Conway County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Conway County in 2026
ConwayRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Conway County, Arkansas. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody arrangements, and post-judgment modifications. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality protections.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Conway County Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools provided by the Arkansas Judiciary.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Arkansas Judiciary provides Search ARCourts as the primary online tool for locating court records, including divorce cases filed in Conway County Circuit Court. This is the most common method for members of the public seeking basic case information at no cost. Copies of documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Arkansas Judiciary online services portal allows users to search across jurisdictions and access a consolidated database of court records statewide. The portal links to the Arkansas case search system, which provides docket entries, case status, and document links for participating courts.
3. State Vital Records
The Arkansas Department of Health maintains divorce records as vital records for divorces granted in the state. Members of the public may request a divorce record abstract through the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records office. A fee applies to each record request.
Arkansas Department of Health – Vital Records
4815 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Conway County Circuit Court:
Members of the public may inspect divorce case files in person at the Conway County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Staff can assist with locating case files, viewing documents, requesting certified copies, and using public access terminals.
Conway County Circuit Clerk
117 S. Moose St.
Morrilton, AR 72110
Phone: (501) 354-9621
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Conway County, Arkansas
Records Department:
Historical and archived divorce cases may be maintained separately from active files. Older records that have not been digitized may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are processed through the Circuit Clerk's office.
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Conway County Circuit Clerk
117 S. Moose St.
Morrilton, AR 72110
Phone: (501) 354-9621
Include the following with each written request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information:
The Conway County Circuit Clerk may be reached at (501) 354-9621. Staff can confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date. Detailed document contents, copies of filings, and confidential information cannot be provided by telephone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Arkansas may access divorce case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court, and assist with complex record retrieval. Members of the public seeking legal representation may consult the Arkansas Bar Association's lawyer referral service.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Conway County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Arkansas law, divorce proceedings are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A divorce may not be searched in the county where the marriage occurred unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Residency Requirement:
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-12-307, one spouse must have been a resident of Arkansas for at least sixty days before filing for divorce. The petition is filed in the county of that spouse's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
Divorce records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several days to several weeks for processing after the final decree is entered.
Older Divorces:
Cases predating electronic filing systems may be archived in paper format and may not be digitized. Retrieval of older records may require additional time and a direct request to the Circuit Clerk's office.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Conway County Circuit Clerk at (501) 354-9621
- 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 Conway County Divorce Records?
Conway County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Conway County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Circuit Clerk as the primary custodian. Under current Arkansas law, divorce records are classified as public court records subject to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq., with certain restrictions applicable to sensitive personal and financial information.
Court Case Files
A complete divorce case file in Conway County may contain the following documents:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and court hearing transcripts
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support obligations, child custody and visitation arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Conway County Circuit Clerk.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a divorce case may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan attachments, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the final decree.
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Conway County Circuit Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all divorce records filed in the county. The Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records office maintains a statewide index of divorce abstracts, which provides limited identifying information compared to the full court file held by the Circuit Clerk.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Arkansas are governed by Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-301 et seq., 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 and applicable Arkansas Supreme Court rules regarding court record access.
Are Conway County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Conway County Circuit Court are public court records under Arkansas law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, court orders, and final decrees without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within divorce case files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal, financial, and child-related information.
What Is Public
The following information is accessible to members of the public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (both spouses)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access
- Salary and income details may carry partial restrictions depending on court order
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in certain filings
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed by court order
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected from public disclosure
Sealed Records
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public and require a court order for disclosure. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing.
Who Can Access Records
General Public: Members of the public may access public portions of divorce case files, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of non-restricted documents upon payment of applicable fees. Photo identification may be required at the clerk's office.
Parties to the Case: Each party to a divorce proceeding has full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from public view.
Attorneys: Licensed attorneys may access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a proper showing.
Researchers and Media: Journalists and academic researchers may access public portions of divorce records. Access to sealed records requires a court order and a demonstration of compelling need under First Amendment or academic research principles.
Restrictions on Use
Access to Conway County divorce records is subject to restrictions on use. Prohibited uses include stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, and any use that violates an existing protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Conway County?
The Conway County Circuit Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records. Current fees are established pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 21-6-306, which governs fees charged by circuit clerks for court record services.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Divorce abstract (Arkansas Dept. of Health) | $10.00 per record |
Additional Fee Information:
- Inspection of records at the courthouse is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Electronic copies, where available through the online case search system, may be accessed at no cost for basic docket information
- Document downloads through the Arkansas Judiciary portal may carry a per-page fee depending on the document type
- Search fees are not separately charged by the Conway County Circuit Clerk for standard name-based searches
- Payment methods accepted at the Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance may vary
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are not automatically granted.
