Phillips County Divorce Records

Phillips County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Helena-West Helena, the county seat, and are part of the 1st Judicial Circuit, one of the oldest judicial circuits in Arkansas. This page covers how to search Phillips County divorce records online through CourtConnect, how to request a certified copy of a divorce decree from the clerk's office, and how to order an Arkansas divorce certificate from state vital records.

Phillips County Circuit Clerk Office

The Phillips County Circuit Clerk is located at 620 Cherry Street, Helena, AR 72342. The main phone number is (870) 338-5505. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The clerk maintains all Phillips County divorce case records, including original petitions, orders entered during the case, and final decrees for both contested and uncontested divorces.

Phillips County was established in 1820 from Arkansas County, making it one of the oldest counties in Arkansas. The county seat, Helena-West Helena, was formed when the cities of Helena and West Helena merged. Because the county has been in existence for over 200 years, the clerk's office holds a long historical record. Some of the older records are in physical storage rather than the electronic system. If you need a record from before the state's electronic filing era, call ahead to ask about availability and expected search time. For recent cases, use CourtConnect first to confirm a case exists before requesting a copy. Have both party names and an approximate year when you call or write.

The Arkansas Association of Counties listing for Phillips County provides current contact information for the clerk and other county offices. The image below shows that listing.

Use this resource to confirm current address and phone details before submitting a records request.

Searching Phillips County Divorce Cases Online

The free statewide court record search system in Arkansas is CourtConnect, managed by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts. CourtConnect is the best starting point for any search of Phillips County divorce records. Go to the site, select "Phillips County" from the county menu, and set the case type to "14 - Domestic Relations." Results show case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case status. This is the most efficient way to locate a case in the electronic system without going to the courthouse.

CourtConnect covers cases entered into the statewide electronic records database. Older cases filed before the county's electronic cutoff may not appear online. If a case does not come up in CourtConnect, call the Circuit Clerk at (870) 338-5505. The clerk can tell you whether a physical file exists and what steps to take to get a copy. Try searching under both party names in the system. Records appear under both the petitioner and the respondent, so one name may return a result even if the other does not.

The AOC can be reached at 625 Marshall Street, Suite 1100, Little Rock, AR 72201, or by phone at (501) 682-9400. They can help with technical questions about CourtConnect or point you to the right resource if the standard search does not work.

The screenshot below shows the CourtConnect portal used to search Phillips County and all other Arkansas county court records.

Select case type 14 to filter the search to Domestic Relations cases, which includes all divorce filings.

Divorce Decrees and Certificates in Phillips County

Arkansas divorce records fall into two distinct categories. Understanding which one you need and who can provide it saves time and avoids a wasted trip or request.

A divorce decree is the full court order signed by the circuit judge. It ends the marriage and sets out the terms: property and debt division, custody of any children, visitation, and support obligations. The Phillips County Circuit Clerk holds the decree. To get a certified copy, go to the clerk's office at 620 Cherry Street in Helena or mail a written request. Include both parties' names, the approximate year of the divorce, and the case number if you have it. The clerk charges a fee per page plus a certification fee. Call (870) 338-5505 to get the current amounts before submitting your request. Divorce decrees are public records. Anyone can request a copy.

A divorce certificate is a short summary document issued by the state of Arkansas. It confirms the divorce occurred and shows names, dates, and the county of filing. It does not include any case terms. Certificates come from the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records at 4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Call ADH at (501) 661-2336 or (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, access to divorce certificates is restricted to the named parties, legal representatives, and those who can show a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Online orders for divorce certificates are available through VitalChek. The total cost is $10 plus $5 for the service fee and $1.85 for ID verification. VitalChek orders are typically processed faster than mail requests sent directly to ADH.

Divorce Law and Filing in Phillips County

Phillips County divorce cases are filed with the Circuit Court, Domestic Relations division, in Helena-West Helena. Arkansas allows both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. Fault grounds are listed in Arkansas Code Annotated 9-12-301 and include adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment, habitual drunkenness, and conviction of a felony. No-fault divorce is available under ACA 9-12-306, which requires showing 18 months of continuous separation. Both statutes are available through the Arkansas Code online. The 18-month separation requirement is longer than in most states, so it matters for the timeline of any no-fault case filed in Phillips County.

To file in Phillips County, at least one spouse must have been an Arkansas resident for at least 60 days before the petition is filed. The case is filed in the county where the petitioner lives. Once the court grants the divorce, the Circuit Clerk notifies the Arkansas Department of Health. ADH adds the event to the statewide vital records database, which creates the divorce certificate record held at the state level. That certificate is separate from the decree held by the Circuit Clerk in Helena.

Most Phillips County 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. Ask the clerk if you are unsure about the availability of any portion of a file.

Legal Resources for Phillips County Residents

Legal Aid of Arkansas serves income-eligible residents across the state, including Phillips County. Their services cover divorce, custody, and related family law matters. Call to ask about eligibility and to set up an appointment. Residents in the eastern Arkansas delta region often qualify for assistance.

The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership runs a free online guide to divorce and separation under Arkansas law. The guide covers the full process and links to court forms you can use to file on your own if you choose. It is a practical first resource before deciding whether to work with an attorney.

For referrals to private attorneys who practice in the 1st Judicial Circuit and know the Phillips County courts, contact the Arkansas Bar Association at 400 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 1100, Little Rock, or by phone at (501) 375-4606.

What Phillips County Divorce Records Contain

A standard Phillips County divorce file held by the Circuit Clerk includes the original petition, the respondent's answer if the case was contested, any temporary orders, and the final decree. Contested cases involving property, debts, or children tend to have larger files. Uncontested cases can be very brief, sometimes only a petition and the signed decree.

Phillips County was established in 1820. That means over 200 years of court records exist. Historical files from the 1800s and early 1900s are in physical storage and require more time to find. Call ahead if you need records from that era. For anything from the past few decades, CourtConnect is the fastest way to confirm a case exists and get basic information before contacting the clerk for a copy.

Per-page copy fees and certification fees are set by the county. Call the clerk at (870) 338-5505 for current fee information before submitting a paid request.

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