Search Reagan County Divorce Records
Reagan County divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk in Big Lake, Texas. The county is a small, rural community in West Texas, and most records requests are handled in person or by mail. If you need to look up a divorce case filed in Reagan County, or if you need a certified copy of a Final Decree of Divorce, the District Clerk's office at the courthouse in Big Lake is your starting point. The statewide re:SearchTX portal may also have case information for more recent filings.
Reagan County Overview
Reagan County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Big Lake is the keeper of all divorce records for Reagan County. The office files petitions, stores case documents, and provides copies when requested. Reagan County is part of the 112th Judicial District. Cases from this court go through Big Lake, the only city of any size in the county.
Reagan County is a lightly populated county in the Permian Basin region of West Texas. It sits near the Tom Green and Upton county lines. Big Lake is the county seat and home to the courthouse. Oil production has long been central to the local economy, and the county's small population means the clerk's office handles fewer cases than urban courts. Staff are generally accessible and can answer questions about how to request records or file paperwork.
| Office | Reagan County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
300 N. Planted Row Big Lake, TX 76932 |
| Phone | (325) 884-2443 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Reagan County does not have a well-maintained public website. For basic case searches, use the statewide re:SearchTX portal or contact the District Clerk directly by phone.
How to Access Reagan County Divorce Records
Because Reagan County is small and rural, the best way to search for divorce records is to call or visit the District Clerk's office in Big Lake. You can also try the re:SearchTX statewide system, which covers many Texas counties and is free to use. Not all Reagan County records may be in that system, so direct contact is often necessary for older cases.
When you call or visit, have the following information ready. The more you can provide, the faster the search goes. The clerk can look up cases by party name or cause number. You do not need to be a party to the case to ask for public records. Some personal information in the file may be redacted if it is protected by law.
To request copies by mail, write to the District Clerk at 300 N. Planted Row, Big Lake, TX 76932. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, and your contact information. Ask the clerk to confirm fees before you send payment. Standard copy fees in Texas are $1 per page and $5 for certification of each document.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section also keeps a statewide divorce index for events from 1968 to present. This index has names, date, and county but not the full decree. It is useful for confirming that a divorce happened in Reagan County before you request the full file.
Divorce Filing Process in Reagan County
Divorces in Reagan County follow Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. The process starts when one spouse files an Original Petition for Divorce at the District Clerk's office. The clerk stamps the petition, assigns a cause number, and issues a citation that must be served on the other spouse.
Residency is required before you can file. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Reagan County for the 90 days before filing. Both spouses do not have to live in the county, but at least one must meet this test.
The most common ground for divorce in Texas is insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001. This is the no-fault option. You state that the marriage has become insupportable due to discord or conflict with no hope of reconciliation. No proof of fault is needed. Fault grounds are also recognized, including cruelty, adultery, and abandonment.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period between the filing of the petition and the granting of the divorce. This comes from Texas Family Code § 6.702. Family violence cases may be exempt. After the waiting period, if both parties agree on all terms, they can present an agreed final decree to the judge. If they disagree, the case may go to trial.
Note: Official court forms for Texas divorce cases are available free at txcourts.gov/rules-forms and cover uncontested cases with and without children.
What Reagan County Divorce Records Contain
Reagan County divorce case files hold all documents filed in the case from start to finish. The Original Petition for Divorce is the first document. It is followed by service papers, any answers filed by the other spouse, temporary orders, and motions. The Final Decree of Divorce is the last major document and the one most people need.
The Final Decree covers everything the court decided. It includes which spouse gets which property, how debts are divided, the conservatorship arrangement for any children, a possession schedule, child support, and any spousal maintenance. If you need to prove your marital status, update your name, or enforce support orders, a certified copy of the final decree is what you need.
Under Texas Family Code Chapter 7, Texas courts divide community property in a way that is just and right. Reagan County cases follow this same standard. Separate property each spouse brought into the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance stays with that person and is not divided by the court.
Divorce records in Reagan County are generally public. Any person can request them. Tax returns and other financial source documents that were filed as exhibits may be sealed or restricted. Records involving minor children may also have limited access in some cases.
Legal Help for Reagan County Residents
Reagan County is rural, and local legal resources are limited. The nearest family law attorneys may be in San Angelo or Midland. Several statewide tools can help you find representation or navigate the process on your own.
The Texas State Bar has a lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690. You can also search online at texasbar.com to find attorneys who serve Reagan County. West Texas Legal Services may assist low-income residents with family law matters. Call to ask about eligibility and the types of cases they handle.
TexasLawHelp.org is a free online resource with guides on divorce, custody, and support in Texas. The site has plain-language explanations and links to all the forms you need. Official Supreme Court Approved Divorce Forms are available at txcourts.gov. People who cannot afford court costs can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145.
Cities in Reagan County
Reagan County has one main city: Big Lake, which serves as the county seat and is home to the courthouse and District Clerk's office. All divorce cases filed in Reagan County go through Big Lake.
Other small communities in Reagan County include Tansil and scattered rural areas. No other cities in Reagan County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page.
Nearby Counties
Reagan County borders several West Texas counties. If you are not sure which county has your divorce record, check the residence address used at the time of filing.