Amarillo Divorce Records Lookup
Amarillo divorce records are maintained by the Potter County District Clerk, which is the primary custodian of family law case files for most of Amarillo. The city spans both Potter and Randall counties, so the county where a given divorce was filed depends on which part of Amarillo the parties lived in. Most of the city falls within Potter County. If you need to search for a divorce case, get a certified copy of a Final Decree of Divorce, or check the status of a filing, start with Potter County District Clerk at 500 S. Fillmore in downtown Amarillo.
Amarillo Overview
Potter County District Clerk in Amarillo
Potter County is where most Amarillo residents file for divorce. The Potter County District Clerk is located in downtown Amarillo at 500 S. Fillmore, Amarillo, TX 79101. The phone number is (806) 379-2300. The District Clerk maintains all divorce records for cases filed in Potter County, including family law matters, civil cases, and felony criminal records. In-person requests are the preferred method, though mail requests are also accepted.
Amarillo also extends into Randall County to the south. The Randall County District Clerk is at 2309 Russell Long Blvd, Canyon, TX 79015, and can be reached at (806) 468-5600. If a divorcing party lived in the Randall County portion of Amarillo, their case was likely filed with Randall County rather than Potter County. If you are unsure which county handles your case, check both offices. You can start with Potter County since the larger portion of the city is there.
| Office | Potter County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 S. Fillmore Amarillo, TX 79101 |
| Phone | (806) 379-2300 |
| County Website | co.potter.tx.us |
| Randall County (also Amarillo) | 2309 Russell Long Blvd, Canyon, TX 79015 | (806) 468-5600 |
Appeals from Potter County and Randall County district courts go to the Seventh Court of Appeals, which is based in Amarillo. The Amarillo area is also served by the Texas Courts statewide portal. The City of Amarillo at amarillo.gov has city services, but the city plays no role in maintaining or searching divorce records.
The Potter County website at co.potter.tx.us is the starting point for Potter County District Clerk contact information and services for Amarillo divorce records.
Potter County District Clerk at 500 S. Fillmore in Amarillo handles all divorce case files and copy requests for Potter County cases, which cover the majority of Amarillo city residents.
How to Search Amarillo Divorce Records
To find an Amarillo divorce case, contact the Potter County District Clerk at (806) 379-2300 or visit in person at 500 S. Fillmore. In-person requests are preferred. Bring the full names of both parties and the approximate year of divorce. If you have a cause number, bring that too. Staff can search the index, locate the file, and make copies. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus $5 per document for certification. Non-certified copies are $1 per page.
Mail requests are accepted. Send your written request with the required information and the appropriate fee payment to the Potter County District Clerk at 500 S. Fillmore, Amarillo, TX 79101. Allow extra time for mail processing on top of the clerk's normal turnaround time. If the divorce was filed in Randall County, send your request to Randall County District Clerk at 2309 Russell Long Blvd, Canyon, TX 79015, phone (806) 468-5600.
The statewide re:SearchTX court records portal includes district court records from many Texas counties. Check whether Potter or Randall County is in the system. If so, you can search online for basic case information before contacting the clerk's office. For older records or those not in an online system, the in-person visit at the courthouse is the most reliable route.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics maintains a statewide divorce index from 1968 to present. A $20 verification letter confirms a divorce was granted, which county it was in, and the basic names and date. This is often enough for insurance, remarriage, or name change purposes. You can order through vitalchek.com.
Filing for Divorce in Amarillo
Amarillo residents follow Texas state law when filing for divorce, as set out in Texas Family Code Chapter 6. Where you file depends on which county you live in. If you are in the Potter County part of Amarillo, you file at Potter County District Court. If you are in the Randall County portion, you file with Randall County District Court in Canyon.
The residency rule under Texas Family Code § 6.301 requires that at least one spouse have lived in Texas for six months and in the county where the case is filed for at least 90 days. For Amarillo residents, this means 90 days in either Potter County or Randall County, depending on where you live. You cannot file in one county just because it is more convenient if you live in the other.
Texas allows divorce without proving fault. The ground of insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001 covers situations where the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord to the point that reconciliation is not possible. This is the most commonly cited ground in Texas divorces. Fault grounds are also available and can affect property division. They include cruelty under § 6.002, adultery under § 6.003, felony conviction under § 6.004, and other grounds set out in the Family Code.
The filing process begins with the Original Petition for Divorce. The other spouse must be served or sign a waiver. If both agree on all issues, an agreed decree can be entered after the 60-day waiting period. If not, the case may require mediation or trial. Texas requires that 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before any divorce can be made final, even uncontested ones.
Potter County and Randall County each have their own fee schedules and court procedures. If you are unsure which county you live in, contact either District Clerk office for guidance on where to file.
Amarillo Divorce Filing Fees
Potter County divorce filing fees are around $300 to $350 for a standard case. Randall County fees are similar. These amounts can vary based on the type of case and whether children are involved. Check with each county's District Clerk for the current fee schedule before you file. Potter County District Clerk is at (806) 379-2300 and Randall County District Clerk is at (806) 468-5600.
Copy fees follow the standard Texas rate of $1 per page for non-certified copies and $5 per document for certification in addition to the per-page fee. A $5 search fee applies if you do not provide a cause number. These fees apply at both Potter and Randall County offices.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask for a waiver by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. If you receive government assistance or earn less than 125% of the federal poverty guideline, you likely qualify. Forms are available at the courthouse or at txcourts.gov. The clerk can tell you which form you need but cannot give legal advice.
Legal Resources in Amarillo
Amarillo has legal aid resources for people who need help with divorce but cannot afford a private attorney. Panhandle Legal Services serves the Amarillo area and handles family law matters for qualifying individuals. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a family law attorney in Potter or Randall County. Their online directory at texasbar.com lets you search by city and practice area.
TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has self-help guides for every stage of the divorce process in Texas. All official Supreme Court approved divorce forms are available free at txcourts.gov. The Texas eFile self-help portal at selfhelp.efiletexas.gov lets you file documents electronically if you are representing yourself and the court participates in e-filing.
Lone Star Legal Aid also covers the Amarillo area. Visit lonestarlegal.org for eligibility information and contact details. For people who have children in their case, Texas requires a parenting plan and may require a parenting class. Child support is set by the guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154, which uses the paying parent's net monthly resources to calculate the amount owed.
Potter County Divorce Records
The majority of Amarillo falls within Potter County, and most Amarillo divorce cases are filed with Potter County District Court. For full details on the county court system, filing procedures, and record search options, visit the Potter County divorce records page. Residents in the Randall County portion of Amarillo should also check the Randall County page.