Hood County Divorce Records
What Are Hood County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Hood County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to the Texas Family Code § 6.001, which establishes the grounds for divorce in the state of Texas. The Hood County District Clerk's Office maintains and processes these records as part of their official duties.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- Petition for Divorce (the initial filing)
- Citation and Return of Service
- Answer from the respondent
- Temporary Orders (if applicable)
- Financial Information
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
These documents serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling remarriage
- Supporting legal name changes
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Verifying status for loan applications
- Establishing status for immigration matters
- Creating a permanent legal record of property division
The Hood County District Clerk serves as the official custodian of divorce records filed within the county. These records form part of the county's permanent legal archive and are maintained according to state retention schedules.
Are Hood County Divorce Records Public?
Hood County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act § 552.001, which establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection. However, this access is subject to important limitations.
The public accessibility of divorce records in Hood County is governed by several factors:
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Court Files: Basic case information including party names, case numbers, and filing dates are typically available to the public through the Hood County District Clerk's portal.
-
Sensitive Information: Certain information within divorce files may be redacted or restricted, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Medical information
- Information about minor children
-
Sealed Records: In some cases, divorce records may be sealed by court order when:
- The court determines disclosure would cause harm
- The records contain information about family violence
- The parties have agreed to confidentiality provisions approved by the court
-
Certified Divorce Certificates: The Texas Department of State Health Services restricts access to certified divorce verification documents to:
- The divorced parties themselves
- Immediate family members with proper identification
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a direct and tangible interest
Members of the public seeking access to divorce records must follow established procedures through the Hood County District Clerk's Office, while understanding that certain information may be unavailable due to privacy protections established under Texas Family Code § 6.409.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Hood County in 2026
Finding divorce records in Hood County requires following specific procedures established by the county and state authorities. Individuals seeking these records currently have several options:
In-Person Requests at the District Clerk's Office
Hood County District Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
Hood County District Clerk
To request records in person:
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Provide the names of both parties to the divorce
- Supply the approximate date of the divorce filing or finalization
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification)
Mail Requests to the District Clerk
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request including names of both parties, approximate date of divorce, and your contact information
- Include a copy of your government-issued photo identification
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment by check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail to the District Clerk's address listed above
State-Level Verification Through Texas DSHS
For divorce verification certificates (not full court records):
Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Records
- Complete the Application for Divorce Verification
- Provide required identification
- Submit the current fee ($20.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy)
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
Requestors should note that divorce records from recent years are more readily accessible, while older records may require additional processing time or special procedures.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Hood County Online?
Hood County provides several digital options for accessing divorce records online, though the level of detail available varies by platform. Current online search methods include:
Hood County District Clerk Records Portal
The District Clerk's online portal offers the most direct access to Hood County divorce case information:
- Navigate to the Hood County District Clerk's website
- Select "Public Access" from the available options
- Create a user account if required (free registration)
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Access basic case information including:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Document index
Note that while case information is viewable online, full document images may not be available through the portal. Some documents may only be available for in-person viewing or by specific request.
Texas Department of State Health Services Online Orders
For divorce verification certificates (not full court records):
- Visit the Texas DSHS Vital Records website
- Select "Order Online" option
- Create an account with the state's third-party vendor
- Provide required identification information
- Pay applicable fees ($20.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy)
- Select delivery method (mail or expedited shipping)
idSearchTexas Subscription Service
For frequent users or professionals:
- Register for an account at idSearchTexas
- Select Hood County from the jurisdiction list
- Search by name or case number
- Pay applicable subscription or per-search fees
- View available case information
Online access to divorce records is subject to the same privacy restrictions that apply to physical records, with sensitive information redacted or restricted according to Texas law.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Hood County?
Hood County residents seeking divorce records without incurring fees have limited but viable options. Free access methods focus primarily on basic case information rather than complete document copies:
Public Access Terminals at the District Clerk's Office
Hood County District Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
Hood County District Clerk
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request to use the public access computer terminals
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- View basic case information at no charge
- Note that printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees
Hood County Law Library Resources
Hood County Law Library
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
- Access legal research materials during library hours
- Use public computers to search case indexes
- Review publicly available court calendars and dockets
- Consult with law librarians about available resources
Basic Online Case Information
The Hood County District Clerk's public portal provides free access to:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Document indexes (listings of documents filed)
While viewing this basic information is free, obtaining copies of actual documents typically requires payment of established fees. Additionally, certified copies or verification certificates always require payment of statutory fees regardless of the request method.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Hood County
Divorce records in Hood County contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. These records typically include several distinct components that collectively document the legal termination of the marriage relationship:
Petition for Divorce
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce (insupportability, cruelty, adultery, etc.)
- Statement regarding children of the marriage
- Requested relief (property division, custody, support, etc.)
