Divorce records in Hays County, Texas, are available through several channels. HaysCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for cases filed in the county. You can also access records directly through the district court clerk's office, the Hays County Clerk's self-service portal, or the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit. The right source depends on whether you need a court filing or a vital record verification.
Hays County Divorce Records Search
In Hays County, divorce case records are maintained by the district clerk's office, which handles all civil, family, and probate case filings. The Hays County Courts Records Inquiry portal allows online searches of family case records by party name or case number. At the state level, DSHS maintains divorce verification records beginning from 1968.
Records you may find through the district clerk include:
- Divorce decrees (final judgments)
- Petitions for divorce
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Agreed decrees and mediated settlement agreements
- Motions and court orders filed during the case
For in-person requests or questions about older records, contact the Hays County District Clerk:
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Hays County
Texas district courts have jurisdiction over divorce cases. In Hays County, divorce petitions are filed in one of the county's district courts, and the district clerk's office maintains the complete case file after the decree is signed by the judge.
DSHS keeps a separate record — a divorce verification letter — which confirms that a divorce occurred but does not include the full decree or settlement terms. The type of record you need determines which office to contact.
For court records (decrees, orders, settlement agreements):
You can also search case information online through the Hays County Courts Records portal or browse recorded documents via the County Clerk's self-service site.
For divorce verification letters (vital record):
You can order a divorce verification online through the DSHS vital records application. DSHS also publishes divorce decree indexes that can help you confirm basic filing information before requesting a copy.
Key distinctions:
- Need the actual divorce decree or custody order? Contact the Hays County District Clerk.
- Need a verification letter confirming the divorce took place? Request it from DSHS.
- Need to search case docket information online? Use the Odyssey Public Access portal.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Hays County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Same day to several business days (in person); 5–10 business days (by mail) |
| Uncertified copy of court document (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page | Same day (in person) |
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS) | $20.00 | 2–4 weeks (standard mail) |
| DSHS online order via OVRA | $20.00 plus applicable service/shipping fees | 2–3 weeks |