Family Court Records in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County, and all family court records for the city are maintained by the Wichita County District Clerk. The District Clerk handles filings for divorce, custody, child support, and other family law matters heard in Wichita County district courts. If you need to search for a family law case or get copies of court orders from Wichita Falls, the Wichita County courthouse on 7th Street is where records are kept. Online searches are available through the statewide re:SearchTX system and county access tools using the Odyssey case management system.
Wichita Falls Overview
Wichita County District Courts
Wichita County has three district courts that handle family law matters: the 30th, 78th, and 89th District Courts. These courts hear divorce cases, custody disputes, child support matters, protective orders, and other family law filings for Wichita Falls and the surrounding area. The District Clerk's office is the record-keeper for all three courts.
The District Clerk and County Clerk offices share an address at the Wichita County Courthouse. Both offices are located at 900 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. The phone number for both offices is (940) 766-8100. The District Clerk handles district court records including family law. The County Clerk maintains vital records, marriage licenses, and probate records.
| District Clerk | Wichita County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 900 7th Street Wichita Falls, TX 76301 |
| Phone | (940) 766-8100 |
| Courts | 30th, 78th, 89th District Courts |
| eFile | efiletexas.gov |
The County Clerk at the same address maintains birth and death records, marriage licenses, land records, and probate records for Wichita County. For vital records such as marriage licenses, contact the County Clerk at (940) 766-8100.
Searching Wichita Falls Family Court Records
Wichita County uses the Odyssey court records system, which offers public access to case information. Odyssey allows searches by party name or case number and shows case status, docket entries, and party information. Public access terminals are also available at the courthouse for in-person searches.
The statewide re:SearchTX portal is another good option for searching Wichita Falls family court cases. This system covers cases filed through eFileTexas and provides case index information and document access for filings since November 2018. You need to create a free account to search.
For certified copies of family court orders, contact the Wichita County District Clerk at (940) 766-8100. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Ask about the current fee schedule when you call.
For older records, an in-person visit is often the most efficient approach. Bring the full name of the party and an approximate year the case was filed. Staff can search by name and pull the case file. You can review the file on site and request copies. For cases with children, some documents may be restricted or require court authorization to view.
Family Court Cases in Wichita Falls
Texas family law governs all family court cases filed in Wichita Falls. The Texas Family Code sets the rules for divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and protective orders. Wichita County courts may also have local standing orders that add additional requirements or restrictions during pending family cases. These standing orders apply automatically when a case is filed and last until the case is resolved.
Divorce in Wichita Falls follows the standard Texas process. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.301, one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Wichita County for at least 90 days. Texas has a 60-day waiting period from filing before a divorce can be granted. No-fault divorces use the "insupportability" ground under Family Code Section 6.001.
Custody cases follow Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The court's primary concern is the best interest of the child. Texas uses the terms "conservatorship" instead of custody and "possession and access" instead of visitation. The standard possession order gives both parents defined time with the child. If the parents live more than 100 miles apart, a different schedule applies.
Child support in Wichita County follows the statewide guidelines under Family Code Chapter 154. The amount is based on the paying parent's net income and the number of children. The Texas Attorney General enforces child support orders and can be reached through the state services portal.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Wichita Falls residents who need help with family court matters have several free or low-cost options. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas serves Wichita County and handles family law cases for income-eligible residents. Call their office or visit texaslawhelp.org to find out if you qualify for free legal help.
TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has guides and forms for divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders. The Texas State Law Library also has a family law forms guide at guides.sll.texas.gov. Both sites are designed for people who are representing themselves. Official court forms are posted at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
The Texas Judicial Branch self-help center at txcourts.gov has resources specifically for self-represented litigants. The site explains what to expect at each stage of a family court case. It does not give legal advice but provides procedural guidance that helps you understand what is happening in your case.
Note: Wichita Falls courts handle a high volume of pro se cases. The clerks can help you file papers but cannot advise you on your legal rights or strategy. Consider consulting an attorney even briefly before filing if your case involves complex property or contested custody issues.
Wichita County Family Court Records
Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County. Family court filings for all of Wichita County, including Wichita Falls, are processed by the Wichita County District Clerk. See the Wichita County page for more detail on courts and local resources.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities near Wichita Falls with family court record pages: