Reagan County Dissolution Of Marriage Lookup

Dissolution of marriage records for Reagan County are on file at the combined County and District Clerk's office in Big Lake. Reagan County is a small, rural county in the Permian Basin region of West Texas. The clerk's office handles all civil and family court records, including dissolution of marriage cases going back to 1903. In-person and mail requests are the primary ways to access records here, as online access is limited. Call ahead to confirm hours and current procedures before visiting or sending a request.

Reagan County District and County Clerk

Reagan County combines the County Clerk and District Clerk functions into a single office. Tammy Hodge serves as the combined clerk. This office handles all dissolution of marriage filings and records requests. The office is at 300 North Plaza Avenue in Big Lake, the county seat.

Reagan County is one of Texas's smaller rural counties. Staff is limited. It is a good idea to call before visiting to confirm current office hours and availability. The office generally closes on Fridays at 4:00 PM rather than 5:00 PM. For mail requests, allow 7 to 10 business days. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for fees. Cash is also accepted in person.

How to Access Reagan County Divorce Records

In-person record requests are the most straightforward option in Reagan County. Visit the clerk's office at 300 North Plaza Avenue in Big Lake during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the names of both parties or the cause number. Staff will search the records and provide copies. Same-day service is available if the record is on file and accessible.

For mail requests, send a written letter to P.O. Box 100, Big Lake, TX 76932. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the dissolution, and the cause number if you have it. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check or money order. Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days.

Copy fees are standard for Texas: $1.00 per page for plain copies and $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for certified copies. Contact the office directly to confirm current fees before sending payment, as rates can change.

The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some Reagan County case data for online searches. This is a free tool that shows unofficial case information. For certified copies, contact the clerk's office directly.

Online Resources for Reagan County

The re:SearchTX portal provides statewide access to Texas court case information, including Reagan County dissolution of marriage cases, allowing you to check filing status and docket entries online at no cost.

Texas also uses eFile Texas for electronic court filings. Attorneys must use this system for civil and family cases. Contact the Reagan County clerk to find out whether local e-filing is available for your case type. Given the county's small size, paper filing may still be the primary method.

Texas court forms are available at txcourts.gov. These include standard dissolution forms approved for use across all Texas counties. The same forms apply in Reagan County as anywhere else in the state.

Texas DSHS Verification Letters

If you need to confirm a dissolution of marriage in Reagan County without obtaining the full decree, the Texas Department of State Health Services offers verification letters for divorces finalized since 1968. The fee is $20. DSHS confirms the names, county, and date of the dissolution. They do not have the full case file or the terms of the decree.

You can order a DSHS verification letter online at ovra.txapps.texas.gov or by mail to DSHS in Austin. Mail requests take several weeks. For the full decree with property and custody terms, you must get a certified copy from the Reagan County District Clerk in Big Lake.

Legal Help in Reagan County

Reagan County has limited local legal resources due to its small size. State-level resources are available online. Texas Court Help provides step-by-step guidance for dissolution of marriage cases, including how to file, what forms to use, and what happens at each step. TexasLawHelp.org has free forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court for use without an attorney.

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, to file for dissolution in Reagan County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Reagan County for at least 90 days before filing. Texas also imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before the court can grant the dissolution.

The Texas State Law Library offers free research help by phone and online. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a licensed attorney in West Texas. Legal aid organizations serving the Permian Basin area may also offer assistance for qualifying individuals.

Cities in Reagan County

Reagan County's only incorporated city is Big Lake, the county seat. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the District Clerk in Big Lake.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Reagan County in the Permian Basin region. File in the county where you have lived for at least 90 days.