Sebastian County Court Records

Courts in Sebastian County, Arkansas, hear all sorts of legal disputes involving persons, businesses, and organizations, including felony, personal injury, landlord-tenant, property, guardianship, and domestic violence cases. When any matter is filed with a court, a corresponding file is created to log the events of the case. Subsequently referred to as the "court case record" or broadly "court record," the file includes all details and documents generated during the case, including dockets, motions, calendars, transcripts, exhibits, judgments, opinions, orders, etc.

Like all other Arkansas court records, Sebastian County court records are crucial for maintaining the judicial system's transparency and providing critical insights into past and present legal actions. These records can be retrieved by parties looking to track the progress of their case or those searching for comprehensive information about a legal matter that may have affected their home, community, or person. Furthermore, court records are helpful when researching legal precedents, filing for appeals or expunctions, and conducting background checks.

Are Court Records Public in Sebastian County?

Yes. The general public has greater access to most of the records of the Sebastian County government, including adjudicative (case) records generated within the local court system. This right of public access is upheld under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, codified in Ark. Code Ann. §§ 25-19-101 through -112, and Administrative Order No. 19.

Under these regulations, anyone can request a court record from its legal custodian. They do not have to state a purpose for requiring the document or prove that they are indeed citizens of Sebastian County or the State of Arkansas.

Still, "greater" access does not imply absolute access. Several record categories and information remain exempt from public review by law, court order, or court rule. They include:

• Medical records
• Grand jury minutes
• Adoption records
• Unpublished drafts of judicial or quasi-judicial decisions and opinions
• Sensitive personal information, such as Social Security, financial account, and credit card numbers
• Home and business addresses of petitioners requesting anonymity when seeking a domestic protection order

Sometimes, a court record may contain confidential and public data. If the document is sought, the court may redact the confidential portions before releasing it to the requester. In other cases, the entire record may only be provided to parties identified by law or bearing a court order.

Sebastian County Court Records Search

An individual performing a Sebastian court records search has the following options:

• Visit the court that heard or finalized the legal matter to access a courthouse kiosk/self-service terminal.
• Query the applicable court clerk's office by mail or as otherwise allowed.
• Use online systems provided by the courts.
• Leverage third-party services that dispense Sebastian County public records.

Sebastian County Court Records Search by Name

To conduct a Sebastian County court records search by name, a person will need the name of a party to a court action. A last name can suffice if the party is an individual, but having a first name helps shorten the research time.

Subsequently, the requester can stop by the presiding courthouse during official working hours to make a formal request, or they may contact the respective court clerk's office for case information or documents. It should be noted that fees may apply to receive copies of documents, which exclude the costs of mailing or otherwise transmitting a record to the requester.

Another option is to access the Search ARCourts platform (CourtConnect) to locate cases by party name or other criteria. The system is free to use; users can view basic case information and obtain some case documents. However, some courts in Sebastian also maintain independent case search portals that are accessible by name and at no cost.

Sebastian County Courts

Sebastian County has one circuit court (the 12th Judicial Circuit) and several district courts. The courts are located at the following addresses:

Sebastian County Circuit Court - Main (Fort Smith Courthouse)

Sebastian County Courts Building
901 South B Street
Room 205
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 782-1046
Fax: (479) 784-1580

Sebastian County Circuit Court - Greenwood Courthouse

301 E Center
Room 103
Greenwood, AR 72936
Phone: (479) 996-4175
Fax: (479) 996-6885

District Courts in Sebastian County

Sebastian County District Court - Fort Smith District (State District Court)

Sebastian County Courts Building
901 South B Street
Room 103
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 784-2420
Fax: (479) 784-2438

Sebastian County District Court - Greenwood District (State District Court) - Greenwood Division

Greenwood Courthouse
301 E Center
2nd Floor
Greenwood, AR 72936
Phone: (479) 996-6501, (479) 784-1530
Fax: (479) 996-1175

Sebastian County District Court - Greenwood District - Barling Division

City Hall
307 Fort Street
P.O. Box 23039
Barling, AR 72923
Phone: (479) 452-1550 ext. 211
Fax: (479) 452-5568

Sebastian County District Court - Greenwood District - Central City Division

1101 Highway 255
Central City, AR 72941
Phone: (479) 452-6680
Fax: (479) 452-6295

Sebastian County Superior Court Case Search

Superior courts are courts of general jurisdiction that hear a diverse array of criminal and civil cases. Depending on the US jurisdiction, this court may be called a "superior" court or be designated a different name. In Sebastian County, the court is called a "circuit" court.

