Hempstead County Dissolution of Marriage Records Search
Hempstead County dissolution of marriage records are filed with Circuit Clerk Gail Wolfenbarger in Hope and are accessible through both the courthouse and Arkansas CourtConnect. This page explains how to find divorce cases, get certified copies of decrees, and access legal resources available to Hempstead County residents.
Hempstead County Overview
Hempstead County Circuit Clerk Dissolution of Marriage Office
Circuit Clerk Gail Wolfenbarger handles all dissolution of marriage filings for Hempstead County. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1420, Hope, AR 71802. Phone for the Circuit Clerk's main office is (870) 777-2384. The Child Support Division, which is a separate department within the same courthouse, can be reached at (870) 777-8400. Standard courthouse hours apply Monday through Friday for in-person visits.
The Circuit Clerk is the primary source for all dissolution of marriage records in Hempstead County. The office holds the complete case file for each divorce case: the original petition, any temporary orders, financial disclosures, and the final decree. Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost $5 per copy. You can request them in person at the Hope courthouse or by mail to P.O. Box 1420.
For mail requests, include the full names of both parties, the approximate year of the divorce, your return mailing address, a daytime phone number, and a check or money order payable to Hempstead County Circuit Clerk. Staff can often confirm by phone whether a record is on file before you send a formal request. They cannot give legal advice but can help you navigate the records request process.
If your case involves child support matters rather than dissolution records, use the Child Support Division number at (870) 777-8400. That division handles enforcement and payment records, which are separate from the dissolution case file held by the Circuit Clerk.
Online Search for Hempstead County Dissolution Cases
Arkansas CourtConnect at caseinfo.arcourts.gov includes Hempstead County dissolution of marriage cases. The portal is free. No account is needed. Search by party name or case number to see case-level information: filing date, case type, parties, and hearing schedule. This is a fast way to confirm a case exists and get the case number before contacting the Circuit Clerk for certified copies.
To search Hempstead County cases, choose Hempstead County from the county list and select "Domestic Relations" as the case type. Enter one party's last name and review the results. The case number shown in CourtConnect is what you need for a records request. If an older case doesn't appear, contact the Circuit Clerk directly at (870) 777-2384. Staff can search physical records that aren't part of the digital system.
CourtConnect shows case summary data only. It does not display the full text of documents, orders, or the final decree. To get actual documents, you must submit a certified copy request to the Hempstead County Circuit Clerk. Online search is a research tool, not a substitute for official records.
Note: CourtConnect is updated regularly but may not include every Hempstead County dissolution case, especially older records. When in doubt, call the Circuit Clerk at (870) 777-2384.
Arkansas CourtConnect gives free public access to Hempstead County dissolution of marriage and other court records statewide. Visit Arkansas CourtConnect to start searching.
CourtConnect covers all 75 Arkansas counties including Hempstead County and is the main free tool for locating dissolution of marriage case records before contacting the Circuit Clerk.
Certified Copies of Hempstead County Divorce Decrees
Certified copies of Hempstead County dissolution of marriage decrees are available from the Circuit Clerk for $5 per copy. These are full court documents: signed by the judge, bearing the court seal, and containing all the terms of the dissolution. You need these for legal proceedings, property transfers involving court-ordered divisions, name changes that require showing the decree language, and similar purposes where the actual court order matters.
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) issues divorce certificates for $10 per copy. These shorter documents confirm a divorce occurred and list basic details: parties, date, and county. ADH records go back to 1923. These are restricted to the parties, their children, parents, and grandparents, and a government-issued photo ID is required. The ADH Vital Records office is at 4815 West Markham St, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Phone is (800) 462-0599. Hours are 8 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
For proving a divorce took place, the ADH certificate is typically faster and cheaper. For the full terms of the settlement, get the Circuit Clerk's certified copy. Not sure which one you need? Call the office or agency you're submitting to and ask.
Arkansas Law and Hempstead County Dissolution Filings
Dissolution of marriage in Hempstead County is governed by Arkansas state law. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-301, a recognized legal ground must be stated in the petition. 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 applies when one spouse has engaged in persistent contempt, cruelty, or disrespect toward the other. The 18-month separation ground applies when both parties have lived apart continuously for that period without resuming the marriage relationship.
Under § 9-12-303, you must have been an Arkansas resident for at least 60 days before filing in Hempstead County. After service is completed, a 30-day waiting period applies before the case can be finalized per § 9-12-307(a)(1)(B). From start to finish, most Hempstead County dissolution cases take at least 90 days. Contested matters involving custody, property, or support disputes will typically take longer.
Hempstead County dissolution records are generally public under Administrative Order No. 19 and Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105. Some records carry restrictions under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-305. For questions about access to a specific case, contact the Circuit Clerk at (870) 777-2384.
Arkansas Vital Records for Hempstead County Divorces
The CDC's Arkansas vital records reference page is a useful overview of how to access Arkansas divorce certificates and other vital records. It explains who maintains what records, what the fees are, and how the ADH system works. For Hempstead County divorces specifically, ADH holds certificates from 1923 onward. The CDC reference page is a good starting point if you're new to the records request process and want to understand the options before contacting ADH or the Circuit Clerk.
The CDC Arkansas vital records reference explains how to access divorce certificates held by ADH for Hempstead County and other Arkansas counties. Visit CDC Arkansas Vital Records for more.
This reference covers the ADH divorce certificate process and explains how these certificates differ from the certified copies available from the Hempstead County Circuit Clerk.
Legal Help for Hempstead County Residents
If you need legal help with a Hempstead County dissolution case and cost is a concern, several organizations can assist. Legal Aid of Arkansas at (870) 972-9224 serves the southwestern part of the state and handles civil legal matters including divorce cases for qualifying residents. The Center for Arkansas Legal Services at (501) 376-3423 covers other parts of Arkansas. Call both to find out which one serves Hope and what their current eligibility requirements are.
AR Law Help at arlawhelp.org is a free online resource with plain-language guides on Arkansas dissolution law, downloadable court forms, and step-by-step instructions for people filing without an attorney. The Arkansas Bar Association's lawyer referral line at (501) 375-4606 can connect you with a licensed attorney near Hope if you prefer private representation.
Note: Circuit Clerk Gail Wolfenbarger's staff cannot advise you on dissolution case matters. For legal guidance, contact Legal Aid of Arkansas, the Center for Arkansas Legal Services, or a licensed Arkansas attorney.
Neighboring Counties
Hempstead County is in southwestern Arkansas. These counties share borders with Hempstead County, and each has its own Circuit Clerk handling dissolution of marriage records.