Bee County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Bee County in 2026
BeeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Bee County, Texas. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and court disposition data through official resources and third-party directories. Available record categories include final divorce decrees, dissolution petitions, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and docket entries. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and the method of search.
Divorce records in Bee County may be searched through the District Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Texas Office of Court Administration's online portal, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) vital statistics indexes. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Bee County District Clerk maintains jurisdiction over divorce proceedings filed in the county. Members of the public may search case information through the Texas Judicial Branch case search portal, which provides basic case data at no charge. Obtaining copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Texas Office of Court Administration maintains a statewide portal that allows searches across multiple jurisdictions. This consolidated database is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains divorce indexes compiled from records submitted by district clerks statewide. These indexes provide summary-level information and are available for verification purposes. Fees apply for certified records.
In-Person Searches
Bee County District Clerk – Family Division:
Bee County District Clerk's Office
105 W. Corpus Christi Street, Room 103
Beeville, TX 78102
Phone: (361) 621-1556
Bee County District Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Viewing of filed documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
Records Department:
Older or archived divorce case files may be stored separately from active records. Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the District Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval timelines.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Bee County District Clerk, 105 W. Corpus Christi Street, Room 103, Beeville, TX 78102
- Include the following:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Processing time: Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks, subject to staff availability and record location.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Bee County District Clerk: (361) 621-1556
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Texas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may be subject to restricted access. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service can assist members of the public in locating qualified family law counsel, particularly in complex or contested matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Bee County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Texas Family Code § 6.301, a suit for divorce may be filed in the county where either spouse has resided for the preceding 90 days, provided that one spouse has been a domiciliary of Texas for at least six months. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. Divorce records are not maintained in the county where the marriage occurred unless that county also satisfies the residency requirement.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are entered into the system within days to weeks of the court's final order.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time.
- Pre-1990 records may not be digitized and may require an in-person or written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling discrepancies in the index
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the District Clerk's office at (361) 621-1556
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Texas DSHS divorce indexes
- Retain a licensed Texas attorney for complex searches
What Are Bee County Divorce Records?
Bee County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the 156th District Court or other courts of competent jurisdiction in Bee County, Texas. These records are maintained by the Bee County District Clerk and constitute part of the permanent public court record under Texas law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for divorce (Original Petition for Divorce)
- Respondent's answer or waiver of service
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Proposed or agreed parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (where prepared)
- Final Decree of Divorce
Final Decree of Divorce:
The Final Decree of Divorce is the controlling legal document that dissolves the marriage. It establishes:
- The official date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and conservatorship arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Name restoration, if requested Certified copies of the Final Decree are available through the District Clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-divorce modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation with state and federal agencies
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings requiring marital history
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal recordkeeping
- Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court:
The Bee County District Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The office indexes records by party name and case number, issues certified copies, and maintains the official docket.
State Vital Records Office:
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains statewide divorce indexes compiled from records submitted by district clerks. These indexes do not constitute certified copies of court records but serve as a reference tool for locating the county of filing.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Texas are governed by the Texas Family Code § 6.001 et seq., which establishes grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements. Public access to court records is governed by Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a and the Texas Public Information Act, which together establish a presumption of openness for court filings while permitting sealing under defined circumstances.
Are Bee County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Bee County are public court records subject to the presumption of openness under Texas law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and settings
- Court orders and judgments
- Final Decree of Divorce
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c
- Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Salary and income details may carry limited access in certain proceedings
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children
- Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving family violence
- Sexual abuse allegations and related evidence
Sealed Records:
A court may seal divorce records upon a showing that the public interest in disclosure is outweighed by a specific, serious, and substantial interest in sealing, as required under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.
Who Can Access Records:
General Public:
- May access most case information and public documents
- May be required to present valid identification at the clerk's office
- Must pay applicable copy fees
Parties to the Case:
- Retain full access to their own case file, including confidential portions
- May obtain all documents filed in their proceeding
Attorneys:
- Access case files on behalf of clients
- May petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a showing of good cause
Researchers and Media:
- Access to public portions of the record
- Court permission required for sealed records
- First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings
Restrictions on Use:
Prohibited uses of divorce record information include stalking, harassment, identity theft, and any purpose that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background screening conducted in accordance with applicable law, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Bee County?
The Bee County District Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the Texas Government Code § 51.318, which establishes the fee schedule applicable to district clerks statewide.
Current Fee Structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 certification fee + $1.00 per page |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies; contact clerk's office |
| Search fee (if applicable) | No separate search fee in most cases |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Certification of a copy as a true and correct record of the court requires payment of the certification fee in addition to per-page copy costs.
- Fees for obtaining records through the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics divorce indexes are set separately and are available on the DSHS vital statistics fee schedule.
- Accepted payment methods at the Bee County District Clerk's office include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card (fees may apply for card transactions).
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record requests; however, parties who are indigent and represented by counsel in an active proceeding may petition the court for waiver of certain fees under applicable Texas law.
