Columbia County Court Records

Columbia court records are official documents that provide a detailed account of legal proceedings held within the county's court system. These records are vital in maintaining transparency, upholding justice, and offering the public and legal professionals access to important case-related information. The official custodian of court records is the Columbia County Circuit Court Clerk.

Are Court Records Public in Columbia County?

Yes, most court records in Columbia County are considered public under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Public court records are available for inspection and copying at the Columbia County District and Circuit Courts. However, the FOIA considers some court records prohibited from public disclosure (A.C.A. § 25-19-105). Such confidential court records include adoption, grand jury minutes, and unpublished drafts of judicial or quasi-judicial opinions and decisions.

Columbia County Court Records Search

To search for court records in Columbia County, residents can use several options:

• Online Search
• In-Person Requests
• Third-party websites

Columbia County Courts

The court system in Columbia County consists of the Circuit and the District Courts. The addresses of these courts are below:

Columbia County Circuit Court
One Court Square, #3
Magnolia, AR 71753
Phone: (870) 235-3700
Fax: (870) 235-3786

Columbia County District Courts - Magnolia and Waldo
517 North Jackson
Mognolia, AR 71753
Phone: (870) 234-4727

Columbia County Criminal and Civil Records

The Sheriff's Office manages Columbia County criminal records in person. Therefore, anyone interested in obtaining copies of such records must visit the office during business hours and come along with a copying fee. Individuals seeking Columbia County arrest records can use the Intake, Inmate Roster, or Warrant portals on the Sheriff's Office website to view their desired records for free. Each portal provides a list of arrestees' information, but users can click the first letter of the record holder's last name to narrow the search. The Sheriff's Office is located at the address below:

Columbia County Sheriff's Office
82 Columbia Road 300
Magnolia, AR 71753

The Circuit and District Courts both have jurisdiction over civil cases in Columbia County. Record seekers can visit the courthouse where the case was heard during business hours to obtain copies of civil records. The records staff may provide a request form that must be completed to facilitate the search. After locating the record, the requester must pay search and copying fees. Customers unable to visit the courthouse can use the Case Search portal to find civil information for free. The search can be conducted by participants or cases.

Columbia County Marriage Records

The Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records Division is the custodian of Columbia County marriage records. Residents can order such records online, by mail, phone at (866) 209-9482, or in person. Copies of Columbia County marriage certificates cost $10.00 per copy. Online orders attract an extra $5.00 standard processing fee and a $1.85 non-refundable identification verification fee. Payments can be made by credit or debit cards, check, money orders, or cash, depending on the request method. Mail orders require completing a Marriage Coupon Application (English or Spanish) Form.

Columbia County Divorce Records

Individuals can obtain copies of Columbia County divorce records online, by mail, or in person at the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records Division. This record costs $10, but online orders attract additional fees. These fees can be paid by card, check, money order, or cash. Mail customers must send a completed Divorce Coupon Application (English or Spanish) Form, acceptable ID, and required fees to:

Arkansas Department of Health
Vital Records, Slot 44
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205

Columbia County Birth Records

The Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records Division issues Columbia County birth records to eligible individuals. Such records cost $12 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Record seekers can order Columbia County birth certificates through any of the following methods:

• Online: Customers can order birth records in minutes using the Vital Records Online Service. This method attracts an additional $5.00 standard processing fee and a $1.85 identity verification fee. Online requesters can pay for records using a debit or credit card. The processing time is between 7 and 14 business days.
• By mail: Requesters should send a completed Birth Certificate Application (English or Spanish), a money order or check, and a copy of an acceptable ID to the Division or Local Health Unit. The processing time is 10 to 14 days.
• By phone: Residents can order Columbia County birth records by calling (866) 209-9482. This method can attract additional fees, and payment can be made by debit or credit card ( Discover, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express).
• In-person: The Division offers walk-in services to customers. Same-day service is possible for customers who arrive early enough, but those who come later can pick up their order the following day or receive it by mail. Requesters must visit the Division or Local Health Unit with a valid ID and appropriate fees. Payment options include credit or debit cards, cash, check, or money order.

Columbia County Death Records

Some Columbia County vital records, such as death certificates, only become public after 100 years. Copies of death records can be obtained online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records Division or Local Health Unit. A valid ID is required to place orders. The cost of this record is $10 for the first copy and $8 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Online customers must pay extra fees for processing and identity verification. Those submitting their requests by mail must complete a Death Certificate Application (English or Spanish). The processing time for Columbia County death records varies by request method. Eligible individuals who want same-day service should submit their requests in person.

Columbia County Probate Court Records

Interested members of the public find Columbia County probate court records online through the Case Search portal. Requesters typically need a name or case number to search. The portal returns probate information for free. However, individuals needing copies of probate court records must visit the Columbia County Circuit Court Clerk during business hours. The Clerk charges a fee for copying records.

Columbia County Property Records

The Circuit Clerk, Assessor, and Tax Collector are the official custodians of property records in Columbia County. The record custodians issue property records like deeds, plats, liens, and mortgages to anyone because they are part of Columbia County public records. The most common methods of copying or inspecting property records are online and in person at the record custodians' offices. Copies of property records made by the requester cost $0.50, but those made by the record staff cost $1.00. Certified copies of property records cost $5.00.

Columbia County Court Records Online

In addition to official government websites, individuals can access Columbia County court records through third-party online resources like Arkansascourtrecords.us. These platforms compile public records from various courts across Arkansas, offering a more centralized and often user-friendly search experience. Users can easily access basic court information from such sites for free, but comprehensive or detailed court records attract a small fee. The downside to using third-party sites is that they often contain inaccurate or incomplete court information. Therefore, users must exercise caution when using information retrieved from such sites.