Find Lee County Divorce Records
Lee County divorce records are held by the Circuit Clerk in Marianna, Arkansas, and are available to the public through online searches and in-person requests at the courthouse. This page explains how to find Lee County divorce cases using the CourtConnect portal, how to request a certified copy of the divorce decree, and how to order a short-form divorce certificate from the Arkansas Department of Health if all you need is a summary document.
Lee County Overview
Lee County Circuit Clerk in Marianna
The Lee County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all court records in the county, including divorce case files. The office is at 15 E Chestnut Street, Marianna, AR 72360. Phone: (870) 295-7715. Fax: (870) 295-7729. The clerk's staff can help you search for a case, request certified copies of a divorce decree, and explain your options for getting records in person or by mail.
Lee County was created April 17, 1873 from parts of Phillips, Monroe, Crittenden, and St. Francis Counties. Court records in the county go back to 1873. Older files may exist only in paper form and can take more time to pull. When you contact the office, give both parties' full names and the approximate year of the divorce. That information helps the clerk locate the right file. Bring a government-issued photo ID if you visit in person. If you are mailing a request, ask about the required format and fees when you call.
The image below is from the Lee County page at the Arkansas Association of Counties, which includes current contact details for county offices.
The Lee County listing at the Arkansas Association of Counties has up-to-date information for the Circuit Clerk and other county offices. Confirm hours there before visiting Marianna.
Search Lee County Divorce Cases Online
The free public case portal at CourtConnect includes Lee County circuit court records. Select Lee County from the list of counties, then choose case type 14 for Domestic Relations. Search by party name or case number. The tool is free to use and requires no registration.
Search results show both party names, the case number, the filing date, the case status, and a timeline of court events. Document images are not available through CourtConnect. Once you have the case number, contact the Lee County Circuit Clerk to request a certified copy of the divorce decree. Having that number ready before you call saves time.
Some older Lee County cases may not be in the online system. Court records from the late 1800s are less likely to appear in CourtConnect than recent filings. For those, a direct call or written request to the clerk's office is the right approach. Staff can often locate a case by name and year even without a case number.
The Arkansas Administrative Office of Courts manages CourtConnect and can help with access problems or questions about search results. Their number is (501) 682-9400, and they are at 625 Marshall Street, Suite 1100, Little Rock.
Lee County Divorce Documents: Decree and Certificate
Two documents can prove a divorce happened in Lee County. Which one you need depends on what you plan to do with it.
The divorce decree is the full court order. It carries the judge's signature and contains the case number, grounds for divorce, all terms ordered by the court, and the date the divorce was granted. The Lee County Circuit Clerk holds this record, and certified copies are available to the public. Call (870) 295-7715 to ask about the current copy fee and how to submit a request. For many legal and financial purposes, the full decree is the document that will be accepted.
The divorce certificate is the shorter version. It lists the names, the date, and the county. The Arkansas Department of Health issues certified copies for $10 each (non-refundable). To order, call ADH at (866) 209-9482 or mail a written request to: Vital Records, Slot 44, 4815 W Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205. Include both party names, the approximate year, and the county. Online orders go through VitalChek, the authorized third-party vendor, though their service adds fees above the $10 base rate. The certificate is enough for routine administrative tasks like applying for a marriage license or updating a Social Security record.
Divorce Law in Arkansas
Lee County courts follow Arkansas state law on all divorce matters. The same statutes apply here as in every other county.
Arkansas Code § 9-12-301 lists the grounds for divorce recognized in the state, including general indignities, adultery, habitual drunkenness, and felony conviction. At least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days before a petition can be filed. The divorce cannot be finalized for at least 30 days after filing under § 9-12-306. Vital records access is governed by § 20-18-305, which covers who can request a certified divorce certificate and what information they need to provide. Court records are public under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act at § 25-19-105, with narrow exceptions for sealed or expunged materials.
For plain-language help on Arkansas divorce, the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership has free guides online. They cover the filing process, court hearings, and what to do after a divorce is finalized.
Legal Resources for Lee County Residents
Legal Aid of Arkansas handles civil cases including divorce for residents who meet income eligibility requirements. It is free to contact them and ask. Capacity is limited, so reach out as early as you can. Even if they cannot take your case, they often refer people to other low-cost options in the region.
Free self-help materials are available through the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership. Their website covers divorce step by step and includes links to forms and court resources. These guides are particularly helpful if you are handling an uncontested divorce without an attorney.
For a private attorney, the Arkansas Bar Association referral service lets you search by county and practice area. Look for family law attorneys in Lee County or the surrounding delta region. Many offer an initial consultation at no cost or a reduced rate.
The image below shows the Arkansas Legal Services portal, which is a strong starting point for divorce guidance in Lee County.
Visit arlawhelp.org for free divorce guides and contact information for legal aid offices near Marianna.