In Texas, most divorce records are public and can usually be accessed through the county where the divorce was filed. While attorneys can mark documents as “sensitive,” that doesn’t always prevent public access—people can still request copies in person at the courthouse.
Some companies even use AI to collect and sell access to these records online. To protect your privacy, you can request that your case be sealed, though courts grant this only in limited circumstances.
Another way to safeguard your personal information is by keeping sensitive financial details in separate private documents or choosing a Collaborative Divorce, which minimizes what’s filed publicly.
In short, if confidentiality matters to you, a collaborative process offers more privacy and control over your personal information.
Divorce records are available to the public in most cases in Texas.
Although accessing divorce records in Texas can depend on the jurisdiction. Usually, divorce records are available in the county where the divorce is filed. District clerks in some counties may not make sensitive divorce information easily accessible in the public system.
If lawyers mark documents as sensitive, they might not be available online or for public research. With the use of AI, there are now companies that “harvest” as many court records as possible, making them easily available to the public with a subscription to their services.
Even when lawyers mark documents as sensitive, this doesn’t always prevent someone from obtaining the records.
Even if it’s hard to get these records electronically, people can still go to the courthouse and get copies in person. You do have the option of seeking to have your case “sealed.” If granted by the Court, sealing of the case file will prevent public access. A sealed case file implies that no one can acquire copies of the records regardless of their status.
The concern about identity theft and personal information exposure has been rising. Divorce decrees, for instance, are accessible at courthouses. Strangers or reporters can get copies, which might reveal personal details.
Lawyers often advise their clients to put sensitive financial information in a separate, private document thus eliminating the need for this information to be included in a decree. This separate document maintains confidentiality and shields private information from being publicly available.
If privacy and confidentiality is important to you, a Collaborative Divorce might be the best choice for you and your spouse.
In a Collaborative Divorce, there is less paperwork filed with the court. Instead, you and your spouse meet with your lawyers and other professionals outside of court. You negotiate a settlement without going to court. If you settle things together, the only need to appear in court is to finish the divorce.
Texas divorce records can be different to access based on where they are and the type of case. Taking steps like making separate private documents can help keep sensitive info private, especially in Collaborative Divorce cases.