The Sebastian County Circuit Court holds broad subject-matter jurisdiction over criminal, civil, probate, juvenile, and domestic relations cases. To locate records of proceedings heard by the court, a person can:

• Visit the Fort Smith or Greenhouse Courthouse to conduct a search using a public kiosk.
• Submit a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Each requester should include sufficient details about the case, such as the case name or number. The requester must also be prepared to pay any fees for the reproduction of a record if required.
• Access the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal to look up limited case information and some court case documents via name, case number, or other criteria.

Sebastian County District Court Records

The district courts in Sebastian County adjudicate cases involving specific subject matter, such as misdemeanors, traffic violations, city ordinance violations, felony preliminaries, civil issues, and small claims cases.

To procure records from these limited jurisdiction courts, an individual may submit an oral or written request at the presiding court's physical address. The respective court or clerk's office can be contacted for order guidelines. Generally, a person must provide a case party's name or case number, indicate whether they need plain or certified copies, and make adequate payment.

Alternatively, online case search portals are available on the district courts' websites to look up limited case information at no charge. An example is the Greenwood District Court - Greenwood Division's Case Inquiry portal, which is accessible with a name or case number.

Sebastian County Criminal Records

"Criminal record" is a general term for the formal account of a person's criminal past, including their arrests, charges, and convictions. These records can be obtained from local law enforcement, courts, and the Arkansas State Police.

The Sebastian County criminal records maintained by local police agencies mostly pertain to arrests and charges for which a person has not been arraigned before a court. These Sebastian arrest records can be obtained via a direct public records request to an agency's records unit. Agencies may provide electronic, in-person, or mail-in methods for submitting these requests. It is vital to include all pertinent details that can assist staff in fulfilling the order, as well as any fees that may apply.

Accessing the Sebastian County Sheriff's Inmate Inquiry portal is another way for the public to see Sebastian County arrest records, specifically arrest information on individuals apprehended and taken into custody within the locality. The portal is free to use and can be searched by a person's name, booking date, booking number, or housing facility.

Members of the public can also submit requests to the Arkansas State Police to view Sebastian criminal records and other Arkansas criminal history information. Those who wish to perform an open records check can use the agency's Arkansas Criminal History (ARCH) system. A non-refundable $24 charge applies for each search performed on the system, and a person's first and last name, sex, and date of birth (including year) is required for the search. The ARCH system does not need a search subject's consent to provide results to the requester.

People mandated by law to perform a criminal records check or who have the signed consent of a subject can access the State Police's Online Criminal Background Check System for more detailed criminal records. Each search costs $22.

Sebastian County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Criminal court case records contain information about legal proceedings in which an individual stood accused of committing a punishable offense (felony or misdemeanor). The circuit and district courts in Sebastian County both hear these matters.

To look up criminal court cases in Sebastian County, a person can go to the presiding court during regular business hours. There are public access terminals available for individual research at the courthouses. Another option is to access the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect database to look up criminal court cases from the local circuit court. The Greenwood District Court - Greenwood Division also provides an online Case Inquiry portal for looking up cases heard by the court.

Get Sebastian County Civil Court Records

Civil cases are noncriminal proceedings that deal with the private rights of individuals, businesses, or groups. These actions often involve a claim for monetary compensation or property. Examples include damage to property, replevin, personal injury, wrongful death, breach of contract, product liability, and landlord-tenant.

In Sebastian County, the district courts only hear civil actions that do not surpass $25,000 in damages. All other claims are filed in the circuit court. Parties seeking Sebastian County civil court records may visit the presiding court to submit formal requests. One can also contact or write to a court clerk's office or—if researching civil cases in the circuit court—access the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal. For all civil case inquiries, a case name (a litigant's name) or case number will be required to locate a record. Requesters must also pay any fees incurred by their request.

