Clark County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clark County in 2026
ClarkCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clark County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find case summaries, final decrees, party names, filing dates, and related court documents. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.
Divorce records in Clark County may be searched through official resources including the Clark County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Arkansas Judiciary. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce-related court records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Arkansas Judiciary maintains the Case Search portal through its online public access system, which allows members of the public to search for divorce cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge, though fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Arkansas Judiciary's Search ARCourts tool provides a streamlined interface for searching court cases across jurisdictions statewide. This consolidated database offers enhanced filtering options and simplified access to public court records, including family law matters filed in Clark County Circuit Court.
3. State Vital Records
Arkansas does not issue divorce certificates through the Arkansas Department of Health in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Arkansas Department of Health maintains a Vital Records division that provides divorce verification letters for divorces granted in Arkansas. These letters confirm that a divorce occurred but do not contain the full detail of the court file. A fee applies for this service.
In-Person Searches
Clark County Circuit Clerk — Family Division:
Clark County Circuit Clerk
401 Clay Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-4281
Clark County Circuit Clerk
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance with locating records
Records Department:
The Circuit Clerk's office serves as the primary records custodian for all divorce case files. Historical and archived cases, including those not yet digitized, may be retrieved upon request. Certified copy requests for older records may require additional processing time.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clark County Circuit Clerk, 401 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed in the order received; allow one to two weeks for standard requests.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clark County Circuit Clerk: (870) 246-4281
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Arkansas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of good cause for sealed materials. The Arkansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed records or post-judgment enforcement proceedings.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Clark County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Arkansas are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one of the parties also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Under Arkansas Code § 9-12-307, one of the parties must have been a resident of Arkansas for at least sixty days immediately preceding the filing of the complaint for divorce. The divorce is filed in the circuit court of the county where either party resides.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Allow several business days to a few weeks for processing after the final decree is entered.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper form.
- Archived records may require a special retrieval request and additional processing time.
- Records from the early twentieth century and prior may not be digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (870) 246-4281
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Arkansas Department of Health vital records verification service
- Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for complex searches
What Are Clark County Divorce Records?
Clark County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Clark County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Clark County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the ex-officio county recorder and official custodian of all circuit court filings.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office and serve as legal proof of divorce for purposes including remarriage, name changes, estate planning, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit applications.
Supporting Documents filed in the case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, appraisals, parenting plan details, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Clark County Circuit Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clark County Arkansas official government website identifies the Circuit Clerk as responsible for maintaining court records for both the circuit court and juvenile court. The Arkansas Department of Health's Vital Records division maintains a separate divorce verification service for statewide records.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in Arkansas are governed by Arkansas Code § 9-12-301 et seq., which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage in Arkansas. Public access to court records is governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings.
Are Clark County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clark County Circuit Court are public court records subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and scheduled events
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from public filings under Arkansas court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Certain financial statements may have limited public availability
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of parties in domestic violence cases may be withheld
- Medical records incorporated into the case file are subject to HIPAA protections
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Arkansas law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required at the clerk's office.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a showing of need.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of the record; sealed records require a court order. First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on matters of public concern.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of any protective order issued in the case
- Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clark County?
The Clark County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies of court records. Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware of the following current fee structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page (non-certified) |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification seal/stamp | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
| Electronic copies (if available) | Varies; confirm with clerk's office |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to Clark County Circuit Clerk
- Credit or debit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office, as policies may change
Fee Waivers:
Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status by the court may be entitled to reduced or waived fees for copies of records in their own case. Members of the public seeking fee waivers must file the appropriate motion with the court and demonstrate financial need.
Free Access:
Basic case information, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket entries, is available at no charge through the Arkansas Judiciary online services portal. Members of the public may view this information without payment; fees apply only when requesting physical or certified copies of documents.
The Circuit Clerk's office at (870) 246-4281 can confirm current fees prior to submitting a request.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clark County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Clark County Circuit Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information about minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. Arkansas recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. The Response or Answer contains the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief.
Financial Affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories and answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory covering all joint and individual liabilities
- Real property appraisals and business valuations
- Expert reports on the value of specialized assets
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
The Parenting Plan establishes legal and physical custody, the regular timesharing schedule, holiday and vacation provisions, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. The Child Support Calculation Worksheet documents both parties' income, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses, resulting in the support amount ordered by the court.
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Where mediation was used, a Mediation Agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though mediation communications themselves remain confidential.
Court Orders and Judgments:
Temporary orders may address custody, support, use of the marital home, and restraining orders during the pendency of the proceeding. The Final Judgment of Dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and all provisions governing property, support, custody, and name restoration. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued as a separate order directing the plan administrator to divide the benefit.
Post-Judgment Documents:
After entry of the final decree, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and lien filings related to property division.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details subject to a sealing order
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clark County
Proof of divorce in Clark County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution issued by the Clark County Circuit Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts in other jurisdictions.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number by searching the Arkansas Judiciary case search system or by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office directly.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or as otherwise permitted by the clerk's office, providing the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known.
- Pay the applicable certification fee. Under current fee schedules, certified copies are available for $5.00 per document plus the per-page copy fee.
- Receive the certified copy bearing the clerk's seal, which constitutes official proof of the dissolution of marriage.
In-Person Request:
Clark County Circuit Clerk
401 Clay Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Phone: (870) 246-4281
Clark County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
By Mail:
Written requests may be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the names of both parties, the approximate divorce date, the case number if known, a check or money order for applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Arkansas Department of Health — Divorce Verification:
For a summary verification letter rather than a full certified court copy, members of the public may contact the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records, at 4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, phone (501) 661-2336. This office provides divorce verification letters for divorces granted in Arkansas, which confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain the full terms of the decree.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clark County?
Divorce proceedings in Clark County are presumptively public under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act; however, a court may order that all or part of a case file be sealed upon a showing of good cause. The following circumstances may result in confidential or restricted divorce records:
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where the case involves allegations of domestic abuse, the court may seal identifying information, including addresses and contact details, to protect the safety of the victim.
- Cases involving minor children: Certain documents related to children, including psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody evaluations, may be sealed or restricted from public access to protect the best interests of the child.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and records containing Social Security numbers or account numbers are redacted or filed under seal as a matter of standard practice.
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential under Arkansas law and are not part of the public record unless incorporated into a filed agreement.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Clark County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The court rules on such requests on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Divorce Records?
Clark County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Arkansas court records retention schedules. The following retention periods apply under current Arkansas law and court administrative rules:
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final divorce decrees are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record and do not expire or become unavailable over time.
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Uncontested divorce files: Retained according to the Arkansas court records retention schedule, which requires preservation of the final order permanently and supporting documents for a minimum period established by the Arkansas Supreme Court's administrative rules.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the Arkansas eFiling system are maintained in the statewide electronic records system and are accessible through the Arkansas Judiciary online services portal.
- Paper records predating electronic filing: Older paper records are maintained in the Circuit Clerk's physical archives. Records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period as the underlying case.
Arkansas court records retention is governed by administrative orders of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many decades ago should contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.