Potter County Divorce Records
What Are Potter County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Potter 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 District Clerk's Office in Potter County serves as the official custodian of these records, as they are generated through judicial proceedings in the county's district courts.
Divorce records typically consist of several document types:
- Petition for Divorce (the initial filing)
- Citation and Return of Service
- Answer from the respondent
- Temporary Orders (if applicable)
- Financial affidavits and property inventories
- Child custody and support agreements (if children are involved)
- Final Decree of Divorce (the court's final judgment)
These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Texas Department of State Health Services also maintains a statewide index of divorce records that have occurred throughout Texas, including those from Potter County, as required by Texas Health and Safety Code § 192.001.
Are Potter County Divorce Records Public?
Potter County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court case files related to divorces are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act, but with significant exceptions and limitations.
The following aspects of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date)
- Court docket entries
- Final Decree of Divorce (with certain redactions)
- Court hearings schedule
- General pleadings and motions
However, several components of divorce records may be restricted from public access:
- Financial affidavits and statements
- Records containing Social Security numbers, bank account information, or other sensitive personal identifiers
- Records involving minor children, including custody evaluations and child support calculations
- Records sealed by court order due to safety concerns or other compelling reasons
- Records containing information about victims of family violence
Certified divorce verification certificates, which confirm the fact of divorce, date, and location, have more restricted access. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, these certificates are available only to:
- The divorced parties themselves
- Immediate family members with proper identification
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record
The Texas Family Code § 6.409 provides courts with the authority to seal divorce records when necessary to protect the parties' privacy or safety, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or child abuse allegations.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Potter County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Potter County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records in the county is the District Clerk's Office, which maintains records of all divorce proceedings filed within the county's district courts.
To obtain divorce records, requestors should follow these steps:
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Determine the necessary information for the search:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce (at minimum, the year)
- Case number (if known)
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Contact or visit the Potter County District Clerk's Office:
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
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Submit a records request form, which can be obtained in person or through the county's open records portal.
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Pay the applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name searched
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page for regular copies
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
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For divorce verification certificates (not the complete court file), contact:
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Records
The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains divorce verification records dating back to 1968. Requestors must complete an application form and provide proper identification. The current fee for a divorce verification is $20.00.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Potter County Online?
Potter County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While complete divorce files are not typically available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can be accessed through the following methods:
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Potter County District Clerk's Online Case Information:
- Visit the Potter County District Clerk's website
- Navigate to the "Case Records Search" section
- Enter search criteria (names, case number, or date range)
- Review basic case information including filing date, case type, and status
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Texas Judicial Branch - Public Case Search:
- Access the Texas Judicial Branch website
- Select Potter County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter party names or case number
- Review available case information
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idocket.com (Third-party service):
- Potter County court records are indexed on this subscription-based service
- Registration and fees apply
- Provides case summaries and docket information
Important limitations to online searches include:
- Complete divorce decrees and filings are not available for download
- Sensitive information is redacted from online records
- Records sealed by court order will not appear in online searches
- Online records may not include older cases (pre-digital era)
For comprehensive divorce records, including complete divorce decrees and all associated documents, requestors must still submit formal requests through the District Clerk's Office as outlined in the previous section. The online systems primarily serve as case indexes rather than complete record repositories.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, district clerks are required to maintain records and provide public access, but the specific methods of access are determined by local policies and technological capabilities.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Potter County?
Potter County residents and other interested parties have limited options for accessing divorce records without payment, as most official record requests involve statutory fees. However, several methods exist to view basic divorce record information at no cost:
- In-person inspection at the Potter County District Clerk's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request to view specific case files (search fees may still apply)
- Take notes on case information (copying fees apply if printed copies are needed)
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
- Potter County Law Library:
- Public access computers available for legal research
- Limited case information accessible through public terminals
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with navigating resources
Potter County Law Library
501 S. Fillmore, Room 2C
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2325
- Online case information search:
- Basic case information (not complete records) available through the Potter County website
- No fee for searching basic docket information
- Access through the Potter County District Clerk's website
It is important to note that while basic case information may be accessible without fees, obtaining official copies, certified documents, or complete case files will require payment of statutory fees as established by the Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, which authorizes counties to collect fees for records services.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Potter County
Divorce records in Potter County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire legal process of marriage dissolution. These records are maintained by the Potter County District Clerk in accordance with Texas Government Code § 51.303, which establishes the district clerk's duty to record all court proceedings.
A complete divorce file typically contains the following documents:
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Original Petition for Divorce
- States grounds for divorce
- Identifies both parties
- Requests specific relief from the court
- May include temporary orders requests
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Service Documentation
- Citation issued to respondent
- Return of service showing when/how respondent was notified
- Waiver of service (if applicable)
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Respondent's Answer
- Formal response to petition
- May include counter-petitions
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Discovery Documents
- Interrogatories and responses
- Requests for production of documents
- Depositions (if conducted)
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Financial Information
- Sworn Inventory and Appraisement of property
- Financial disclosure statements
- Tax returns (if submitted to court)
- Retirement account information
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Child-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Parenting plans
- Child support calculations
- Custody evaluations
- Visitation schedules
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Court Orders
- Temporary orders during pendency of case
- Mediated settlement agreements
- Final Decree of Divorce
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Post-Judgment Filings
- Motions to modify
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals documentation
The Final Decree of Divorce is the most significant document, as it contains the court's final judgment regarding:
- Legal termination of the marriage
- Division of property and debts
- Child custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support obligations
- Spousal maintenance (if awarded)
- Name change authorization (if requested)
- Specific injunctions or prohibitions
Divorce verification certificates issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services contain more limited information, typically only confirming the names of parties, date of divorce, and county where the divorce was granted.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Potter County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce from Potter County have two primary options for obtaining official documentation, depending on their specific needs and the intended use of the proof.
For comprehensive proof containing all divorce terms and conditions:
- Certified Copy of Final Decree of Divorce
- Submit a request to the Potter County District Clerk's Office
- Provide case number (if known) or names of parties and approximate date
- Pay the required fee ($1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee)
- Request can be made in person, by mail, or through the county's online records request system
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
For simple verification of divorce occurrence (often sufficient for name changes, remarriage, etc.):
- Divorce Verification Certificate
- Submit application to Texas Department of State Health Services
- Provide full names of both parties, date of divorce, and county
- Include copy of valid government-issued photo ID
- Pay the required fee ($20.00 per verification)
- Request can be made by mail, in person, or online through the Texas DSHS Vital Records service
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(888) 963-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Records
For expedited service, requestors may use third-party vital records services authorized by the state, though additional fees will apply. The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains divorce records dating back to 1968.
Pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code § 194.0011, certified copies of vital records, including divorce verifications, serve as prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Potter County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Potter County may be granted confidential status, though complete confidentiality is rare. The Texas Family Code and Rules of Civil Procedure provide several mechanisms for protecting sensitive information within divorce cases.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
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Sealing of Records by Court Order
- Parties may file a motion to seal records under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a
- Must demonstrate that privacy interests substantially outweigh public interest
- Court must find "specific, serious and substantial interest" that outweighs presumption of openness
- Even when granted, court orders and basic case information typically remain public
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Automatic Protection for Sensitive Information
- Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and other sensitive identifiers are automatically redacted from public access pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.147
- Medical records, psychological evaluations, and certain financial documents receive heightened protection
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Special Protections in Cases Involving:
- Family violence (Texas Family Code § 85.007)
- Child abuse allegations
- Victims of certain crimes
- Minors' identifying information
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Confidential Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
- Settlement negotiations may remain private even if final decree is public
To request confidentiality for divorce proceedings in Potter County:
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File a motion with the court clearly stating:
- Specific documents or information seeking to protect
- Legal basis for confidentiality request
- Harm that would result from public disclosure
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Attend a hearing where the court will weigh:
- Privacy interests of parties and children
- Public's right to access court records
- Whether less restrictive alternatives exist
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If granted, obtain a court order specifically outlining:
- Which documents are sealed
- Duration of the sealing
- Who may access the sealed records
It is important to note that even in cases where records are sealed, the fact that a divorce was filed and granted typically remains public information, accessible through indexes and docket sheets. Complete anonymity in divorce proceedings is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Potter County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Potter County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court docket congestion. Under Texas law, a mandatory waiting period applies to all divorce cases, establishing a minimum timeframe.
Statutory Minimum Timeframe:
- Texas Family Code § 6.702 requires a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized
- This "cooling off" period cannot be waived except in cases involving family violence with a protective order or conviction
Typical Timeframes by Case Type:
-
Uncontested Divorces (mutual agreement on all issues)
- 60-90 days from filing to finalization
- Requires completed paperwork, including:
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division agreements
- Parenting plans (if children involved)
- Final hearing typically brief and procedural
-
Contested Divorces with Negotiated Settlement
- 4-8 months from filing to finalization
- Involves discovery process, financial disclosures
- May include temporary orders hearings
- Often resolved through mediation
- Settlement approval hearing required
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Fully Contested Divorces Requiring Trial
- 8-18 months from filing to finalization
- Extensive discovery and pre-trial motions
- Multiple hearings on temporary matters
- Trial preparation and expert witnesses
- Court scheduling dependent on docket availability
Factors That May Extend Timeline:
- Complex property division (businesses, retirement accounts, real estate)
- Child custody disputes requiring evaluations
- High-conflict cases with multiple contested issues
- Court congestion and scheduling delays
- Discovery disputes requiring court intervention
- Post-trial motions and potential appeals
According to the Texas Office of Court Administration, the average disposition time for family law cases in the Amarillo region, which includes Potter County, is approximately 6.7 months from filing to final disposition, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.
