Wood County Divorce Records
Wood County divorce records are held by the District Clerk in Quitman. If you need to search for a divorce case filed in this East Texas county, or get a certified copy of a Final Decree of Divorce, start with the District Clerk's office at the courthouse in Quitman. The office keeps all family law court files and handles copy requests. You can visit in person or send a written request by mail. The county seat of Quitman is where all district court proceedings take place.
Wood County Overview
Wood County District Clerk
The Wood County District Clerk keeps the official records for all divorce cases filed in the county. The office handles everything from initial filings to final decrees. Staff can search for cases by name or cause number and provide copies of documents on request. The courthouse is in Quitman, which is the county seat.
Wood County is in East Texas and is known for its lakes and rural communities. Mineola is the largest city in the county. All divorce cases from communities throughout Wood County are handled at the district court in Quitman. The 402nd Judicial District Court serves Wood County.
| Office | Wood County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Wood County Courthouse One Court Square Quitman, TX 75783 |
| Phone | (903) 763-2361 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | woodcountytexas.com |
The Wood County website at woodcountytexas.com has county office listings and contact information. For divorce record searches and copy requests, use the phone number or mailing address above. It is always worth calling ahead to confirm fees and confirm records are accessible before you make the trip to Quitman.
The Wood County Texas website provides information about county departments, including the District Clerk office that maintains all divorce and family court records in Quitman.
Check the Wood County website for up-to-date contact details and any information about how to request divorce records from the District Clerk in Quitman.
Searching Wood County Divorce Records
You can look up Wood County divorce records by visiting the courthouse in Quitman or by sending a mail request to the District Clerk. The statewide re:SearchTX portal may also have case index data for Wood County for more recent filings. It is a good starting point for checking whether a case exists before requesting copies.
To search in person, visit the courthouse at One Court Square in Quitman. You will need the names of one or both parties and an approximate year for the filing. The clerk can search by name or cause number. Bring your ID. If the case was filed decades ago, ask whether it was microfilmed or digitized, since older records may take more time to retrieve.
Mail requests should be sent to the Wood County District Clerk at the courthouse address. Include both party names, the year of the divorce, and your contact information. Enclose a money order or check for the search fee and estimated copy costs. The office will get back to you if more payment is needed or if the records require more time to pull.
Note: The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains a statewide divorce index from 1968 to present. A verification letter from the DSHS Vital Statistics Section can confirm that a divorce occurred in Texas, though it will not include the full decree or case details.
Wood County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing for divorce in Wood County costs around $300 for a standard petition. Cases involving minor children may be slightly higher due to additional required filings and state-mandated surcharges. The District Clerk sets the fee schedule and can give you the exact current amounts when you call at (903) 763-2361.
If you need copies of a divorce decree or other case documents, fees depend on the type of copy. Non-certified copies are less expensive than certified copies. Certified copies carry the official court seal and are required for most legal purposes, such as name changes and Social Security records.
People who cannot afford court costs may request a waiver. Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs along with your petition. You need to show financial hardship. The form is available at the courthouse or for free at txcourts.gov.
Note: Fees can change year to year based on legislative updates and local fee schedules. Always confirm the current costs with the District Clerk before submitting your request or payment.
Divorce Filing in Wood County
Divorces in Wood County follow Texas state law under Texas Family Code Chapter 6. The case begins at the District Clerk's office in Quitman. From the first filing to the final signed decree, every document becomes part of the official public court record.
To file in Wood County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Wood County for 90 days before filing. This requirement is in Texas Family Code § 6.301. If you do not yet meet the residency rule, you need to wait or file in a county where you do qualify.
Texas allows no-fault divorce under Texas Family Code § 6.001 on the ground of insupportability. This means the marriage has broken down and cannot be fixed. You do not have to prove any fault. Fault-based grounds like cruelty (§ 6.002), adultery (§ 6.003), and abandonment (§ 6.005) are also options and can sometimes influence how property is divided.
As a community property state, Texas courts divide marital assets under Family Code Chapter 7 in a way the judge finds just and right. Community property is what was earned or acquired during the marriage. Property owned before the marriage and any gifts or inheritances are treated as separate property when kept apart from marital funds.
60-Day Waiting Period: Under Texas Family Code § 6.702, a divorce cannot be finalized until at least 60 days after the petition was filed. There are limited exceptions for family violence situations.
What Wood County Divorce Records Contain
A Wood County divorce file includes all documents from the case. The Original Petition for Divorce is filed first. Then comes the citation and proof that the other party was notified, whether by service of process or signed waiver. Temporary orders, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and any other motions are all included in the court file.
The Final Decree of Divorce is the key record for most people. This is the signed court order that officially ends the marriage and sets the terms. The decree spells out how property and debts are divided, who has conservatorship of children and on what schedule, what child support will be paid, and whether any spousal maintenance is ordered. Certified copies of this document are required for name changes, remarriage, and many legal or financial processes.
Wood County divorce records are generally public. Anyone can request copies, not just the parties to the case. Some records involving sealed financial documents or minor children may have limited access. Contact the District Clerk to confirm what is available before making a formal request.
Legal Help for Wood County Residents
If you need help with a divorce case in Wood County, several resources are available in the East Texas region. Some organizations offer free services to people who qualify based on income.
Lone Star Legal Aid serves Wood County and handles family law cases for eligible clients. Call (800) 733-8394 or visit lonestarlegal.org for more details. East Texas Legal Services also covers the area. For self-help resources, texaslawhelp.org has plain-language guides on divorce and family law in Texas, available in both English and Spanish.
To find an attorney in the area, use the State Bar of Texas referral service at (800) 252-9690 or search at texasbar.com. Free Texas Supreme Court approved divorce forms are available at txcourts.gov.
Nearby Counties
These East Texas counties are near Wood County. Divorce cases must be filed where you or your spouse lives. Check your address before filing.