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records Fees:
A divorce record abstract obtained through the Arkansas Department of Health costs $10.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Payment is accepted by check, money order, or credit card through the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records office.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Conway County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Conway County Circuit Clerk contains a comprehensive set of documents generated throughout the dissolution proceeding. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, whether children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.
Basic Case Information includes the case caption with the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information reflects the date the petition was filed, filing fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.
Initial Pleadings consist of the petition for dissolution of marriage, which sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, grounds for divorce, information regarding minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response, including any counterpetition, is also part of the initial pleadings. Financial affidavits from both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and personal property, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents may include interrogatories with answers under oath, requests for production of financial records, tax returns, pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, retirement account statements, and business financial records where applicable.
Property-Related Documents include a marital asset inventory describing and valuing all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, personal loans, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property of significant value may also be included.
Children-Related Documents, where applicable, include the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the timesharing schedule for regular periods, holidays, summer, and vacations, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities. Child support calculation worksheets, income information for both parties, health insurance and childcare cost documentation, and the child support order are part of the file. Custody evaluations ordered by the court and guardian ad litem reports, where appointed, may be included but are subject to restricted access.
Support Documents related to alimony or spousal support include the type of support ordered, the amount and duration, payment schedule, modification and termination provisions, and applicable tax treatment.
Settlement Documents include the marital settlement agreement, which is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions. Mediation agreements, where the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement.
Court Orders and Judgments include any temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution of marriage with findings of fact and conclusions of law, property transfer orders, and any qualified domestic relations orders dividing retirement accounts.
Post-Judgment Documents may include petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on modification requests, contempt motions and orders, income deduction orders, and enforcement actions.
Confidential or Redacted Information within the case file includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, children's residential addresses and school information, domestic violence details subject to sealing, mental health and substance abuse evaluations, and the substance of mediation communications, which are confidential under Arkansas law.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Conway County?
Proof of divorce in Conway County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution of marriage or through a divorce record abstract issued by the Arkansas Department of Health. A certified copy of the final decree carries the official seal of the Conway County Circuit Court and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, Social Security benefits, and estate planning.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy of the Final Decree:
- Contact the Conway County Circuit Clerk at (501) 354-9621 to confirm the case number and verify that the record is available
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as permitted through the clerk's office, including the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the case number if known
- Pay the applicable certification fee of $5.00 per document
- Allow processing time of one to five business days for in-person requests and one to two weeks for mail requests
Conway County Circuit Clerk
117 S. Moose St.
Morrilton, AR 72110
Phone: (501) 354-9621
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Conway County, Arkansas
Steps to Obtain a Divorce Abstract from the Arkansas Department of Health:
- Complete the vital records request form available through the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records office
- Submit the form with the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the county where the divorce was granted
- Pay the $10.00 fee per abstract
- Allow four to six weeks for processing by mail, or request expedited service in person at the Little Rock office
Arkansas Department of Health – Vital Records
4815 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records
Members of the public who require proof of divorce for legal proceedings may also access the Arkansas Judiciary case search to obtain case information and document links for cases available in the electronic system.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Conway County?
Divorce proceedings in Conway County are presumptively public, but Arkansas law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances. The following categories of information may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may seal identifying information, addresses, and evidence related to domestic violence allegations to protect the safety of victims, consistent with Arkansas protective order statutes
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records of minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect the welfare of the child
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse history are restricted under state and federal privacy laws, including HIPAA
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties
- Mediation communications: Under Arkansas law, communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public court record
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached outside of court and not incorporated into a public order may remain confidential
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Conway County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for disclosure. The court rules on such requests on a case-by-case basis. The legal framework governing confidentiality in family law cases is found in the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and applicable Arkansas Supreme Court administrative orders governing court records.
How Long Does Conway County Keep Divorce Records?
Conway County divorce records are retained for extended periods consistent with Arkansas court record retention schedules established by the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Arkansas History Commission. Retention periods vary by record type:
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention; divorce decrees are never destroyed and remain part of the permanent court record
- Complete case files (contested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention for cases involving significant property or child custody matters
- Complete case files (uncontested divorces): Retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the file after the retention period expires while the final decree is preserved permanently
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period
- Archived paper records: Older records not yet digitized are maintained in physical storage and may be transferred to the Arkansas History Commission for long-term preservation
Members of the public seeking records older than ten years should contact the Conway County Circuit Clerk directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures. The Arkansas History Commission, which serves as the state archives, may hold historical court records transferred from county courts. Retention schedules applicable to Arkansas circuit court records are maintained by the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Arkansas History Commission.