San Patricio County Public Records /San Patricio County Divorce Records

San Patricio County Divorce Records

What Are San Patricio County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in San Patricio County are official legal documents that provide documented evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to the Texas Family Code § 6.001, which establishes the grounds for divorce in the state of Texas. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce proceeding, including the original petition for divorce, temporary orders, financial affidavits, property settlement agreements, and the final decree of divorce.

The San Patricio County District Clerk serves as the official custodian of divorce records for cases filed within the county. These records serve several important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in San Patricio County are categorized into two main types:

Court case files - The complete collection of documents filed during divorce proceedings
Divorce certificates - Official documents verifying that a divorce was granted

The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a statewide index of divorce records dating back to 1968, which includes divorces finalized in San Patricio County.

Are San Patricio County Divorce Records Public?

San Patricio County divorce records have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and the information contained therein. Under the Texas Public Information Act § 552.022, court records are generally considered public information. However, this broad principle is subject to numerous exceptions and limitations, particularly regarding family law matters.

Court divorce case files maintained by the San Patricio County District Clerk are generally accessible to the public with certain restrictions:

Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly available
Financial affidavits and sensitive personal information may be redacted or restricted
Records containing information about minor children have additional privacy protections
Documents sealed by court order are not publicly accessible

Certified divorce certificates, which verify the fact of divorce, date, and location, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051, these records are available only to:

The individuals named in the divorce record
Immediate family members
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest

The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains divorce verification letters that confirm basic divorce information without revealing sensitive details. These verification letters are available to the general public for divorces that occurred at least 25 years ago.

How To Find a Divorce Record In San Patricio County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in San Patricio County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the parties involved.

For divorce case files:

Contact the San Patricio County District Clerk's Records Department directly:

San Patricio County District Clerk
400 W. Sinton Street, Room 207
Sinton, TX 78387
(361) 364-6200
San Patricio County District Clerk

Provide the clerk with as much information as possible:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Complete a records request form, available at the clerk's office or downloadable from the county website.
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document

For divorce verification letters or certificates:

Submit a request to the Texas Department of State Health Services:

Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas Vital Records

Provide required identification and proof of relationship to the parties if requesting records less than 25 years old.
Pay the state-mandated fee of $20.00 per divorce verification letter.

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on the volume of requests and the age of the records. Current records may be available within 1-3 business days, while older records may require additional time to retrieve from archives.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in San Patricio County Online?

San Patricio County offers several digital resources for accessing divorce records online, though the availability of complete records varies based on the case filing date and confidentiality restrictions. The county has implemented electronic filing systems that facilitate online access to more recent divorce records.

To search for divorce records online:

Access the re:SearchTX portal, which provides electronic access to court records filed in San Patricio County. The San Patricio County District Clerk has partnered with this service to provide public access to civil case records, including divorces.
Create a user account on the re:SearchTX platform if you don't already have one.
Use the search function to locate cases by:
- Party name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type (select "Family - Divorce")
Review the search results to identify the relevant case.
Access available documents, noting that fees may apply for viewing or downloading certain records.

For older divorce records that predate electronic filing, the San Patricio County District Clerk's Office maintains an ongoing digitization project. Currently, not all historical records are available online, but the office continues to expand digital access to these documents.

Additionally, the Texas Department of State Health Services offers online ordering of divorce verification letters through their Texas.gov portal. This service provides official verification of divorces granted in San Patricio County, though it does not provide access to the complete divorce case file.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In San Patricio County?

While most official divorce record searches in San Patricio County involve fees, several options exist for accessing basic divorce information at no cost. Members of the public seeking free access to divorce records may utilize the following resources:

Public access terminals at the San Patricio County Courthouse:

San Patricio County District Clerk
400 W. Sinton Street, Room 207
Sinton, TX 78387
(361) 364-6200

These terminals allow visitors to search basic case information at no charge, including:

Party names
Case numbers
Filing dates
Case status
Hearing dates

While viewing this information is free, printing or obtaining certified copies will incur standard fees.

The San Patricio County District Clerk's website provides a limited case search function that allows users to verify the existence of a case and view basic docket information without charge.
Public law libraries may provide access to legal research databases that include divorce case information. The nearest comprehensive law library is located at:

Nueces County Law Library
901 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 888-0391

For historical research purposes, the San Patricio County Historical Society maintains some archival records that may include information about divorces granted in earlier periods of the county's history.

Researchers should note that while basic case information may be available without charge, obtaining complete divorce records or certified copies will require payment of the established fees. Additionally, access to free resources may be limited to regular business hours and may require in-person visits to the relevant facilities.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In San Patricio County

Divorce records in San Patricio County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of a marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components, each serving specific legal and administrative purposes.