Service Documentation
- Citation issued to respondent
- Return of service showing when and how the respondent was notified
- Waiver of service (if applicable)
Temporary Orders
- Interim custody arrangements
- Temporary support obligations
- Use of property during pendency of case
- Protective provisions if applicable
Financial Disclosures
- Inventory and appraisement of community property
- Separate property declarations
- Income information for both parties
- Debt schedules
Final Decree of Divorce
- Official dissolution of the marriage
- Division of community property and debts
- Confirmation of separate property
- Name change provisions (if applicable)
- Spousal maintenance terms (if awarded)
Child-Related Provisions (if applicable)
- Conservatorship (custody) determinations
- Possession and access schedules (visitation)
- Child support calculations and payment terms
- Medical support provisions
- Geographic restrictions
Post-Judgment Filings
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement division
- Deeds or title transfers for property division
- Wage withholding orders for support
- Subsequent modifications to the original decree
The Hood County Clerk's office maintains these records according to state retention schedules, with most divorce records preserved permanently as vital records of the county.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Hood County?
Obtaining official proof of divorce in Hood County requires following specific procedures established by county and state authorities. Depending on the intended use, different types of proof may be appropriate:
Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from District Clerk
Hood County District Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
Hood County District Clerk
- Submit a written request including:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Your relationship to the parties
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Request can be made in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative
Official Divorce Verification Certificate from Texas DSHS
For a state-issued verification certificate:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Records
- Complete the Application for Divorce Verification
- Provide required identification
- Submit the current fee ($20.00 for the first copy, $5.00 for each additional copy)
- Request can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the state vital records office
Expedited Options
For urgent needs:
- In-person requests at the District Clerk's office can often be fulfilled the same day
- The Texas DSHS offers expedited processing for an additional fee
- Third-party document retrieval services can be employed (additional fees apply)
The appropriate type of proof depends on the intended use:
- Name changes with Social Security require a certified copy of the complete divorce decree
- Remarriage typically requires only the divorce verification certificate
- Immigration matters generally require the certified decree with raised seal
- Property transactions may require specific pages from the decree addressing the property
All requests must comply with Texas Family Code § 6.409 regarding confidentiality of certain information in divorce records.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Hood County?
Divorce proceedings in Hood County can be subject to varying levels of confidentiality, though complete confidentiality is rare. Texas law establishes specific circumstances under which divorce records may be protected from public disclosure:
Sealing Court Records
Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, divorce records may be sealed when:
- A party files a written motion requesting sealing
- The court conducts a public hearing on the motion
- The court finds that a specific, serious, and substantial interest clearly outweighs:
- The presumption of openness
- Any probable adverse effect on public health or safety
- The court determines no less restrictive means would adequately protect the interest
Common grounds for sealing include:
- Protection of minor children from harm
- Prevention of identity theft or financial fraud
- Documentation of family violence
- Protection of sensitive medical information
- Safeguarding business trade secrets or proprietary information
Automatic Confidentiality Protections
Certain information within divorce files receives automatic confidentiality protection:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical records
- Information about minor children
- Victim information in cases involving family violence
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Parties seeking greater privacy may utilize:
- Mediation proceedings (confidential by statute)
- Collaborative divorce processes (largely private)
- Settlement agreements (can include confidentiality provisions)
Practical Considerations
Even when records remain technically public:
- Electronic filing systems typically redact sensitive information
- The Hood County District Clerk implements administrative safeguards
- Remote access to documents may be limited
- Certain documents may be flagged for restricted access
Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process, as retroactive sealing of records is more difficult to obtain than protective measures implemented from the outset of proceedings.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Hood County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Hood County varies significantly based on several key factors. Under current Texas law, all divorces are subject to a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before the court can finalize the dissolution, as established in Texas Family Code § 6.702.
Uncontested Divorces
When parties agree on all issues, the timeline typically includes:
- Mandatory 60-day waiting period
- Document preparation and filing: 1-2 weeks
- Court scheduling: 1-3 weeks after waiting period
- Total time: Approximately 3-4 months from filing to finalization
Contested Divorces
When parties disagree on substantive issues, the process extends considerably:
- Mandatory 60-day waiting period
- Discovery phase: 2-6 months
- Temporary orders hearings: 1-2 months after filing
- Mediation attempts: 3-6 months after filing
- Trial preparation: 1-3 months
- Trial scheduling: Dependent on Hood County court dockets
- Post-trial orders and documentation: 2-4 weeks
- Total time: Approximately 6-18 months from filing to finalization
Factors Affecting Timeline
Several variables can significantly impact the duration:
- Court congestion and availability of hearing dates
- Complexity of property division
- Child custody disputes
- Business valuation requirements
- Real estate appraisals and sales
- Retirement account divisions requiring QDROs
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Party cooperation levels
- Judge's caseload and scheduling practices
Hood County Statistics
According to data from the Office of Court Administration:
- Average uncontested divorce: 3-4 months
- Average contested divorce without children: 6-9 months
- Average contested divorce with children: 9-14 months
- Cases requiring trial: 12-18 months
The Hood County District Clerk's Office processes divorce filings according to established procedures, but parties should anticipate that even straightforward cases require a minimum of three months from filing to finalization due to statutory waiting periods and administrative processing requirements.
