Moore County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Moore County in 2026
MooreRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Moore County, Texas. Members of the public may find case numbers, final decrees, party names, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through the Moore County District Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Texas state court portal, and authorized online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Moore County.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Moore County District Clerk offers online records search and purchase for district court cases, including divorce proceedings. This is the most common method for locating Moore County divorce records. Basic case information is available at no charge, while copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Vital Records
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains a statewide registry of divorce records. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit issues letters verifying whether a divorce was recorded with the State of Texas. Members of the public may also use the Order Vital Records application on Texas.gov to request divorce verification letters online. This application accepts requests for events that occurred in Texas and may involve applicable fees.
In-Person Searches:
Moore County District Clerk (Family Division):
Moore County District Clerk
715 Dumas Ave, Room 105
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-6210
Moore County District Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (excluding county holidays)
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Moore County Clerk (Supporting Records):
Moore County Clerk
715 Dumas Ave, Room 102
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-2009
Moore County Clerk
- Historical and archived records may be maintained separately
- Certified copy requests accepted in person
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Moore County District Clerk, 715 Dumas Ave, Room 105, Dumas, TX 79029
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks, though older or archived records may require additional time.
By Phone:
Limited Information Available:
- Moore County District Clerk: (806) 935-6210
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys:
An attorney of record may access complete case files, including documents that may be restricted to the general public. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking legal assistance may consult Texas Court Help, which provides self-help resources and referrals to legal aid offices and lawyer referral services.
Information Needed for Search:
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or date range
- Case number, if previously known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Moore County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Divorce proceedings in Texas are filed in the county where at least one spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should confirm that the divorce was filed in Moore County before initiating a search. If the filing county is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties. The location of the marriage ceremony does not determine where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement:
Under Texas law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Texas for a minimum of six months and a resident of the county in which the petition is filed for at least 90 days prior to filing, as provided under Texas Family Code § 6.301.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing; records are available within days to weeks of entry of the final decree.
- Older divorce records may be archived and not fully digitized; additional retrieval time should be anticipated.
- Cases still pending before the court are not reflected as finalized divorces in the record system.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Confirm the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate spellings of party names
- Search under both the petitioner's and respondent's names
- Verify whether the divorce was finalized or remains pending
- Check the Texas DSHS marriage and divorce records verification service
- Contact the Moore County District Clerk at (806) 935-6210 for assistance
What Are Moore County Divorce Records?
Moore County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the 69th Judicial District Court of Moore County, Texas. These records are maintained by the Moore County District Clerk and constitute part of the public court record, subject to applicable confidentiality provisions under Texas law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce (Original Petition for Divorce)
- Respondent's answer or waiver of service
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Hearing notices and docket entries
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce:
The Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and conservatorship arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested Certified copies of the Final Decree are available through the Moore County District Clerk.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents and affidavits
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-divorce modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Moore County District Clerk is the primary custodian of divorce records and maintains complete case files indexed by party name and case number. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains a separate statewide registry of divorce records and issues verification letters upon request.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code, which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedures for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a and the Texas Public Information Act. Privacy protections for sensitive information within family law cases are addressed through court rules and applicable state statutes.
Are Moore County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Moore County are public court records under Texas law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction or redaction under applicable state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records of either party
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records or specific documents upon a showing of good cause, pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Mediation communications are confidential under Texas law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted sensitive information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
Restrictions on Use:
Access to Moore County divorce records is subject to applicable law. Prohibited uses include stalking, harassment, identity theft, and any use that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Moore County?
The Moore County District Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, which governs fees charged by district clerks in Texas.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page |
| Online record purchase | Varies by document; set by the District Clerk |
| Divorce verification letter (Texas DSHS) | $20.00 per request |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies obtained through the District Clerk's online portal are subject to fees set by the office.
- The Texas DSHS Order Vital Records application charges $20.00 for a divorce verification letter.
- Accepted payment methods at the Moore County District Clerk's office include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card (fees may apply for card payments).
