Moore County Divorce Records
Moore County divorce records are held by the District Clerk's office in Dumas. If you need to find a divorce case filed in Moore County, you can visit the courthouse or send a written request by mail. The District Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce filings, decrees, and related court documents in the county. Most cases are available to the public. You don't have to be a party to the case to ask for copies. Whether you need a certified copy of a Final Decree of Divorce or just want to confirm a case exists, the Moore County District Clerk is where you start your search in this Texas Panhandle county.
Moore County Overview
Moore County District Clerk
The District Clerk's office in Moore County keeps all divorce records on file. This includes the original petition, any temporary orders, the Final Decree of Divorce, and all other documents filed during the case. Staff at the clerk's office can help you find cases by name or cause number. The office is located at the Moore County Courthouse in Dumas.
Moore County is in the Texas Panhandle. It's a smaller rural county, which means the clerk's office handles a more manageable caseload than urban counties. That can sometimes make it easier to get help in person. The county covers the area around Dumas and surrounding communities. All divorce cases for residents of Moore County go through this single District Court.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal may have some Moore County case data, though smaller counties can have limited online records. Calling ahead before you visit is always a good idea.
| Office | Moore County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
715 S Dumas Ave, Room 109 Dumas, TX 79029 |
| Phone | (806) 935-4218 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard county business hours |
| Website | co.moore.tx.us |
The Moore County official website has contact information and general office details. If you plan to visit in person, call first to confirm hours and what you'll need to bring.
The county website lists office details and resources for residents who need court records, including divorce case filings and decrees from the District Clerk.
How to Search Moore County Divorce Records
Searching for divorce records in Moore County works the same way as other Texas counties. You can go to the courthouse in person or mail in a written request. Online access for Moore County may be limited, so in-person visits are often your best option for getting records quickly.
When you request records, bring as much detail as you can. The clerk will need at least one of the following to find a case:
- Full name of one or both parties to the divorce
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Cause number, if you have it
You can also check the statewide re:SearchTX portal run by the Texas Office of Court Administration. This system lets you search cases across participating Texas courts. Coverage varies by county, but it's worth checking before you make the drive to Dumas. The portal is free to use and searchable by party name.
For historical Moore County divorce records, the District Clerk maintains files going back many years. Some older records may require advance notice to retrieve from storage. Call the office at (806) 935-4218 to ask about older cases before you request them. Staff can tell you what's available and how long it takes to pull those files.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office maintains a divorce index for the state from 1968 to present. This index has basic information like names and the county where the divorce was granted, but it does not include the actual decree. If you just need to verify a divorce happened in Texas, DSHS can issue a verification letter.
Filing for Divorce in Moore County
If you want to file for divorce in Moore County, you must meet the state residency rules first. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Moore County for 90 days before you can file here.
The most common ground for divorce in Texas is insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This is the no-fault option. It means the marriage has broken down due to conflict, and there's no real chance of fixing it. You don't have to prove anyone did anything wrong. Most divorces in Texas use this ground. Fault grounds like cruelty, adultery, and abandonment are also available but require proof.
Texas law also requires a 60-day waiting period after you file. Under Texas Family Code § 6.702, a divorce cannot be finalized until at least 60 days after the original petition is filed. The only exception is in cases that involve family violence. So even an uncontested, agreed divorce takes at least two months from start to finish.
Once both parties agree or the court rules, the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. That decree becomes part of the permanent court record at the Moore County District Clerk's office. You can get certified copies at the courthouse for $5 per document plus $1 per page. Property division in Texas divorces follows community property rules under Texas Family Code Chapter 7. The court divides marital assets in a way it considers just and fair to both parties.
Standard court forms for divorce are available at no charge from the Texas Office of Court Administration. These include forms for divorces with and without children, and for uncontested cases.
What Moore County Divorce Records Include
A divorce case file at the Moore County District Clerk's office holds all the documents filed during the case. The Original Petition for Divorce is the first paper filed. It names both parties, gives the grounds for divorce, and lists what the petitioner is asking for. The responding spouse's answer, if filed, is also in the record. Temporary orders, if the court issued any, are part of the file too.
The Final Decree of Divorce is the key document. This is the signed court order that ends the marriage. It sets out the terms of the divorce: how property is divided, custody and possession orders if there are children, child support, and spousal maintenance if any was ordered. This document is what you need if you are changing your name, remarrying, or dealing with a legal matter that requires proof of your marital status.
Most Moore County divorce records are public. You do not need to be a party to the case to get copies. However, some financial documents and records involving minor children may have limited access. The clerk's office can tell you what's available in any specific case file. Certified copies cost $5 per document plus $1 per page for regular pages.
Note: Information on social security numbers and financial account details may be redacted from copies provided to third parties under Texas privacy rules.
Legal Help for Moore County Residents
If you need help with a divorce case in Moore County, a few statewide resources are worth knowing about. Legal aid groups serve rural Texas counties, though availability varies. It's worth calling to find out if you qualify for free or reduced-cost help.
The TexasLawHelp website has self-help guides and court forms for divorce cases. These guides walk you through the filing process step by step and are written in plain language. Forms approved by the Texas Supreme Court are also available at no cost through the Texas courts forms page.
The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. You can also search for an attorney in the Panhandle area using the bar's online directory at texasbar.com. For the first consultation, many lawyers offer a reduced fee. If cost is a concern, ask upfront about what they charge.
Texas Panhandle residents may also find help through West Texas Legal Services. Call or check online to see if they serve Moore County and what income limits apply. Family law matters like divorce, custody, and child support are among the cases they handle for eligible clients.
Cities in Moore County
Moore County is centered on Dumas as its county seat. All divorce filings from across the county go through the Moore County District Court in Dumas, regardless of which community you live in.
Communities in Moore County include Dumas, Cactus, and Sunray. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All divorce cases for county residents are filed at the Moore County District Clerk's office in Dumas.
Nearby Counties
Moore County borders several other Texas Panhandle counties. If you're not certain which county handles your case, your filing county is based on where you or your spouse lives, not where you work or where the marriage took place.