Randolph County Divorce Records
Randolph County divorce records go back to 1835 and are held by the Circuit Clerk in Pocahontas, Arkansas. This page covers how to find and request Randolph County divorce records, what the online CourtConnect search tool shows, how to reach the clerk's office by phone or mail, what fees apply, and how divorce decrees differ from state-issued divorce certificates. It also covers legal help options for residents of the 3rd Judicial Circuit.
Randolph County Overview
Randolph County Circuit Clerk
The Randolph County Circuit Clerk's office is at 107 W Broadway, Pocahontas, AR 72455. The main phone is (870) 892-5522. A fax line is available at (870) 892-5526. The office is the official keeper of all divorce case files in Randolph County, including the final decrees, pleadings, and case dockets filed in the 3rd Judicial Circuit.
To get a certified copy of a divorce decree, visit in person or send a written request by mail. Include the full names of both parties, the year the divorce was filed or granted, your return address, and payment. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order made out to the Randolph County Circuit Clerk. Call the office before mailing to confirm the exact fee and current processing time. Staff can often pull files and issue copies quickly for in-person visitors.
Randolph County was created in 1835 from Lawrence County. Divorce records date from 1835, making this one of the older collections in northeastern Arkansas. The county sits along the Missouri border in the 3rd Judicial Circuit.
The Randolph County page on the Arkansas Association of Counties website lists current office contacts and is a reliable way to verify hours before you call or visit. The image below shows that county listing.
That page reflects current information for the Pocahontas courthouse and the Circuit Clerk's office contact details.
Search Randolph County Divorce Cases Online
Arkansas provides a free public case search tool at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad. This is the CourtConnect portal maintained by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts, 625 Marshall St Suite 1100, Little Rock, phone 501-682-9400. To search Randolph County divorce cases, select Randolph from the county dropdown and use case type 14 for Domestic Relations. The system shows case numbers, party names, and docket activity for cases in the system.
CourtConnect does not show scanned documents. It gives you case index information, which is enough to identify a case and request a copy from the clerk. No account is needed, and the search is free under ACA § 25-19-105. Cases filed before the electronic era may not appear in the online system. For those, contact the Circuit Clerk directly at (870) 892-5522.
The online search is especially useful if you are not sure exactly when a divorce was filed. Searching by one party's last name can return multiple results, letting you narrow down the case you need before making a trip to Pocahontas.
Understanding Divorce Records: Decree vs. Certificate
Two different documents are commonly called "divorce records." Each comes from a different agency and has different access rules. The divorce decree is the court's final order. It is signed by the judge and filed with the Randolph County Circuit Clerk. The decree contains both parties' names, the legal grounds, the date the divorce was granted, and all court orders about property, debts, custody, and support. The decree is a public record. There is no restriction on who may request a copy from the clerk.
The divorce certificate is a short summary created by the Arkansas Department of Health. It shows 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 named, their immediate family, and authorized legal representatives. For most everyday purposes, the full decree is the right document to request. It is public, costs $10, and is available directly from the Randolph County Circuit Clerk in Pocahontas.
Arkansas Divorce Grounds and Law
Randolph County divorce cases are governed by Arkansas law. ACA § 9-12-301 lists the fault grounds recognized in the state. These include adultery, habitual drunkenness, felony conviction, cruel and inhuman treatment, and others. Fault-based cases require evidence to be presented at a hearing.
The more common path is no-fault divorce under ACA § 9-12-306. Couples who have lived separate and apart for at least 18 months may file for divorce without placing blame on either party. This is the standard approach for most uncontested cases in Randolph County. The divorce decree, regardless of the grounds used, is filed with the clerk and becomes part of the public record.
Fees and Copy Requests
Certified copies of Randolph County divorce decrees cost $10 per copy. Additional copies of the same document may be available at a reduced rate. Confirm the current fee by calling the clerk at (870) 892-5522 before submitting your request. In-person payments are accepted by cash, check, or money order. Fax requests are not used for certified copies, but the fax line (870) 892-5526 may be useful for general inquiries.
To order a state-issued divorce certificate, contact the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records 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. Orders can also be placed through VitalChek online for $10 plus processing and ID verification fees. Remember that state-issued certificates are restricted by law.
Legal Assistance for Randolph County Residents
Residents of Randolph County who need free or low-cost help with divorce matters can contact Legal Aid of Arkansas. Eligible low-income clients can receive assistance with divorce filings, custody disputes, and related issues. Eligibility is based on income and case type.
The Arkansas Legal Services Partnership provides free plain-language guides about divorce and separation that explain the process step by step. For a referral to a licensed family law attorney in Pocahontas or the surrounding area, contact the Arkansas Bar Association at 400 W Capitol Ave Suite 1100, Little Rock, phone 501-375-4606.
Additional State Resources
The state's Arkansas AOC website at arcourts.gov provides general information about Arkansas courts, including the 3rd Judicial Circuit that serves Randolph County. The AOC also administers the CourtConnect search portal and publishes court forms used in divorce cases across the state.
The image below shows the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership resource page, which provides free divorce guidance for all Arkansas counties including Randolph.
That resource covers divorce, separation, and annulment and is free to access for all Arkansas residents including those in Randolph County.
The Arkansas Association of Counties also maintains a directory of all 75 county offices, including current contact information for each circuit clerk across the state.