The complete divorce case file generally includes:

Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and the petitioner's requested relief
Citation or Waiver of Service - Documentation showing the respondent was properly notified of the divorce action
Answer and Counter-Petition - The respondent's formal reply and any counter-claims
Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct, support, and custody during the pendency of the case
Financial Information Forms - Sworn inventories of assets, liabilities, and income of both parties
Discovery Documents - Information exchanged between parties during the case preparation
Mediation Agreements - Records of any settlements reached through alternative dispute resolution
Final Decree of Divorce - The court's final judgment dissolving the marriage and addressing all relevant issues

For cases involving children, additional documents typically include:

Child Support Orders - Determinations of financial support obligations
Custody and Visitation Schedules - Detailed parenting plans and possession orders
Medical Support Provisions - Arrangements for children's healthcare coverage

The divorce certificate or verification letter maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services contains more limited information:

Full names of both parties
Date the divorce was granted
County where the divorce was finalized
Case number assigned by the court

Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 6.408, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, bank account information, and certain information pertaining to minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In San Patricio County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in San Patricio County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on the level of detail needed and the intended use of the proof.

For a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce:

Submit a request to the San Patricio County District Clerk:

San Patricio County District Clerk
400 W. Sinton Street, Room 207
Sinton, TX 78387
(361) 364-6200
San Patricio County District Clerk

Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce finalization
- Case number (if known)
Pay the required fee:
- $5.00 for certification
- $1.00 per page for copies
- Additional fees may apply for expedited service

For an official divorce verification letter:

Request this document from the Texas Department of State Health Services:

Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas Vital Records

Submit the application through one of these methods:
- Online through the Texas.gov vital records portal
- By mail using the downloadable application form
- In person at the DSHS main office in Austin
- Through an authorized local registrar
Provide required identification and pay the $20.00 fee per verification letter.

For international use, additional authentication may be required:

Obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree from the District Clerk.
Submit this document to the Texas Secretary of State for apostille or authentication.
Follow specific requirements of the foreign country where the document will be used.

Processing times vary based on the method of request and current workload. Standard processing typically takes 10-15 business days, while expedited service (where available) may reduce this to 2-5 business days for an additional fee.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In San Patricio County?

While divorce proceedings in San Patricio County are generally matters of public record, Texas law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The extent of confidentiality available depends on specific circumstances and judicial discretion.

Under Texas Family Code § 6.409, the court may issue protective orders to safeguard sensitive information when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:

Cases involving domestic violence or abuse
Matters affecting the safety or welfare of minor children
Situations involving sensitive financial or proprietary business information
Cases where public disclosure would cause undue embarrassment or harm

Methods for maintaining confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:

Sealing of Records - Upon motion by either party and after a public hearing, a judge may order all or portions of a divorce file sealed if the court finds that the interest in privacy outweighs the presumption of open court records. This process is governed by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a.
Use of Initials or Pseudonyms - In certain sensitive cases, particularly those involving domestic violence, parties may be permitted to file using initials rather than full names.
Redaction of Sensitive Information - Personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, bank account information, and children's identifying information are routinely redacted from publicly accessible documents pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.147.
Confidential Information Form - Certain sensitive information required by the court may be submitted on confidential forms that are not included in the public record.

Parties seeking confidentiality must typically file a specific motion requesting protection of information and demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public's right to access. The court maintains discretion in determining whether and to what extent records should be protected from public disclosure.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In San Patricio County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in San Patricio County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court docket congestion, and statutory waiting periods. Under Texas law, all divorces are subject to a minimum waiting period established by Texas Family Code § 6.702, which prohibits courts from granting a divorce before the 60th day after the petition is filed.

Typical timeframes for San Patricio County divorces include:

Uncontested Divorces (parties in complete agreement):
- Minimum: 60 days from filing (statutory waiting period)
- Typical: 2-4 months total
- Factors affecting timeline: court scheduling, document preparation time, judicial review
Contested Divorces with Negotiated Settlement:
- Typical: 4-8 months
- Factors affecting timeline: complexity of assets, child custody issues, negotiation process, mediation scheduling
Fully Contested Divorces Requiring Trial:
- Typical: 8-18 months
- Factors affecting timeline: discovery disputes, expert witness involvement, temporary orders hearings, trial scheduling, court backlog

According to statistics from the Office of Court Administration, the average disposition time for contested divorce cases in Texas is approximately 9.2 months, though San Patricio County's specific averages may vary from this statewide figure.

