Garland County Divorce Records
What Are Garland County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Garland County are official legal documents maintained by the county circuit court 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. Divorce records serve as the official documentation of the termination of a marriage and typically include various court filings, orders, and decrees.
The Garland County Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official duties. Divorce records typically include:
- Petition for divorce (initial filing)
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial affidavits
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Final divorce decree
These records serve multiple important purposes, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Enabling individuals to legally remarry
- Supporting name change processes
- Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
- Verifying marital status for loan applications
- Establishing status for immigration matters
Divorce records are maintained as part of the public record system, though certain components may have restricted access as prescribed by Arkansas law.
Are Garland County Divorce Records Public?
Garland County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act § 25-19-105, but with significant exceptions.
The public status of divorce records is subject to the following conditions:
- Basic divorce decree information (names, date of divorce, case number) is typically public
- Court hearings in divorce cases are generally open to the public
- Financial information, including income details and asset valuations, may be redacted or sealed
- Records containing information about minor children are often restricted
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders sealing certain information
Certified divorce certificates with restricted access are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a court order authorizing access
- Certain government agencies for official purposes
The Arkansas Judiciary has established that while court records are presumptively open to public inspection, this right must be balanced against privacy interests, particularly in family court matters. Members of the public seeking divorce records should be aware that access may be limited based on the nature of the information contained in specific documents.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Garland County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Garland County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for divorce records is the Garland County Circuit Clerk's office, which maintains these records as part of its official duties.
To obtain divorce records, individuals may:
- Visit the Garland County Circuit Clerk's office in person:
Garland County Circuit Clerk
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 204
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3600
Garland County Circuit Clerk
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Submit a written request by mail, including:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Required search fee ($5.00 per name searched)
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Request certified copies of divorce decrees for an additional fee of $10.00 per copy
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For divorces finalized after 1997, check the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts online database
Pursuant to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, requestors must provide proper identification when seeking court records. The Circuit Clerk's office typically processes requests within 3-5 business days, though more complex searches may require additional time.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Garland County Online?
Garland County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce records through online platforms maintained by the Arkansas Judiciary. The primary online resource for accessing divorce records is the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect system.
To search for divorce records online:
- Visit the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal
- Select "Garland County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number (if known)
- Filing date range
- For domestic relations cases, select "DR" in the case type field
- Review the search results, which will display basic case information
- Note that complete case documents are not available for download through this system
The online system provides limited information, including:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties involved
- Case type and status
- Judge assigned to the case
- Listing of documents filed
- Scheduled hearing dates
For comprehensive divorce records or certified copies, individuals must still contact the Garland County Circuit Clerk's office directly. The online system serves primarily as an index to identify cases rather than a complete repository of divorce documentation.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Garland County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Garland County have limited but viable options. While obtaining certified copies typically involves fees, basic record searches may be conducted without charge through several methods.
Free access options include:
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In-person inspection at the Garland County Circuit Clerk's office:
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Request to view specific divorce case files
- Bring identification and case information if available
- Note that while viewing is free, copying fees apply ($0.25 per page)
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Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Located in the Circuit Clerk's office
- Provide access to the court's electronic case management system
- Allow searching by party name or case number
- Limited to basic case information and docket entries
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Public law libraries:
- The Garland County Law Library, located within the courthouse
- Provides reference assistance for locating public records
- May have access to legal research databases with case information
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Online case information through Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect:
- Provides basic case information at no charge
- Limited to index information rather than full documents
- Requires no registration for basic searches
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-14-101, courts must maintain records that are open to public inspection. However, while basic inspection may be free, fees for copies, certification, and extensive searches remain applicable under county fee schedules.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Garland County
Divorce records in Garland County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office and contain multiple components that document the entire divorce proceeding.
