Faulkner County Divorce Records
What Are Faulkner County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Faulkner County are official legal documents maintained by the county government that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-12-301, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. The Faulkner County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of these records, which include petitions, decrees, and associated court filings related to divorce cases within the jurisdiction.
Divorce records typically consist of:
- Initial divorce petition or complaint
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial affidavits and property settlements
- Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
- Final divorce decree or judgment
These documents serve multiple important purposes for individuals and government entities, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Establishing eligibility for remarriage
- Documenting legal name changes resulting from divorce
- Verifying status for Social Security benefits and other government programs
- Supporting loan applications and financial transactions
- Establishing status for immigration matters
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (A.C.A. § 25-19-105) establishes the framework for public access to government records, including divorce records, though certain privacy protections may apply to sensitive information contained within these documents.
Are Faulkner County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Faulkner County maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, though this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
The public status of divorce records is established by:
- Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, which provides that public records shall be open to inspection and copying
- Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which governs access to court records
While the general case information is publicly accessible, certain components of divorce files may be restricted or redacted, including:
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, etc.)
- Records pertaining to minor children
- Records sealed by court order for privacy or safety concerns
- Records containing information protected by other state or federal laws
Certified divorce certificates and vital records maintained by the Arkansas Department of Health have more restricted access. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 20-18-305, these records are available only to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record
Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware of these distinctions when determining which records they need and the appropriate method for accessing them.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Faulkner County in 2026
Individuals seeking divorce records in Faulkner County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary custodian of divorce records is the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's office, which maintains court files for divorce proceedings within the county.
To obtain divorce records in person:
- Visit the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form, providing case number, names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (fees vary based on document type and number of pages)
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4909
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
For requests by mail:
- Prepare a written request including names of parties, approximate date of divorce, and case number (if known)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the Circuit Clerk's office at the address above
For certified copies of divorce certificates (not full court records):
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records Section
- Complete their application for certified copies
- Provide required identification and documentation of eligibility
- Submit applicable fees
Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records Section
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the method of request and current departmental workloads. Records from recent years are typically more readily accessible than older records that may have been archived.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Faulkner County Online?
Faulkner County provides digital access to certain divorce records through online platforms maintained by the Arkansas Judiciary. The primary online resource for accessing divorce records is the Arkansas Court Automation Programs (ACAP) Court Connect system.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Arkansas Judiciary's Court Connect portal
- Register for a free account if you don't already have one
- Select "Faulkner County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Choose "Domestic Relations" as the case category
- Enter search criteria such as party names, case number, or filing date range
- Review the search results and select the relevant case
The online system provides access to:
- Basic case information including parties, attorneys, and judges
- Case docket entries showing filings and court actions
- Some court documents filed electronically since 2016
- Case status and disposition information
Important limitations of the online system include:
- Records prior to January 1, 2009, may not be available electronically
- Some documents may require in-person viewing due to privacy restrictions
- Certified copies cannot be obtained through the online system
- Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records
For more comprehensive searches or to obtain certified copies, individuals should contact the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk directly. The clerk's office can provide guidance on which records are available online versus those requiring in-person or written requests.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Faulkner County?
Faulkner County residents and interested parties may access certain divorce records without payment through several available channels, though some limitations apply to free access options.
Free public access terminals are available at:
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's Office
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4909
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
When using these terminals:
- No fee is charged for searching or viewing records
- Staff assistance may be available for navigating the system
- Printing or obtaining certified copies will incur standard fees
- Photo identification may be required to use the terminals
The Arkansas Judiciary's Court Connect system offers limited free access:
- Basic case information is viewable without charge
- Registration is required but free of cost
- Document viewing may require payment of access fees
- The system is accessible at Arkansas Court Connect
The Faulkner County Library also provides:
- Free public computer access to online court resources
- Reference assistance for locating public records
- Access to legal research databases that may contain court records
Faulkner County Library
1900 Tyler Street
Conway, AR 72032
501-327-7482
Faulkner County Library
While searching records may be free, requestors should note that fees typically apply for:
- Printed copies of documents (generally $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies of divorce decrees ($10.00 per copy)
- Records requiring extensive staff research time
- Expedited processing of requests
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3), agencies may waive fees when the request is not for commercial purposes and the waiver is in the public interest.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Faulkner County
Divorce records in Faulkner County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records typically contain several distinct components that document the entire divorce proceeding from initiation to final judgment.
