Arkansas divorce records are important legal documents that prove your marriage has ended. These public records contain details about your divorce and can be needed for many official purposes. Getting your Arkansas divorce records is easier when you know where to look and what documents you need.
What Are Arkansas Divorce Records?
Arkansas divorce records are official documents that prove a marriage legally ended in the state. These vital records are created when a court finalizes a divorce and include important information about the divorced parties.
Arkansas divorce records include two main types of documents. A divorce certificate shows basic information like names, dates, and locations. A divorce decree contains detailed information about the divorce settlement, including child custody and property division.
The Arkansas Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for all divorces since 1923. County clerk offices keep the actual divorce decrees. State law requires these records to verify divorces that happened in Arkansas.
Types of Divorce Documents Available
There are two main types of Arkansas divorce records you can request, each serving different purposes and containing different levels of detail about your divorce.
- Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate is a simple document from Arkansas Vital Records. It shows the divorced couple's names, divorce date, and the county where the divorce happened. This certified copy costs $10 and proves your marriage ended.
- Divorce Decree
A divorce decree is the complete court document. It includes all settlement terms, child support orders, and property division details. You get this from the county clerk or the circuit clerk's office where your divorce was finalized.
Document Type | Source | Cost | Information Included |
Divorce Certificate | Arkansas Dept of Health | $10 | Names, date, location |
Divorce Decree | County Clerk's Office | $5 | Complete settlement terms |
How to Get Arkansas Divorce Records
You can request your divorce records through several methods, depending on how quickly you need them and your preferred payment method.
Online Orders
You can order divorce records online through the Arkansas Vital Records. Pay with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express). There's a $5 processing fee plus $1.85 for identity verification. Orders take 7-14 business days.
By Mail
Mail your completed application to the Arkansas Department of Health. Include a check or money order made out to "Arkansas Department of Health." Don't send cash or temporary checks. Processing takes 10-14 days plus mail time.
Walk-In Service
Visit the Arkansas Department of Health office at 4815 West Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Most requests are completed the same day if you arrive by 4:00 PM.
Required Information and Fees
Before requesting your divorce records, gather all the necessary information and understand the fee structure to avoid delays in processing.
What You Need to Provide
- Full names of both divorced parties
- Date of divorce
- County where the divorce was granted
- Your relationship to the people on the record
- Reason for requesting the record
- Valid government-issued ID
The search fee is $10 per copy. If no record is found, state law requires keeping the $10 as a search fee. Online orders have additional processing fees. Payment options include credit card, check, or money order.
Who Can Request Divorce Records
Not everyone can access Arkansas divorce records due to privacy laws that protect personal information in these vital records.
Arkansas law restricts access to divorce records. Only specific people can get copies of these vital records:
- The divorced parties themselves
- Their children or parents
- Legal representatives with court orders
- People with legal interest in the record
Public access is only allowed after 100 years from the divorce date. The county clerk's office may have different rules for divorce decrees.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
Understanding processing times helps you plan when you'll receive your divorce records and choose the best delivery method for your needs.
Standard Processing Mail requests take 10-14 business days plus delivery time. Walk-in requests are usually completed the same day. Online orders through vital records take 7-14 business days after approval.
Expedited Options Online and phone orders offer expedited shipping for faster delivery. Express shipping options are available for additional fees when you pay by credit card.
Contact Information for Questions
If you need help with your Arkansas divorce records request or have questions about the process, these contact options can provide assistance.
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (866) 209-9482 (toll-free)
- Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Address: 4815 West Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205
You can also check your order status online using your confirmation number from any vital records order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Divorce Records
How far back do Arkansas divorce records go?
Arkansas maintains divorce certificates for all divorces since 1923. If your divorce occurred before 1923, you'll need to contact the county clerk's office where the divorce was granted, as they may have older records stored in their archives.
What if I don't know the exact date of my divorce?
You don't need the exact date, but providing an approximate year or range of years helps the search process. The Arkansas Department of Health can search within a reasonable timeframe, though it may take longer to locate the record without a specific date.
Can I get divorce records for someone else's divorce?
Generally, no. Arkansas law restricts access to divorce records to protect privacy. Only the divorced parties, their children, parents, legal representatives with court authorization, or people with demonstrated legal interest can obtain copies. After 100 years, records become public.
What's the difference between a certified and uncertified copy?
A certified copy has an official state seal and signature, making it legally valid for official purposes like remarriage, social security benefits, or court proceedings. Uncertified copies are for informational purposes only and cost less but aren't accepted for legal matters.
How do I get divorce records if the county courthouse burned down or records were destroyed?
If original county records were destroyed, the Arkansas Department of Health's central database may still have your divorce certificate on file. Contact their vital records office first, then check with the Arkansas State Archives if older records are needed.
Can I order multiple copies of my divorce records at once?
Yes, you can order multiple copies during your initial request. Each additional copy costs $10. Ordering multiple copies at once is more cost-effective than placing separate orders, especially if you need records for different purposes.
What if my name changed after the divorce and I need records for legal purposes?
Bring documentation showing your name change history, such as court orders, marriage certificates, or other legal name change documents. This helps establish your identity and right to access the records, especially if your current ID doesn't match the name on the divorce record.
How long does it take to get divorce records if I live out of state?
Processing times are the same regardless of where you live, but mail delivery adds extra time. Out-of-state residents should allow additional days for mail transit. Online orders may be faster since they're processed electronically and shipped directly to your address.
What payment methods are accepted for divorce record requests?
Payment methods vary by request type. Online orders accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). Mail orders accept checks or money orders made payable to "Arkansas Department of Health" - never send cash. Walk-in customers can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card.
Can I get a refund if the divorce record isn't found?
No, Arkansas law requires keeping the $10 search fee even if no record is found. This fee covers the cost of searching the database. To avoid this, make sure you have accurate information about the divorce, including correct names, approximate dates, and the county where the divorce occurred.
What should I do if there's an error on my divorce record?
Contact the Arkansas Department of Health vital records office immediately. Minor clerical errors may be corrected with proper documentation. However, significant changes to divorce records typically require a court order from the original jurisdiction where the divorce was granted.
Are Arkansas divorce records available online for free?
No, Arkansas doesn't provide free online access to divorce records. All requests require payment of fees and proper identification. Be cautious of websites claiming to offer free Arkansas divorce records, as these are often incomplete or inaccurate third-party databases.