Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit in northwest Arkansas, with Fayetteville serving as the county seat. The county’s court system includes a multi-division circuit court that handles felonies, civil disputes, domestic relations, juvenile matters, and probate, along with district courts operating in ten incorporated cities throughout the county. The Circuit Clerk’s office is the central custodian for circuit court records, while each district court maintains its own case files. Whether someone needs a criminal case disposition, a divorce decree, a probate filing, or a civil judgment, understanding which court and which office to contact is the critical first step.
Arkansas provides several pathways for locating court case information. The statewide judiciary operates an online case search tool, and ArkansasCourts.us can help users identify court structures and available resources. In Washington County, court records can be researched through the Circuit Clerk’s office in person, by mail, or through the online Search ARCourts portal maintained by the Arkansas Judiciary. District court records may also be available through individual city court offices. Public access terminals and indexed research books at the courthouse offer additional options for those who prefer to conduct research on-site.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
Washington County circuit court records are filed and maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s office. The office processes documents for civil, domestic relations, criminal, and juvenile cases and also serves as the official recorder for real estate instruments.
Washington County Circuit Clerk
Address: 280 North College Avenue, Suite 302, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 444-1538
Fax: (479) 444-1537
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Online Search
The Search ARCourts portal is the primary online tool for finding Washington County circuit and district court case records. The system allows searches by participant name or case number and provides access to court indexes, docket entries, and case documents. Most case files from 1991 forward are available through this system.
For records predating 1991, researchers must contact the Washington County Archives or visit in person:
Washington County Archives
Address: 4 South College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 444-1543
Email: Archives@washingtoncountyar.gov
In-Person and Mail Requests
Visitors may go to the Circuit Clerk’s office during business hours to view case files or request copies. Written requests can also be mailed to the Circuit Clerk’s address above. When submitting a request, include the party name, case number (if known), case type, and approximate filing date.
Copy Fees
| Document | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy | $5.00 per document |
| Certified copy of entire case file | $5.00 + $0.25 per page |
| Notary verification | $5.00 |
| Certificate of authentication | $5.00 |
Court fines and fees can be paid online by credit or debit card, mailed to the Circuit Clerk’s office, or paid in person at the courthouse.
Circuit Court Divisions
The Washington County Circuit Court comprises eight divisions, each housed at different locations:
| Division | Judge | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division I | Doug Martin | 280 N College Ave, Ste 402 | (479) 444-1552 |
| Division II | John Threet | 280 N College Ave, Ste 400 | (479) 444-1560 |
| Division III (Juvenile) | Dawn Egan | 885 W Clydesdale Dr | (479) 444-1739 |
| Division IV (Drug Court) | Cristi Beaumont | 4 S College Ave | (479) 973-8420 |
| Division V | Beth Storey Bryan | 280 N College Ave, Ste 403 | (479) 444-1556 |
| Division VI | Matt Durrett | 280 N College Ave, Ste 401 | (479) 444-1548 |
| Division VII | Joanna Taylor | 280 N College Ave | (479) 444-1682 |
| Division VIII | Diane Warren | 123 N College Ave | (479) 695-1663 |
All locations are in Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Court records in Washington County are generally open to public inspection under two complementary legal frameworks: the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. §§ 25-19-101 et seq.) and Court Rules and Administrative Order 19 issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Administrative Order 19 establishes that all court records — defined as both administrative and case records — are public and available for inspection unless access is specifically limited by law or by the procedures outlined in the order. The order distinguishes between case records and non-judicial agency information; even if a court has access to information from a non-judicial agency, that information is not public unless the court formally adopts it as part of the court record.
