Cass County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Cass County in 2026
CassCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Cass County, Texas. Members of the public may find case filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody determinations, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Cass County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Cass County District Clerk maintains divorce case records, as divorce proceedings in Texas are filed in the District Court. At present, members of the public may contact the District Clerk's office directly to inquire about available online search tools for case information. Basic case information is available at no charge, while copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Vital Records — Texas DSHS
Texas registers divorce records through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit. The DSHS issues marriage and divorce records in the form of verification letters, which confirm whether a divorce was recorded in the state. These verifications are not certified copies of the court decree but serve as official confirmation of the event. Fees apply to verification requests submitted to the state office.
3. Local Vital Record Offices
According to the Texas DSHS, local vital record offices serve as an additional resource for obtaining divorce records at the county level. The Cass County District Clerk is listed as the local office for divorce records in Cass County.
In-Person Searches
Cass County District Clerk — Family Law Division
Cass County District Clerk
200 W. Houston St., Suite 203
Linden, TX 75563
Phone: (903) 756-5071
Cass County Official Website
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating case records
- Submit written requests for archived or older case files
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Cass County District Clerk, 200 W. Houston St., Suite 203, Linden, TX 75563
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available by Phone:
- Cass County District Clerk: (903) 756-5071
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Texas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of cause to obtain. The State Bar of Texas provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in cases involving sealed records, complex property divisions, or post-judgment enforcement proceedings.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Cass County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
In Texas, a divorce is filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should search the county of residence rather than the county where the marriage occurred. If the county of filing is uncertain, it may be necessary to search multiple counties. Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, at least one spouse must have been a domiciliary of Texas for six months and a resident of the county where the suit is filed for 90 days preceding the filing.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several days to weeks for processing after the final decree is signed
- Electronic filing systems update more rapidly than paper-based systems
Older Divorces:
- Records predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved manually
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case is still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- Case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the District Clerk at (903) 756-5071 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in any available search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Request a divorce verification from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit
- Consult a licensed Texas family law attorney for complex searches
What Are Cass County Divorce Records?
Cass County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Cass County District Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file and are maintained by the District Clerk as the official custodian of court records. Under current Texas law, divorce proceedings are governed by the Texas Family Code, which establishes the legal framework for dissolution of marriage in the state.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a divorce proceeding includes:
- Petition for divorce (Original Petition for Divorce)
- Respondent's answer or waiver of service
- Financial affidavits and disclosure documents
- Proposed or agreed parenting plans (if children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders issued during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings (if prepared)
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce
The Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It is the primary document sought by members of the public for legal purposes. The decree establishes:
- The date the marriage is legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance orders, if any
- Child custody and conservatorship arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested by either party
Certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce are available through the Cass County District Clerk.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Cass County District Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files originating in Cass County. The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit maintains a statewide index of divorce events and issues verification letters. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission maintains historical Cass County records, including older court records that may have been transferred for archival preservation.
Are Cass County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Cass County District Court are public court records under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001, establishes the public's right of access to government records, including court filings. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status information
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to court rules)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of family violence, abuse, or other sensitive circumstances may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records with court order |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court order |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any purpose prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Cass County?
The Cass County District Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the fee schedule established under Texas Government Code § 51.318, which governs fees charged by district clerks in Texas.
Current Standard Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of filed documents | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy of Final Decree | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS) | $20.00 per search |
| Clerk search fee (if applicable) | Varies; confirm with office |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies, where available, may be subject to the same per-page fee as paper copies.
- Accepted payment methods at the Cass County District Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Cass County District Clerk. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the office prior to submitting a request.
- Fee waivers are not routinely available for divorce record requests; however, indigent parties to an active case may petition the court for a waiver of certain fees.
- The Texas DSHS charges a separate fee of $20.00 for a divorce verification letter issued through the state vital records office.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse
- Verbal confirmation of case existence and status by phone
- Review of docket entries at public access terminals
What's Included in Divorce Records in Cass County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Cass County District Clerk contains all documents filed with the court from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption (case number, court, party names, assigned judge)
- Filing date and case type designation
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Docket sheet reflecting all filings in chronological order
Initial Pleadings:
- Original Petition for Divorce, including:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and place of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (in Texas, most commonly insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001)
- Information regarding minor children, if any
- Property and debt claims
- Relief requested
- Respondent's Original Answer or Waiver of Service
- Counter-petition, if filed by the respondent
Financial Documents:
- Inventory and Appraisement of marital estate
- Financial affidavits
- Tax returns and pay stubs (submitted as exhibits)
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Business valuation reports, if applicable
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) filings
- Proposed or agreed parenting plan
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Custody evaluation reports (access may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access may be restricted)
- Final orders on conservatorship, possession, and child support
Settlement and Agreement Documents:
- Agreed Final Decree of Divorce (in uncontested cases)
- Marital Settlement Agreement or Mediated Settlement Agreement
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), if retirement accounts are divided
Court Orders:
- Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
- Interim support orders
- Final Decree of Divorce (signed by the judge)
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify conservatorship or support
- Enforcement and contempt motions
- Income withholding orders
- Orders on post-judgment motions
What Is Typically Redacted or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers of all parties and children
- Financial account numbers
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Cass County
Proof of divorce in Cass County may be obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce from the Cass County District Clerk, or a divorce verification letter from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Recommended for Legal Purposes):
A certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce is the most widely accepted form of proof of divorce for legal, financial, and immigration purposes. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Cass County District Clerk's office in person at 200 W. Houston St., Suite 203, Linden, TX 75563, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the case number or party names, approximate date of divorce, requestor's contact information, and payment of applicable fees
- Contacting the office by phone at (903) 756-5071 to confirm current procedures and fees prior to submitting a request
Divorce Verification Letter (State Level):
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit issues divorce verification letters confirming that a divorce was recorded in the state's vital records index. This verification is available for divorces that occurred in Texas and were reported to the state. Members of the public may request a divorce verification through the Texas DSHS online, by mail, or in person at the DSHS Vital Statistics headquarters in Austin.
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 776-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
- The verification letter confirms the existence of the divorce but does not contain the full terms of the decree.
- For complete decree terms, a certified copy from the District Clerk is required.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Cass County?
Divorce proceedings in Cass County are presumptively public, but certain records or entire cases may be made confidential under specific legal circumstances. Texas courts have authority to seal records upon a proper showing, and certain categories of information are protected by statute regardless of whether a sealing order is entered.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion to seal records, and the court may grant the motion upon a finding that the need for confidentiality outweighs the public interest in access, as governed by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a.
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a family violence victim may be withheld from public disclosure under Texas law to protect victim safety.
- Children's information: Certain information pertaining to minor children, including residential addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations, is subject to restricted access.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court file.
- Mental health and medical records: Records of this nature submitted as exhibits are subject to applicable privacy protections under state and federal law.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion and court order.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or confidential divorce records must file a motion with the Cass County District Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for access.
How Long Does Cass County Keep Divorce Records?
Cass County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with the records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for district court records.
Retention Periods for Divorce Records:
- Final Decrees of Divorce: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the conclusion of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving significant legal determinations.
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained for a minimum period established by the applicable state retention schedule, which may be shorter than contested case files.
- Docket sheets and indexes: Retained permanently to preserve the integrity of the court's case index.
- Archived historical records: Older Cass County court records, including historical divorce filings, are documented through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, which maintains records of county-level archival holdings.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Cass County District Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials. Records that have been transferred to off-site storage may require additional processing time for retrieval.