The standard divorce file includes:
-
Petition for Divorce (Complaint) - The initial filing that states:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Grounds for divorce under Arkansas law
- Residency information establishing jurisdiction
- Requests regarding property division, support, and custody
-
Summons and Proof of Service - Documentation showing:
- Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Verification that legal notice requirements were satisfied
-
Answer and/or Counterclaim - The responding spouse's:
- Formal response to allegations in the petition
- Any counter-requests or alternative proposals
-
Financial Affidavits - Sworn statements detailing:
- Income from all sources
- Monthly expenses and financial obligations
- Assets and liabilities
- Insurance coverage information
-
Property Settlement Agreement - Document outlining:
- Division of real estate and personal property
- Allocation of debts and financial obligations
- Retirement account distributions
- Tax considerations
-
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Child support calculations and obligations
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
-
Final Divorce Decree - The court's final judgment containing:
- Official dissolution of the marriage
- Court-ordered terms regarding all aspects of the divorce
- Judge's signature and date of effect
- Any specific findings of fact or conclusions of law
-
Post-Judgment Filings - May include:
- Motions to modify support or custody
- Enforcement actions
- Appeals or requests for reconsideration
The level of detail in these records varies based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of assets involved, and whether minor children were part of the proceedings. All documents become part of the official court record maintained by the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Faulkner County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Faulkner County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
For a certified copy of the divorce decree:
- Visit or contact the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's office
- Provide the case number, names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Present valid identification
- Pay the certification fee (typically $10.00 per document)
- Specify whether you need the entire decree or just the first and last pages
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4909
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
For a certified certificate of divorce (abstract):
- Contact the Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records Section
- Complete their application for certified copies
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to receive the record
- Submit the required fee ($10.00 for the first copy, $8.00 for each additional copy)
Arkansas Department of Health, Vital Records Section
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health
For international use requiring authentication:
- First obtain a certified copy from the Circuit Clerk
- Submit the certified copy to the Arkansas Secretary of State for apostille or authentication
- Pay the required authentication fee ($10.00 per document)
Arkansas Secretary of State
State Capitol, Suite 256
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-682-3409
Arkansas Secretary of State
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-46-101, certified copies of court records are admissible as evidence with the same force and effect as the original documents. Requestors should specify the intended use of the document to ensure they receive the appropriate form of proof.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Faulkner County?
While divorce proceedings in Faulkner County are generally matters of public record, Arkansas law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Sealing of records may occur through:
- Court-ordered sealing of the entire case file
- Redaction of sensitive information from publicly accessible documents
- Filing of certain documents under seal while maintaining public access to the general case
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
- Protection of minor children's privacy interests
- Prevention of identity theft through protection of personal identifiers
- Safeguarding victims of domestic violence
- Protection of proprietary business information or trade secrets
- Prevention of serious economic harm or personal embarrassment
The legal basis for confidentiality in divorce proceedings stems from:
- Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which establishes procedures for sealing court records
- Arkansas Code § 9-12-312, which addresses confidentiality in domestic relations cases
- Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure 5.2, which governs privacy protections in court filings
To request confidentiality:
- File a motion with the court requesting sealing of records or specific documents
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in access
- Propose the least restrictive means of protecting the confidential information
- Obtain a court order specifically directing which records shall be confidential
The court applies a balancing test weighing the privacy interests against the presumption of public access to court records. Even when records are sealed, certain parties maintain access rights, including the litigants, their attorneys, and authorized court personnel.
Individuals concerned about privacy should consult with an attorney early in the divorce process to implement appropriate confidentiality measures before sensitive information enters the public record.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Faulkner County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Faulkner County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Under Arkansas law, certain minimum timeframes must be observed regardless of case circumstances.
Statutory timeframes include:
- Minimum 30-day waiting period from filing to final decree, as required by Arkansas Code § 9-12-307
- Residency requirement of 60 days in Arkansas before filing, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-12-307
Typical timeframes by divorce type:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 30-90 days
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 3-6 months
- Highly contested divorces with complex assets or custody disputes: 6-18 months
Factors affecting duration include:
- Court docket congestion in Faulkner County Circuit Court
- Availability of judges to hear contested matters
- Complexity of property division, especially with businesses or substantial assets
- Child custody evaluations and home studies
- Discovery processes and depositions
- Settlement negotiations and mediation attempts
- Attorney and party scheduling conflicts
According to the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in Faulkner County is approximately 120 days, though this varies significantly based on case complexity.
Procedural steps that impact timing:
- Filing of initial petition and service on respondent
- Waiting period for response (typically 30 days)
- Preliminary hearings for temporary orders
- Discovery period for information exchange
- Mediation (often required in cases involving children)
- Pre-trial conferences and hearings on motions
- Final hearing or trial
- Entry of final decree
Parties seeking expedited proceedings should consider mediation and collaborative approaches to resolve disputes without extensive court involvement.
