Hot Spring County Court Records

Hot Spring County court records are official legal documents created throughout the judicial process of civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases filed within the county. These records may include dockets, pleadings, transcripts, evidence, final orders, judgments, subpoenas, and other documents presented or generated during court proceedings.

In Hot Spring County, the Circuit Clerk is the designated custodian of these records. Maintaining accessibility to court records ensures transparency, supports public understanding of the legal process, and promotes confidence in the judicial system's integrity.

Are Court Records Public in Hot Spring County?

Yes. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-101 et seq.), most Hot Spring County court records are accessible to the public. Under this statute, Arkansas citizens have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including those maintained by the courts, subject to specific exemptions permitted by law.

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure, including but not limited to:

• Juvenile court records (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-309)
• Adoption records (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 9-9-217, 9-9-218)
• Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations or sensitive law enforcement activities
• Documents containing confidential medical or health-related information
• Records protected by attorney-client privilege or court order
• Grand jury proceedings
• Sealed or expunged records (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-90-1401 et seq.)

Hot Spring County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking to access Hot Spring County court records may use several methods:

1. In-Person Requests:
   Visit the Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Requesters should provide as much information as possible (e.g., case number, party names, type of case) to facilitate the search.
2. Mail, Email, or Fax Requests:
   Written requests may be submitted by mail, email, or fax to the Circuit Clerk’s office. Include identifying case information and contact details for follow-up.
3. Arkansas Judiciary Online Portal:
   The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts provides an online “CourtConnect” portal (also known as "Case Search" or "CourtConnect") where users can search for public case information statewide, including Hot Spring County.
4. Third-Party Websites:
   Various independent third-party aggregate websites also provide searchable databases for court records. While convenient, the accuracy and completeness of information obtained from non-official sources cannot be guaranteed.

Hot Spring County Courts

Hot Spring County is part of Arkansas’s Seventh Judicial Circuit. The primary courts serving the county are:

Hot Spring County Circuit Court
210 Locust Street
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-2281
Fax: (501) 332-5907

Hot Spring County District Court — Malvern Division
1206 W. Sullenberger Ave.
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-7603
Fax: (501) 467-3699

(Other local district court branches or departments may exist; contact the Circuit Clerk’s office for more information.)

The Circuit Court handles a broad range of matters, including civil, criminal, probate, domestic relations, and juvenile cases. District Courts generally address misdemeanors, ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and smaller civil claims.

Hotspring County Criminal and Civil Records

The Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk’s office maintains criminal and civil case files. These include felony and misdemeanor criminal records as well as civil litigation, contract disputes, personal injury suits, property matters, and domestic relations cases (e.g., divorce, custody).

To Obtain Copies of Criminal or Civil Court Records:

Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk’s Office
210 Locust Street
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-2281
Fax: (501) 332-5907

Office hours generally run Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Copy fees may apply (often around $0.25 per page, plus a certification fee if needed). Contact the office directly to confirm current fee schedules and acceptable payment methods.

Hot Spring County Marriage Records

Marriage licenses and records for Hot Spring County are available through the County Clerk’s Office. Certified copies typically cost a nominal fee (commonly around $5.00, though fees may vary over time).

Hot Spring County Clerk
210 Locust Street, Suite B
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-2291
Fax: (501) 332-2219

Mail requests should include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of marriage, current contact information, the required fee, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Alternatively, marriage records can be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) for $10.00 per certificate.

Hot Spring County Divorce Records

Divorce decrees and records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Requests for copies can be made in person, by mail, email, or fax. Standard copying and certification fees apply.

Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk’s Office
210 Locust Street
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-2281
Fax: (501) 332-5907

Divorce certificates may also be obtained through the Arkansas Department of Health’s Vital Records service, which offers online ordering options.

Hotspring County Birth Records

Birth records for Hot Spring County are not held at the county level. Instead, the Arkansas Department of Health is the custodian of birth certificates. Individuals seeking certified birth records can request them through:

Arkansas Department of Health (ADH)
Vital Records Division
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 19
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 661-2368
Email: adh.statistics@arkansas.gov

Birth certificates from February 1, 1914, onward are available. Fees typically begin at $12.00 for the first copy, plus additional charges for extra copies and processing. Only eligible individuals (the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, or authorized representatives) may access these records. Proper identification and proof of relationship are required.

Hot Spring County Death Records

Like birth records, death records are maintained by the ADH Vital Records Division. These documents are used for estate settlement, insurance claims, and genealogical research. In Arkansas, death records less than 100 years old have restricted access, limited primarily to immediate family members, authorized attorneys, or government agencies.

Arkansas Department of Health (ADH)
Vital Records Division
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 19
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 661-2368
Email: adh.statistics@arkansas.gov

Fees for death certificates start at $10.00 for the first copy, with additional fees for extra copies and processing.

Hot Spring County Probate Court Records

Probate court records, which include wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, are housed with the Hot Spring County Clerk. Individuals may request these records in person or in writing.

Hot Spring County Clerk
210 Locust Street, Suite B
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-2291
Fax: (501) 332-2219

Copy fees generally apply, and certified copies may incur extra charges. Many probate records may also be accessible through the Arkansas CourtConnect online portal.

Hot Spring County Property Records

Property records—such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land-related filings—are recorded and maintained by the Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk, who serves ex officio as the county recorder. Interested parties may request copies in person, by mail, email, or fax.

Hot Spring County Circuit Clerk’s Office
210 Locust Street
Malvern, AR 72104
Phone: (501) 332-2281

Expect a nominal per-page copying fee and an additional charge for certified copies. Online access may be available through the Circuit Clerk’s online services.

Hot Spring County Court Records Online

Many Hot Spring County court records are accessible online via the Arkansas CourtConnect portal, maintained by the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts. This resource allows users to search for court cases statewide by name, case number, or other criteria. Users should note that while official websites strive for accuracy and completeness, third-party sites like Arkansascourtrecords.us may not always provide verified or up-to-date information. Notwithstanding, these sites offer the convenience of remote access.