Bowie County Divorce Records

Bowie County divorce records are on file at the District Clerk's office in New Boston, located at the Bowie County Courthouse. District Clerk Lori Caraway oversees all family law case records, including divorce filings, final decrees, and supporting documents. You can reach the civil filing department at 903-628-6766 during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Written requests by mail are also accepted at the courthouse address.

Bowie County District Clerk

The Bowie County District Clerk is Lori Caraway. Her office is located at the Bowie County Courthouse at 710 James Bowie Drive in New Boston, TX 75570. The District Clerk's office handles civil filings, criminal records, family law matters, and jury services. For divorce records specifically, contact the civil filing department.

Bowie County has multiple district courts that handle different case types. The 5th District Court, 102nd District Court, and 202nd District Court all have court calendars available through the clerk's office. Divorce cases go through the district courts, and the clerk maintains the full case file for each one.

The office accepts several payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards through Certified Payments. A convenience fee of $2 minimum or 2.9% applies to card payments. Cashier's checks and money orders are also accepted. Note that the District Clerk fee schedule changed effective January 1, 2026. Confirm current fees before submitting payment.

The Bowie County District Clerk's page at co.bowie.tx.us lists Lori Caraway's office details, department phone numbers, and the updated fee schedule effective January 1, 2026.

This page also shows e-filing options, court calendars for the 5th, 102nd, and 202nd District Courts, and payment information for those requesting copies or filing new cases.

The main Bowie County website at co.bowie.tx.us provides access to all county departments and services, including direct links to the District Clerk's office and court calendars.

From the main site you can reach the District Clerk's department, review court schedules, and access online resources for filing or searching records in Bowie County.

Searching Bowie County Divorce Records

To search for a divorce record in Bowie County, call the civil filing department at 903-628-6766. Staff can look up cases by party name or cause number. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you want to file a new petition, the number for that is 903-628-6767.

The statewide re:SearchTX court portal is a free online option for searching Texas court cases. Search by party name to see if a Bowie County case is listed. If you find it, note the cause number. That number is useful when you contact the clerk for document copies.

In-person visits to the courthouse at 710 James Bowie Drive in New Boston are accepted during business hours. You can review the case file and request copies. Bring your ID. The clerk accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover via Certified Payments with a convenience fee, or you can pay with a cashier's check or money order.

Bowie County also has e-filing available for civil cases through the state eFileTexas system. Electronic filing service providers are listed at efiletexas.gov. For self-represented litigants, the eFileTexas SelfHelp portal is available for people without an attorney who want to file documents electronically.

Divorce Filing Process in Bowie County

To file for divorce in Bowie County, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Bowie County for 90 days. Texas Family Code § 6.301 sets this residency rule. The filing spouse submits the Original Petition for Divorce to the District Clerk's office at the Bowie County Courthouse in New Boston.

Bowie County sits in northeast Texas near the Arkansas and Louisiana borders. Texarkana, the area's largest city, is partly in Bowie County. The 5th, 102nd, and 202nd District Courts hear family law cases for the county. The clerk's office manages case files for all three courts.

Texas uses a no-fault divorce system under Texas Family Code § 6.001. Insupportability is the most common ground. The petitioner only needs to show the marriage has broken down irreparably. Fault grounds including cruelty, adultery, abandonment, and felony conviction exist under Chapter 6 and can sometimes affect property division outcomes.

After the petition is filed, a 60-day waiting period is required before the divorce can be granted. Texas Family Code § 6.702 establishes this rule. Exceptions apply in cases involving family violence. Once the wait is over, an agreed case can move quickly to a final decree. Contested cases require a hearing before one of the district court judges.

Texas community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7 govern how marital assets are divided. The court allocates property in a just and right manner. Separate property stays with its original owner. Court forms for self-represented filers are at txcourts.gov.

What Bowie County Divorce Records Include

A divorce case file at the Bowie County District Clerk contains all documents from the proceeding. The original petition opens the file. The record grows to include the other party's answer, any temporary orders entered during the case, financial affidavits, and settlement agreements.

The Final Decree of Divorce is the main document. It is signed by the judge and ends the marriage. The decree lists both parties' names, the date it was signed, and all terms of the divorce. Property division, conservatorship if children are involved, the possession schedule, child support obligations, and any spousal maintenance awarded are all included.

Divorce records in Bowie County are public records in most cases. You do not have to be a party to access them. Some materials may be sealed by court order, particularly financial disclosures or documents involving children. Ask the clerk what restrictions, if any, apply to a specific case.

Texas keeps a statewide divorce index through Texas DSHS Vital Statistics. That index covers divorces since 1968 and includes names, county, and date. It is good for confirming a divorce occurred. For the actual case documents, contact Lori Caraway's office at 903-628-6766.

Legal Resources for Bowie County

Whether you are filing for divorce or researching records, several resources can help Bowie County residents. Most are free or low cost.

TexasLawHelp.org has free guides on divorce and family law topics for all Texas residents. The site covers property division, child custody, the filing process, and how to use official court forms. If you are handling a simple agreed divorce, this site gives you what you need to start.

Official court forms are at txcourts.gov. Download the packet that matches your situation. These are Texas Supreme Court-approved forms accepted in all county district courts including Bowie County.

For attorney referrals in the Texarkana area, use the State Bar of Texas referral service at texasbar.com. If you have limited income, ask about legal aid organizations that serve northeast Texas. Some offer free or reduced-cost help for family law cases based on financial eligibility.

Nearby Counties

Bowie County is in the far northeast corner of Texas. These surrounding Texas counties each have their own District Clerk offices handling their own divorce filings.