Find Divorce Records in Hockley County
Hockley County divorce records are on file at the District Clerk's office in Levelland. The District Clerk stores all divorce case documents, from the initial petition through the final decree. You can search for records by visiting the courthouse in person or by sending a written request by mail. This guide explains how to access Hockley County divorce records, what to expect in terms of fees, and what those records contain.
Hockley County Overview
Hockley County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Levelland is the official keeper of all divorce records for Hockley County. When someone files for divorce, the clerk receives the petition, opens a case file, assigns a cause number, and tracks the case through to the final decree. Every document filed in the case goes into that file. This is the record you would request if you need proof of a divorce or want to review case details.
Hockley County is in West Texas on the South Plains, near Lubbock. It is a smaller rural county, so the clerk's office handles a wide range of court business. In smaller counties like Hockley, the clerk may serve both district and county court functions. It is always good to call ahead before visiting so you can confirm what you need and what to bring.
The county website at co.hockley.tx.us has basic contact information and office hours. For records requests, calling the office directly is the most efficient first step.
| Office | Hockley County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Hockley County Courthouse 802 Houston Street Levelland, TX 79336 |
| Phone | (806) 894-3185 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.hockley.tx.us |
The screenshot below shows the Hockley County official website, which includes contact information for the courthouse offices.
The county homepage is a good starting point for locating current office contacts and verifying hours before you visit.
How to Search Hockley County Divorce Records
The most direct way to search Hockley County divorce records is to visit the courthouse in Levelland. The District Clerk can look up cases by name. Bring the full name of at least one party and an approximate filing year if you have it. If you know the cause number, that speeds things up even more.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have Hockley County cases online. You can search by party name or cause number. The system covers many Texas courts, though coverage for smaller counties can vary. If you cannot find a case online, the clerk's office is your best option.
For genealogical or historical research, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission helps with older records. The Texas DSHS also maintains a divorce verification index at dshs.texas.gov for divorces from 1968 to the present. This is useful for confirming whether a divorce was granted and in which county, but it does not include the actual decree text.
Filing for Divorce in Hockley County
Divorce cases in Hockley County follow Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. You must meet the residency requirement under Section 6.301: one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Hockley County for at least 90 days before filing.
Texas allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. The most common approach is no-fault, based on insupportability under Section 6.001. You do not need to prove wrongdoing. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, or abandonment can also be used and may affect how property is divided.
Once the petition is filed, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period under Section 6.702 before a judge can finalize the divorce. If both parties agree on all issues, the case can proceed as an uncontested divorce with a simple prove-up hearing. Contested cases may require mediation or a full trial.
Standard divorce forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are available at txcourts.gov. These forms cover divorces with and without children and are designed for people who do not have an attorney.
Fees for Hockley County Divorce Records
Filing fees in Hockley County are set by Texas state law and collected by the District Clerk at the time of filing. The amount varies based on whether children are involved. The clerk can give you the exact current amount when you call or visit.
Copies of divorce records cost $1 per page. Certified copies require a $5 certification fee per document in addition to the per-page copy fee. People who cannot afford fees may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145. The form is available at txcourts.gov and at the courthouse.
Note: Confirm current fees with the Hockley County District Clerk before mailing a payment, since rates can be updated by the legislature.
What Hockley County Divorce Records Contain
A divorce file at the Hockley County District Clerk includes the Original Petition for Divorce, service of process documents, any temporary orders, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and the Final Decree of Divorce. The decree is the most important document. It is signed by the judge and sets out all the final terms: property division, any spousal support, and if children are involved, conservatorship and possession arrangements along with child support amounts.
Certified copies of the final decree are needed for a range of legal tasks. Name changes with the Social Security Administration require a certified copy. So does dividing a retirement account through a Qualified Domestic Relations Order. Banks, mortgage companies, and some government agencies may also ask for proof of divorce.
Most divorce records at the District Clerk's office are public. Anyone can request them. However, some documents in a case file may be restricted by court order, especially if they contain sensitive financial data or information about minors.
Legal Resources in Hockley County
Legal aid services are available for people in Hockley County who need help with divorce cases. Lone Star Legal Aid serves West Texas and provides free family law assistance to income-qualifying residents. Call (800) 733-8394 or visit lonestarlegal.org to see if you qualify.
Texas Legal Aid at texaslawhelp.org has self-help guides, forms, and step-by-step instructions for divorce cases. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service is available at (800) 252-9690. You can also search for local attorneys at texasbar.com.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Hockley County. Each has its own District Clerk for divorce records. Make sure you file in the county where you or your spouse lives.