Search Nevada County Divorce Records

Nevada County divorce records are held by the Circuit Clerk in Prescott and cover cases filed in the 8th Judicial Circuit. This page walks through how to search Nevada County divorce records online, request a certified copy of a decree or certificate, and find legal resources in southwest Arkansas if you need help with a case.

Nevada County Circuit Clerk Office

The Nevada County Circuit Clerk is located at 215 E 2nd Street South, Prescott, AR 71857. The main phone number is (870) 887-2710. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerk maintains all divorce case files for Nevada County, including original petitions, court orders, and final decrees in both contested and uncontested cases.

Nevada County was created in 1871 from Hempstead County. It is one of the smaller counties in the southwest corner of Arkansas. The name comes from the Spanish word for "snow-covered," a reference similar to the western state. Because the county is small, the clerk's office can typically help you locate a case with just the party names and approximate year. If you have a case number, that makes the search even faster. Call the office at (870) 887-2710 before visiting to confirm current fees and whether the specific records you need are in the physical files or already in the electronic system.

The Arkansas Association of Counties listing for Nevada County provides verified contact information for the Circuit Clerk and other county offices. The screenshot below shows that listing.

Check that page for the most current address and phone number before submitting any record request.

Searching Nevada County Divorce Cases Online

The free statewide search tool for Arkansas court records is CourtConnect, operated by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts. To search Nevada County divorce records, go to CourtConnect, select "Nevada County" from the county menu, and set the case type to "14 - Domestic Relations." Results show party names, case numbers, filing dates, and the current status of each case. This is the best first step for any online search.

CourtConnect covers cases that have been entered into the statewide electronic system. Older cases may not appear online and require a direct request to the Circuit Clerk. If your search returns no results, try both party names separately. Divorce records are indexed under both the petitioner and respondent in most Arkansas counties.

The AOC is located at 625 Marshall Street, Suite 1100, Little Rock, AR 72201, and can be reached at (501) 682-9400. If you have technical questions about CourtConnect or cannot find a case that you know exists, the AOC can assist.

The image below shows the Arkansas CourtConnect public access portal.

Set the case type to 14 when searching to filter results to domestic relations cases only.

Divorce Decrees vs. Divorce Certificates in Nevada County

There are two types of records tied to a divorce in Arkansas, and they come from different offices. Understanding the difference helps you request the right document and avoid delays.

A divorce decree is the full court order. It is the document the Circuit Court judge signed to end the marriage. It may include rulings on property, debts, custody, visitation schedules, and support. The Nevada County Circuit Clerk holds this record. To get a certified copy of the decree, visit the clerk at 215 E 2nd Street South in Prescott, or mail a written request. Include the names of both parties, the year of the divorce, and the case number if you have it. The clerk charges a per-page fee plus a certification fee; call (870) 887-2710 for the current amounts. Divorce decrees are public records. Anyone may request a copy.

A divorce certificate is a short summary document held by the state. It confirms the divorce took place and provides names, dates, and the county where it was filed, but it does not include the case terms. Certificates are issued by the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records at 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Reach the ADH at (501) 661-2336 or toll-free at (866) 209-9482, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The fee is $10 per copy. Under Arkansas Code Annotated 20-18-305, certificates are restricted to the parties named in the record, legal representatives, and those with a direct and tangible interest in the document. The restriction does not apply to decrees.

You can order divorce certificates online through VitalChek. The total cost is $10 for the certificate, $5 for the service fee, and $1.85 for ID verification. Online orders are typically faster than mailing a request to ADH directly.

Filing a Divorce Case in Nevada County

Divorce cases in Nevada County are filed with the Circuit Court, Domestic Relations division, at the courthouse in Prescott. Arkansas permits both fault and no-fault divorce. Fault grounds are listed in Arkansas Code Annotated 9-12-301 and include adultery, cruel treatment, habitual drunkenness, and conviction of a felony. No-fault divorce is available under ACA 9-12-306, which requires showing an 18-month period of separation. Both statutes are accessible through the Arkansas Code online.

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Arkansas for 60 days before the petition is filed. The petition is filed in the county where the petitioner lives. Once the Circuit Court grants the divorce, the clerk notifies the Arkansas Department of Health, which adds the event to the statewide vital records database. That notification creates the divorce certificate on file with ADH, separate from the court record held by the clerk.

Most divorce records are open to the public under ACA 25-19-105, the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Records involving minor children may have sealed sections. The clerk can tell you if any part of a specific file is restricted before you make the trip to Prescott.

Legal Help for Nevada County Residents

If you need assistance with a divorce case in Nevada County, several resources are available. Legal Aid of Arkansas offers free legal services to income-eligible residents statewide, including help with divorce filings, custody disputes, and related family law matters. Call to check eligibility and set up an appointment.

The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership offers a free online guide to divorce in Arkansas. The site covers the process from start to finish and links to court forms you can download. It is a useful starting point if you want to understand the steps before deciding whether to hire an attorney.

For referrals to private family law attorneys who practice in the 8th Judicial Circuit, contact the Arkansas Bar Association at 400 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 1100, Little Rock, or call (501) 375-4606. They maintain a referral service that can match you with attorneys who handle Nevada County cases.

What to Expect in a Nevada County Divorce File

A Nevada County divorce case file typically contains the original petition, proof of service, any court-ordered disclosures, and the final decree. Contested cases often include hearing transcripts, financial records, and temporary custody or support orders. Uncontested cases are shorter, sometimes just a few pages with the petition and the signed decree.

All files are kept at the Circuit Clerk's office in Prescott. For recent cases in the CourtConnect system, you can review basic case information online before requesting a physical copy. For older cases not yet in the electronic system, contact the clerk directly. They can tell you what is available and how much a copy will cost. Have the party names and year ready when you call.

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