How Long Does Faulkner County Keep Divorce Records?
Faulkner County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that varies based on record type, format, and historical significance. These retention policies are governed by Arkansas state law and administrative regulations.
The primary retention periods include:
- Permanent retention for final divorce decrees and judgments
- Minimum 10-year retention for case files and supporting documentation
- Permanent retention for docket books and indices
- Variable retention for exhibits and evidence (typically returned to parties after appeal periods expire)
The legal framework for records retention includes:
- Arkansas Code § 13-4-301, which establishes the Arkansas State Archives
- Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 7, which governs court records management
- Records retention schedules developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts
Records accessibility changes over time:
- Current records (less than 5 years old) - Readily accessible through the clerk's office
- Recent records (5-10 years old) - May require retrieval from secondary storage
- Historical records (over 10 years old) - May be archived with the Arkansas State Archives or maintained in microfilm/digital format
For records that have been archived:
- Contact the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk to determine location
- Submit a request for retrieval with specific case information
- Allow additional processing time for archived records
- Pay any applicable retrieval fees
Arkansas State Archives
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 215
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-682-6900
Arkansas State Archives
Digital preservation initiatives have expanded retention capabilities, with the Arkansas Judiciary implementing electronic filing and document management systems that facilitate longer-term preservation of court records. Records from 2009 forward are generally maintained in electronic format, enhancing their long-term accessibility.
How To Get a Divorce In Faulkner County
Obtaining a divorce in Faulkner County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under Arkansas law. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
For uncontested divorces (both parties in agreement):
- Ensure eligibility by meeting the 60-day Arkansas residency requirement
- Prepare a Complaint for Divorce citing appropriate grounds
- Complete required forms including:
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- Summons
- Verification
- Financial Affidavit (if children or support issues exist)
- File documents with the Circuit Clerk and pay filing fees (approximately $165)
- Serve the non-filing spouse with divorce papers
- Wait the mandatory 30-day cooling-off period
- Submit a Decree of Divorce for the judge's approval
- Attend a brief hearing if required by the court
For contested divorces (disagreement on terms):
- File initial paperwork as above
- Respond to or file counterclaims as appropriate
- Engage in discovery to exchange financial and other relevant information
- Attend temporary hearings for immediate issues (support, custody, etc.)
- Participate in court-ordered mediation if children are involved
- Prepare for and attend pre-trial conferences
- Present evidence at trial if settlement cannot be reached
- Receive the judge's ruling and final decree
Faulkner County Circuit Court - Domestic Relations Division
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4909
Faulkner County Circuit Court
Legal assistance options include:
- Private attorneys (fees vary widely)
- Legal Aid of Arkansas for qualifying low-income individuals
- Self-help resources through the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission
Legal Aid of Arkansas
714 South Main Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401
800-952-9243
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Arkansas recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301, with the most commonly cited ground being "general indignities." The no-fault option requires 18 months of separation before filing.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Faulkner County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Faulkner County can obtain the necessary paperwork through several channels. The required documents constitute the foundation of the legal process and must be properly completed to commence a valid divorce action.
To obtain divorce papers directly from the court:
- Visit the Faulkner County Circuit Clerk's office during business hours
- Request the divorce packet appropriate to your situation (with/without children)
- Pay any applicable fees for document packages (typically $5-10)
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
501-450-4909
Faulkner County Circuit Clerk
Online resources for divorce forms include:
- Arkansas Judiciary website - Provides standardized forms approved for use statewide
- Arkansas Legal Services Partnership - Offers interactive form preparation assistance
- Arkansas Access to Justice Commission - Provides self-help resources and guidance
The basic divorce packet typically includes:
- Complaint/Petition for Divorce
- Summons
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- Verification
- Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service (for uncontested cases)
- Financial Affidavit (required for cases involving children)
- Child Support Worksheet (if applicable)
- Divorce Decree template
For specialized situations, additional forms may be required:
- In Forma Pauperis Petition (for fee waivers)
- Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate (if applicable)
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (for division of retirement accounts)
- Parenting Plan documents (for cases involving minor children)
Legal assistance for form completion is available through:
- Center for Arkansas Legal Services (for qualifying low-income individuals)
- Arkansas Legal Services Partnership's website
- Private attorneys offering unbundled services or document preparation
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
1300 West 6th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-376-3423
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
Individuals should ensure they are using the most current versions of forms, as requirements change periodically based on legislative updates and court rule modifications. Forms must comply with Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10, which establishes standards for domestic relations cases.