Waco Divorce Records
Waco divorce records are filed and maintained by the McLennan County District Clerk's office in downtown Waco. If you need to search for a divorce case or get a copy of a Final Decree of Divorce, the District Clerk is where you go. You can search basic case information online through the county's public records portal. For certified copies of decrees or full case files, you visit the courthouse in person. The District Clerk handles all family law filings for the area, and records go back many decades.
Waco Overview
Where to File for Divorce in Waco
Waco residents file for divorce at the McLennan County District Court. The District Clerk's office handles all filings and maintains the official case records. If you or your spouse lives in McLennan County, this is where you file. The courthouse is in downtown Waco on Washington Avenue.
McLennan County has five district courts with jurisdiction over divorce cases. Each case is assigned to one of these courts. The District Clerk manages all records for every court in the county and can tell you which court has your case. You search by name or cause number to find your specific case.
| Office | McLennan County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | McLennan County Courthouse Annex 501 Washington Avenue, Suite 300 Waco, TX 76701 |
| Phone (Civil) | (254) 757-5057 |
| Phone (Criminal) | (254) 757-5054 |
| District Clerk | Jon Gimble |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The five district courts with divorce jurisdiction in McLennan County are the 19th, 54th, 74th, 170th, and 414th Judicial Districts. Judges Thomas West, Susan Kelly, Gary Coley Jr., Jim Meyer, and Ryan Luna oversee these courts. When you file, the clerk assigns the case to one of these courts.
The City of Waco's website at wacotx.gov provides general city services information, though divorce records and family law filings are handled by the county court system, not the city.
The city site is a useful starting point for local resources, but all divorce records are at the McLennan County District Clerk's office at the courthouse annex on Washington Avenue.
How to Search Waco Divorce Records
There are two ways to search for divorce records in Waco. Online searches show you basic case information at no cost. In-person visits let you see the full file and get certified copies.
McLennan County offers an online public records search for documents filed from January 1, 1996 to present. If you need records from before 1996, the office keeps those in book volumes on site. Historical records from 1849 through 1995 are available in book form at the District Clerk's office. You would need to visit in person to search those older files.
To search divorce records, you will need at least one spouse's full name and an approximate year the case was filed. If you have the cause number, that makes the search much faster. The statewide re:SearchTX portal also lets you look up case information across multiple Texas counties from one place.
For certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce, you visit the District Clerk's office at Suite 300 in the Courthouse Annex. Staff can pull the file and make copies while you wait. Bring a photo ID and be ready to pay copy fees. Call (254) 757-5057 ahead of time to confirm what you need to bring.
Divorce Filing Process in Waco
Waco residents filing for divorce follow Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. Every step in the process creates records that become part of your permanent case file at the District Clerk's office.
Before you file, you must meet residency requirements. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, one spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in McLennan County for at least 90 days before filing. If you just moved to Waco, you may need to wait a bit before you can file here.
Texas allows no-fault divorce on the ground of insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This means you don't have to prove anyone did something wrong. You just show the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord. Fault grounds are also available, including cruelty, adultery, felony conviction, abandonment, living apart for three years, and confinement in a mental hospital.
The process starts when one spouse files an Original Petition for Divorce with the District Clerk and pays the filing fee. The other spouse must be served or sign a Waiver of Service. After that, Texas requires a 60-day waiting period before a judge can sign a Final Decree of Divorce. Cases where both spouses agree on all terms move faster. If there are disputes about property, children, or support, the case may go to mediation or trial.
Note: Texas requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period after the petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized, even in uncontested cases.
Waco Divorce Filing Fees
Filing fees for divorce in Waco are set by the McLennan County District Clerk. Fees can change, so call (254) 757-5057 to confirm current amounts before you go. Most Texas counties charge in the range of $250 to $400 for a divorce filing, with slightly higher fees for cases involving children.
On top of the filing fee, you may have other costs. Service of process through the sheriff or constable adds to the total. If you need certified copies of the decree for name changes, insurance, or other purposes, each copy comes with a per-page fee plus a certification charge. If children are part of the case, both parents may be required to complete a parenting class before the judge signs the decree.
If you can't afford the fees, Texas lets you ask for a waiver by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. This form asks about your income and expenses. If you receive public benefits or earn below 125% of the federal poverty line, you generally qualify. The form is available at the courthouse or on the Texas Courts website.
McLennan County Clerk - Vital Records
The McLennan County Clerk is a separate office from the District Clerk. The County Clerk handles vital records like marriage licenses and property records. If you need a marriage license before remarrying after divorce, you go to the County Clerk, not the District Clerk.
| Office | McLennan County Clerk - J.A. "Andy" Harwell |
|---|---|
| Address | McLennan County Records Building 215 North 5th Street, Room 223 Waco, TX 76701 |
| Phone | (254) 757-5078 |
| Fax | (254) 757-5146 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 1727, Waco, TX 76703 |
The County Clerk handles marriage licenses, real property records, DD214 military discharges, assumed name certificates, and probate court records. Birth and death records for locations within Waco city limits are NOT at the County Clerk. Those are at the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District at 225 W. Waco Drive, phone 254-750-5482.
Legal Help for Divorce in Waco
Several resources are available for Waco residents who need help with a divorce case. Some offer free services for people with low income. Others provide referrals to attorneys.
Lone Star Legal Aid serves Central Texas including McLennan County. They handle family law cases for people who qualify based on income. Call (800) 733-8394 or visit lonestarlegal.org to see if you qualify and what help is available.
The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. You can also search their online directory at texasbar.com. TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has self-help guides for divorce cases. Official court forms are at txcourts.gov.
The courthouse may also have a self-help center with forms and basic guidance. Call the District Clerk before you go to ask what resources are available on site.
McLennan County Divorce Records
Waco is the county seat of McLennan County. All divorce cases for Waco residents go through the McLennan County District Court system. For more information about the county court, filing procedures, and additional local resources, visit the McLennan County divorce records page.