St. Francis County Public Records /St. Francis County Divorce Records

St. Francis County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Francis County in 2026

StFrancisRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in St. Francis County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents. Record categories available through official channels include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and spousal support determinations. Availability and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Arkansas statewide court portal, and the Arkansas Department of Health's vital records division.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The St. Francis County Circuit Clerk maintains an index of divorce case filings accessible to the public. Members of the public may search by party name or case number through the clerk's office portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.

2. State Court System Portal

The Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal allows members of the public to search court records across Arkansas jurisdictions, including St. Francis County Circuit Court. The portal provides consolidated access to docket entries, case status, and filing dates. Document images may be available for more recent cases filed electronically.

3. State Vital Records

The Arkansas Department of Health maintains divorce records as vital records for divorces granted in the state. The Arkansas vital records office issues divorce certificates upon request. Fees apply for certified copies of divorce certificates obtained through this office.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — St. Francis County Circuit Court:

St. Francis County Circuit Clerk
313 S. Izard St.
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone: (870) 261-1725
St. Francis County Circuit Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records

Records Department:

Older and archived divorce case files may be stored separately from active records. Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Circuit Clerk's office in advance to confirm availability and retrieval timelines for archived cases.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: St. Francis County Circuit Clerk, 313 S. Izard St., Forrest City, AR 72335
Include the following in the written request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to staff availability and record retrieval requirements.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Circuit Clerk: (870) 261-1725
Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Arkansas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate court procedures. The Arkansas Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if known

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Previous addresses in St. Francis County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301, a divorce action must be filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the divorce before initiating a search. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one of the parties also resided there.

Residency Requirement:

Arkansas law requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for a minimum of 60 days before filing for divorce, pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-12-307. The divorce is filed in the county where the qualifying spouse resides.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Records may not appear in the system immediately following a final hearing
Members of the public should allow several days to a few weeks for processing after the final decree is entered
Electronic filing has reduced processing time for more recent cases

Older Divorces:

Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format
Retrieval of archived records may require additional time
Some older records may not be digitized and must be retrieved physically from storage

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The divorce was filed in a different county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case is still pending and has not been finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (870) 261-1725
Attempt alternate name spellings
Search under both spouses' names
Check the Arkansas Department of Health vital records database
Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for complex searches

What Are St. Francis County Divorce Records?

St. Francis County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the St. Francis County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Circuit Clerk and document the legal dissolution of a marriage under Arkansas law.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the full set of documents filed during the divorce proceeding:

Petition for divorce or dissolution of marriage
Response or answer filed by the respondent
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Parenting plans and custody agreements
Settlement agreements
Motions, orders, and hearing notices
Transcripts of court hearings, if prepared
Final judgment of divorce

Final Decree of Divorce is the official court order that legally ends the marriage. It establishes:

The date the marriage was dissolved
Division of marital property and debts
Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
Child support obligations, if applicable
Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Circuit Clerk's office

Supporting Documents filed as part of the case record may include:

Original marriage certificate submitted as evidence
Financial disclosure statements
Property appraisals and valuations
Post-divorce modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:

Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and title changes
Assisting with estate planning and beneficiary designations
Supporting immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriages
Enabling genealogical and family history research
Verifying compliance with child support and custody orders

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The St. Francis County Circuit Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk's office indexes records by party name and case number and provides certified copies upon request. The St. Francis County Clerk maintains land records, marriage records, and divorce records as part of its official government records function. The Arkansas Department of Health also maintains a statewide registry of divorce certificates as vital records.

Legal Framework:

Divorce proceedings in Arkansas are governed by Arkansas Code § 9-12-301 et seq. of the Arkansas Code, which establishes the grounds for divorce, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for dissolution of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, which establishes a presumption of public access to government records while providing specific exemptions for sensitive personal information.

Are St. Francis County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in St. Francis County Circuit Court are public court records under Arkansas law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal data.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Court hearing dates and scheduled events
Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from public-facing documents
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access
Some financial disclosure statements may have restricted portions

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain circumstances
Schools attended by children are not disclosed publicly
Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse records are protected
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are withheld
Medical records submitted as exhibits may be restricted

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Circumstances that may support sealing include cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, confidential settlement terms, or the protection of minor children. Mediation communications are confidential under Arkansas law and are not part of the public court record.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including court records. The presumption of public access may be overcome only where a specific statutory exemption or court order applies.

Who Can Access Records:

General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required.
Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access.
Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed documents upon a proper showing.
Researchers and Media: May access public portions of divorce records. First Amendment protections support access for news reporting and academic research purposes. Court permission is required for sealed records.

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use the information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification of divorce status.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted divorce records must file a motion with the St. Francis County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties. Certain government entities, including law enforcement agencies, child protective services, and court-appointed evaluators, may have statutory authority to access otherwise restricted records.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in St. Francis County?

The St. Francis County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copying and certifying divorce records. Members of the public may inspect records at the courthouse without charge, but fees apply for obtaining physical or certified copies.

Current Fee Schedule:

Service	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document
Certification fee	$5.00
Search fee (if applicable)	Varies

Fees for copies of court records in Arkansas are governed by Arkansas Code and applicable court administrative rules. The Circuit Clerk's office sets copy fees consistent with state guidelines.
Certified copies of the final decree of divorce, which carry the court's official seal, are required for legal purposes such as remarriage, name changes, and property transfers.
The Arkansas Department of Health charges a separate fee for divorce certificates obtained through the vital records office. Members of the public should contact the Department of Health directly for the current fee schedule.
Accepted payment methods at the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk's office include cash, money order, and checks made payable to the Circuit Clerk. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods before submitting a mail request.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties in certain circumstances. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Circuit Clerk's office.
Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and party names, is available for inspection at no charge through the public access terminals at the courthouse or through the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal.

