Perry County Dissolution of Marriage Records
Perry County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Perryville and are available to parties and authorized individuals through the clerk's office or the state's online case portal. One thing to know about Perry County is that the clerk's office operates out of the historic courthouse while actual court proceedings are held in a separate newer building nearby. This page explains how to find, request, and file dissolution records in Perry County.
Perry County Overview
Perry County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk's office for Perry County is at PO Box 358, Perryville, AR 72126. Phone: 501.889.5126. The clerk's office is in the historic courthouse building, while court hearings and proceedings take place in the newer building on the same grounds. When you visit to request records or file a petition, you will go to the older building first. Staff can direct you if you are unsure where to go.
The clerk's office handles all civil case filings in Perry County, including dissolution of marriage petitions, final decrees, and any related motions. You can request certified copies in person or by mail. Mail requests should include both parties' full names, the year the case was filed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Call ahead to confirm the fee before sending payment.
Perry County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Arkansas. Cases filed in this county are indexed under that circuit and are searchable through the state's online case portal.
Search Perry County Dissolution Records Online
Arkansas CourtConnect is the official online tool for searching circuit court cases. You can use it to find Perry County dissolution cases by party name or case number. The system shows case status, filing dates, and docket entries. Full document images may not always be available, but you can confirm case existence and get the case number you need for a clerk request.
Visit CourtConnect to search Perry County circuit court records online. Choose civil cases and select Perry County from the county dropdown.
CourtConnect covers active and recently closed cases across all Arkansas circuits. For older cases, the physical file at the clerk's office may be the only option.
Certified Copies and Vital Records
Certified copies of dissolution decrees are $5 per page. You need a certified copy when changing your name on a Social Security card, passport, or state ID. A plain copy does not carry the same legal weight for those purposes. The clerk's office can produce a certified copy while you wait if you visit in person.
The Arkansas Department of Health also keeps a statewide index of dissolution and divorce records. You can request a certificate of record from the ADH at 4815 West Markham St, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. Phone: 800-462-0599. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ADH certificate costs $10 and confirms the dissolution took place but does not replace the court decree.
Visit the CDC's Arkansas vital records page to learn more about how Arkansas manages statewide vital records and which agency handles what type of request.
That resource explains the split between the ADH's vital records function and the court system's case records, which helps you figure out which agency to contact depending on what you need.
Filing for Dissolution of Marriage in Perry County
To file in Perry County, at least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for 90 days before the petition is filed. This is a statutory requirement under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-303. You file the petition with the Circuit Clerk in Perryville. The filing fee is approximately $165, plus any additional court costs.
Arkansas does not allow simple no-fault filings. You must state a ground. The most common options are general indignities under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-301(b)(3)(C) or an 18-month separation under § 9-12-301(b)(5). After filing and service of process, a 30-day waiting period must pass before a final decree can be issued. This requirement is set by § 9-12-307(a)(1)(B).
If the case is uncontested and both parties agree on all terms, the process is simpler. If children are involved or there are disputes over property and debt, the case will likely require at least one hearing and may take several months to close.
Note: Perry County has two buildings where courthouse functions are split. The clerk's office is in the older building. Hearings take place in the newer building. If you visit for a scheduled hearing, confirm which building your case is in before you arrive.
Access Rules and Privacy
Arkansas law restricts dissolution records for 50 years after a case is closed. During that period, only the parties to the case and their immediate family can access the file without special authorization. This rule comes from Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-305 and is enforced at the clerk's window. After 50 years, records are treated as fully public.
If you are a party to a case, bring a government-issued ID when you visit. If you are a family member, you may need to show proof of your relationship. If you have a court order or legal authorization, bring that as well. Clerks will ask for documentation before releasing restricted files.
Legal Help and Resources
Legal aid services in Arkansas can be reached at (501) 376-3423 or (870) 972-9224. The AR Law Help divorce resource provides forms and plain-language guidance for people who plan to represent themselves. It covers the full process from filing the initial petition to getting a final decree.
The Circuit Clerk can provide a list of required forms and tell you where to file them, but they cannot give legal advice. If you are unsure how to fill out a form or which ground to cite, contact a legal aid attorney or a private family law attorney for guidance.
Nearby Counties
Perry County is in central Arkansas and is surrounded by several other counties. The links below connect to county pages where you can find clerk contact information and filing details.