Arkansas County Family Court Records

Arkansas County family court records cover divorce, custody, child support, and related domestic cases filed in the Circuit Court. You can search case records online or contact the Circuit Clerk in Stuttgart or DeWitt to get documents and certified copies.

Circuit Clerk Office

The Circuit Clerk for Arkansas County is Sarah Merchant. The main office sits at 302 South College Street, Stuttgart, AR 72160. A second courthouse serves the DeWitt district at 101 Court Square, DeWitt, AR 72042. You can reach both offices by phone at (870) 659-2098. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Circuit Clerk files and processes all court documents for civil, domestic relations, criminal, and juvenile cases. The clerk also serves as the ex-officio county recorder, which means the same office records deeds, mortgages, and other land instruments. If you need a certified copy of a divorce decree or custody order, this is the office to contact.

Arkansas County is one of two counties in Arkansas with dual county seats. Stuttgart handles cases for the northern district and DeWitt handles the southern district. Make sure you contact the right office based on where your case was filed. Marriage licenses and probate records are maintained by the County Clerk at 101 Court Square, DeWitt.

You can visit the county court website at arkansascountycourt.org for information on requesting records and learning more about how the office works.

How to Search Online

The Arkansas Judiciary provides public access to circuit court records through the statewide CourtConnect portal at caseinfo.arcourts.gov. This system is free to use and covers Arkansas County Circuit Court records. You can search by party name, case number, or date filed.

The Arkansas County Circuit Clerk website provides direct access to case records and search tools. Family court records including divorce and custody cases are accessible through the same system used for all circuit court matters.

Under Administrative Order 8, all Arkansas circuit courts report case data through the statewide CourtConnect system. This means Arkansas County records are included in the same search you would use for any other county. Search by name, case number, or filing date to find what you need.

For older cases, meaning those filed before the digital system was set up, you may need to visit the courthouse in person. Staff can assist with searches for historical case files, though written requests may be needed for older records. The office asks that you allow time for research on pre-digital cases.

The Arkansas County Circuit Court handles all domestic relations matters for residents of both Stuttgart and DeWitt districts.

Case Types Handled

The domestic relations division of Arkansas County Circuit Court handles a full range of family law matters. Divorce cases are filed under Arkansas Code Annotated § 9-12-301, which sets out the grounds and procedures for ending a marriage in the state. Most contested divorces require at least 30 days between filing and final decree.

Child custody and visitation cases are governed by § 9-13-101. Courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, considering factors like each parent's relationship with the child, the home environment, and the child's own preferences if old enough to express them. Custody orders can be modified later if circumstances change.

Child support matters fall under § 9-14-107. Arkansas uses an income shares model to calculate support, meaning the combined income of both parents determines the base amount. The court can deviate from guidelines in special situations. The Circuit Clerk also processes child support payments and maintains a registry of orders.

Juvenile cases, including dependency-neglect and delinquency matters, are handled under § 9-27-309. These records are sealed and not open to the public. Adoption cases fall under § 9-9-217 and are also confidential once finalized. If you need information from a sealed case, you must petition the court with a specific reason.

Other case types in the domestic relations division include paternity establishment, protective orders, guardianship of minors, and contempt proceedings related to existing family court orders.

Fees and Copies

Filing a new domestic relations case in Arkansas County costs $165.00. This covers the initial filing fee for divorce, custody, and similar matters. There is an additional fee of $2.50 per person for summons and service. Reopening a closed case costs $50.00.

Standard copy fees run $0.50 per page for copies made in the office. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document for up to 10 pages. If you need copies mailed or faxed, the per-page rate may be higher. The clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks for most fees. Call ahead to confirm acceptable payment methods.

Basic case information viewed through CourtConnect is free. You only pay when you need physical copies or certified documents. If you are requesting records by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees.

Legal Help

If you cannot afford an attorney, several resources are available. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS) provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income residents. You can apply at arjustice.org. Services include help with divorce, custody, protective orders, and other family law matters.

The Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation supports programs that help people navigate the court system without an attorney. Their resources are available at arkansasjustice.org. This site includes information on legal aid organizations across the state.

The Arkansas Judiciary also maintains self-help resources at arcourts.gov/directories/resources. You will find court forms, procedural guides, and links to legal aid programs. The Circuit Clerk can tell you what forms are needed, but cannot give legal advice or fill out forms for you.

Nearby Counties

Arkansas County borders several other counties in the Arkansas Delta region. Each has its own Circuit Clerk and court system, though all use the same statewide CourtConnect search portal.