Access Howard County Family Court Records

Howard County family court records are held by the Howard County District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Big Spring, Texas. Divorce cases, custody and conservatorship filings, child support orders, paternity suits, and protective orders are all processed through the Howard County district court. You can search Howard County family court records using the statewide online portal for cases filed electronically, or contact the clerk's office in Big Spring directly for older records and certified copies. This page explains how to find records, which courts handle family matters, and where to get legal help in Howard County.

Howard County District Clerk and County Clerk

The Howard County District Clerk maintains records for all district court proceedings in the county, including family law matters such as divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders. The Howard County Courthouse is located at 300 Main St., Big Spring, TX 79720. The County Clerk's office, also at the courthouse, handles vital records, marriage licenses, probate records, and property filings.

Howard County is served by the 118th Judicial District Court. This court has jurisdiction over all family law cases filed in Howard County. Big Spring, the county seat, is where all family court cases for Howard County residents are filed and heard. When contacting the clerk's office, have the party names and the approximate filing year ready to speed up any search request.

The Howard County Courthouse serves all residents of Howard County. For family court records specifically, the District Clerk handles filings and certified copies. The County Clerk handles marriage licenses and vital records, which are sometimes needed in connection with family court cases. Both offices are generally open Monday through Friday during standard courthouse hours.

Searching Howard County Family Court Records

The statewide re:SearchTX portal is the best online option for Howard County family court records. This free system covers cases filed electronically through the Texas e-filing system since 2018. Search by party name or case number to find Howard County district court cases. Keep in mind that older records or cases filed before the electronic era may not be in the system.

The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics unit maintains a statewide index of divorces and can help confirm whether a divorce was filed in Howard County.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit maintains statewide records of births, deaths, and divorce indexes. While they don't issue certified divorce decrees, they can confirm a divorce occurred and identify the county where the case was filed.

For older records or anything not found online, contact the Howard County District Clerk in Big Spring by phone or visit the courthouse in person. Mail requests are also accepted. Include party names, case number if available, and a check or money order for estimated fees. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for certified copies.

Family Court Cases in Howard County

The 118th District Court handles all family law matters in Howard County. Divorce is the most common family court filing. Under Texas Family Code Chapter 6, spouses can file for no-fault divorce on the ground of insupportability. Fault-based grounds including cruelty, adultery, and abandonment are also available under Texas law. Texas is a community property state, and the court divides marital assets in a just and right manner.

Custody and conservatorship matters are handled under Texas Family Code Chapter 153. Courts set conservatorship arrangements and possession schedules based on the child's best interest. Child support is calculated using the state guideline formula under Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Paternity suits, protective orders, and modification cases are also handled by the Howard County district court.

Adoptions go through the district court as well and are sealed by court order once finalized. The Texas Protective Order Registry under Monica's Law tracks active protective orders when the protected person opts in. Juvenile matters are strictly confidential under Texas Family Code Chapter 58.

Filing Family Cases in Howard County

To file for divorce in Howard County, at least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Howard County for 90 days, per Texas Family Code Section 6.301. After filing, the mandatory 60-day waiting period under Section 6.702 applies before the court can finalize the divorce. This waiting period may be waived by the judge in family violence situations.

Attorneys must file through eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented litigants can file paper documents at the courthouse or use e-filing voluntarily. Court forms are available from the clerk, through the Texas courts forms page, and through the Texas State Law Library family law guide. Fee waivers are available via a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs filed at the courthouse.

Record Fees and Access

Howard County charges $1.00 per page for copies and $5.00 per document for certified copies plus $1.00 per page. Search fees may apply for clerk-conducted name searches. The re:SearchTX portal is free for online case searches.

Family court records in Howard County are public records under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and adoption files are restricted. Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive identifiers are redacted from public records under Texas Family Code Section 105.006. If a records request is denied, you can appeal through the Texas Attorney General's Open Records Division.

Note: Court records are records of the judiciary in Texas and operate under court access rules rather than the Texas Public Information Act, but most non-sealed family court records are accessible during normal courthouse hours.

Legal Resources in Howard County

The Texas Judicial Branch self-help center at txcourts.gov/programs-services/self-help provides free guides for self-represented litigants in Texas family courts. The site covers divorce, custody, support, and protective orders and is a useful resource for Howard County residents who are handling their own family law matters without an attorney.

TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org offers plain-language guides and forms for Texas family law cases. Legal aid organizations serving the Permian Basin and West Texas regions may be able to help qualifying Howard County residents with low incomes. Call the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 to find a private attorney in the Big Spring area. The Texas State Law Library also has free family law forms and guides at no cost.

Cities in Howard County

Big Spring is the county seat and largest city in Howard County. Forsan is among the other small communities in the county. No cities in Howard County currently meet the threshold for a dedicated city page. All family court cases are filed at the Howard County Courthouse in Big Spring.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Howard County in West Texas. Verify your county of residence before filing a family court case.