- Basic case information viewable through the online court portal is available at no charge.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Bee County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Bee County District Clerk contains the full range of documents generated from the initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
Case Caption:
- Case number assigned by the District Clerk
- Court name and cause number
- Petitioner and respondent names
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date of original filing
- Filing fees paid
- Case type designation
- Jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
Original Petition for Divorce:
- Petitioner's identifying information
- Respondent's identifying information
- Date and place of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce (insupportability under Texas Family Code § 6.001, or fault-based grounds)
- Information regarding minor children
- Claims regarding marital property
- Requests for spousal maintenance
- Relief requested by petitioner
Respondent's Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Assets including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
- Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Discovery Documents:
- Tax returns for recent years
- Pay stubs and employer verification
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Business financial statements, if applicable
- Interrogatory questions and sworn answers
- Requests for production and responsive documents
Property-Related Documents:
- Inventory and appraisement of marital estate
- Real property descriptions and valuations
- Vehicle titles and values
- Financial account balances
- Retirement and pension account information
- Business interest valuations
- Appraisal reports for real property and personal property
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
Parenting Plan / Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship:
- Legal conservatorship designation (sole or joint managing conservatorship)
- Primary residence designation
- Standard possession order or modified possession schedule
- Holiday and summer possession schedules
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Net income determination for each parent
- Number of overnights per year
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Monthly support amount ordered
- Income withholding order
- Arrearage provisions, if applicable
Custody Evaluations (if ordered):
- Psychologist or social worker evaluation reports
- Home study findings
- Best-interest recommendations
- Child interview summaries (may be sealed)
Support Documents:
Spousal Maintenance:
- Type and duration of maintenance ordered
- Monthly payment amount
- Termination conditions
- Modification provisions
Settlement Documents:
Agreed Final Decree of Divorce / Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Complete resolution of all contested issues
- Real and personal property division
- Debt allocation between parties
- Spousal maintenance terms
- Child-related provisions
- Tax filing provisions
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures of both parties and notarization
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary conservatorship and possession
- Temporary child support
- Temporary spousal support
- Temporary use and possession of marital residence
- Temporary restraining orders and injunctions
Final Decree of Divorce:
- Court's final order dissolving the marriage
- Date of dissolution
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Complete property division
- Spousal maintenance orders
- Child conservatorship and possession orders
- Child support orders
- Name restoration, if applicable
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to plan administrator
- Benefit allocation between parties
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify conservatorship or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income deduction orders
- Liens filed against property
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted per Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Minor children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details in cases involving family violence findings
- Mental health evaluation records
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation correspondence (not part of the court record)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Bee County?
Proof of divorce in Bee County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Decree of Divorce issued by the Bee County District Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature, confirming it as a true and correct copy of the court's record. This document is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and foreign authorities as legal proof that a marriage was dissolved.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
-
In Person: Visit the Bee County District Clerk's office at 105 W. Corpus Christi Street, Room 103, Beeville, TX 78102, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Provide the case number or the full names of both parties and the approximate year of divorce. Pay the applicable certification and copy fees.
-
By Mail: Submit a written request to the District Clerk's office including the names of both parties, approximate divorce date, case number if known, requestor's contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
-
Through Texas DSHS: The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains divorce indexes that can be used to verify a divorce and identify the county of filing. DSHS does not issue certified copies of court decrees but can provide verification letters for certain purposes.
-
Online: Basic case information is available through the Texas Judicial Branch case search. Certified copies are not available for download and must be obtained directly from the District Clerk.
Bee County District Clerk's Office
105 W. Corpus Christi Street, Room 103
Beeville, TX 78102
Phone: (361) 621-1556
Bee County District Clerk
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 776-7111
Texas DSHS Vital Statistics
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Bee County?
Divorce proceedings in Bee County are presumptively public, but certain records or entire case files may be made confidential under defined legal standards.
- Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, a court may seal divorce records upon a written motion, notice to the public, and a hearing at which the moving party demonstrates that a specific, serious, and substantial interest clearly outweighs the presumption of openness and any probable adverse effect on the administration of justice.
- Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and similar identifiers are redacted from all public filings as a matter of course under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21c.
- Cases involving family violence findings may result in the withholding of the victim's address and other identifying information from public access pursuant to Texas Family Code § 85.007 and related provisions.
- Mental health records, substance abuse treatment records, and child custody evaluation reports may be filed under seal or with restricted access upon court order.
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed records remain inaccessible to the general public unless a court order grants access upon a showing of good cause.
- Parties seeking to seal their divorce records must file a motion with the District Court and comply with the procedural requirements of Rule 76a, including public notice.
How Long Does Bee County Keep Divorce Records?
Bee County divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules applicable to district courts.
- Final Decrees of Divorce and permanent court orders are retained permanently and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files, including all pleadings, motions, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the date of final judgment for most civil family law cases, with many records retained permanently.
- Docket sheets and indexes are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents filed as part of the court record are retained for the duration of the case file retention period.
- Post-judgment modification and enforcement records are retained as part of the original case file and follow the same retention schedule.
- Records that have reached the end of their scheduled retention period may be transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives or destroyed in accordance with approved schedules; however, permanent records such as final decrees are not subject to destruction.
- Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago should contact the Bee County District Clerk's office directly to confirm availability, as very old paper records may be held in off-site storage or may have been transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.