Moore County Dissolution of Marriage Records

Moore County dissolution of marriage records are held at the District Clerk's office in Dumas, the county seat. Anyone who needs to look up a divorce case or get a copy of a Final Decree filed in Moore County should contact the District Clerk. Located in the Texas Panhandle, Moore County has maintained records since 1907. The office handles all family law filings for the county, including dissolution of marriage, conservatorship orders, and child support. You can visit the office in Dumas, call by phone, or use the statewide re:SearchTX portal to begin your search.

Moore County District Clerk

The District Clerk's office in Dumas keeps all dissolution of marriage records for Moore County. This office files new cases, stores documents, and lets the public look up records. Staff can help you find a case by name or cause number and make copies of documents you need.

Moore County is part of the 69th Judicial District. The district court handles civil and family law matters including divorce, custody, and support. The courthouse is on South Dumas Avenue. Moore County records go back to 1907 when the county was formed.

How to Access Moore County Divorce Records

You can search Moore County dissolution of marriage records in person or online. The statewide re:SearchTX portal is the easiest way to look up a case without traveling to Dumas. Enter a party name or cause number to get case details, docket entries, and some documents.

For in-person access, go to the courthouse at 715 S. Dumas Ave. The clerk's office is open weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Bring the name of one or both parties, or the cause number if you have it. Staff can pull the file and make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Call ahead at (806) 935-2161 to confirm current fees.

Mail requests are accepted. Send a written request to P.O. Box 1987, Dumas, TX 79029. Include the names of the parties, the year filed if known, and a check or money order for the copy fee. The clerk will send back what you requested.

To file a dissolution case, you must meet Texas residency requirements. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Moore County for 90 days before filing. After filing, a mandatory 60-day waiting period applies.

Online Records Search

The re:SearchTX portal connects to Moore County's district court records. You can search free of charge by party name or cause number. The system shows case status, parties involved, and when documents were filed. This is useful for checking on a pending case or confirming case details.

Re:SearchTX provides unofficial document copies. They are fine for personal use but not for official legal transactions. For certified copies, you need to contact the Moore County District Clerk. Attorneys file dissolution cases in Moore County through the eFile Texas system. Self-represented parties can use it too.

Statewide Divorce Records Through DSHS

Texas DSHS Vital Statistics maintains a divorce index going back to 1968. If you need to verify a divorce and are not sure which county filed it, start with the DSHS Vital Statistics page. They can issue a verification letter that confirms a divorce occurred in Texas.

DSHS verification letters do not include case file documents. For the actual decree or other court papers from a Moore County dissolution case, you need to go through the District Clerk. Use the Texas vital records portal to order verifications online. For pre-1968 divorces, contact the county clerk directly since DSHS does not have those records.

Texas Dissolution Law

Texas dissolution of marriage is governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 6. Insupportability is the primary no-fault ground. It means the marriage cannot continue due to conflict or discord. The court does not need to find fault with either party to grant a divorce on this ground.

Texas divides marital property as community property. Assets and debts built up during the marriage are generally split in a way the court finds just and right. Separate property includes what each spouse owned before the wedding plus anything received as a gift or inheritance during the marriage.

When children are involved, the court makes conservatorship and possession orders. The standard possession order in Texas sets a default schedule. Either party can ask the court to change the standard order if it is not in the child's best interest. Child support is based on the paying parent's net income using state guidelines.

For self-help resources, visit Texas Court Help or TexasLawHelp.org. Official forms are at txcourts.gov/forms. The Texas State Law Library has free research guides for pro se filers.

Legal Help in Moore County

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and other organizations serve the Panhandle region. If you need free legal help with a dissolution of marriage case in Moore County, call the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. They can connect you with an attorney who handles family law in your area.

You can search for local lawyers at texasbar.com. Free forms and guides are available at TexasLawHelp.org and Texas Court Help. The Texas State Law Library offers research help by phone and email for people who cannot visit in person.

The eFile Texas portal allows attorneys and pro se filers to submit dissolution of marriage documents electronically to Moore County District Court without visiting the courthouse.

Electronic filing is mandatory for attorneys and available as an option for self-represented parties in all Texas district courts.

Cities in Moore County

Dumas is the county seat and largest city in Moore County. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed at the District Court in Dumas. Residents of Dumas and other Moore County communities file dissolution cases at the Moore County District Clerk.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Moore County in the Texas Panhandle. File in the county where you or your spouse lives.