Divorce records in Galveston County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels. GalvestonCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Galveston County. You can also request records directly from the district court that issued the decree, the Galveston County District Clerk's office, or the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), which maintains statewide divorce verification records. The method you choose depends on the type of document you need and how you plan to use it.
Galveston Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Galveston County are maintained by two separate offices. The Galveston County District Clerk keeps the complete court file for every divorce granted by a Galveston County district court. These files typically include:
- The original petition for divorce
- The final decree of divorce
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support orders
- Any post-judgment modifications
At the state level, DSHS Vital Statistics maintains a divorce verification record for divorces finalized in Texas since January 1968. This is not a copy of the decree — it is a verification letter confirming that a divorce occurred.
The primary local office for Galveston County divorce court records is:
Galveston County District Clerk
Most divorce case records are considered public under the Texas Public Information Act, though certain records involving minors or sealed by court order may have restricted access.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Galveston
In Texas, divorce cases are heard by district courts, which have original jurisdiction over family law matters. Galveston County has multiple district courts that handle divorce and family law cases. Once a judge signs the final decree of divorce, the document is filed and maintained by the Galveston County District Clerk.
If you need a court record — such as a certified copy of the divorce decree, the settlement agreement, or custody orders — contact the District Clerk's office directly:
Galveston County District Clerk
If you need a divorce verification letter from the state — which confirms that a divorce took place but does not include the full decree — you can request one from:
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
You can also submit a request through the Texas Online Vital Records Application.
Here is a quick guide for choosing the right office:
| What You Need | Where to Request |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree | Galveston County District Clerk |
| Custody or support orders | Galveston County District Clerk |
| Complete divorce case file | Galveston County District Clerk |
| Divorce verification letter (state) | Texas DSHS Vital Statistics |
The Texas Courts Self-Help Center provides additional guidance on navigating the court system and understanding family law procedures.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Galveston
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page; $5.00 certification fee | Same day to several business days (in person) |
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS, by mail) | $20.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS, online via OVRA) | $20.00 plus processing fee | 2–3 weeks |