Sebastian County Family Court Records

Sebastian County family court records originate from actions initiated to decide a domestic-related matter, such as child custody, child support, divorce, and separation. The Circuit Court of Sebastian County has jurisdiction over these matters.

Individuals interested in reviewing a family court file may stop by the Greenwood or Fort Smith Courthouse during working hours. Should a personal visit not be feasible, they may find multiple case records by accessing the Arkansas Judiciary's CourtConnect portal. Those requiring more information about the record search and retrieval process may contact the Circuit Clerk at (479) 441-1310, ext. 2964, 2950, or 2956.

It is imperative to note that certain family court records may be restricted to guard the privacy of the entities involved in the case. In such scenarios, only parties to the case, their legal counsels, or authorized government employees/agencies may be granted access.

Sebastian Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage is another term for divorce in Sebastian County, i.e., a proceeding initiated to terminate a marital bond. Under Arkansas law, such cases are heard and resolved in the Sebastian County Circuit Court.

Generally, where a person obtains records of a marriage dissolution case in Sebastian County depends on where the case was filed. If the case was filed in the Fort Smith Courthouse, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office can be visited at 901 South B Street, Room 205, or contacted at (479) 782-1046 for copies. Meanwhile, the requester can call (479) 996-4175 for dissolution copies or information if the case was finalized in the Greenwood Courthouse.

However, if the dissolution case is not open and more than two years have lapsed, the interested party should request through the Clerk's Records Office.

Parker Annex
40 South 4th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 784-1581

Copies cost $1 per page if mailed to the requester and 50 cents per page if collected in person.

Sebastian County Marriage and Divorce Records

Those seeking a Sebastian County divorce record can submit their requests to the local Circuit Clerk's Office in the courthouse where the case was filed. To facilitate a search, details such as a divorced party's name and date of divorce must be provided. As mentioned, the Circuit Clerk charges a fee for a copy of a divorce record. Individuals can call the office at (479) 782-1046 to inquire about the available payment methods.

Conversely, Sebastian County marriage records are dispensed by the Office of the County Clerk/Recorder, which issues marriage licenses for soon-to-be-wed couples. The office maintains marriage records as far back as 1865. It costs $5 to obtain a certified copy of a Sebastian County marriage certificate. Photocopies cost 50 cents if picked up and $1 if mailed. Requests can be submitted using the County Clerk's Office address information:

Fort Smith Courthouse
35 South 6th
Room 102
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 782-5065
Fax: (479) 784-1567

Greenwood Courthouse
301 E Center
Room 104
Greenwood, AR 72936
Phone: (479) 996-4195
Fax: (479) 996-4165

Sebastian County Birth and Death Records

The Arkansas Department of Health (State Registrar) maintains and issues records of birth and death events that occurred in Sebastian County. Birth records are vital documents for establishing a person's identity on government and other legal applications. Meanwhile, death records assist claims for insurance, pension, and other benefits. Both record types present essential information about the population, which helps determine health policies and preventative measures. Birth and death records constitute part of the Sebastian County vital records.

A person can order a Sebastian County birth certificate from the State Registrar online, by mail, in person, or via telephone. However, the individual must be one of the following eligible parties:

• Subject of the record (16 years or older)
• Subject's current spouse
• Subject's parent, child, maternal grandparent, or grandchild
• Subject's legal guardian (with proof of guardianship)

Online requests are made through the State Registrar's Vital Records Online Service. In addition to the vital records fee ($12 for the first copy; $10 per additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously), there is a $5 routine processing fee and a $1.85 non-refundable identity verification fee. Requesters must also pay the associated fees if they opt for expedited shipping. Payment can be made by debit/credit card (American Express, Visa, Discover, Mastercard), and processing takes about 7 to 14 business days, minus any shipping time.

