Scott County Divorce Records Search
Scott County divorce records are held by the Circuit Clerk in Waldron and date back to the county's formation in 1833. This guide explains how to search Scott County divorce records, request certified copies of divorce decrees, reach the Circuit Clerk's office, use the state's free online case portal, and find legal assistance if you need help with a divorce case in the 15th Judicial Circuit.
Scott County Overview
Scott County Circuit Clerk
The Scott County Circuit Clerk is located at 100 W 1st Street, Waldron, AR 72958. The main phone number is (479) 637-2644. A fax line is available at (479) 637-5070. The clerk's office keeps all divorce case files, including the final decrees and supporting pleadings, for cases filed in Scott County Circuit Court.
To get a certified copy of a divorce decree, you can visit the Waldron courthouse in person or submit a written request by mail. In-person visits are the quickest option. Bring the names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. Staff can search the case index and pull files on the spot. For mail requests, send a written request including party names, the filing year, your return address, and a check or money order for the copy fee payable to the Scott County Circuit Clerk.
Scott County was created in 1833 from Crawford and Pope counties. Divorce records begin from 1833, making this collection one of the older ones in western Arkansas. The county sits in the western part of the state in the Arkansas River Valley and is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit, which also serves Polk County.
The Scott County listing on the Arkansas Association of Counties website provides current office contacts for the Waldron courthouse. The image below shows that county listing and is a reliable reference for confirming clerk hours and contact details before you call or visit.
That listing is maintained by the statewide association and reflects current staff and contact information for Scott County.
Search Scott County Divorce Cases Online
The free CourtConnect portal at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad lets you search Scott County divorce cases from any computer or phone. Select Scott County from the county list and use case type 14 for Domestic Relations. Results show party names, case numbers, filing dates, and hearing information. The system does not show document images but gives you the case number needed to request a copy from the clerk.
CourtConnect is operated by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts at 625 Marshall St Suite 1100, Little Rock, AR 72201, phone 501-682-9400. The search is free and open to the public under ACA § 25-19-105. No account is needed. Cases from before digital records were kept may not appear in the system. For older files, contact the Scott County Circuit Clerk directly at (479) 637-2644.
Divorce Decree vs. Divorce Certificate
Two different records carry the label "divorce record" in Arkansas. They come from different offices and have different rules about who can access them. The divorce decree is the court's official final order. It is signed by the judge and filed with the Scott County Circuit Clerk. The decree contains the full names of both parties, the grounds for the divorce, the date it was granted, and all court orders on property, debts, custody, and support. The decree is public. Anyone may request a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk in Waldron. No special reason is required.
A divorce certificate is a different, shorter document. The Arkansas Department of Health creates it as a statistical summary of the divorce event. It does not contain the full terms of the court order. Under ACA § 20-18-305, access to divorce certificates is limited to the parties named, their immediate family, and authorized legal representatives. If you need proof of a divorce for a name change, new marriage license, or similar purpose, the full decree from the Scott County Circuit Clerk is what you need. It is public, costs $10, and contains much more detail than the certificate.
Divorce Grounds in Arkansas
All divorce cases filed in Scott County are governed by Arkansas law. ACA § 9-12-301 lists the fault-based grounds available in the state. These include adultery, habitual drunkenness, cruel and inhuman treatment, felony conviction, and several others. Fault cases require evidence to be presented at a hearing.
The more common approach is no-fault divorce under ACA § 9-12-306. Couples who have lived separate and apart continuously for 18 months or more may file without fault allegations. This is the standard route for uncontested divorces. Whatever grounds are cited, the final decree is filed with the Scott County Circuit Clerk and becomes part of the public record.
Fees and Copy Requests
Certified copies of Scott County divorce decrees cost $10 per copy. Extra copies of the same record may cost less. Confirm the current fee by calling the clerk at (479) 637-2644 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 (479) 637-5070 is available for general office correspondence.
For state-issued divorce certificates, 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. Online orders are available through VitalChek for $10 plus processing and ID verification fees. Note the access restrictions on certificates under state law.
Legal Help in Scott County
Residents of Scott County who need free or low-cost legal help with a divorce can contact Legal Aid of Arkansas. The organization provides free civil legal services to eligible low-income clients. Assistance is available for divorce filings, custody matters, and related family law issues. Eligibility is income-based.
Free guides on divorce, separation, and annulment are available through the Arkansas Legal Services Partnership. The guides explain the process step by step and are free to use online. For a referral to a private family law attorney in the Waldron area, contact the Arkansas Bar Association at 400 W Capitol Ave Suite 1100, Little Rock, phone 501-375-4606.
State Resources for Divorce Records
Several statewide tools support Scott County residents who need to find or use divorce records. The Arkansas AOC at arcourts.gov administers the courts and maintains the CourtConnect search portal. The Arkansas Association of Counties lists current contacts for every clerk's office in the state.
The image below shows the Arkansas Bar Association's family law resources page, which is a useful tool for finding licensed attorneys who handle divorce cases in Scott County and the surrounding area of the 15th Judicial Circuit.
The Arkansas Bar Association's referral service can connect Scott County residents with attorneys who practice in the 15th Judicial Circuit, including the Waldron area.