Find Divorce Records in Carrollton
Carrollton is one of the few Texas cities that spans three counties. If you need to search divorce records for a Carrollton address, you may need to check Dallas County, Denton County, or Collin County depending on where the case was filed. The county District Clerk in whichever county the divorce was filed maintains the case file and certified copies of the decree. You can search online through county portals or visit a District Clerk's office in person. Getting the right county first will save you time and effort.
Carrollton Overview
Which County Has Your Divorce Record
This is the key question for anyone searching Carrollton divorce records. The city crosses into three counties. Most of Carrollton falls in Dallas County. A portion runs into Denton County, and a smaller section touches Collin County. Divorce filings go to whichever county the petitioner (the person who filed) lived in at the time of filing. So your record could be in any one of the three.
If you don't know which county handled the case, start with Dallas County since it covers the largest part of the city. If nothing turns up there, try Denton and then Collin. You can also check the statewide re:SearchTX portal, which searches across participating courts in Texas and may help you narrow down the county before you contact an office directly.
| Dallas County District Clerk | 600 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75202 | (214) 653-7131 |
|---|---|
| Denton County District Clerk | 1450 East McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209 |
| Collin County District Clerk | 2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132, McKinney, TX 75071 | (972) 548-4320 |
| State Divorce Index | DSHS Verification (1968 to present) |
Note: The county where the divorce was filed is shown on the divorce decree itself. If you have the decree but need a certified copy, take note of the case number and court listed on the original document. That tells you exactly which District Clerk to contact.
The Dallas County District Clerk maintains divorce records for the largest portion of Carrollton. The Dallas County District Clerk website has a public records search and information on how to request copies.
Use the District Clerk's online search to look for cases filed in Dallas County. You can search by name or cause number, and results will show case status, filing dates, and party names.
Searching Carrollton Divorce Records Online
Each of the three counties that cover Carrollton has its own online search portal. Dallas County's records search is accessible at dallascounty.org. Denton County's portal is through the District Clerk section of dentoncounty.gov. Collin County records are available at the District Clerk page on collincountytx.gov. All three let you search by party name or cause number.
For a broader search, the re:SearchTX system covers district courts across the state. You can search by name and view docket entries, filing dates, and case status in one place. Not every court participates, but most active district courts in the Metroplex are included.
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a divorce index from 1968 to present. A divorce verification letter from the state confirms that a divorce happened and provides the county, date, and names of the parties. It does not include the decree itself. This can be a quick way to find out which county holds the full record.
Filing for Divorce in Carrollton
When you file for divorce as a Carrollton resident, you file at the district court for your county, not at Carrollton City Hall. The city's municipal court only handles Class C misdemeanors, traffic tickets, and code violations. Divorce is a district court matter under Texas state law. Texas Family Code Chapter 6 governs all aspects of divorce in the state.
Texas Family Code § 6.301 sets the residency rule. You must have lived in Texas for six months and in your county for at least 90 days before filing. If you live on the Denton County side of Carrollton, you file in Denton. If you're on the Dallas County side, you file in Dallas. Zip code and street address don't always make this obvious, so check with the county if you're not sure which side of the line you're on.
The most common ground for divorce in Texas is insupportability under § 6.001. This is a no-fault ground. You don't have to prove your spouse did something wrong. You just show that the marriage is broken due to conflict or incompatibility with no reasonable chance of repair. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, abandonment, and felony conviction are also available under § 6.002 through § 6.007 if the situation calls for them.
After filing, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. The two sides then either reach an agreed decree or go through a contested process that may include mediation and a hearing before the judge.
Divorce Costs for Carrollton Residents
Filing fees vary by county. Dallas County charges around $310 to $330 to file a divorce without children and slightly more when children are involved. Denton County and Collin County have their own fee schedules. Call the relevant District Clerk before going in so you know what to bring.
You might also face costs for serving papers, making certified copies, attending required parenting classes, and paying for mediation in contested cases. If money is tight, ask about a fee waiver at the time of filing. Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. Official forms are at txcourts.gov.
Note: Fee waiver eligibility is generally based on income below 125% of the federal poverty guideline or receipt of public benefits like Medicaid or SNAP.
Legal Help for Carrollton Divorce Cases
Legal aid options in the Dallas-Denton-Collin area are solid. If you live in a Dallas County part of Carrollton, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas may be able to help if you qualify based on income. They handle family law matters and can assist with divorce forms and filings. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program also provides free legal help for qualifying residents through the Dallas Bar Association.
If your address falls in Denton County, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas also covers that area. Collin County residents can try the Collin County Bar Association for referrals. The State Bar of Texas referral line is (800) 252-9690. You can also search for attorneys at texasbar.com. For self-help guides and court forms, go to texaslawhelp.org. All official Supreme Court Approved divorce forms are free at txcourts.gov.
Dallas County Divorce Records
Most of Carrollton falls within Dallas County. If you are not sure which county handled your divorce, start with Dallas County. The Dallas County District Clerk maintains family court records and can help you locate a case or get a certified copy of a decree. See the Dallas County divorce records page for courthouse details, online search tools, and contact information.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Carrollton with divorce record pages include:
- Dallas (Dallas County)
- Lewisville (Denton County)
- Plano (Collin County)
- Frisco (Collin/Denton County)
- McKinney (Collin County)
- Grand Prairie (Dallas/Tarrant/Ellis County)