Dallas County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Dallas County dissolution of marriage records are filed and maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Fordyce, Arkansas, and go back to 1845. This page explains where to search for divorce cases, how to get certified copies of decrees, and what resources are available to Dallas County residents who need to access these records.
Dallas County Overview
Dallas County Circuit Clerk Dissolution of Marriage Records
The Dallas County Circuit Clerk's office in Fordyce is where all dissolution of marriage cases are filed and stored. The office is located at 206 W 3rd Street, Fordyce, AR 71742. You can reach the Circuit Clerk by phone at 870-352-7179. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard courthouse hours.
Dallas County divorce records go back to 1845, which is notable for a county of its size. The Circuit Clerk holds the full court record for each case: the petition, any temporary orders, financial disclosures, and the final decree. If you need a certified copy of a decree, the fee is $5 per copy. You can request copies in person at the courthouse or by mail. When submitting a mail request, include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, a daytime phone number, and a check or money order payable to the Dallas County Circuit Clerk.
The Circuit Clerk does not provide legal forms or legal advice. Staff can tell you whether a record exists and how to get a copy, but they cannot advise you on your case.
Search Dallas County Divorce Cases on CourtConnect
Arkansas CourtConnect is the free statewide portal for searching court records. Dallas County dissolution of marriage cases are included in this system. You can access it at caseinfo.arcourts.gov without creating an account or paying a fee. Search by the name of either party or by case number. The system shows the case type, filing date, party names, and hearing dates.
To search for a Dallas County divorce on CourtConnect, select Dallas County from the county drop-down, then choose "Domestic Relations" or "Civil" as the case type. Enter the last name of one party and review the results. The case number you find on CourtConnect is what you'll need when requesting certified copies from the Circuit Clerk. Note that some older records from Dallas County may not be fully digitized, so if you're looking for something from many decades ago, a direct call to the clerk's office is the better first step.
Note: CourtConnect shows case summary data, not full document text. For the actual decree or court filings, you must contact the Dallas County Circuit Clerk directly.
The Arkansas CourtConnect portal gives free access to Dallas County dissolution of marriage case data. Visit Arkansas CourtConnect to search now.
CourtConnect is the main online tool for finding active and closed dissolution of marriage cases across all Arkansas counties, including Dallas County.
Getting Certified Copies of Dallas County Divorce Decrees
Two agencies issue official documents related to Dallas County divorces. The Circuit Clerk issues certified copies of the full divorce decree. These are court documents that include all the terms of the dissolution: property, custody, debt, and support. The fee is $5 per copy. You can request these at the courthouse or by mail at 206 W 3rd Street, Fordyce, AR 71742.
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issues divorce certificates, which are shorter documents that confirm a divorce occurred. These cost $10 per copy and are restricted to the parties named in the divorce, their children, parents, and grandparents. You'll need to show a government-issued photo ID and complete a request form. The ADH Vital Records office is at 4815 West Markham St, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Call (800) 462-0599 for help. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. ADH has records going back to 1923.
If you just need proof of divorce for a name change or benefits update, the ADH certificate is usually faster. If you need the full terms of the settlement or the specific court order, the Circuit Clerk's certified copy is what you need.
Arkansas Dissolution of Marriage Law and Dallas County Filings
Arkansas requires a legal ground to file for dissolution of marriage. This differs from many states that allow no-fault filings without stating a reason. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-301, petitioners must cite one of the recognized grounds. The two most common are general indignities and 18-month separation. General indignities under § 9-12-301(b)(3)(C) covers ongoing contempt, hostility, and mistreatment that makes the marriage impossible to sustain. Separation for 18 consecutive months under § 9-12-301(b)(5) works for cases where both parties have lived apart for that full period.
Under § 9-12-303, you must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing. After filing, there is a 30-day waiting period before the case can be finalized, per § 9-12-307(a)(1)(B). The practical minimum from start to finish is about 90 days, assuming no contested issues slow things down.
Dallas County dissolution cases are public records under Administrative Order No. 19 and the Arkansas FOIA at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105. Some records may be restricted under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-305, which limits access to certain vital records for 50 years. The Circuit Clerk can tell you whether any specific record is subject to restrictions.
Dallas County Genealogy and Historical Divorce Records
Dallas County's divorce records start in 1845, making them a valuable resource for genealogical research. The county's complete record set is held at the Circuit Clerk's office in Fordyce. For genealogical research, third-party resources can help you identify records before you contact the clerk directly.
The RAOGK (Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness) resource for Dallas County links researchers to local volunteers and record indexes that can help track down older dissolution records. It's especially useful for records from the 1800s and early 1900s that may not yet be digitized. This is a free resource run by volunteers who help people find records in Arkansas counties.
The Dallas County genealogy resource at RAOGK provides access to historical records and research assistance for dissolution of marriage and other civil records. Visit RAOGK Dallas County for more.
The RAOGK Dallas County page connects researchers to local record indexes and volunteers who can help locate older dissolution of marriage records.
Legal Aid and Self-Help for Dallas County Residents
Legal aid is available for Dallas County residents who can't afford an attorney. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services covers this region and can be reached at (501) 376-3423. Legal Aid of Arkansas at (870) 972-9224 also serves parts of the state. Both offer free or low-cost help for those who qualify based on income. Call and ask about eligibility before you go in.
AR Law Help at arlawhelp.org is a free online resource with plain-language guides to Arkansas divorce law, self-help forms, and step-by-step instructions for those filing without an attorney. The Arkansas Bar Association's lawyer referral service is available at (501) 375-4606 if you want to speak with an attorney before deciding whether to hire one.
Note: Circuit Clerk staff cannot give legal advice. They can help you find a record and explain the copy request process, but for case strategy or legal questions, you need to contact an attorney or a legal aid organization.
Nearby Arkansas Counties
Dallas County borders several other Arkansas counties. If you're unsure which county handled a divorce filing, these neighboring counties are worth checking as well.