Additional factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:

Complex property division requiring business valuations or forensic accounting
Child custody evaluations and social studies
Relocation issues involving children
International aspects requiring service of process abroad
Bankruptcy filings by either party during the pendency of divorce
Appeals of temporary orders or other interlocutory rulings

Parties seeking to minimize the duration of their divorce proceedings are encouraged to reach agreements on contested issues through negotiation or mediation whenever possible, as this significantly reduces both the time and expense involved in finalizing the divorce.

How Long Does San Patricio County Keep Divorce Records?

San Patricio County maintains divorce records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules for district courts. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of court records, including those related to divorce proceedings.

Under the Local Government Records Act § 203.042, divorce records in San Patricio County are subject to the following retention requirements:

Case Files and Final Judgments (including Final Decrees of Divorce):
- Permanent retention
- These records are never destroyed and are maintained indefinitely
- After a certain period (typically 10-15 years), older records may be transferred to microfilm or digital format for preservation
Indexes to Divorce Cases:
- Permanent retention
- Maintained as finding aids to locate specific case files
- Available in both physical and electronic formats for more recent cases
Docket Sheets and Court Minutes:
- Permanent retention
- Chronological records of court proceedings and scheduling
Exhibits and Evidence:
- Variable retention periods depending on type
- May be returned to parties after appeals periods expire
- Some exhibits may be preserved as part of the permanent case file

The San Patricio County District Clerk's Records Department has implemented a records management program that includes ongoing digitization of older records. This initiative aims to improve accessibility while ensuring long-term preservation of these important legal documents.

For divorce verification records maintained by the state, the Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a central index of all divorces granted in Texas counties since January 1968. These records are maintained permanently and are available through the state vital records system.

Researchers seeking very old divorce records (pre-1968) may need to work directly with the District Clerk's office, as these records may be stored in archival facilities and require additional time to retrieve.

How To Get a Divorce In San Patricio County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in San Patricio County must follow specific procedures established by Texas law. The divorce process involves several steps that must be completed in accordance with statutory requirements and local court rules.

To initiate a divorce in San Patricio County:

Establish eligibility by meeting residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Texas resident for the preceding six months
- Either spouse must have been a resident of San Patricio County for the preceding 90 days
Prepare and file the Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk:

San Patricio County District Clerk
400 W. Sinton Street, Room 207
Sinton, TX 78387
(361) 364-6200
San Patricio County District Clerk

Pay the required filing fee (approximately $300) or submit an affidavit of inability to pay if financially qualified.
Serve the non-filing spouse with divorce papers through one of these methods:
- Official service by constable or private process server
- Waiver of service signed by the respondent
- Alternative service methods if ordered by the court
Wait the mandatory 60-day "cooling off" period required by Texas Family Code § 6.702.
During this period, address temporary matters if needed:
- Temporary orders regarding property, support, and children
- Mediation for disputed issues
- Discovery to gather financial information
Finalize the divorce through one of these methods:
- Agreed divorce with a settlement agreement
- Default judgment if the respondent doesn't respond
- Contested hearing or trial for unresolved issues
Attend the final hearing where the judge will review and potentially approve the divorce decree.
File the signed Final Decree of Divorce with the District Clerk.

San Patricio County courts strongly encourage mediation for resolving disputed issues. The county provides information about local mediation services through the District Clerk's office. Additionally, limited free or reduced-cost legal assistance may be available to qualifying individuals through:

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
901 Leopard Street, Room 105
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(800) 369-0574
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

How To Get Divorce Papers In San Patricio County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in San Patricio County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. The specific forms required depend on the circumstances of the case, including whether children are involved and the level of agreement between the parties.

To obtain divorce papers in San Patricio County:

Visit the San Patricio County District Clerk's office in person:

San Patricio County District Clerk
400 W. Sinton Street, Room 207
Sinton, TX 78387
(361) 364-6200
San Patricio County District Clerk

The clerk's office can provide information about required forms but cannot offer legal advice about how to complete them.

Access standardized divorce forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court through the Texas Law Help website, which offers:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Waiver of Service
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Child support worksheets (if applicable)
- Property division inventories
Utilize the self-help resources available at the local law library:

Nueces County Law Library
901 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 888-0391

Consult with an attorney for personalized forms tailored to specific circumstances. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service can provide referrals to local attorneys.
Attend free legal clinics periodically offered in the region by legal aid organizations such as:

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
901 Leopard Street, Room 105
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(800) 369-0574
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

When preparing divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the following information available:

Full legal names of both spouses
Dates of birth
Dates of marriage and separation
Social Security numbers (to be provided on confidential forms)
Information about minor children (if applicable)
Details about property and debts
Grounds for divorce

All documents must be completed accurately and in accordance with Texas law. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork may result in delays or dismissal of the case. Individuals with complex situations involving significant assets, business interests, or contested child custody issues are strongly advised to seek legal counsel rather than relying solely on standardized forms.