Washington County Dissolution Of Marriage
Washington County dissolution of marriage records are filed at the District Clerk's office in Brenham, Texas. District Clerk Tammy Brauner and her staff keep all case files and handle records requests for divorce cases in the county. Washington County makes it fairly straightforward to file, with a detailed information packet available for people who want to handle their own case. This page covers how to search records, file a case, and access legal help in Washington County.
Washington County Overview
Washington County District Clerk
The Washington County District Clerk maintains all dissolution of marriage case files. The office is at 100 East Main, Suite 304, in Brenham. District Clerk Tammy Brauner and her staff handle new filings, document storage, and records requests. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Washington County is in Southeast Texas, roughly between Houston and Austin. The county seat is Brenham. Family law cases are heard in the district court, which is part of the 21st Judicial District. All dissolution of marriage cases filed by residents of Washington County go through the District Clerk's office in Brenham.
| Office | Washington County District Clerk (Tammy Brauner) |
|---|---|
| Address |
100 E. Main, Suite 304 Brenham, TX 77833 |
| Phone | (979) 277-6200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Washington County publishes divorce filing procedures online. An information packet for pro se filers is available and covers what forms are needed and what to expect at each step. Standing orders and blank forms are also posted online. These are among the more helpful local resources you will find in smaller Texas counties.
How to Search Washington County Divorce Records
You can search Washington County dissolution of marriage records using the statewide re:SearchTX portal. This free tool from the Texas Office of Court Administration covers many counties, including Washington. You can search by name or cause number and see case status, party names, and docket history. For full document access or certified copies, you follow up with the District Clerk.
In-person searches at the Brenham courthouse are straightforward. Bring the names of one or both parties and the approximate year of filing. Staff can pull up the record and tell you what documents are in the file. Standard copy fees apply: $1.00 per page for plain copies, $5.00 per document for certification. A search fee of $5.00 may apply if you do not have a cause number.
Washington County also posts a divorce filing information packet online. This document walks through the full process and is particularly useful for people who are not working with an attorney. It explains what forms to file, how service works, and what the 60-day waiting period means.
For proof of divorce without getting the full case file, the Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov offers a $20.00 divorce verification letter. This covers divorces from 1968 to present and is acceptable for many official purposes.
Washington County Dissolution Filing Fees
Washington County publishes its divorce filing fee schedule. These fees are among the more clearly documented in Texas. The current fee schedule breaks down by case type:
- Divorce with waiver of service: $268.00
- Divorce with citation (served within county): $361.00
- Divorce with citation (served out of county): $276.00
These fees cover court costs and mandatory state surcharges. They do not cover additional costs like service of process by a constable or private server, which can run $50 to $125. If children are involved, a parenting class may be required, which has its own cost. Certified copies of the final decree cost extra as well.
Fee waivers are available for people with low income. You file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. The court reviews your request and decides whether you qualify. Forms are available at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov.
Tip: Fees listed here are from the most recently published schedule. Call the District Clerk at (979) 277-6200 to confirm current amounts before you file.
Dissolution of Marriage Filing Process
Texas dissolution of marriage law is set out in Texas Family Code Chapter 6. Residency requirements under section 6.301 require one spouse to have lived in Texas for six months and in Washington County for 90 days. You file the Original Petition for Divorce at the District Clerk's office in Brenham to start the case.
After filing, the other spouse must be served with the petition and a citation. If both parties agree, a Waiver of Service is an option. Texas also requires a 60-day waiting period under Texas Family Code section 6.702. The judge cannot sign the final decree until 60 days have passed from the date of filing. Family violence cases are an exception.
Most Washington County divorces use no-fault grounds. The legal basis is insupportability under Texas Family Code section 6.001. You state the marriage is broken and cannot be repaired. No proof of wrongdoing is needed. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, or abandonment are also available under Texas law but are used in fewer cases.
Property is divided under the community property rules in Texas Family Code Chapter 7. Texas courts divide community property in a just and right manner. Separate property each spouse brought into the marriage or received as gifts and inheritances is generally not subject to division.
Online Records Portal
The statewide re:SearchTX system is the best online tool for finding Washington County dissolution of marriage cases. You can search by name or cause number without creating an account. The portal shows basic case data, party information, and docket activity. It is updated by participating courts and is generally current.
The screenshot below shows the re:SearchTX portal, which covers Washington County dissolution of marriage cases along with courts across the state.
The re:SearchTX portal is the official statewide case search tool for Texas courts, including Washington County district court records.
Use re:SearchTX to look up Washington County dissolution of marriage case numbers, filing dates, and current case status before contacting the District Clerk for copies.
For full document access or certified copies, contact the Washington County District Clerk at (979) 277-6200 or visit the courthouse at 100 East Main, Suite 304, in Brenham.
Legal Resources in Washington County
Washington County residents have access to several self-help and legal aid resources. The county itself provides a divorce information packet and pro se forms, which makes it easier to file without a lawyer. That packet is available through the District Clerk's office or at the link above on the county website.
Texas Law Help at texaslawhelp.org offers free guides and forms for Texas divorce cases. The site explains the law in plain language and walks through each step of the process. The Texas Court Help site has similar self-help content specifically designed for people handling their own family law cases in Texas.
Lone Star Legal Aid serves Southeast Texas, including Washington County, and may be able to help people who qualify based on income. Visit lonestarlegal.org to check eligibility. The State Bar of Texas has a lawyer referral line at (800) 252-9690 for those who want to find a private attorney. The Texas State Law Library at sll.texas.gov provides legal research resources to the public.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes Brenham and several smaller communities. All dissolution of marriage cases in the county are filed at the District Clerk's office in Brenham.
Communities in Washington County include Brenham, Burton, Independence, Chappell Hill, and others. All county residents file their divorce cases at 100 East Main, Suite 304, in Brenham.
Nearby Counties
Washington County is in Southeast Texas and shares borders with several neighboring counties. If you recently moved, confirm your county of residence before filing.