What's Included in Divorce Records in St. Francis County

A complete St. Francis County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Circuit Court from the initial petition through the final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. The scope of the file depends on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.

Basic Case Information:

Case number, court name, and division
Names of petitioner and respondent
Judge assigned to the case
Attorneys of record for each party
Date of filing and case type designation

Initial Pleadings:

The Petition for Divorce sets out the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce, information about minor children, and the relief requested including property division, support, and custody. Arkansas recognizes both fault-based and no-fault grounds for divorce. The Response or Answer filed by the respondent states that party's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterclaims for relief.

Financial Affidavits submitted by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.

Discovery Documents:

Where discovery is conducted, the case file may include interrogatories and answers, requests for production of documents, responses to document requests, and deposition notices. Financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be filed as exhibits.

Property-Related Documents:

The marital asset inventory identifies and values all property subject to division, including real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, business interests, and personal property. The debt inventory identifies all marital liabilities. Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property may be included where the value of assets is disputed.

Children-Related Documents:

Where minor children are involved, the case file includes a parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, and vacation periods, and a child support calculation worksheet. Child support in Arkansas is calculated pursuant to the Arkansas Child Support Guidelines. Custody evaluations, home studies, and guardian ad litem reports may be included and are subject to restricted access.

Support Documents:

Alimony or spousal support provisions, if ordered, are set out in the final decree and may be supported by income documentation and standard of living analysis. The type, amount, duration, and termination conditions of any support obligation are specified.

Settlement Documents:

In uncontested or settled cases, a Marital Settlement Agreement signed by both parties and their attorneys resolves all issues including property division, debt allocation, support, and child-related matters. The agreement is incorporated into the final decree. Mediation agreements, where mediation was used, may also be part of the file, though mediation communications themselves are confidential.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case address interim custody, support, and use of property. The Final Judgment of Divorce is the court's definitive order dissolving the marriage, setting out findings of fact and conclusions of law, and specifying all terms of the dissolution. Where retirement accounts are divided, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is issued as a separate order directing the plan administrator.

Post-Judgment Documents:

Following entry of the final decree, the case file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and other enforcement actions.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
Residential addresses and school information for minor children
Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
Guardian ad litem reports and child custody evaluations (restricted access)
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not reduced to a filed agreement

How to Get Proof of Divorce in St. Francis County?

Proof of divorce in St. Francis County is obtained through a certified copy of the Final Judgment of Divorce issued by the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk or through a divorce certificate issued by the Arkansas Department of Health.

Method 1 — Certified Copy from the Circuit Clerk:

A certified copy of the final decree bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it legally recognized proof of divorce for remarriage, name changes, property transfers, and other legal purposes.

Visit the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk's office in person at 313 S. Izard St., Forrest City, AR 72335, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or the case number
Pay the applicable certification fee
Submit a written mail request with the required information and payment if an in-person visit is not possible

Method 2 — Divorce Certificate from Arkansas Department of Health:

The Arkansas Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces granted in Arkansas. This document confirms the fact of divorce but contains less detail than the full court decree.

Arkansas Department of Health — Vital Records
4815 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 661-2336
Arkansas Vital Records

Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the Department of Health's authorized vendor
Fees apply for each certified divorce certificate
Acceptable identification is required

Method 3 — Online via CourtConnect:

Members of the public may access case information and, for more recent cases, document images through the Arkansas Judiciary CourtConnect portal. Printed copies obtained through the portal are not certified and are not accepted as legal proof of divorce for official purposes.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in St. Francis County?

A divorce proceeding in St. Francis County may be made confidential in whole or in part by court order, though the default rule under Arkansas law is that divorce records are public court records.

A party may petition the St. Francis County Circuit Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence allegations, the need to protect minor children, or the inclusion of trade secrets in business valuations.
Domestic violence victims may seek to have their residential addresses and contact information withheld from the public record pursuant to Arkansas victim protection statutes.
Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and similar sensitive identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible documents as a matter of standard court practice, consistent with Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19 governing personal identifiers in court filings.
Mediation communications are confidential under Arkansas law and do not become part of the public court record regardless of whether the case is otherwise public.
Mental health evaluations, substance abuse records, and psychological assessments of children submitted in custody proceedings are subject to restricted access and may be sealed by the court.
A court order sealing a divorce case is not permanent by default; parties or members of the public may petition the court to unseal records upon a showing of sufficient interest.
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act governs the balance between public access and privacy in court records.

How Long Does St. Francis County Keep Divorce Records?

St. Francis County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Arkansas court records retention schedules, which are established by the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Arkansas History Commission.

Final judgments of divorce and final decrees are considered permanent records and are retained indefinitely by the Circuit Clerk's office. These records do not expire or become unavailable due to the passage of time.
Complete case files, including all pleadings, motions, orders, and exhibits, are retained for a minimum period established by the Arkansas court records retention schedule. Under current Arkansas records management policy, civil case files including divorce cases are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, after which older paper records may be transferred to archival storage or microfilmed.
Records transferred to archival storage remain accessible to the public but may require additional retrieval time. Members of the public seeking older archived records should contact the Circuit Clerk's office in advance.
The Arkansas History Commission serves as the state archives and may hold historical court records predating modern retention schedules.
Divorce certificates maintained by the Arkansas Department of Health as vital records are retained permanently.
Electronic records created under the Arkansas courts' e-filing system are maintained in the court's electronic records management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
The Arkansas Supreme Court establishes records retention schedules applicable to all circuit courts in the state.