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Bastrop County Divorce Records

What Are Bastrop County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Bastrop County are official legal documents that provide documented evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Family Code § 6.001, which establishes the grounds for divorce in the state of Texas. The District Clerk of Bastrop County serves as the official custodian of these records for divorces processed through the county's district courts.

Divorce records typically consist of two primary components:

  • Court case files: The complete documentation of divorce proceedings filed with the Bastrop County District Court, including petitions, responses, financial disclosures, custody arrangements, and the final divorce decree.
  • Divorce certificates: Official vital records documenting the fact of divorce, issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services after the court finalizes the divorce.

These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:

  • Providing legal proof of marital status change
  • Enabling remarriage
  • Documenting legal name changes resulting from divorce
  • Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
  • Verifying status for loan applications
  • Establishing eligibility for immigration matters
  • Facilitating genealogical research

The Bastrop District Clerk maintains divorce records for cases filed within the county, while the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section maintains the official state registry of all divorce certificates.

Are Bastrop County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Bastrop County have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Under the Texas Public Information Act § 552.022, court records are generally considered public information. However, this broad principle is subject to numerous exceptions and limitations.

Court divorce case files maintained by the Bastrop District Clerk are generally accessible to the public with important exceptions:

  • Financial information, including bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, and detailed financial disclosures
  • Information related to minor children, including custody evaluations and certain identifying information
  • Sensitive personal information that may be sealed by court order
  • Cases involving domestic violence where protective orders have been issued
  • Records sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy reasons

Certified divorce certificates, maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services, have more restricted access. Pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code § 192.403, certified copies of divorce certificates are available only to:

  • The individuals named in the divorce record
  • Immediate family members
  • Legal representatives of the named parties
  • Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record

The public may access divorce verification letters or divorce indexes that confirm the fact of divorce without providing all details contained in the full certificate. These verification services are provided through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Bastrop County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Bastrop County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the parties involved.

For divorce case files and court records:

  1. Contact the Bastrop District Clerk's Office directly:

Bastrop District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop District Clerk

  1. Submit a written request specifying:

    • Full names of both parties to the divorce
    • Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
    • Case number (if known)
    • Specific documents requested
    • Requester's contact information

  2. Use the Bastrop County Case Records Search online portal to locate case information.

For certified divorce certificates or verification letters:

  1. Apply through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section:

Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas Vital Statistics

  1. Submit application form VS-142.1, available on the DSHS website
  2. Provide required identification
  3. Pay applicable fees ($20 for first copy, $3 for each additional copy)
  4. Submit application by mail, in person, or through the Texas.gov online ordering system

Requesters should note that processing times vary based on method of request and current departmental workload.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Bastrop County Online?

Bastrop County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms. These electronic resources offer convenient preliminary research options, though they may not provide complete record access in all cases.

The primary online resources for divorce record searches include:

  1. Bastrop County Case Records Search - This official county portal allows users to:

    • Search by party name, case number, or filing date
    • View basic case information including filing date, case type, and party names
    • Access case status and scheduled hearings
    • View docket entries showing document filings
    • Note that complete document images may not be available online

  2. Texas Department of State Health Services Divorce Indexes - These searchable indexes provide:

    • Verification of divorce occurrence
    • Names of parties
    • County of divorce
    • Date of divorce
    • Volume and page number references

  3. Texas.gov Vital Records Ordering System - While not a search system, this portal allows eligible individuals to:

    • Order certified copies of divorce certificates
    • Request verification letters
    • Pay fees electronically
    • Track order status

When using online search tools, users should:

  • Enter complete names when possible
  • Try alternate spellings if initial searches yield no results
  • Be prepared to provide additional identifying information
  • Understand that older records may not be fully digitized
  • Recognize that access to complete documents may require in-person requests

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Bastrop County?

Individuals seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Bastrop County have several options available, though these methods may involve certain limitations regarding convenience and comprehensiveness.

Free access options include:

  1. In-person inspection at the Bastrop District Clerk's Office:
    • Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
    • Request to view specific case files
    • Bring identification and case information if available
    • Note that while viewing is free, obtaining copies incurs standard fees ($1.00 per page)

Bastrop District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop District Clerk

  1. Using public access terminals at the courthouse:

    • Computer terminals are available for public use
    • Access the same case records database available online
    • Staff assistance may be available for search guidance
    • No fees for searching, though printing incurs standard charges

  2. Consulting divorce indexes through the Texas Department of State Health Services:

    • Free online access to basic divorce verification information
    • Indexes provide names, dates, and counties of divorce
    • Limited to confirmation of divorce occurrence without detailed information

  3. Utilizing public library resources:

    • Local libraries may offer free internet access to online records
    • Some libraries maintain microfilm or other archives of local records
    • Library staff may provide research assistance

Researchers should be aware that while basic record inspection may be available without charge, obtaining certified copies or extensive documentation will typically involve standard fees. Additionally, free access methods generally require more time investment than paid services.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Bastrop County

Divorce records in Bastrop County comprise multiple document types that collectively provide a comprehensive record of the marriage dissolution process. The content and level of detail vary between court case files and vital statistics records.

