Real County Dissolution Of Marriage

Dissolution of marriage records in Real County are kept by the District Clerk in Leakey. Real County is a small, rural county in the Texas Hill Country known for its scenic canyons and the Frio River. The courthouse in Leakey handles all dissolution of marriage filings and records requests for the county. Records go back to 1913. In-person and mail access are the main options here, since online access is limited. Call the office before visiting to confirm hours and procedures.

Real County District Clerk

The District Clerk for Real County is D'Ann Green. Her office is at the Real County Courthouse in Leakey. This office holds all dissolution of marriage case files, including petitions, temporary orders, and final decrees. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or want to look up a case, this is the right office to contact.

Real County is one of Texas's smallest and most remote Hill Country counties. Staff is very limited. Always call or email before visiting to confirm availability. Written requests by mail are accepted. Include all available case information and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment by check or money order is preferred for mail requests.

How to Access Real County Dissolution Records

In-person visits to the Real County Courthouse in Leakey are the most direct way to access dissolution records. Bring a valid photo ID and the names of both parties. You may also bring the cause number if you have it. Staff can search the records and make copies. Real County is very small, so calling ahead is strongly recommended.

Mail requests require a written letter with the names of both spouses, the approximate year of the divorce, and the cause number if available. Include a copy of your government-issued ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for fees. Send to P.O. Box 750, Leakey, TX 78873. Processing times are not published but allow at least 7 to 14 business days given the small staff.

Copy fees follow standard Texas rates. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. Certified copies are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee per document. Contact the office to confirm current fees before sending payment.

For online searching, the statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some Real County case data. This free tool shows unofficial case information and docket entries. It does not replace certified copies from the clerk.

Statewide Online Tools

The Texas courts system provides standard dissolution of marriage forms at txcourts.gov, including forms used in Real County for filing petitions, waivers of service, and agreed final decrees.

The re:SearchTX portal is the main tool for online case access in Texas. You can search by party name or cause number to find Real County dissolution cases. Registration is free. Documents shown are unofficial copies. For certified copies with the court seal, contact the District Clerk in Leakey.

If you need to file a new dissolution case, eFile Texas is the official electronic filing system. Confirm with the Real County clerk whether e-filing is accepted locally, as small rural counties may still primarily use paper filings.

Texas Dissolution Verification from DSHS

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains a statewide index of divorces granted since January 1968. For Real County dissolution cases from that period, you can request a $20 verification letter that confirms the names, county, and date of the dissolution. This is often enough for proving marital status or qualifying for benefits.

DSHS does not have the full decree or its terms. For anything beyond basic confirmation, you need a certified copy from the Real County District Clerk. DSHS verification letters can be ordered online at ovra.txapps.texas.gov or by mail to the DSHS office in Austin.

Legal Resources for Real County

Local legal resources in Real County are limited. State resources fill most of the gap. Texas Court Help has step-by-step guides for self-represented filers, covering how to file for dissolution, what forms to use, and how the process works. Free forms are also available at TexasLawHelp.org, which is an official Texas resource for people who file without a lawyer.

Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Real County for at least 90 days before filing. Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before the court can grant the dissolution. These rules apply statewide.

The Texas State Law Library has an "Ask a Librarian" service and research guides for family law. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 can refer you to an attorney in the South Texas or Hill Country area. Legal aid organizations in the region may also help income-qualifying individuals.

Cities in Real County

Real County's primary community is Leakey. All dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Real County District Clerk in Leakey.

Nearby Counties

These counties border or are near Real County in the Hill Country. File in the county where you or your spouse has lived for at least 90 days.