In this KLIF radio interview, Dallas divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave explores the question: Is divorce public record in Texas? offering Dallas Divorce Attorney Insight. She breaks down why court proceedings are generally open to the public while discussing the 2025 Divorce of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his wife Texas Senator Angela Paxton, what it takes for a judge to seal records, and why the Paxton’s divorce case has sparked media challenges. Jennifer also shares options for couples who want to keep their divorce private, including collaborative divorce and private judges. Whether you’re facing a high-profile divorce or simply want to understand your rights, this episode offers clear guidance from an experienced Dallas divorce lawyer.
Transcript
Host:
A group of state and national media organizations are arguing in court that records in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce case should be made available to the public. The organizations filed their plea to intervene with the Collin County District Court on Tuesday.
Jennifer Hargrave, DFW divorce attorney, is with us right now. Jennifer, thanks for jumping on.
Jennifer Hargrave:
Sure, happy to be here.
Host:
Let’s talk about this. First, when it comes to media organizations, do they have the right to access these records?
Jennifer Hargrave:
In Texas, our legal system presumes that courts are open and that proceedings are public. The public does have a right to know. To seal a case, you have to show the court why your situation is different and why that presumption should be defeated. In fact, many judges themselves have had their own divorces remain public. So, there usually aren’t a lot of reasons why records are sealed.
That’s why I was a little surprised when the court sealed the Paxton filings. It’s not surprising that media outlets want to know what’s in there. Divorce cases often contain significant financial information, special transactions, and personal details. Courts must weigh the public’s right to know against the parties’ desire for privacy, and there must be a compelling reason for privacy.
Host:
We already know some details—Ken Paxton himself has addressed adultery in the marriage. So, do the Paxtons have any say in whether this remains private, or is it strictly the judge’s call?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Ultimately, it was the judge who decided to seal the case. But it’s worth noting that divorcing couples do have options outside of the public court system. They could choose a collaborative divorce, where negotiations are private and handled in lawyers’ offices with a team of experts bound by confidentiality. Another option is hiring a private judge. Those avenues keep the details out of the public record.
But since the Paxtons filed publicly, there could be admissions or communications in the record that are now sealed. Those details are what the media is seeking to uncover.
Host:
Good info, as always. The Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave. You can find her at hargravefamilylaw.com/. Thanks so much, Jennifer.
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