A complete divorce record typically includes:
-
Petition for Divorce
- Initial filing that states grounds for divorce
- Information about marriage date and location
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Details regarding children of the marriage, if any
-
Summons and Service Documentation
- Proof that the non-filing spouse received legal notice
- Affidavits of service or waiver of service
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Financial Disclosures
- Affidavit of Financial Means
- Property inventories
- Debt schedules
- Income verification documents
-
Temporary Orders
- Provisions for child custody during proceedings
- Temporary support arrangements
- Temporary property possession orders
-
Settlement Agreements
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support/alimony arrangements
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support calculations and obligations
-
Final Divorce Decree
- Official court order terminating the marriage
- Judge's signature and date of dissolution
- Final determinations on all contested matters
- Incorporation of settlement agreements
-
Post-Decree Modifications (if applicable)
- Changes to custody, support, or other arrangements
- Enforcement actions
- Contempt proceedings
In accordance with Arkansas Rule of Civil Procedure 5, all pleadings and other papers filed in divorce cases become part of the official court record, though certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed by court order.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Garland County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Garland County must obtain a certified copy of their divorce decree from the appropriate government office. This document serves as legal verification of marital dissolution and is commonly required for name changes, remarriage, and various administrative purposes.
To obtain proof of divorce, requestors may:
- Request a certified copy from the Garland County Circuit Clerk:
Garland County Circuit Clerk
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 204
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3600
Garland County Circuit Clerk
- Complete a request form with case information
- Provide identification proving eligibility to receive records
- Pay the certification fee ($10.00 per certified copy)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
- Request a certified copy from the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records:
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records
4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health
- For divorces finalized after January 1, 1923
- Complete the Divorce Verification Application
- Include required identification and payment
- Specify whether standard or long-form verification is needed
- For expedited service, utilize the VitalChek online service authorized by the Arkansas Department of Health, which offers faster processing for an additional fee.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 20-18-601, certified copies of vital records, including divorce verifications, may only be issued to eligible individuals with a direct interest in the record, including the divorced parties, their immediate family members, and legal representatives.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Garland County?
Under certain circumstances, divorce proceedings and associated records in Garland County may be granted confidential status, though complete confidentiality is rare. Arkansas law provides mechanisms for sealing or restricting access to divorce records when specific conditions are met.
Circumstances that may warrant confidentiality include:
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Cases involving domestic violence or abuse
- Records may be sealed to protect victim safety
- Addresses and contact information may be redacted
- Protective orders may restrict information disclosure
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Matters involving minor children
- Records containing sensitive information about minors
- Psychological evaluations and custody investigations
- School records and medical information
-
Financial information protection
- Bank account numbers and financial identifiers
- Social Security numbers and tax information
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information
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Cases involving public figures
- When publicity would cause undue harm
- When balanced against public interest in transparency
To request confidentiality, parties must:
- File a motion to seal records with the presiding judge
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh public access rights
- Specify which documents or information should be protected
- Obtain a court order explicitly sealing the designated records
Pursuant to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, Section VII, courts must balance the presumption of openness against privacy interests, with the burden on the party seeking confidentiality to demonstrate that "the interest in privacy exceeds the public's right to know."
Even when records are sealed, basic case information typically remains in public indexes, though with limited detail. Complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is exceptionally rare in Garland County.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Garland County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Garland County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Arkansas law establishes minimum timeframes, but actual resolution often extends beyond these statutory minimums.
Key timeframe factors include:
-
Residency Requirements
- At least one spouse must have been an Arkansas resident for 60 days before filing
- The divorce petition cannot be granted until at least 30 days after filing
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Type of Divorce
- Uncontested divorces (mutual agreement): 30-90 days from filing
- Contested divorces (disputes over assets/custody): 6-18 months
- Fault-based divorces: typically longer due to evidence requirements
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Mandatory Waiting Periods
- Arkansas imposes a minimum 30-day waiting period after filing
- Cases involving minor children may have additional waiting periods
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Court Congestion
- Garland County Circuit Court's domestic relations docket capacity
- Judge availability and scheduling constraints
- Seasonal fluctuations in case volume
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Settlement Negotiations
- Mediation sessions typically add 30-60 days
- Complex asset division negotiations may extend timeframes
- Child custody evaluations can add 2-4 months
According to the Arkansas Judiciary Annual Report, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in Garland County is approximately 4.7 months for uncontested cases and 9.3 months for contested matters. However, cases involving substantial assets, business valuations, or complex custody disputes frequently extend beyond these averages.
Under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301, courts cannot grant a divorce decree until at least 30 days have elapsed since the filing of the complaint, establishing the absolute minimum timeframe for any divorce in Garland County.
