Wichita County Family Court Records

Wichita County family court records are maintained by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Wichita Falls, Texas. Wichita County is a major regional hub in North Texas with a population of approximately 130,000. Family court records in Wichita County include divorce cases, child custody and conservatorship orders, child support filings, protective orders, and paternity matters. The 30th, 78th, and 89th Judicial District Courts handle family law cases for residents of Wichita Falls and all of Wichita County. This page describes how to access Wichita County family court records and what resources are available.

Wichita County District Clerk and County Clerk

The Wichita County District Clerk is located at 900 7th St. in Wichita Falls, TX 76301. The phone number is (940) 766-8100. The District Clerk maintains all district court records including family law case files for the 30th, 78th, and 89th Judicial District Courts. An Odyssey court records search system is available for online access to case information. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for free in-person searches.

The County Clerk shares the same address and phone number. The County Clerk handles marriage licenses, birth and death records, land records, and probate records. For certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders, contact the District Clerk. For marriage records and vital records, contact the County Clerk.

Wichita County uses the Odyssey case management system, which provides online access to court records. Public access terminals at the courthouse allow free in-person searches. The county is part of the Northern District of Texas, Wichita Falls Division, for federal court matters.

Searching Wichita County Family Court Records

Wichita County uses the Odyssey records system for online case search access. You can search by party name, case number, or other criteria through the Odyssey public portal. The statewide re:SearchTX portal also covers electronically filed Wichita County cases. Search for free by name or case number. For older cases or records not online, call the District Clerk at (940) 766-8100 or visit the courthouse on 7th Street in Wichita Falls.

Public access terminals at the Wichita County Courthouse allow free in-person case searches. This is useful for searching cases that predate the online system. Staff can also assist with name and case number lookups during business hours.

The re:SearchTX statewide portal provides online access to electronically filed family court cases from Wichita County's district courts in Wichita Falls.

For statewide vital records, Texas DSHS Vital Statistics holds birth and death records from 1903. Marriage licenses from Wichita County are available from the County Clerk at 900 7th St. in Wichita Falls.

Family Law Cases in Wichita County

Wichita County's three district courts handle a significant volume of family law cases for the Wichita Falls area. Divorce is the most common type of family court filing. Cases follow Texas Family Code Chapter 6. One spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Wichita County for 90 days before filing. Texas recognizes no-fault divorce based on insupportability as well as fault grounds including cruelty, adultery, abandonment, or felony conviction. Community property is divided in a just and right manner.

Custody and conservatorship cases are determined under Texas Family Code Chapter 153. Courts decide what arrangement best serves the child. Joint managing conservatorship is the most common outcome. The court sets a possession and access schedule for each parent. Under Monica's Law, courts must consider any history of family violence when ruling on conservatorship and access.

Child support follows the guidelines in Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Support is calculated from the obligor's net monthly income and the number of children. Wichita County courts also handle protective orders for family violence, paternity cases, adoptions, and guardianship matters.

Filing Family Court Cases in Wichita County

Family law cases in Wichita County are filed at the District Clerk's office at 900 7th St. in Wichita Falls. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.301, one party must have lived in Texas for six months and in Wichita County for 90 days. Filing fees are due at submission. Parties who cannot afford fees may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.

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

Free guides for self-represented parties are at TexasLawHelp.org and the Texas Judicial Branch self-help center. The Texas State Law Library family law guide provides form links and e-filing resources.

Fees and Record Access in Wichita County

Wichita 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. Staff search fees may apply. Call (940) 766-8100 to confirm current rates before mailing a request. Public access terminals at the courthouse allow free in-person searches.

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 court orders require a court order to access.

Note: For statewide vital records, contact Texas DSHS Vital Statistics. Certified copies of divorce decrees from Wichita County cases are issued only by the District Clerk in Wichita Falls.

Legal Help for Wichita County Residents

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas serves Wichita County and may provide free or reduced-cost legal help to qualifying residents. The State Bar of Texas referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a licensed attorney in the Wichita Falls area. Free family law guides are at TexasLawHelp.org, covering divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders.

The Texas State Law Library family law guide provides links to current court forms and e-filing tools. The Texas Judicial Branch self-help program provides free procedural guides for self-represented parties in Wichita County and all Texas courts.

Cities in Wichita County

Wichita County includes Wichita Falls and surrounding communities. Family court cases for all residents of Wichita County are filed at the Wichita County District Court on 7th Street in Wichita Falls.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Wichita County in North Texas. Confirm your county of residence before filing a family law case.