Prairie County Divorce Records
Prairie County divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office and cover filings made in the 1st Judicial Circuit. Prairie County is one of only a few Arkansas counties with two county seats, which means records and services are split between Des Arc in the Northern District and De Valls Bluff in the Southern District. This page explains how to search Prairie County divorce records, get copies of decrees, understand access rules, and use the state's free online case search tool.
Prairie County Overview
Prairie County Circuit Clerk
Prairie County has two county seats, which is unusual in Arkansas. The Northern District is served from Des Arc, and the Southern District is served from De Valls Bluff. The primary mailing address for the Circuit Clerk's Northern District office is 100 Court House Square, Des Arc, AR 72040. The main phone number for the clerk is (870) 256-3713. If your case was filed in the Southern District, call first to confirm which office holds the records you need.
The clerk's office keeps all divorce decrees filed in Prairie County. In-person requests are the most straightforward way to get a certified copy. Bring the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Staff can search the case index and pull files during your visit. For mail requests, send a written request with party names, the filing year, your mailing address, and a check or money order for the copy fee.
Prairie County was formed in 1846 from Pulaski County. Records from 1846 forward are on file with the clerk. Divorce cases filed in Prairie County fall under the jurisdiction of the 1st Judicial Circuit, which also serves several other counties in eastern Arkansas.
Note: Prairie County has two county seats; contact the clerk at (870) 256-3713 to confirm which office holds the records you need.
The Prairie County listing on the Arkansas Association of Counties site includes current office contacts and the two-seat structure of the county. The image below shows that county listing, which is a useful reference before calling or visiting.
That page reflects current contact information and confirms the dual-seat arrangement unique to Prairie County.
Online Divorce Case Search
Arkansas offers free public access to court records through CourtConnect at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad. Select Prairie County from the county list and use case type 14 for Domestic Relations to search for divorce cases. The system shows party names, case numbers, filing dates, and docket activity. It does not show images of actual court filings, but it gives you the case number needed to request a certified copy from the clerk.
The tool is managed by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts at 625 Marshall St Suite 1100, Little Rock, AR 72201, phone 501-682-9400. No account or fee is required. Access is public under ACA § 25-19-105, Arkansas's Freedom of Information Act. Cases filed before the digital era may not appear, so contact the clerk directly for older records.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
Two different documents carry the name "divorce record," and knowing the difference prevents confusion. The divorce decree is the court's final order. It is signed by the judge and filed with the Prairie County Circuit Clerk. The decree names both parties, states the grounds, sets the date of the divorce, and includes all orders about property, debts, and custody if children are involved. The decree is a public record. Any person may request a copy from the clerk without any special reason or authorization.
The divorce certificate is a separate, shorter document produced by the Arkansas Department of Health. It records the fact that a divorce occurred but does not include the full terms of the court order. Under ACA § 20-18-305, certificates are restricted to the parties, their immediate family, and their legal representatives. For most purposes, including name changes or proof of divorce for a new marriage license, the full decree from the Prairie County Circuit Clerk is what you need. It is public and easier to get than the certificate.
Divorce Grounds Under Arkansas Law
Arkansas sets out specific grounds for divorce in state law. ACA § 9-12-301 covers fault grounds such as adultery, habitual drunkenness, cruel and inhuman treatment, and felony conviction. Fault-based divorces require evidence to be presented in court supporting the claimed ground.
The no-fault option is more common. Under ACA § 9-12-306, a couple that has lived separate and apart continuously for 18 months or more can file for divorce without assigning fault to either party. This is the most common approach for uncontested cases in Prairie County. Whatever grounds are cited, the decree becomes a public record maintained by the Circuit Clerk.
Fees and Copy Requests
Certified copies of Prairie County divorce decrees cost $10 per copy. Extra copies of the same document may be available at a lower rate. Call the clerk at (870) 256-3713 to confirm current fees before submitting a request. In-person payments are typically accepted by cash, check, or money order. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order made out to the Prairie County Circuit Clerk.
To order a divorce certificate from the Arkansas Department of Health, contact the Vital Records office at 4815 W Markham St Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Phone 501-661-2336 or toll-free 866-209-9482, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also order online through VitalChek for $10 plus a $5 processing fee and $1.85 ID verification charge. Remember the access restrictions for certificates under state law.
Legal Resources for Prairie County
Prairie County residents who need legal help with a divorce can access free services through Legal Aid of Arkansas. Qualifying low-income clients can receive help with divorce filings, custody disputes, and related family law matters at no cost. Eligibility is based on income and case type.
Free self-help guides for divorce, separation, and annulment are available through the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership. These step-by-step guides explain how to file, what forms to use, and what to expect in court. The Arkansas Bar Association, at 400 W Capitol Ave Suite 1100, Little Rock, phone 501-375-4606, runs a lawyer referral service that can connect Prairie County residents with a local family law attorney.
State Divorce Records Resources
Several state-level tools support Prairie County residents looking for divorce records. The Arkansas AOC site at arcourts.gov has information about court procedures and how to navigate the 1st Judicial Circuit. CourtConnect at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad lets you search Prairie County cases free of charge.
For a broader look at Arkansas divorce law and code sections, the image below links to the Arkansas Code online resource where key statutes governing divorce are published.
That resource covers the grounds, procedures, and access rules that apply to every divorce case filed in Prairie County and across Arkansas.