The Potter County District Courts currently maintain a policy of setting final trial dates within 9-12 months of filing for contested cases, though agreed divorces may be finalized much sooner once the statutory waiting period has elapsed.
How Long Does Potter County Keep Divorce Records?
Potter County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that complies with state regulations for judicial records. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes minimum retention periods for various court documents through the Local Government Records Act.
Permanent Retention:
- Final Judgments and Decrees of Divorce
- Orders affecting child custody, support, or property division
- Case indexes and dockets
- Orders modifying original divorce decrees
These permanent records are initially maintained in paper format at the Potter County District Clerk's Office. After a period of time (typically 10-15 years), older records may be:
- Microfilmed or digitized for preservation
- Transferred to the county archives
- Maintained in secure off-site storage
Limited Retention (10-15 years):
- Discovery documents
- Deposition transcripts
- Exhibits not returned to parties
- Routine motions and responses
- Financial affidavits and inventories
The Potter County District Clerk follows the retention schedule specified in Texas Government Code § 51.303 and the more detailed guidelines established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
For divorce verification records maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services, the retention is permanent. The state maintains a centralized index of all divorces granted in Texas counties since 1968.
Accessing Historical Divorce Records:
- Recent records (less than 10 years old) - Available directly from the District Clerk's Office
- Older records (10-50 years old) - May require advance notice for retrieval from archives
- Historical records (over 50 years old) - May be accessed through:
- Potter County Archives
- Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Genealogical research services
Potter County Archives
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should contact the Potter County District Clerk's Office to determine the specific location and access procedures for the records they seek.
How To Get a Divorce In Potter County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Potter County must follow specific procedures established by the Texas Family Code and local court rules. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Residency Requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months
- Either spouse must have resided in Potter County for at least 90 days
- These requirements are established by Texas Family Code § 6.301
For Uncontested Divorces:
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Prepare and file the Original Petition for Divorce
- Forms available through Texas Law Help
- File with the Potter County District Clerk
- Pay filing fee (approximately $300-350)
- Request issuance of citation if spouse will not sign a waiver
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Serve the other spouse or obtain a Waiver of Service
- Service through constable, sheriff, or private process server
- Alternatively, spouse can sign a waiver of service before a notary
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Wait the mandatory 60-day waiting period
- Begins on the date the petition is filed
- Required by Texas Family Code § 6.702
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Prepare final documents
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division agreements
- Parenting plan and child support orders (if applicable)
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Schedule and attend final hearing
- Uncontested hearings typically brief (5-10 minutes)
- Judge reviews and signs final decree if appropriate
For Contested Divorces:
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File Original Petition and serve spouse
- More detailed petition outlining specific requests
- Temporary orders may be requested
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Attend temporary orders hearing (if requested)
- Establishes interim arrangements for property, support, and children
- Usually held within 2-4 weeks of filing
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Complete discovery process
- Exchange of financial information
- Depositions and interrogatories
- Expert evaluations if needed
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Participate in mediation
- Required by local rules before trial setting
- Attempt to resolve contested issues
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Prepare for and attend final trial
- If settlement not reached through mediation
- Present evidence and testimony to judge or jury
- Receive court's ruling on all contested matters
All divorce filings should be submitted to:
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
Legal assistance resources for Potter County residents include:
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
203 W. 8th St., Suite 600
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 373-6808
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas
How To Get Divorce Papers In Potter County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Potter County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. The specific forms required depend on the circumstances of the case, including whether children are involved and if the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Sources for Potter County divorce forms:
- Potter County Law Library
- Self-help section with standard forms
- Reference materials and Texas Family Code
- Computer access for online form resources
Potter County Law Library
501 S. Fillmore, Room 2C
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2325
-
Texas Law Help Website
- Comprehensive divorce form packets
- Instructions in plain language
- Available at TexasLawHelp.org
- Forms approved by Texas Supreme Court
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Potter County District Clerk's Office
- Limited basic forms available
- Filing instructions and fee information
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can verify required documents
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
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Texas Access to Justice Foundation
- Self-help divorce forms
- Available in English and Spanish
- Includes detailed instructions
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Private attorneys
- Custom forms tailored to specific situation
- Legal advice on completing forms correctly
- Amarillo Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (806) 374-6092
Essential forms typically needed for divorce proceedings include:
- Original Petition for Divorce
- Citation or Waiver of Service
- Answer and/or Counter-Petition
- Income and Expense Statement
- Inventory and Appraisement of Property
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Child support and custody documents (if applicable)
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.803, the Texas Supreme Court has approved standardized forms for uncontested divorces that must be accepted by all Texas courts, including those in Potter County. These forms are designed to be accessible to self-represented litigants.
For complex cases involving significant assets, businesses, or contested custody issues, consultation with an attorney is strongly recommended, as standardized forms may not adequately address all legal needs.
Lookup Divorce Records in Potter County
Open Records | Potter County, Texas
County Clerk | Potter County, Texas
District Clerk | Potter County, Texas