- Fee waivers are not available for standard copy requests; parties who are indigent and involved in active litigation may petition the court for waiver of certain court costs under Texas Government Code § 51.318.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Viewing case docket entries and case summaries online through the District Clerk's portal
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse public access terminal
- Confirmation of case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Moore County
A complete Moore County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the District Clerk from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The contents of a divorce case file vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
- Jurisdiction basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Original Petition for Divorce, including marriage date and location, grounds for divorce, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Respondent's Answer or Waiver of Service
- Counterpetition, if filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits from both parties, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Discovery Documents (if applicable):
- Interrogatories and sworn answers
- Requests for production and responsive documents
- Depositions (transcripts, if filed)
- Financial records submitted as exhibits
Property-Related Documents:
- Inventory and appraisement of marital assets and debts
- Real property appraisals and valuations
- Business valuations and expert reports
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan or agreed parenting plan
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income withholding orders
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA), if the case was resolved by agreement
- Mediation agreement (terms incorporated into MSA; communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders (temporary custody, support, and property use)
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions, if issued
- Final Decree of Divorce, including all findings of fact, property division, support orders, custody and conservatorship provisions, and name restoration if applicable
- Judge's signature and court seal
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, conservatorship, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted per Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Moore County?
Proof of divorce in Moore County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce or a divorce verification letter issued by the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit. A certified copy of the Final Decree carries the official seal of the Moore County District Court and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, and other legal purposes.
Step 1 – Obtain a Certified Copy from the District Clerk:
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce in person, by mail, or through the online portal maintained by the Moore County District Clerk. The request must include the names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or case number. The current fee is $5.00 for certification plus $1.00 per page.
Moore County District Clerk
715 Dumas Ave, Room 105
Dumas, TX 79029
Phone: (806) 935-6210
Moore County District Clerk
Step 2 – Request a Divorce Verification Letter from Texas DSHS:
For purposes that require only verification that a divorce occurred (rather than a full certified copy), the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit issues verification letters. As stated by the agency, "Vital Statistics issues letters verifying if a marriage or divorce was recorded with the State of Texas based on the application for marriage or divorce." Members of the public may submit requests through the Order Vital Records application on Texas.gov. The fee is $20.00 per verification letter.
Step 3 – Use Texas Court Help for Guidance:
Members of the public who need assistance navigating the process of obtaining proof of divorce may consult Texas Court Help, which provides self-help resources, court forms, and referrals to legal aid organizations.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Moore County?
Divorce proceedings in Moore County are presumptively public under Texas law; however, specific records or entire case files may be sealed or restricted under defined legal circumstances.
- A court may seal divorce records upon a written motion and a finding that the public interest in sealing the records outweighs the general presumption of openness, pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a.
- Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers are subject to mandatory redaction under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c, regardless of whether the case is sealed.
- Cases involving domestic violence may include protective measures that restrict public access to the addresses and identifying information of protected parties.
- Mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, and psychological evaluations submitted in custody proceedings may be filed under seal by court order.
- Mediation communications are confidential under the Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Procedures Act and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be restricted to the parties and their attorneys by court order.
- A party seeking to seal records must file a motion, provide notice to all parties, and demonstrate a specific legal basis; the court conducts a hearing before issuing a sealing order.
How Long Does Moore County Keep Divorce Records?
Moore County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules applicable to district courts.
- Final Decrees of Divorce and permanent court orders are retained permanently and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, motions, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under standard district court retention schedules.
- Cases involving child custody or support orders may be retained for longer periods due to the ongoing nature of those orders and the potential for future modification proceedings.
- Older paper records that predate electronic filing systems may be archived off-site or converted to microfilm or digital format; retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Records that have been sealed by court order are retained in accordance with the terms of the sealing order and applicable retention schedules.
- The Texas State Library and Archives Commission publishes the Local Schedule DC governing retention of district court records, which provides the authoritative schedule for Moore County divorce record retention.
- Members of the public seeking records older than 10 years should contact the Moore County District Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.