Conversely, those requesting a Sebastian County birth certificate via mail should complete the birth record application form, which is available on the Registrar's website or at a local health unit. The requester must enclose a check/money order of the vital records fee (made payable to "Arkansas Department of Health"), a copy of an acceptable ID, and send all to:

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

The mail processing time is 10 to 14 business days, excluding shipping time.

Alternatively, qualified persons can request Sebastian County birth records by walking into the Registrar's Little Rock Office or a local health unit in Fort Smith during regular business hours. Visitors must provide an acceptable ID, such as a passport or driver's license, and have all information necessary to make the request. Most in-person orders are fulfilled on the same day, and payment can be made via cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Below is the Registrar's complete Little Rock address:

4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205

Finally, birth records can be requested by calling the State Registrar's toll-free line at (866) 209-9482. Callers must possess relevant information that allows the office to identify the sought-after record (it is advised to check the birth record application form linked above). They must also pay all applicable fees, including the certificate fee, the $5 standard service fee, and any expedited shipping costs.

The process for ordering a Sebastian County death certificate is similar to that for birth records. A request can be submitted online, by mail, via telephone, or in person at the Registrar's Little Rock Office. However, requesters should note these differences:

• The death certificate fee is $10 for the first copy and $8 per additional copy collected at the same time for the same record.
• Persons eligible to obtain a Sebastian death certificate include the deceased's parent, child, spouse, grandchild, and maternal grandparent. The record can also be released to an informant, funeral home, or beneficiary (with proper documentation).
• The death record application form must be completed and submitted for mail requests instead.

Individuals with further questions about the vital record ordering process can email the State Vital Records Office at adh.VitalRecords@arkansas.gov.

Sebastian County Probate Court Records

The Sebastian County Circuit Court Clerk's Office is the Probate Clerk's Office. It maintains the official records for all probate proceedings held in the county, including guardianships, conservatorships, estate administration, and will contests.

One can visit the Fort Smith or Greenwood courthouses within regular business hours to view or obtain copies of probate court records. Courthouse terminals are available to research cases by oneself. Further, the Circuit Clerk's Office staff can assist with duplicating or searching for a probate record upon an individual's request. Fees may apply, however, to retrieve or transmit copies of documents or for excessive use of staff time. Parties can call the Probate Clerk's Office at (479) 441-1310, ext. 2957 or 2951 for questions about case records.

Additionally, the ARCourts CourtConnect platform allows users to look up probate cases by name or case number. The portal is free to access.

Sebastian County Property Records

People looking into property records in Sebastian County can begin their research at the Clerk/Recorder's Office. This office records real estate instruments and maintains associated documents, including deeds, plats, surveys, tax liens, and releases. Records can be retrieved by visiting the Clerk's Greenwood or Fort Smith location. One can also call (479) 782-5065 or email the Clerk/Recorder with their inquiries. Note that fees apply to obtain copies of any property record on file at the Clerk/Recorder's Office.

Another method for looking up property information in Sebastian is to access the county's Real Estate Records Search portal. Records from the local Assessor and Treasurer/Collector's offices are available to view at no cost. This includes records of property ownership, sales, taxation, assessments, building characteristics/use, improvements, etc. Members of the public can also contact or visit these offices for information.

Sebastian County Court Records Online

Sebastian County court records are available offline and online, including through internet-based databases provided by reputable private aggregator companies (or third-party websites). One such example is Arkansascourtrecords.us.

To research court cases on a third-party platform, a person typically needs the first and last name of a subject of interest or the unique case number assigned to the legal matter. Subsequently, they can input this data into the system to view limited information without charge or obtain a comprehensive report for a modest fee. The fee structure varies by provider and may encompass other public records generated concerning the subject.

Among pertinent reasons for leveraging third-party websites to retrieve court records is convenience. The primary prerequisite is an internet-connected device, so users can quickly access records from any location. This means they may not need to physically visit a courthouse or submit a formal query to a court clerk's office to obtain court records. However, although third-party websites play a valuable role in public records research, there may be limitations regarding the accuracy or completeness of information. Furthermore, users may need to factor in system downtimes, and confidential court records cannot be retrieved through these websites.