Divorce records in Wichita County, Texas, are available through several channels. WichitaCourt.us allows you to quickly find public divorce information related to this county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the District Court that issued the decision, the District Clerk's office, and the Texas Vital Statistics Section (Vital Statistics Section at DSHS). The method of obtaining records depends on the specific document you need — a complete court record or a divorce certificate.
Wichita Divorce Records Search
In Wichita County, divorce cases are handled by District Courts. Once a judge signs the decree of divorce, the document is stored in the county's District Clerk's office. The collection includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Related procedural documents — motions, responses, amendments
Separately, the DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains index records and issues divorce verification letters for divorces filed in the state since 1968. These certificates confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain details of property settlement.
Wichita County District Clerk
The office is open on weekdays. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm office hours and the availability of the required record before visiting.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Wichita
Texas uses a system of District Courts for handling family cases. Here's how it is organized in Wichita County.
District Court — Complete Court Records
A divorce case is filed in one of the county's District Courts. After the decision is made by the judge, the original decree is stored with the District Clerk. This is where you should go if you need a complete copy of the decision, including custody or asset distribution terms.
DSHS Vital Statistics Section — State Certificate
County clerks send information about each divorce to the Vital Statistics Section at Texas DSHS. This body maintains statewide divorce indexes and issues verification letters. You can order a document online through the OVRA — official vital records ordering portal.
Local Vital Records Office in Wichita Falls
For the convenience of county residents, the Wichita Falls Public Health District also provides access to some vital records. Contact them if you need help navigating between different offices or if you want to order a certificate locally.
Where to Go — Quick Reference
| What You Need | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Complete court decree copy | Wichita County District Clerk |
| Certificate / verification letter | DSHS Vital Statistics or OVRA portal |
| Custody, alimony documents | Wichita County District Clerk |
| State divorce index search | DSHS Marriage/Divorce Indexes |
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Wichita
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce verification letter (DSHS, by mail) | $20.00 | 2–4 weeks |
| Order via OVRA portal online | $20.00 + service fee | 2–3 weeks |
| Copy of court decree (District Clerk, per page) | $1.00 per page | Depends on case volume |
| Certified copy of court document (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page + certification fee | Usually several business days |