Izard County Divorce Decree Search
Izard County divorce decree records are held at the courthouse in Melbourne by the Circuit Clerk. Whether you need a certified copy for legal use or are researching a family history matter, this guide covers the steps to access those records, what fees apply, and which online tools can help.
Izard County Divorce Records Overview
Izard County Circuit Clerk Office
Shelly Downing serves as the Circuit Clerk for Izard County. In Izard County, the same person serves as both Circuit Clerk and County Clerk, which is unusual compared to larger counties. The office is at the County Courthouse, Melbourne, AR 72556. The mailing address is PO Box 327, Melbourne, AR 72556. Phone is (870) 368-4316, fax (870) 368-4748. Standard hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
The County Service Network listing for Izard County confirms the clerk's name, address, and contact details. The office handles circuit court records, which include all divorce decrees and domestic relations case files for the county. Online property records search is also available through the County Service Network.
Izard County is a small rural county. Staff resources are limited compared to larger counties. Call ahead at (870) 368-4316 before visiting to confirm hours and whether the record you need is accessible at the time of your visit. Mail requests are also accepted.
Online Records and Court Kiosk Access
Izard County cases are part of the statewide Arkansas CourtConnect system. You can search for divorce cases by party name, case number, or domestic relations case type. The system is free to use and does not require registration. It returns case-level information: party names, filing dates, docket entries, and case status. The full decree document is not downloadable through this portal.
The Arkansas Court Kiosk program has a specific note about Izard County. The courthouse kiosk is located at the Izard County Library rather than at the courthouse itself. Case types handled include felony criminal, divorce, custody, child support, eviction, contract disputes, and other civil matters. The kiosk gives access to court records, forms, and video guides. You can find the Arkansas Court Kiosk program online as well for more detail on what each location offers.
Note: The Izard County courthouse kiosk is located at the Izard County Library, not at the courthouse. Check the library location if you plan to use the kiosk service.
Divorce Decree or Certificate?
Knowing which record type you need before you make a request saves time. Arkansas keeps two separate records for each divorce.
The divorce decree is the court order. It includes all terms: custody, support, property, debts, and the legal ground used. The Izard County Circuit Clerk holds decrees for all divorces granted in this county. Records go back to 1826 with no known courthouse disasters. The clerk's records appear to be well-preserved across the full history of the county.
For divorces prior to 1950, the Circuit Clerk in Melbourne is the only source. For divorces after 1950, the Arkansas Department of Health also holds a certificate on file. The certificate is not the full decree but can confirm a divorce occurred. ADH charges $10 per certified copy. Orders go to 4815 West Markham Street, Slot 44, Little Rock, AR 72205. The toll-free order line is (866) 209-9482.
Requesting a Certified Copy of an Izard County Divorce Decree
In-person requests are accepted at the courthouse in Melbourne. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk will locate the file and provide copies. Given that the same person handles both Circuit Clerk and County Clerk duties, wait times may be longer on busy days. Calling ahead is advisable.
Mail requests should go to the Izard County Circuit Clerk, PO Box 327, Melbourne, AR 72556. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate divorce year, the case number if known, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check or money order. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mail.
Copy fees are capped by Arkansas law under § 25-19-105 at actual reproduction cost. If a record is in active use, the clerk must set an availability date within three working days. Advance payment may be required for estimated totals over $25.
Genealogy and Historical Records
Izard County has a solid historical record base. Court records go back to 1826 and land records to 1828. Marriage records and probate records also date from 1826. There are no known courthouse disasters that destroyed the records. This is good news for genealogical researchers looking for older divorce and court records.
The Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness page for Izard County confirms that divorce records are maintained among the equity records at the Circuit Clerk's office. It also notes that divorces before 1950 are at the Circuit Clerk and those after 1950 can also be found at the Arkansas Department of Public Health.
For research assistance on older records, the Arkansas State Archives offers free remote research for people who cannot visit in person. Submit a request at their website or by emailing state.archives@arkansas.gov. The archives may have microfilmed Izard County records. Response time is typically three to four days to confirm receipt, with results delivered within one to three weeks.
Divorce Law and Filing Process
Divorces in Izard County are filed at the Circuit Clerk's office in Melbourne. Arkansas requires a legal ground for divorce under Arkansas Code § 9-12-301. Accepted grounds include adultery, cruelty, alcoholism lasting at least one year, felony conviction, permanent insanity, and 18 months of separation. Both parties can agree to proceed without contesting grounds if the defendant signs a written waiver.
One spouse must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days before filing. The final decree cannot be entered until one spouse has been a county resident for at least three months. For Izard County residents, both of those residency periods apply to the same county. This is a small county with one Circuit Court. Uncontested cases with no disputes tend to move through the system more quickly than contested matters.
ARLawHelp.org offers free interactive divorce forms for Arkansas residents. These forms are designed for self-represented litigants and cover most standard situations. No legal advice is offered but the forms and instructions are available at no cost. The DivorceArkansas.org records guide also explains the two-record system and how to request each type.
Nearby Counties
Izard County is in north-central Arkansas. If you are not certain which county handled a divorce, these neighboring county pages may help.
Izard County has no cities that meet the population threshold for city pages on this site. All divorce record requests for the county go to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Melbourne, AR 72556.