Court case files typically include:

  • Original Petition for Divorce - The initial filing that states:

    • Names and addresses of both parties
    • Date and place of marriage
    • Grounds for divorce under Texas Family Code § 6.001-6.007
    • Information regarding children of the marriage
    • Requested relief

  • Respondent's Answer - The non-filing spouse's formal response to the petition

  • Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct during the pendency of the case, potentially addressing:

    • Temporary child custody arrangements
    • Interim spousal support
    • Temporary use of property
    • Protective provisions

  • Financial Disclosures - Sworn inventories of:

    • Assets and liabilities
    • Income information
    • Property valuations
    • Retirement accounts

  • Child-Related Documents (when applicable):

    • Parenting plans
    • Child support calculations
    • Custody evaluations
    • Visitation schedules

  • Final Divorce Decree - The court's final judgment containing:

    • Legal termination of the marriage
    • Division of property and debts
    • Child custody determinations
    • Support obligations
    • Name change authorizations
    • Other court orders

Divorce certificates issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services contain more limited information:

  • Full names of both parties
  • Date of divorce finalization
  • County where divorce was granted
  • Case number
  • Court of record

Researchers should note that sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and certain child-related information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and court rules.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Bastrop County?

Individuals requiring official documentation of a divorce in Bastrop County have multiple options for obtaining legally recognized proof. The appropriate method depends on the level of detail needed and the intended use of the documentation.

For certified copies of the Final Divorce Decree:

  1. Contact the Bastrop District Clerk's Office:

Bastrop District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop District Clerk

  1. Submit a written request including:

    • Full names of both parties
    • Approximate date of divorce
    • Case number (if known)
    • Number of copies requested
    • Return address
    • Contact phone number

  2. Pay the required fee:

    • $1.00 per page for regular copies
    • $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee for certified copies
    • Payment methods include cash, money order, or credit card (in person)

For certified divorce certificates or verification letters:

  1. Apply through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section:

Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas Vital Statistics

  1. Complete application form VS-142.1
  2. Provide acceptable identification
  3. Pay the required fee ($20 for first copy, $3 for each additional copy)
  4. Submit request by mail, in person, or through the Texas.gov online ordering system

For expedited service, requesters may:

  • Use the online ordering system for potentially faster processing
  • Visit the DSHS Vital Statistics office in Austin for same-day service
  • Utilize third-party vital records services (additional fees apply)

All requesters should be prepared to demonstrate eligibility to access records, particularly for certified copies of divorce certificates, which have restricted access under Texas law.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Bastrop County?

While divorce proceedings in Bastrop County are generally matters of public record, Texas law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with legitimate privacy concerns of the parties involved.

Confidentiality options include:

  1. Sealing of Records - Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, a court may seal divorce records upon showing:

    • A specific, serious, and substantial interest that clearly outweighs:
      • The presumption of openness
      • Any probable adverse effect on public health or safety
    • No less restrictive means would adequately protect the interest

  2. Protective Orders - The court may issue orders limiting disclosure of sensitive information, including:

    • Financial data
    • Medical information
    • Information related to domestic violence
    • Child-related matters

  3. Redaction of Sensitive Information - Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.147, certain information must be redacted from publicly accessible documents:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Bank account information
    • Credit card numbers
    • Driver's license numbers

  4. Use of Initials or Pseudonyms - In cases involving:

    • Domestic violence
    • Sexual assault
    • Stalking
    • Other safety concerns

  5. Confidential Information Form - Sensitive information may be filed on a separate form not accessible to the general public

Parties seeking confidentiality must typically file a specific motion with the court and may need to attend a hearing to demonstrate why confidentiality is warranted. The court maintains discretion in determining whether the circumstances justify limiting public access to divorce records.

It should be noted that even when records are sealed, certain government agencies, law enforcement, and parties to the case typically retain access to the complete records.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Bastrop County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Bastrop County varies considerably based on multiple factors related to case complexity and the level of agreement between parties. Under Texas law, all divorces are subject to a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before finalization can occur, as established by Texas Family Code § 6.702.

Typical timeframes for Bastrop County divorces include:

  1. Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:

    • Minimum: 60 days (statutory waiting period)
    • Typical: 2-4 months
    • Factors affecting timeline:
      • Court docket congestion
      • Completeness of paperwork
      • Availability of parties for final hearing

  2. Contested divorces requiring negotiation:

    • Typical: 6-12 months
    • Factors affecting timeline:
      • Complexity of property division
      • Child custody disputes
      • Discovery process duration
      • Mediation success or failure
      • Attorney and court scheduling

  3. Highly contested divorces requiring trial:

    • Typical: 12+ months
    • Factors affecting timeline:
      • Court availability for trial settings
      • Length of trial
      • Expert witness involvement
      • Complexity of financial holdings
      • Post-trial motions

According to Texas Courts statistical reports, the average disposition time for contested family law cases in Texas district courts is approximately 9 months, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.