The following categories of information are excluded from public access under Administrative Order 19:
- Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, credit card numbers, and specific financial account numbers
- Medical records containing sensitive health information
- Confidential addresses of petitioners in domestic protection order cases who have requested anonymity
- Adoption records, sealed records, and expunged records
- Information restricted by federal law, state statute, court order, or court rule
- Judicial deliberative materials — notes, communications, and internal working documents of judges, jurors, court staff, and judicial agencies (excluding official transcripts)
Records containing both public and restricted information may be provided with the confidential portions redacted. Access to restricted records may require a court order or authorization under specific statutory provisions.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Washington County are prosecuted in the circuit court (felonies and appeals from district courts) and in the various district courts (misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and city ordinance violations). The Circuit Clerk’s office maintains all circuit court criminal case records, including adult criminal charges and appeals from district court.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The Search ARCourts portal provides online access to criminal case records from Washington County’s circuit and district courts. Users can search by defendant name or case number to find docket entries, charges, dispositions, and case documents.
In-person requests can be directed to the Circuit Clerk’s office at 280 North College Avenue, Suite 302, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Written requests may also be mailed. Include the defendant’s name or case number to facilitate retrieval.
Criminal Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit suits (criminal) | $165.00 |
| Criminal appeals | $150.00 |
| Transfer from another county | $50.00 |
Arrest Records and Criminal Background Checks
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and detention information. Records requests can be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office FOI process by emailing Records@WashCoSOAR.gov or visiting in person.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Phone: (479) 444-5700 (main)
Phone: (479) 444-5785 (records)
Phone: (479) 444-5720 (criminal — 24 hours)
Hours: Monday–Friday (offices)
The Sheriff’s website provides a detainee roster and detention intake reports as well as active warrant information.
For statewide criminal background checks, the Arkansas State Police processes requests online through the Information Network of Arkansas (INA) for registered users. The online fee is $22.00 per name-based search. Individuals without an INA account can submit requests by mail for $25.00, payable by check or money order to the Arkansas State Police, and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
District Courts Handling Criminal Matters
Washington County’s ten district courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and city ordinance violations within their respective jurisdictions:
| District Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 176 S Church Ave, Ste 1, Fayetteville, AR 72701 | (479) 587-3591 |
| Springdale | 201 N Spring St, Springdale, AR 72764 | (479) 750-8150 |
| Elkins | 201 W 1st Ave, Elkins, AR 72727 | (479) 643-4170 |
| Elm Springs | 289 Jayroe Ave, Elm Springs, AR 72728 | (479) 248-7323 |
| Farmington | 354 W Main St, Farmington, AR 72730 | (479) 267-3865 |
| Greenland | 8 E Ross St, Greenland, AR 72737 | (479) 521-5760 |
| Johnson | 2904 Main Dr, Johnson, AR 72741 | (479) 521-3192 |
| Lincoln | 101 Arthur Ave, Lincoln, AR 72744 | (479) 824-3321 |
| Prairie Grove | 955 E Douglas, Prairie Grove, AR 72753 | (479) 846-3467 |
| West Fork | 262 W Main St, West Fork, AR 72774 | (479) 839-3249 |
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Washington County are handled by both the circuit court and the district courts, depending on the nature and amount in controversy. The circuit court has general jurisdiction over civil suits including negligence, fraud, malpractice, contract disputes, debt collection, foreclosures, and name changes. District courts handle small claims, contract disputes under their jurisdictional limit, recovery of personal property, and property damage claims.
Accessing Civil Court Records
Civil court records from the circuit court can be searched through the Search ARCourts portal by party name or case number. Users can view and download case documents directly from the platform. The Circuit Clerk’s public records page provides a full listing of record categories maintained by the office.
For in-person research, visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at the Washington County Courthouse. Land records, liens, judgments, and other indexed documents can be searched through the online land records index.
Civil Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit suit filing | $165.00 |
| Domestic relations filing | $165.00 |
| Re-opening domestic relations | $50.00 |
| Civil appeals | $165.00 |
| Foreign judgments | $165.00 |
| Non-judicial foreclosures | $140.00 |
| Subpoena (out of state) | $2.50 |
| Issuance of summons | $2.50 |
| Writs (any kind) | $20.00 |
| Bond in contest | $15.00 |
Court documents for civil cases are primarily filed electronically through the eFlex system. Pro se litigants who cannot use the electronic system may deliver documents to the Circuit Clerk’s office by mail (USPS, FedEx, or UPS).
