Search Garland County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Garland County dissolution of marriage records are filed and maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the county's Domestic Court handles all divorce and family law matters. This page explains how to search for divorce cases, get certified copies of decrees, and find resources for residents going through a dissolution in Garland County.
Garland County Overview
Garland County Circuit Clerk Dissolution of Marriage Office
The Garland County Circuit Clerk's office is located at 501 Ouachita Ave, Room 207, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Phone is 501-622-3630. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office handles all civil and domestic relations filings for Garland County, including dissolution of marriage petitions, orders, and final decrees.
Garland County has a dedicated Domestic Court that specifically handles divorce cases, domestic abuse matters, child support, and paternity. This is the court where dissolution of marriage petitions are filed and heard. The Circuit Clerk maintains the official record for each case from the initial filing through the final decree. Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost $5 per copy and can be requested in person or by mail at Room 207 of the Hot Springs courthouse.
For mail requests, send the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, your mailing address, a daytime phone number, and a check or money order payable to Garland County Circuit Clerk. Staff can tell you by phone whether a record exists before you submit a formal request. They cannot give legal advice but can help you understand the request process.
The Garland County Circuit Clerk website has contact details, office hours, and information on how to access dissolution of marriage records and other civil court documents. Visit Garland County Circuit Clerk for more.
The Circuit Clerk page includes staff contact information, office hours, and procedures for requesting certified copies of dissolution decrees from the Hot Springs courthouse.
Garland County Dissolution of Marriage Case Search Online
Arkansas CourtConnect at caseinfo.arcourts.gov is the free statewide portal for searching court cases. Garland County dissolution of marriage cases appear in this system. No login is required. You can search by party name or case number and see case-level details including the filing date, division, case type, and hearing schedule. The system is especially useful when you know the names of the parties but need to locate the case number before making a records request.
To search for a Garland County dissolution case, select Garland County from the county list and choose "Domestic Relations" as the case type. The search results will show case numbers and basic case information. Those case numbers are what you need when requesting certified copies from the Circuit Clerk's office at 501 Ouachita Ave. CourtConnect does not show the full text of documents, just the case summary. To see the actual decree or specific court orders, you must request certified copies from the clerk.
Note: CourtConnect shows case summary data only. For the full dissolution decree or specific orders, contact the Garland County Circuit Clerk at 501-622-3630.
Getting Certified Copies of Garland County Dissolution Decrees
Certified copies of Garland County dissolution of marriage decrees are available from the Circuit Clerk for $5 per copy. These are full court documents: signed by the judge, sealed by the court, and containing all terms of the settlement including property division, child custody and support, spousal support, and debt allocation. You need this type of document for certain legal proceedings, real property transfers, and any request that specifically requires showing the court order.
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issues divorce certificates for $10 per copy. These are shorter records that confirm the divorce happened and list basic details: names, date, and county. ADH records go back to 1923 and are restricted to parties, their children, parents, and grandparents. A government-issued photo ID is required to prove eligibility. The ADH Vital Records office is at 4815 West Markham St, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Phone is (800) 462-0599. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
The ADH certificate is faster and cheaper for straightforward proof of divorce. The Circuit Clerk's certified copy is what you need when the specific terms of the settlement matter. Hot Springs being a larger city means the Circuit Clerk's office handles a higher volume of requests than smaller counties, so calling ahead to confirm current wait times is a good idea.
Arkansas Dissolution of Marriage Statutes
Dissolution of marriage in Garland County follows Arkansas state law. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-301, the petitioner must state a recognized legal ground. Arkansas is not a no-fault divorce state, which sets it apart from most other states. The two most commonly used grounds are general indignities under § 9-12-301(b)(3)(C) and 18-month separation under § 9-12-301(b)(5). General indignities covers repeated contempt, hostility, and mistreatment that makes the marriage impossible to continue. The separation ground applies when both parties have lived apart for a full 18 consecutive months.
Residency requirements under § 9-12-303 require 60 days of Arkansas residency before filing. After the respondent is served, there is a 30-day waiting period before the case can be finalized per § 9-12-307(a)(1)(B). The minimum total timeline is about 90 days from first filing to final decree. Contested cases involving property, custody disputes, or support disagreements often take much longer.
Garland County dissolution records are public under Administrative Order No. 19 and Arkansas FOIA at Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105. Some records may be restricted under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-305. The Circuit Clerk can clarify access for specific cases.
Garland County Divorce Records Reference
The Garland County divorce records resource at Garland Records provides additional context on what records are available and how to access them. This third-party site explains the types of documents held by the Circuit Clerk, the ADH certificate process, and how CourtConnect fits into the overall records landscape for Garland County. Useful as a reference but always verify specific details with the official offices.
The Garland County divorce records site provides a reference guide for locating dissolution of marriage records in Hot Springs and Garland County. Visit Garland County Divorce Records for more.
This resource covers how to find Garland County dissolution records online and in person, including what each source provides and its limitations.
Legal Aid and Help in Garland County
The Center for Arkansas Legal Services at (501) 376-3423 and Legal Aid of Arkansas at (870) 972-9224 provide free and low-cost legal help for qualifying residents. Garland County residents who meet income guidelines can get help with dissolution of marriage cases, including contested matters involving custody and property. Call either organization to ask about eligibility and current availability.
AR Law Help at arlawhelp.org has free online guides and forms for Arkansas divorce cases. The Arkansas Bar Association's lawyer referral line at (501) 375-4606 can connect you with a licensed attorney in the Hot Springs area if you decide you want private legal help. Many attorneys in Garland County offer an initial consultation to discuss your case before you commit to hiring them.
Note: The Circuit Clerk's office at 501 Ouachita Ave cannot give legal advice. For help with a dissolution case, contact Legal Aid of Arkansas, the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, or a licensed attorney.
Nearby Counties
Garland County is in central Arkansas. These counties border Garland County, and each maintains its own Circuit Clerk records for dissolution of marriage cases.