Find Jackson County Divorce Records
Jackson County divorce records are filed with the Circuit Clerk in Newport, Arkansas, and are available to the public both online through CourtConnect and in person at the courthouse. This page covers how to search Jackson County divorce cases, request certified copies of a decree or certificate, understand the difference between the two documents, and find legal aid if you need help with your own case.
Jackson County Overview
Jackson County Circuit Clerk in Newport
The Jackson County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all court records filed in the county, including divorce cases. The office is at 208 Main Street, Newport, AR 72112. Phone: (870) 523-7423. Fax: (870) 523-7484. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerk's staff can help you look up a case, request a certified copy of a divorce decree, or explain what records are available and in what format.
Jackson County was created November 5, 1829 from portions of Lawrence and Independence Counties. It was named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Court records run from 1829 to the present. Older records may be paper only and could take more time to locate. When visiting or writing to request a record, include the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. This helps the staff find the correct file without delay. Bring a government-issued photo ID if you plan to come in person.
The Jackson County listing at the Arkansas Association of Counties has current office information. Check there for any changes to hours or contact details before making the trip to Newport.
The image below shows the county records page for Jackson County, which includes links to the Circuit Clerk and other county offices.
Use the contact information in the directory above to reach the clerk directly if you have a specific question about records access or copy fees.
Search Jackson County Divorce Cases Online
The state's free public records portal, CourtConnect, covers Jackson County divorce filings. Go to the site, select Jackson County, and use case type 14 for Domestic Relations. You can search by party name or case number. The tool is free and requires no login.
Search results from CourtConnect include both party names, the case number, the filing date, case status, and a history of court events. Document images are not available through CourtConnect. If you need the actual divorce decree, use the case number from CourtConnect to request a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk in Newport.
If a name search does not turn up results, try variations on the spelling or search a broader date range. Cases from several decades ago may not all be in the online database. For those, a phone call or written request to the clerk's office is the direct approach.
The Arkansas Administrative Office of Courts runs CourtConnect and can assist if you have trouble using the portal. They are at 625 Marshall Street, Suite 1100, Little Rock, AR, phone (501) 682-9400.
Divorce Decree and Divorce Certificate: Jackson County
Two different documents can confirm that a divorce occurred in Jackson County. Knowing which one you need saves time and avoids requesting the wrong thing.
The divorce certificate is the short summary. It shows the names of the parties, the date of divorce, and the county. The Arkansas Department of Health issues certified copies of divorce certificates for divorces that happened in Arkansas from 1923 onward. The fee is $10 per copy, non-refundable. To order, call ADH at (866) 209-9482 or mail a request to: Vital Records, Slot 44, 4815 W Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205. Include the names of both parties, the year, and the county. You can also order online through VitalChek, though extra service fees apply on top of the base rate.
The divorce decree is the full court order. It has the judge's signature, the case number, all the terms of the divorce including property and any custody agreements, and the legal grounds for the dissolution. The Jackson County Circuit Clerk holds this document. It is a public record. Request a certified copy by calling (870) 523-7423 or by mailing a written request with the names of both parties and the case number if you have it. The clerk can tell you the current per-page copy fee when you get in touch.
For many purposes, the certificate from ADH is enough. For legal proceedings, estate matters, or situations where the full terms are at issue, you need the decree from the clerk.
Arkansas Divorce Law Basics
Jackson County courts apply state law to all divorce cases. A few statutes come up often.
Arkansas Code § 9-12-301 lists the legal grounds for divorce in the state. These include general indignities, adultery, habitual drunkenness, and conviction of a felony, among others. At least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days before filing. The divorce cannot be finalized for at least 30 days after it is filed. These waiting and residency rules are in § 9-12-306. Access to vital records like the divorce certificate is controlled by § 20-18-305, which sets out who is eligible to request a copy. Court records more broadly are governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act at § 25-19-105, which treats them as public documents with limited exceptions.
The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership has plain-language guides on divorce law, the filing process, and what to expect in court. The guides are free and are written for people without legal training. They are a good starting point before you speak with an attorney.
Legal Aid and Help Resources for Jackson County
If you need help with a divorce case and cannot afford a lawyer, there are options. Legal Aid of Arkansas provides free civil legal help to qualifying residents. They handle family law matters including divorce. Eligibility is income-based, so not everyone qualifies, but it is worth contacting them if cost is a barrier.
The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership offers self-help materials online at no cost, including divorce forms and step-by-step guides. Even if you hire an attorney, these resources help you understand what is happening in your case.
To find a private family law attorney in Jackson County or nearby, use the Arkansas Bar Association lawyer referral service. You can search by county and practice area. Many attorneys offer a reduced-cost or free initial consultation for family law matters.
The image below is from the Arkansas Legal Services site, which is a helpful first stop for anyone who needs divorce information without paying for legal advice upfront.
Visit arlawhelp.org to read the free guides or find contact information for legal aid offices near Newport.