Divorce records in Fort Bend County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels. FortBendCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information. You can also obtain records directly from the district court that issued the decree, the Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office, or the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section. Online search tools, in-person requests, and mail-in options are all available depending on the type of record you need.
Fort Bend County Divorce Records Search
In Fort Bend County, divorce case records are maintained by the District Clerk's Office, which serves as the custodian of all pleadings, orders, decrees, and related filings in district court cases — including divorces. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section also maintains a statewide index of Texas divorces since 1968, though it does not issue certified copies of divorce decrees.
Fort Bend County's divorce records collection typically includes:
- Original petitions for divorce
- Final divorce decrees
- Settlement and property division agreements
- Custody and visitation orders
- Modifications and enforcement orders
- Supporting motions and court rulings filed throughout the case
You can search family case records online through the county's Odyssey Public Access portal, which includes civil and family case records. For certified copies or complete case files, contact the District Clerk's Office directly.
Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Fort Bend County
In Texas, divorce cases are heard in district courts. Fort Bend County has several district courts with jurisdiction over family law matters. Once a judge signs a final divorce decree, it is filed with and maintained by the Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Court case file (decree, pleadings, orders): Contact the Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office.
- Statewide divorce index search: Contact the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section. DSHS maintains public indexes of divorces since 1968 but does not issue divorce decree copies or verifications of divorce.
Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section
Attorneys filing new divorce cases in Fort Bend County must use the eFileTexas.gov system, as e-filing is mandatory for civil and family cases in Texas. If you are searching for an existing case, use the public access case search or visit the District Clerk's Office in person. The County Clerk's online record search covers official public records such as deeds and liens but is not the primary source for divorce case files — those are held by the District Clerk.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Fort Bend County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online case search (Odyssey Public Access) | Free | Immediate |
| Uncertified copy of divorce decree (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page | Same day if requested in person |
| Certified copy of divorce decree (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | 1–5 business days |
| DSHS statewide divorce index search | Varies | Several weeks by mail |