White County Family Court Records

White County family court records for divorce, child custody, child support, domestic relations, and juvenile matters are filed with the Circuit Clerk at 300 N. Spruce, Searcy, AR 72143, as part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Arkansas. White County was created October 23, 1835 and is the 31st county formed in Arkansas. The county has a population of over 76,000. Free online access is available through the statewide Search ARCourts portal with full case information for White County.

White County Circuit Clerk

The White County Circuit Clerk is located at 300 N. Spruce, Searcy, AR 72143. Phone: (501) 279-6203. Searcy is the county seat of White County and the courthouse handles all circuit court matters for the county. The clerk's office maintains records for family matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, guardianship, and juvenile proceedings, as well as civil and criminal matters.

The White County Circuit Court handles family matters, cases involving minors, contract disputes, and delinquency cases. The county has nine District Courts covering communities throughout White County: Searcy, Rose Bud, McRae, Pangburn, Judsonia, Kensett, Beebe, Bald Knob, and Bradford. District courts handle misdemeanors and small civil matters while the Circuit Court handles family law and felony cases. White County was named for Hugh Lawson White.

White County is in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Arkansas. The circuit handles cases in the county, and circuit judges work from the Searcy courthouse. Contact the clerk's office at (501) 279-6203 for the current court calendar if you need to schedule hearings or know judge availability.

The White County CourtConnect portal provides free online access to family court records filed in the county, including the Searcy department. Search by party name, case number, or date range. No login required. Full case information is available for most White County case types.

The White County AR Court Kiosk provides in-person access to court records, legal forms, and self-help resources at the courthouse. The kiosk is part of the statewide AR Courthouse Kiosks program and is free to use during courthouse hours.

Search White County Family Court Records Online

The Search ARCourts portal is the main free tool for finding White 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. White County participates fully in CourtConnect, and both the county-wide department and the Searcy department are listed in the portal with full case information.

The AR Court Kiosk at the White County Courthouse in Searcy provides free in-person access to the statewide case search portal, court forms, and legal aid resources. You can search records, print documents, and access fact sheets on common court matters at the kiosk without any cost. It is available during courthouse hours.

Electronic filing through the statewide eFlex system is available for attorneys and some self-represented parties. This allows document submission without traveling to Searcy. Check the eFlex resources page for registration instructions and accepted case types for White County. For filings that require in-person submission, visit the clerk's office at 300 N. Spruce during regular business hours.

Family Court Case Types in White County

White 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. White County sees a significant volume of family court filings given its population of over 76,000.

Child custody follows § 9-13-101, which presumes joint custody when parents agree or when the court finds it appropriate. When custody is disputed, the judge weighs the parent-child relationship, home stability, the child's own preferences based on age, and other relevant factors. Child support is set by the Arkansas family support chart and can be modified under § 9-14-107 when there is a material change in circumstances.

Juvenile records from dependency and delinquency cases are confidential under § 9-27-309 and do not appear in public searches. Adoption files are sealed under § 9-9-217. The White County Circuit Court handles cases involving family matters and minors, contract disputes, and delinquency cases. Orders of protection can be filed at the clerk's office without a fee. Emergency orders can be issued the same day, with a follow-up hearing set within ten days. Paternity and guardianship cases are also filed with the Circuit Clerk.

Fees and Copies in White County

Filing a new family court case in White County costs $165.00. Other costs for service of process and procedural steps may apply. Ask the clerk at (501) 279-6203 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 White County Circuit Clerk at 300 N. Spruce, Searcy, AR 72143, along with case details and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call before mailing to confirm the total amount needed.

Legal Help in White County

White County residents who need legal help with family court matters and cannot afford a lawyer can apply for free civil legal aid through the Center for Arkansas Legal Services (CALS). 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. Self-help court forms and guides are available at arcourts.gov/directories/resources. The AR Court Kiosk at the White County Courthouse in Searcy provides direct in-person access to these resources.

White County has a larger local legal community than many rural counties, so finding a private family law attorney in Searcy is generally straightforward. The Arkansas Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with attorneys who handle family law cases in the area.

Cities in White County

Searcy is the county seat and the qualifying city in White County with its own family court records page.

Nearby Counties