How Long Does Hood County Keep Divorce Records?
Hood County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Texas state law and administrative regulations. These records are preserved for varying periods depending on their type and content:
Permanent Retention
The following divorce records are maintained permanently:
- Final Decrees of Divorce
- Orders affecting child custody or support
- Property division judgments
- Name change orders
- Index of all divorce cases filed
This permanent retention is mandated by the Texas Local Government Records Act § 203.042, which establishes minimum retention periods for local government records.
Extended Retention Periods
Other components of divorce files are subject to specific retention schedules:
- Case files without children: 25 years after final judgment
- Case files with minor children: 25 years after youngest child reaches majority
- Financial affidavits and discovery: 3 years after final judgment
- Temporary orders: 3 years after expiration
- Exhibits: 3 years after final judgment (unless returned to parties)
Archival Procedures
As records age, they transition through several phases:
- Active files (0-5 years): Maintained in the District Clerk's office
- Semi-active files (5-10 years): Transferred to county records storage
- Archived files (10+ years): Microfilmed or digitized for permanent preservation
- Historical records (25+ years): May be transferred to the Hood County Archives
Accessing Older Records
Retrieval procedures vary by record age:
- Recent records (0-5 years): Available through standard request procedures
- Older records (5-20 years): May require additional processing time
- Historical records (20+ years): May require special request procedures and research assistance
The Hood County Clerk's office maintains a comprehensive records management program to ensure the preservation and accessibility of divorce records throughout their retention period. Individuals seeking older records should contact the clerk's office directly for guidance on specialized retrieval procedures.
How To Get a Divorce In Hood County
Obtaining a divorce in Hood County requires following specific legal procedures established under Texas law. The process involves several key steps:
Determine Eligibility
Before filing, ensure you meet residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months
- Either spouse must have been a Hood County resident for at least 90 days
- These requirements are established in Texas Family Code § 6.301
Prepare and File Initial Documents
Hood County District Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
Hood County District Clerk
Required documents include:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship
- Filing fee (currently $350, subject to change)
- Additional forms for cases involving children
Serve the Other Party
Options for providing legal notice include:
- Official service through the Hood County Sheriff or constable
- Hiring a private process server
- Filing a Waiver of Service signed by the respondent
- Publication (in cases where the respondent cannot be located)
Temporary Orders (if needed)
For immediate issues requiring resolution:
- File a Motion for Temporary Orders
- Attend a hearing before a judge or associate judge
- Obtain orders regarding temporary use of property, child custody, and support
Information Exchange and Negotiation
During the mandatory 60-day waiting period:
- Complete financial disclosures
- Exchange relevant documentation
- Participate in settlement negotiations
- Attend mediation (required in most contested cases)
Finalize the Divorce
After the waiting period expires:
- For uncontested cases: Submit final decree and supporting documents
- For contested cases: Prepare for and attend final hearing or trial
- Judge signs Final Decree of Divorce
- File any additional documents required to implement the decree
Post-Divorce Procedures
After obtaining the signed decree:
- Obtain certified copies from the District Clerk
- File deed transfers for real property
- Submit QDROs for retirement divisions
- Update estate planning documents
- Change name on identification and accounts (if applicable)
The Hood County District Courts hear divorce cases, with most proceedings assigned to the 355th Judicial District Court. Individuals are strongly encouraged to seek legal counsel, though self-representation is permitted under Texas law.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Hood County
Obtaining divorce papers in Hood County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on whether you need blank forms to initiate a divorce or copies of documents from an existing case:
Blank Divorce Forms
For individuals initiating a divorce:
Hood County Law Library
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
- Visit during regular business hours
- Request divorce packet appropriate to your situation
- Basic forms are available at minimal or no cost
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can direct you to available resources
Online Resources for Forms
- Texas Law Help - Free forms and instructions
- Texas Supreme Court Approved Forms - Official standardized forms
- Hood County District Clerk - Local forms and requirements
Copies of Existing Divorce Case Documents
Hood County District Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
Hood County District Clerk
To request copies:
- Provide case number or names of parties and approximate date
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($1.00 per page, $5.00 for certification)
- Specify whether regular or certified copies are needed
Mail Requests for Copies
For those unable to visit in person:
- Submit written request with case information
- Include copy of government-issued photo identification
- Enclose payment by check or money order
- Provide self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail to the District Clerk's address listed above
Attorney Services
For comprehensive assistance:
- Local attorneys can prepare complete divorce packages
- Legal aid organizations may assist qualifying low-income individuals
- Document preparation services (not providing legal advice) are available
All divorce filings must comply with the requirements of the Texas Family Code and local Hood County court rules. The District Clerk's office can provide information about current filing fees and procedural requirements but cannot offer legal advice regarding the completion of forms or strategic decisions in the divorce process.