Real Estate Recording Fees
Since the Circuit Clerk also serves as the official recorder for real estate instruments, researchers looking for property-related civil records should note the recording fee schedule: $15.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page, with a $25.00 non-compliance fee for documents on legal-size paper.
Washington County Family Court Records
Washington County does not maintain a separate family court. Domestic relations cases — including divorce, separation and maintenance, custody and visitation, paternity, and domestic abuse — are heard in the circuit court. The Circuit Clerk’s office files, processes, and maintains all family law case records.
Searching Family Court Records
Family case records are accessible through the Search ARCourts portal using a party name or case number. Researchers can also visit the Circuit Clerk’s office or send a written request by mail. Certified copies of family court records are available for $5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page for complete file copies.
Confidentiality restrictions apply to certain family court records. Adoption records, sealed records, and the addresses of petitioners in domestic protection order cases are not available to the general public. Access to restricted family court records is limited to involved parties, legal counsel, law enforcement, and other individuals authorized by law or court order.
Protection Orders
Anyone seeking a protection order must appear in person at the Circuit Clerk’s office with valid photo identification and complete the required paperwork, which is available at the office. Questions about the process can be directed to the Domestic Relations Specialist at (479) 445-6397.
Child Support
Child support payments in Washington County are collected through the Circuit Clerk’s office. Payments can be mailed, delivered in person, or paid online. For questions about child support payments, contact the Child Support Division at (479) 444-1541.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Washington County Clerk’s office, located at 280 North College Avenue, Suite 300, Fayetteville, AR 72701, Phone: (479) 444-1711. Licenses can be purchased Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. An archived marriage record index from 1845 to 1941 is available online.
Certified copies of marriage certificates can also be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Health for $10.00 per copy. Requests can be made online, in person at the Office of Vital Records (4815 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205), by phone at (866) 209-9482, or by mail using the marriage certificate application form. Mail requests take 10 to 14 business days.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk’s office or searched through the ARCourts portal. Eligible individuals under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-305 can also order certified divorce records from the Arkansas Department of Health for $10.00.
Birth and Death Records
While not court records, birth and death certificates are often needed alongside family law proceedings. Under Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-305, access to these vital records is restricted — birth records for 100 years and death records for 50 years from the event date — to authorized individuals only. Requests can be made to the Arkansas Department of Health for birth records ($12.00 for the first copy, $10.00 per additional copy) and death records ($10.00 for the first copy, $8.00 per additional copy). Orders can be placed online, in person, by mail, or by phone.
Washington County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Washington County are handled within the circuit court system. The County Clerk serves as clerk for the Circuit Court Probate Division, while the Circuit Clerk’s office maintains the associated case files. Probate jurisdiction covers estates, wills, guardianships, trusts, conservatorships, and mental health commitments.
Searching Probate Records
The Search ARCourts portal includes probate case records and can be searched by participant name or case number. For in-person access, contact the Circuit Clerk’s office at (479) 444-1538 or visit the courthouse at 280 North College Avenue, Suite 302, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
The County Clerk’s office also plays a role in probate administration, serving as the clerk for the probate division of circuit court. The County Clerk can be reached at:
Washington County Clerk
Address: 280 North College Avenue, Suite 300, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 444-1711
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Requesting Probate Records
Certified copies of probate documents can be requested from the Circuit Clerk’s office in person or by mail for $5.00 per document (plus $0.25 per page for complete file copies). Written requests should include the decedent’s name, case number if available, and the specific documents needed. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope when mailing requests.
Probate records in Washington County cover a range of filings including petitions for letters testamentary or administration, inventories of estate assets, accountings, guardianship appointments, trust matters, and orders of commitment. Access to most probate records is public, though certain guardian and conservatorship records may contain restricted personal information subject to the confidentiality provisions of Administrative Order 19. Researchers seeking property records related to an estate may also consult the indexed land records and liens maintained by the Circuit Clerk, as real estate instruments such as deeds, releases, and foreclosure documents are recorded through that office.