How Long Does Garland County Keep Divorce Records?
Garland County maintains divorce records according to Arkansas state retention schedules, which establish minimum preservation periods for various court documents. These retention policies ensure the long-term availability of important legal records while managing storage resources.
The retention schedule for divorce records includes:
-
Final Divorce Decrees
- Permanent retention
- Never destroyed or purged
- Eventually transferred to Arkansas State Archives
- Maintained in both paper and electronic formats
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Case Files and Supporting Documentation
- Minimum retention of 10 years after case closure
- Files with historical significance retained permanently
- Cases involving minor children retained until youngest child reaches 25
- Financial affidavits may be purged after 5 years
-
Exhibits and Evidence
- Retained for 1 year after final disposition
- May be returned to submitting parties upon request
- Sensitive materials destroyed according to secure protocols
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Indices and Docket Books
- Permanent retention
- Serve as finding aids for historical records
- Maintained in electronic format since 1997
The Arkansas State Archives maintains historical divorce records dating back to the county's formation in 1873. Records from 1873-1923 are available through the Archives, while more recent records remain with the Circuit Clerk's office.
According to Arkansas Code § 13-4-301 and the Records Retention Schedule established by the Administrative Office of the Courts, county clerks must maintain permanent records of all final judgments, including divorce decrees. This ensures the perpetual availability of these important legal documents.
How To Get a Divorce In Garland County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Garland County must follow specific procedures established by Arkansas law. The divorce process involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
To initiate a divorce in Garland County:
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Verify eligibility requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been an Arkansas resident for 60 days
- Grounds for divorce must be established (Arkansas recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds)
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Prepare and file initial documents with the Circuit Clerk:
Garland County Circuit Clerk
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 204
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3600
Garland County Circuit Clerk
- Complaint for Divorce
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- Summons
- Filing fee ($165.00) or fee waiver application
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Serve divorce papers on the non-filing spouse:
- Through certified mail with return receipt
- Via county sheriff or process server
- By warning order publication if spouse cannot be located
- Waiver of service if spouse agrees to accept papers voluntarily
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Complete financial disclosure requirements:
- File Affidavit of Financial Means
- Exchange documentation of assets and liabilities
- Provide income verification
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Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court
- Develop property division proposals
- Create parenting plan if children are involved
- Calculate child support using Arkansas guidelines
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Attend final hearing:
- Present settlement agreement for uncontested divorces
- Participate in trial for contested matters
- Receive judge's ruling on disputed issues
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Obtain final decree:
- Submit proposed decree for judge's signature
- Receive certified copies from Circuit Clerk
- Implement property division and custody arrangements
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-12-301, a divorce cannot be granted until at least 30 days after the complaint is filed, establishing the minimum timeframe for the process.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Garland County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Garland County must obtain and complete specific legal forms to properly file their case. These documents establish the court's jurisdiction and outline the relief sought by the filing party.
To obtain divorce papers in Garland County:
- Visit the Garland County Circuit Clerk's office:
Garland County Circuit Clerk
501 Ouachita Avenue, Room 204
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 622-3600
Garland County Circuit Clerk
- Request divorce packet for either contested or uncontested divorce
- Forms available for both represented and self-represented litigants
- Nominal fee may apply for printed packets
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Access forms through the Arkansas Judiciary website:
- Visit the Arkansas Judiciary Court Forms page
- Download standardized domestic relations forms
- Available in fillable PDF format
- No cost for electronic forms
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Obtain forms through legal aid organizations:
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
714 West 3rd Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 376-3423
Center for Arkansas Legal Services
- Free forms for qualifying low-income individuals
- Limited legal assistance may be available
- Self-help resources and instructions provided
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Required forms typically include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Domestic Relations Cover Sheet
- Affidavit of Financial Means
- Child support worksheets (if applicable)
- Proposed property division schedules
- Waiver of service (if spouse agrees)
-
For complex cases, consider consulting with an attorney:
- Garland County Bar Association offers referral services
- Limited scope representation may be available for form preparation
- Free legal clinics periodically offered at the courthouse
Pursuant to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10, standardized forms have been developed to facilitate access to the courts, particularly for self-represented litigants. These forms comply with Arkansas law and are accepted in all circuit courts throughout the state.