Additional factors that may extend the divorce timeline include:

  • Temporary orders hearings
  • Multiple mediation attempts
  • Custody evaluations
  • Business valuation processes
  • Real estate appraisals
  • Appeals of interim rulings

Parties seeking expedited processing should consider mediation, collaborative divorce approaches, or other alternative dispute resolution methods to potentially reduce the time to finalization.

How Long Does Bastrop County Keep Divorce Records?

Bastrop County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that complies with state archival requirements. The preservation periods vary based on record type, format, and historical significance.

Court case files for divorces are subject to the following retention periods:

  1. District Clerk Records - Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 203.041 and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission schedules:

    • Divorce case files: Permanent retention
    • Case indexes: Permanent retention
    • Docket books: Permanent retention
    • Judgments and decrees: Permanent retention

  2. Electronic Records - The Bastrop District Clerk maintains:

    • Digital case management system records: Permanent retention
    • Scanned document images: Permanent retention
    • Electronic indexes: Permanent retention

  3. Vital Statistics Records - The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains:

    • Divorce certificates: Permanent retention
    • Divorce indexes: Permanent retention
    • Statistical data: Permanent retention

While records are permanently retained, the accessibility and storage format may change over time:

  • Recent records (typically less than 10 years old) are generally maintained in active storage with relatively quick retrieval
  • Older records may be transferred to archival storage, microfilm, or digital archives
  • Very old records may require additional processing time for retrieval

Researchers seeking historical divorce records should note that:

  • Records prior to 1968 may not be included in computerized indexes
  • Pre-1950 records may be stored in alternative formats requiring special handling
  • Some very early records may have been transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The permanent retention of divorce records ensures their availability for legal, genealogical, and historical research purposes indefinitely.

How To Get a Divorce In Bastrop County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Bastrop County must follow specific procedural requirements established by Texas law. The divorce process involves multiple steps that must be completed in sequence.

To initiate a divorce in Bastrop County:

  1. Establish eligibility - Either party must:

    • Have been a Texas resident for at least six months
    • Have been a Bastrop County resident for at least 90 days
    • Meet these requirements at the time of filing

  2. Prepare required documents:

    • Original Petition for Divorce
    • Civil Case Information Sheet
    • Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship form
    • Additional forms for cases involving children

  3. File documents with the Bastrop District Clerk:

Bastrop District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop District Clerk

  1. Pay filing fees:

    • Approximately $300-350 for initial filing
    • Additional fees for service of process
    • Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals

  2. Serve the other party through one of these methods:

    • Personal service by constable or private process server
    • Waiver of service signed by the respondent
    • Alternative service methods with court approval if standard methods fail

  3. Wait for the respondent's answer or default:

    • Respondent has approximately 20 days to file an answer
    • If no answer is filed, petitioner may proceed with a default judgment

  4. Complete the mandatory 60-day waiting period required by Texas Family Code § 6.702

  5. Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:

    • Mediation may be required by the court
    • Temporary orders may govern conduct during proceedings
    • Discovery process may be necessary in contested cases

  6. Finalize the divorce through:

    • Agreed divorce decree if settlement is reached
    • Contested final hearing if issues remain unresolved

  7. Submit final decree for judge's signature and filing

Individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings, though legal representation is advisable, particularly in complex cases involving significant assets or child custody disputes.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Bastrop County

Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Bastrop County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documentation. The appropriate method depends on the complexity of the case and whether professional legal assistance is desired.

Sources for divorce paperwork include:

  1. Bastrop District Clerk's Office:

Bastrop District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop District Clerk

  • Limited form packets may be available for basic uncontested divorces
  • Staff cannot provide legal advice but can explain filing procedures
  • Forms must be completed by the requester
  1. Texas Law Help website:
  • Provides free, court-approved divorce forms
  • Includes detailed instructions for completion
  • Offers forms for various divorce scenarios
  • Available at TexasLawHelp.org
  1. Texas Supreme Court approved forms:
  • Standardized forms for simple divorces
  • Available through the Texas Judicial Branch website
  • Includes forms for divorces with and without children
  1. Legal aid organizations:
  • Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
  • Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas
  • May provide forms and limited assistance to qualifying low-income individuals
  1. Private attorneys:
  • Provide customized documents tailored to specific situations
  • Offer legal advice throughout the process
  • Ensure compliance with local court requirements
  1. Online legal document services:
  • Commercial services offering divorce form preparation
  • Fees typically lower than attorney services
  • Quality and appropriateness of forms may vary

Required documents typically include:

  • Original Petition for Divorce
  • Civil Case Information Sheet
  • Citation or Waiver of Service
  • Final Decree of Divorce
  • Additional forms for cases involving children or property

Individuals should ensure that forms comply with current Texas law and Bastrop County local rules. Forms may need to be notarized before filing, and sufficient copies should be prepared for all parties and the court.

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