Washington County Family Court Records

Washington County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Brenham, Texas. These records include divorce filings, child custody and conservatorship orders, child support cases, and protective orders. Washington County is a historic Central Texas county between Austin and Houston. Residents can access family court records at the courthouse on East Main Street in Brenham. This page explains how to find Washington County family court records, which offices hold them, and what resources are available for county residents.

Washington County District Clerk and County Clerk

Both the District Clerk and County Clerk for Washington County are located at 100 E. Main St. in Brenham, TX 77833. The phone number for both offices is (979) 277-6200. The District Clerk holds all district court records including family law case files. The County Clerk manages birth and death records, marriage licenses, land records, and probate records.

For certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders, contact the District Clerk. For marriage licenses and vital records, contact the County Clerk. Both offices serve the public during regular business hours. In-person searches are accepted and staff can help with case lookups by name or case number.

Washington County has a notable heritage as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas. Historical records from this era may be available through the Texas State Library and Archives or on microfilm at the county courthouse.

Searching Washington County Family Court Records

The statewide re:SearchTX portal is a starting point for Washington County cases filed electronically after 2018. Search by party name or case number at no cost. Document access may need a subscription. For older cases, call the District Clerk at (979) 277-6200.

Washington County does not maintain a separate online case search portal for public access. Direct contact or an in-person visit to the Brenham courthouse is the most reliable method for locating specific records.

The re:SearchTX statewide portal covers electronically filed court cases including family law filings from Washington County's district court.

For vital records, Texas DSHS Vital Statistics holds birth and death records from 1903 statewide. Marriage licenses from Washington County are at the County Clerk's office in Brenham. Historical records may be available at the Texas State Library and Archives.

Family Law Cases in Washington County

Washington County's district court handles all family law matters. Divorce cases follow Texas Family Code Chapter 6. One party must have lived in Texas for six months and in Washington County for 90 days before filing. No-fault divorce based on insupportability is available, as are fault grounds such as cruelty, adultery, or abandonment. Texas is a community property state and the court divides marital property in a just and right manner.

Custody and conservatorship cases follow Texas Family Code Chapter 153. The court rules based on the best interest of the child. Joint managing conservatorship is the typical outcome. The court also sets a possession and access schedule for each parent.

Child support follows guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. The court also handles protective orders, paternity, adoption, and guardianship. All public family court records are accessible under Texas Government Code Chapter 552.

Filing Family Court Cases in Washington County

Family law cases begin with an Original Petition filed at the District Clerk's office in Brenham. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.301, one party must have lived in Texas for six months and in Washington County for 90 days. Filing fees are due at submission. Parties unable to pay may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.

The 60-day waiting period under Texas Family Code Section 6.702 applies before a final decree can be entered. Attorneys must e-file through eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented parties can file paper documents in person at the clerk's office. Court forms are at the Texas courts forms page.

Free guides for self-represented parties are available at TexasLawHelp.org and the Texas Judicial Branch self-help center.

Fees and Record Access in Washington County

Washington County family court records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies are typically $5.00 per document. A staff search fee may apply. Call (979) 277-6200 to confirm current rates before sending a mail request.

Juvenile records are sealed. Adoption case files are confidential. Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account numbers are redacted from public copies under Texas Family Code Section 105.006. Sealed records require a court order to access.

Note: For statewide vital records, contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics. For certified copies of divorce decrees from Washington County cases, the District Clerk in Brenham is the official source.

Legal Help for Washington County Residents

Lone Star Legal Aid serves Washington County and may provide free legal help to qualifying residents. The State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690 has a lawyer referral service. Free family law guides are at TexasLawHelp.org. The Texas State Law Library and the Texas Judicial Branch self-help program offer free forms and procedural guides for family court cases.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County in Central Texas. Confirm your county of residence before filing.