties may also use the system. For help with e-filing in Howard County, contact the District Clerk at (432) 264-2223.

The screenshot below shows Howard County court records access through the online search system used by the re:SearchTX portal for dissolution cases.

Search for Howard County dissolution of marriage cases online using re:SearchTX or the Howard County court records search shown here.

The online case search is a fast way to check if a dissolution was filed in Howard County before requesting certified copies from the District Clerk.

Texas DSHS Vital Statistics

Texas DSHS maintains a statewide index of dissolution of marriage records from all Texas counties including Howard. The index is useful if you need to verify a dissolution occurred but do not know which county handled it. DSHS receives reports from courts when dissolutions are granted.

Order a dissolution verification through DSHS Vital Statistics. The verification shows names, county, and date but not the full case terms. For the certified decree, contact the Howard County District Clerk. Online ordering is at ovra.txapps.texas.gov.

Filing Dissolution of Marriage in Howard County

Filing for dissolution in Howard County requires meeting the state residency requirements under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. One spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Howard County for 90 days before filing. The Original Petition for Divorce is filed at the District Clerk's office on South Main Street in Big Spring.

A mandatory 60-day waiting period applies after the petition is filed. Texas Family Code Section 6.702 requires this wait before the court can grant the dissolution. Once the 60 days pass, uncontested cases can proceed to a final hearing. The judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce, which the clerk records as the official end of the marriage. Certified copies of the decree cost $1 per page plus $5 per certification.

Property division follows community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. Marital assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided in a just and right manner. Separate property stays with its owner. If children are involved, custody and support are determined under Chapters 153 and 154.

Free forms are at txcourts.gov. Self-help guides are at Texas Court Help and TexasLawHelp.org.

Legal Help in Howard County

Howard County residents can access legal aid through organizations that serve West Texas. The State Bar of Texas referral service at (800) 252-9690 connects you with family law attorneys. Self-help resources at TexasLawHelp.org have guides and official forms for dissolution cases.

The Texas Court Help website has plain-language guides for people handling their own dissolution cases. The Texas State Law Library at sll.texas.gov offers free online family law research resources available to anyone in Texas.

Cities in Howard County

Howard County includes Big Spring and a few smaller communities. Big Spring is the county seat with a population around 28,000. All dissolution of marriage cases for county residents are filed at the District Clerk in Big Spring.

Other communities in Howard County include Coahoma and Forsan. All residents file dissolution cases at the same District Clerk office on South Main Street in Big Spring.

Nearby Counties

Howard County is in the Permian Basin region. These counties border it. File in the county where you have lived for the 90 days before your filing date.