Find Divorce Records in Clark County
Clark County divorce records are filed with the Circuit Clerk in Arkadelphia and date back to 1818, when Clark County was first established. This page covers how to search Clark County divorce records, request certified copies, use the statewide online search tool, and get legal help if you need it.
Clark County Overview
Clark County Circuit Clerk Office
The Clark County Circuit Clerk is located at 401 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. The main phone number is (870) 246-4281, and the fax is (870) 246-6505. You can reach the office by email at rhonda@clarkcountyansas.com. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerk does not have extended hours, so plan any visit or phone call during those times.
Clark County was created on December 15, 1818 from Arkansas County, making it one of the oldest counties in Arkansas. The county is named for William Clark, the explorer who surveyed the Louisiana Purchase territory. The Circuit Clerk has maintained court records since 1818, giving Clark County one of the most complete historical record sets in the state. Divorce filings are part of the Domestic Relations docket, which the Circuit Clerk keeps separate from criminal and civil filings. When you call or visit, have the full names of both parties and an approximate year of the divorce ready. That information helps staff locate the case faster.
The Clark County listing through the Arkansas Association of Counties provides current contact information and county overview data. The screenshot below shows the listing page.
Use this resource to confirm current contact details before submitting any record request.
Searching Clark County Divorce Cases Online
Two main tools let you search Clark County divorce records online. The first is the state's free case search system, CourtConnect. To search Clark County divorce cases, go to CourtConnect, select "Clark County" from the county list, and set the case category to "14 - Domestic Relations." Results show the case number, party names, filing date, and current status. This tool covers cases that have been entered into the state's electronic system, though older filings may not appear.
The second option is a county-level search through Arkansas Court Records, which indexes Clark County court filings and provides search tools for divorce cases. This can be useful if you are researching recent cases or want to cross-check a result from CourtConnect.
The screenshot below shows the Arkansas Court Records portal for Clark County.
If neither tool returns results for an older case, contact the Circuit Clerk directly for help with physical records searches.
Certified Copies of Clark County Divorce Records
There is a key difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate. Both relate to the same event, but they come from different offices and serve different purposes.
A divorce decree is the actual court order that ends the marriage. It is the full document the judge signed, and it may include rulings on property, debts, custody, and support. Decrees are kept by the Clark County Circuit Clerk. To get a certified copy, visit the clerk's office at 401 Clay Street in Arkadelphia or mail a written request. Include both parties' names, the case number if known, and the year the divorce was granted. The clerk can give you current per-page copy fees when you call. Mail requests may take longer, so call ahead to ask about turnaround times.
A divorce certificate is a short summary record maintained by the state. It confirms the divorce happened and gives the names, dates, and county, but it does not include the terms of the case. Certificates are issued by the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records at 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Call them at (501) 661-2336 or toll-free (866) 209-9482. The fee is $10 per copy, and most orders process in 7 to 14 business days. Under Arkansas Code Annotated 20-18-305, access to these certificates is limited to the named parties, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest in the record.
You can also order divorce certificates through VitalChek. The cost is $10 for the certificate plus a $5 service fee and a $1.85 processing fee. Online orders through VitalChek are often faster than mailing a request to the ADH office directly.
Divorce Law and Filing in Clark County
All Clark County divorce cases are filed in the Circuit Court, Domestic Relations division. Arkansas allows both fault and no-fault divorce. Fault grounds are listed under Arkansas Code Annotated 9-12-301 and include adultery, cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and conviction of a felony. No-fault divorce requires showing an 18-month separation period under ACA 9-12-306. This is a longer waiting period than many states, so it matters when you plan the timeline for your case.
To file in Clark County, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 60 days before the petition is filed. The filing happens in the county where the petitioner lives. After a divorce is granted, the Circuit Clerk notifies the Arkansas Department of Health, which adds the event to the statewide vital records database. This creates the divorce certificate record separate from the court file.
Most divorce records in Clark County are open to the public under ACA 25-19-105, the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Some records involving minor children may have sealed portions. If you are unsure whether a specific record is available, ask the clerk before making the trip to the courthouse.
Legal Aid and Attorney Resources
Clark County residents who need help with a divorce case have several options for low-cost or free legal assistance. Legal Aid of Arkansas provides services to income-qualified residents across the state. They handle divorce filings, custody disputes, and other family law matters. Call to confirm eligibility and schedule.
The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership offers an online guide to divorce, separation, and annulment. The site walks through the process and lists court forms you can download. It is a useful first step if you want to understand what to expect before you hire an attorney.
For attorney referrals, contact the Arkansas Bar Association at (501) 375-4606. The bar association can connect you with family law attorneys in the southwest Arkansas region who are familiar with Clark County courts and procedures.
What to Expect in a Clark County Divorce File
A typical divorce case file held by the Clark County Circuit Clerk includes the original petition, the respondent's answer, and the final decree. Contested cases may also contain financial disclosures, temporary orders, and hearing transcripts. Uncontested cases with no children or property disputes are often much shorter files.
Clark County records go back to 1818. That is over 200 years of court history. For cases that old, physical records may need extra time to locate. If you are doing genealogy research or need records from the 1800s or early 1900s, call the clerk's office first to discuss what is available and how long a search might take. Recent records are much easier to find, especially those in the CourtConnect system.
Copy fees at the clerk's office are set by the county and typically charged per page plus a certification fee for official copies. The clerk can quote you the exact amount when you contact the office.