Stone County Family Court Records
Stone County family court records for divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and juvenile matters are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Mountain View, the county seat, as part of the 16th Judicial Circuit of Arkansas. Stone County is in the same judicial circuit as Sharp County. Free online access is available through the statewide Search ARCourts portal, and a courthouse kiosk is available at the Stone County Library for walk-in record searches.
Stone County Family Court Records Overview
Stone County Circuit Clerk
The Stone County Circuit Clerk is Circuit Clerk and Recorder Angie Hudspeth-Wade, serving the 16th Judicial District. The clerk's office is at 107 West Main, Suite D, Mountain View, Arkansas. The clerk serves as keeper of records for Arkansas Circuit Courts in Stone County, maintains all circuit court proceedings, prepares dockets, draws jury panels, and acts as the ex-officio recorder for real property. All family court filings including divorce, custody, child support, and protection orders are submitted to this office.
The clerk's duties include maintaining records of all circuit court proceedings, preparing dockets for circuit courts, drawing jury panels, and recording real property as ex-officio county recorder. Staff can tell you what forms to use and accept your filings, but cannot give legal advice or assist with completing court documents. The courthouse is in Mountain View, which is the county seat of Stone County.
A courthouse kiosk is available at the Stone County Library in Mountain View. This kiosk provides free access to the statewide case search portal, court forms, fact sheets, and legal aid resources without requiring a trip to the Circuit Clerk's office. It is part of the statewide AR Courthouse Kiosks program run through the Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation.
The Stone County Circuit Clerk's official website has information on the clerk's duties, how to request records, and how the court system works in Stone County. Use it to get current contact information and verify office hours before visiting.
Search Stone County Family Court Records Online
The Search ARCourts portal is the main free tool for finding Stone County family court records online. Enter a party name, case number, case type, or date range to search. Results include docket entries, party names, the assigned judge, and scheduled hearings. Stone County provides partial information through CourtConnect. If a record you need does not appear in the portal, contact the clerk's office directly to request it in person or by mail.
The AR Court Kiosk at the Stone County Library in Mountain View at 107 West Main provides free access to the statewide case search portal, legal forms, and self-help materials. The kiosk is available during library hours and is a good option if you prefer to search records in a quiet setting rather than at the courthouse. Case types available through the kiosk include divorce, custody, child support, and felony criminal matters.
Electronic filing through the eFlex system is available for attorneys and some self-represented parties. This allows document submission without traveling to Mountain View. Check the eFlex resources page for registration instructions and accepted document types for Stone County.
Family Court Case Types in Stone County
The Stone County Circuit Court handles all family law matters in the county. Divorce is filed under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301 with grounds including general indignities and eighteen months of separation. At least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for sixty days before filing. The clerk's office in Mountain View has the petition forms and can confirm current fees.
Child custody follows § 9-13-101. Joint custody is presumed when parents agree or when the court finds it is in the child's best interest. When custody is contested, the judge weighs the relationship each parent has with the child, home stability, the child's preferences based on age, and other factors. Modifications to custody orders can be filed when circumstances change significantly.
Child support is set using the Arkansas family support chart based on both parents' incomes and number of children. Modifications for a material change in circumstances are filed under § 9-14-107. Juvenile records are confidential under § 9-27-309. Adoption files are sealed under § 9-9-217. Orders of protection can be filed at the clerk's office without a fee. Emergency orders can be issued the same day, followed by a hearing within ten days. Paternity and guardianship cases are also handled at the Circuit Court level.
Fees and Copies in Stone County
A new family court case costs $165.00 to file in Stone County Circuit Court. Additional fees may apply for service of process and other steps. Ask the clerk when you file for a complete list of costs.
Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 each. Mail requests require advance payment under § 25-19-105. Send a check or money order payable to the Stone County Circuit Clerk at 107 West Main, Suite D, Mountain View, Arkansas, along with case details and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Contact the clerk's office before mailing to confirm the exact amount needed for your specific request.
Legal Help in Stone County
Stone County residents who need legal help with family court matters and cannot afford a lawyer can contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS) for free civil legal aid. CALS handles divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence cases for income-eligible residents. Apply through their statewide intake line.
The Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation provides referrals and supports the courthouse kiosk program. The kiosk at the Stone County Library provides free access to legal forms and self-help materials. Court forms and guides are also available at arcourts.gov/directories/resources.