Court records of Washington County, Arkansas, are available through several channels. WashingtonARCourt.us allows you to quickly find public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, you can use the official portal Search ARCourts, visit the court clerk's office in person or call, and use public terminals in the courthouse.
Washington Court System & Jurisdictions
Several judicial instances operate in Washington County, each handling certain categories of cases.
Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil lawsuits, divorce cases, child custody, and probate cases (the judicial process of distributing property after death). This court also hears appeals from lower instances.
- Criminal cases — felonies
- Civil cases with claims exceeding the limit set for District Court
- Family law: divorce, custody, alimony
- Probate and guardianship cases
The circuit court judge also presides over cases where a jury delivers a verdict.
District Court handles less serious categories. These include misdemeanors, traffic violations, small civil claims (up to $5,000), and preliminary hearings in criminal cases. If you received a speeding ticket or want to file a small claim, this is the District Court.
Washington Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or this week, use the portal Search ARCourts. This tool provides access to public information about cases managed through the Contexte case management system, including the schedule of hearings.
How to find the schedule:
- Go to the Arkansas Judiciary case search page.
- Enter the party's name, case number, or other known information.
- In the search results, open the desired case — information about scheduled hearings is usually displayed in the case details.
You can also call the Circuit Court or District Court clerk's office and inquire about a specific hearing date. Public terminals in the Washington County courthouse allow you to view the schedule on-site.
How to Get a Copy of a Washington Court Document
There are two types of copies: certified and regular. A certified copy has the clerk's seal and confirms the document's authenticity — it is usually required by other courts, government agencies, or employers. A regular copy is suitable for personal reference.
Online: through the Search ARCourts portal, you can view and download some documents in cases where the court has allowed public access to files. However, a certified copy cannot be obtained online.
In person or by mail: contact the Washington County Circuit Clerk's office.
To order a copy by mail, send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and document type. Include payment (check or money order payable to Washington County Circuit Clerk). The clerk can also advise whether a specific record is open to public access — some family and juvenile cases have restricted access.
Archived land records and marriage documents are stored separately. To search for marriage records, use the online marriage document search, and for land records, use the land records archive 1834–1991.
Washington Court Records Fees & Payment
The fee amounts are set according to Arkansas state law and county internal rules. Below are approximate amounts that should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Regular document copy (per page) | $0.25–$0.50 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 and up (depends on document type) |
| Record search upon request | Additional fee may apply |
| Marriage certificate copy (certified) | Check with County Clerk |
Payment is accepted at the clerk's office in cash, check, or money order. Some offices also accept credit and debit cards — confirm this in advance by calling (479) 444-1538. Mail requests are payable by check or money order only.
Free access to basic case information is available through WashingtonARCourt.us and the Search ARCourts portal, but downloading or obtaining official document copies requires payment at the clerk's office.