Find Lincoln County Family Court Records

Lincoln County family court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk, covering divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic relations cases in Arkansas's 11th Judicial Circuit. Lincoln County uses a dual county seat system, with Star City serving as the northern seat and Gould as the southern seat. Search case records at no cost through Arkansas CourtConnect.

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk

Lincoln County operates under a unique dual county seat system — one of few Arkansas counties to do so. The main courthouse is in Star City (northern seat), and a secondary courthouse is in Gould (southern seat). The circuit clerk's office manages court records from both locations.

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk (Star City — North Seat)
Cindy Glover, Circuit Clerk
Lincoln County Courthouse
300 South Drew Street
Star City, AR 71667
Phone: (870) 628-3154
Fax: (870) 628-5546
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Lincoln County Courthouse (Gould — South Seat)
803 West Gaines Street
Gould, AR 71643

The circuit clerk's office manages court records and legal documents for the county. The court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, domestic relations cases including divorce and child custody, and probate matters. If you are unsure which courthouse handles your case, call the Star City office first.

Online Case Search

Lincoln County Circuit Court records are available through the Arkansas CourtConnect system with full information access. Search at caseinfo.arcourts.gov by selecting Lincoln County and entering a party name or case number. The portal is free and available any time without registration.

Results include the case type, filing date, party names, current status, and a list of docket entries. Document images may be available for more recent filings. For older records or documents not in the online system, contact the circuit clerk's office in Star City.

Written requests for records should include the names of the parties, years to search, prepayment for copy fees, and a return envelope. Call the Star City office first to confirm the exact fee and current processing times.

The Lincoln County CourtConnect portal provides free online access to circuit court case records for both the Star City and Gould courthouse locations, covering divorce, custody, and other domestic relations filings.

Family Court Case Types

Lincoln County Circuit Court handles the full range of family law and domestic relations matters. Case types include:

• Divorce — Filed under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301. At least sixty days of Arkansas residency is required. Grounds include eighteen months of separation, general indignities, and other statutory bases. Divorce cases with children require the court to address custody and support.
• Child Custody — Decided under § 9-13-101 using the best interest of the child standard. Courts can order joint or sole physical and legal custody with a parenting plan.
• Child Support — Calculated using the state income guidelines. Modifications are available under § 9-14-107 when income or circumstances change significantly.
• Paternity — Establishes legal fatherhood for children born outside of marriage, allowing the court to then set custody and support orders.
• Orders of Protection — Emergency and extended domestic abuse orders are available through the circuit court. No attorney is required to file a petition.
• Juvenile Cases — Confidential under § 9-27-309. Not open to the general public. Access requires a court order or proof of authorized status.
• Adoption — Sealed under § 9-9-217. A court order is required to access adoption records.

Probate matters including estates and guardianships are also handled through the circuit court in Lincoln County, with records maintained at the Star City courthouse. If you need to open an estate or file for guardianship of a minor or incapacitated adult, contact the Star City clerk's office first to confirm current procedures and any local requirements.

Fees and Copies

Lincoln County follows the standard Arkansas fee schedule. New domestic relations filings cost $165.00. Other fees:

• Summons or subpoena: $2.50 per person
• Reopening a case: $50.00
• Standard copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copy: $5.00 per document (up to 10 pages)

Pay in person at either courthouse by cash or money order. For mail requests, prepay and include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send requests to the Star City courthouse. Call (870) 628-3154 before sending to confirm exact fees. Online CourtConnect searches are always free.

Legal Help Resources

Lincoln County residents needing legal help with family court matters can contact these organizations.

Center for Arkansas Legal Services provides free civil legal aid to income-qualifying residents. Family law services include divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases. Apply at arjustice.org or call 1-800-952-9243.

Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation — Visit arkansasjustice.org for legal aid resources in southeast Arkansas and the 11th Judicial Circuit area.

Self-Help Forms — Free forms and instructions are available at arcourts.gov/directories/resources, covering divorce, custody, support, and protection orders for people without attorneys.

The circuit clerk's staff cannot give legal advice. They can explain filing procedures and tell you what forms are needed, but cannot advise you on the merits of your case or tell you what to write in your filings. For legal advice, contact an attorney or one of the legal aid organizations listed above. The Arkansas State Bar lawyer referral service can also help connect you with a licensed attorney if you need representation.

Nearby Counties

Lincoln County is in southeast Arkansas, part of the 11th Judicial Circuit, near several other counties with circuit court records.