Hale County Divorce Records
Divorce records in Hale County are filed with and kept by the District Clerk in Plainview. The county is in the South Plains region of West Texas, and its District Courts handle all family law cases filed here. If you need to search for a divorce case, get a copy of a final decree, or find out if a case was filed in Hale County, the District Clerk's office at the courthouse is your starting point. Records can be searched in person in Plainview or through the statewide re:SearchTX portal online.
Hale County Overview
Hale County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Plainview is the official custodian of divorce records for Hale County. The office handles case filings, copy requests, and certified document issuance. Staff can search records by name or cause number. All divorce decrees and related court orders are kept permanently at the courthouse.
Hale County has two District Courts that handle family law matters: the 64th District Court and the 242nd District Court. Both courts are based in Plainview. The county website at halecounty.org provides access to county offices and resources including a dedicated page for the District Clerk at halecounty.org/district_offices/district_clerk.php. Passport services are also offered through the District Clerk's office.
The Hale County website provides public access to county offices and courts in Plainview, including the District Clerk who maintains divorce filings and decrees.
| Office | Hale County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Hale County Courthouse 500 Broadway Street Plainview, TX 79072 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | halecounty.org |
| District Courts | 64th District Court and 242nd District Court |
How to Search Hale County Divorce Records
You have two main ways to search for divorce records in Hale County. Go in person to the courthouse in Plainview, or search online through the statewide re:SearchTX portal. Online works well for basic lookups. In person is better when you need actual copies or want to review the full case file.
The re:SearchTX portal from the Texas Office of Court Administration is available to the public. It covers many Texas counties. You can search by party name or cause number. The system shows filing dates, docket entries, and case status. Older cases from before electronic records may not appear online.
To search at the courthouse, go to 500 Broadway in Plainview during business hours. Bring the full names of both parties and the year the case was filed. A cause number helps but is not required. The Clerk can search by name. Ask about current copy fees when you call ahead. There are separate rates for plain copies and certified copies.
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a divorce index at DSHS Vital Statistics for cases from 1968 forward. A verification letter shows names, county, and date but is not a copy of the full decree.
Divorce Filing Process in Hale County
Divorce cases in Hale County are filed at the District Clerk's office in Plainview. The process follows Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. Each paper filed in the case becomes part of the permanent public record.
Residency must be met first. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, you or your spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Hale County for the 90 days before you file. If you just arrived in Plainview or elsewhere in Hale County, wait until you hit that 90-day mark before filing.
Texas allows no-fault divorce. Under Texas Family Code § 6.001, you can file for divorce on the ground of insupportability. This means the marriage has broken down due to conflict or discord and there is no reasonable chance of it being saved. You do not have to prove that either side did something wrong. This is the most common ground used in Hale County and across Texas. Fault grounds like cruelty and adultery are also recognized if they apply.
After filing, a mandatory 60-day waiting period starts. Texas Family Code § 6.702 requires that at least 60 days pass between the filing date and when the divorce can be granted. If both sides agree on everything and the waiting period has passed, an agreed decree can be submitted and the judge can sign it. Contested cases may take longer and might go to mediation or a trial.
Tip: The 64th and 242nd District Courts both handle family law cases in Hale County. When you file, the Clerk assigns the case to one of those courts. Contact the District Clerk at halecounty.org for current filing fees and procedures.
Property is divided under community property rules. Texas Family Code Chapter 7 requires a just and right division of property acquired during the marriage. Things owned before the marriage, plus gifts and inheritances kept separate, are generally each spouse's own property. Approved divorce forms for uncontested cases are free at txcourts.gov.
What Hale County Divorce Records Contain
Hale County divorce records include all documents filed in the case from start to finish. The Original Petition for Divorce is the first document. It names both parties, states the ground for divorce, and outlines what the petitioner is asking for. If the other side responds, that response goes in the file too. Any temporary orders or agreements reached during the case are also stored there.
The Final Decree of Divorce is the document that matters most. It is the court order that officially ends the marriage and sets out all the terms: property and debt division, conservatorship of any children, the possession and access schedule, child support amounts, and spousal maintenance if any was ordered. If you need to change your name, apply for benefits, or prove your marital status, a certified copy of the decree is typically required.
Most Hale County divorce records are public. You do not have to be a party to request copies. Some financial documents like tax returns may be sealed. Records involving children may have limited access. The Clerk can tell you what is available in any particular file before you pay for copies.
Final decrees are kept permanently by the District Clerk under Texas records retention rules. Case files going back many decades are on file in Plainview. If you are looking for an older case filed before electronic records existed, the Clerk may need to do a manual search of older paper or microfilm records. Call ahead so staff can prepare for your request.
Legal Help for Hale County Residents
Legal help for divorce in Hale County is available through several organizations. Legal aid serves low-income residents in West Texas. Referral services can connect you with a private attorney if you need one.
West Texas Legal Services covers the South Plains area including Hale County. They handle family law matters for qualifying residents. For statewide coverage, Lone Star Legal Aid at (800) 733-8394 and lonestarlegal.org may also assist with cases in this area. Income limits apply, but if you qualify, their help is free.
Self-help guides are free at texaslawhelp.org. These cover Texas divorce procedures in plain language and include forms. The State Bar referral line is (800) 252-9690 and the online directory is at texasbar.com. All approved court forms are free at txcourts.gov.
Cities in Hale County
Hale County includes Plainview, Petersburg, Tulia, and a few other smaller communities. All divorce cases in the county go through the District Court in Plainview.
No cities in Hale County currently exceed the population threshold for a dedicated city page. Plainview is the largest city in the county. All residents file for divorce through the Hale County District Clerk in Plainview.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Hale County on the South Plains. If you are near a county line, check your address to confirm which county you live in before filing.