El Dorado Court Docket Search
El Dorado is the county seat of Union County and the home of the Union County Circuit Clerk office, which handles all court docket records for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases in the county. This page covers how to search El Dorado court docket records, where the clerk offices are located, what fees apply, and how to get certified copies of filed documents.
El Dorado Court Records Overview
El Dorado Court Docket Search Online
Union County has full participation in CourtConnect, so you can search El Dorado court docket records online through the Search ARCourts portal. This free tool lets you look up cases by party name, case number, attorney name, or filing date. You can see case status, hearing dates, docket entries, and party details for circuit court cases without visiting the courthouse.
The portal covers civil cases, criminal felony cases, domestic relations matters, and probate proceedings. District court records for misdemeanor and traffic cases are also available through CourtConnect for Union County. The system is generally up to date, though very recent filings may take a business day or two to appear after the clerk processes them.
Registered users on CourtConnect may be able to view uploaded document images for some cases. If you need help using the search portal, contact the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts at (501) 682-9400. For new case filings, you can use the state eFiling portal at efile.arkansas.gov.
Union County Circuit Clerk - El Dorado Office
The Union County Circuit Clerk office is located in El Dorado, the county seat. You can find detailed contact information and office hours on the official Union County Circuit Clerk page. This office maintains all records for the Union County Circuit Court, including civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate divisions.
Union County has six circuit court divisions served by judges from across the 13th Judicial Circuit. The judges who handle Union County cases include those assigned to the 2nd, 4th, and 6th Divisions based in Union County, and judges from other divisions in the circuit who share duties across Ouachita and Columbia counties. The Circuit Court hears felony criminal prosecutions, civil suits over $25,000, family law matters, and probate proceedings.
If you need to file documents, get copies, or speak with someone about a pending case, go to the Circuit Clerk office during regular business hours. Staff can help you find the right file and explain the fees that apply to your request. Calling ahead is a good idea if you are coming from out of town, since clerks can sometimes locate a file or check availability before you arrive.
Note: The Union County Circuit Clerk office also handles e-Filing through the state's "Lite" e-filing program for non-monetary filings, which has been available since March 2021.
El Dorado District Court Records
The Union County District Court serves El Dorado and is located at 101 N. Washington, Suite 203, El Dorado, AR 71730. The phone number is (870) 864-1937. This court handles traffic citations, misdemeanor criminal cases, city ordinance violations, and small claims matters up to $25,000.
If you got a traffic ticket in El Dorado or face a misdemeanor charge in Union County, the District Court is where your case will be heard. Court records are available for public inspection during business hours. You can also search district court cases through the Search ARCourts portal at Search ARCourts, since Union County has full CourtConnect participation. For municipal code violations within El Dorado city limits, check the El Dorado city website for information on the local court process.
Getting Copies of El Dorado Court Records
To get copies of court documents from El Dorado circuit or district court cases, visit or write to the Union County Circuit Clerk office. Bring the case number or the names of the parties so staff can locate the file. Written or mail requests should include the same information plus payment for the applicable fees.
Standard copy fees in Arkansas are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. For recording-related fees, the Union County schedule lists $15.00 for one page, $5.00 for each additional page, with copies at $0.50 per page and certified at $5.00. Summonses are $2.50 each. Writ service is $20. If you need a large volume of pages, call first to get an estimate so you can send the right payment amount.
The El Dorado Police Department maintains arrest records and incident reports related to criminal cases. Contact the department through the El Dorado Police records page for copies of police reports. Police records are separate from court case files.
Filing Fees and eFiling in El Dorado
New civil case filings in Union County Circuit Court cost $165. Summonses are $2.50. Writ fees are $20. Reopening a closed case costs $50. Judgments and lis pendens filings start at $15 for the first page and $5 for each additional page. These fees apply to all circuit court filings in El Dorado.
Cases can be filed in person at the Union County Circuit Clerk office or through efile.arkansas.gov for electronic filings. The state e-Filing Lite program accepts non-monetary filings. For self-represented parties, the Arkansas Court Kiosk offers step-by-step guidance on forms and procedures at no cost. The Arkansas Courts Online Services page lists forms and filing instructions for common case types.
Public Access and FOIA for El Dorado Dockets
Court docket records in El Dorado are open to the public under Arkansas law. Civil filings, criminal case dockets, judgments, and court orders are generally available for inspection. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and expunged matters are not public. Most people can get what they need through the online Search ARCourts portal or by going to the clerk's office in person.
For guidance on public record requests under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, see Ballotpedia's Arkansas FOIA guide. The Arkansas Courts website explains which court records are open and how to request them. Legal aid for El Dorado residents may be available through Legal Aid of Arkansas, which serves the southern Arkansas region. The Arkansas Court Kiosk also helps self-represented individuals navigate the court process.