Search Izard County Court Docket
Izard County court docket records are filed and kept at the Circuit Clerk's office in Melbourne, covering all circuit court cases in the county, from felony criminal charges to civil disputes, domestic relations filings, and probate matters. This page explains where to search Izard County court dockets, how to contact the clerk, and what steps to take when you need copies of court documents.
Izard County Court Records Overview
Search Izard County Court Docket Online
Izard County participates in the Arkansas CourtConnect system, giving you online access to court docket records. The Search ARCourts portal is free and does not require a login. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. The results will show case numbers, parties, status, hearing dates, and docket activity for Izard County Circuit Court cases.
This is the same system used across Arkansas to provide public access to court records. You will find civil cases, criminal charges, domestic matters, and probate filings all in one place. The CourtConnect information page explains how to interpret search results and what each field means. The system is available around the clock and works on most web browsers without any special software.
Izard County District Court records are also accessible through CourtConnect. Traffic violations, misdemeanor cases, and small claims matters filed in District Court should appear in the same search portal. If a case does not show up in one court type, try selecting the other in the search filters.
Note: CourtConnect shows docket entries and case data but typically does not display full document images. To read actual court filings, contact the clerk's office for copies.
Izard County Circuit Clerk Office
The Izard County Circuit Clerk's office is located in Melbourne, the county seat. It is the official recordkeeper for all circuit court cases in Izard County and handles all public requests for court docket information, document copies, and certified records.
Izard County Circuit Clerk:
80 East Main Street
Melbourne, AR 72556
Phone: (870) 368-4316
Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead if you plan to visit, since hours can vary around holidays or during special court sessions. The Circuit Clerk maintains all docket books, case files, orders, and judgments for the county. The office processes new filings, issues summons and writs, and handles all fee collection related to court cases.
The Circuit Clerk in Izard County also serves as ex-officio county recorder. Real estate documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and property plats are on file at the same office. If your records research involves both a court case and property records, one trip to Melbourne can cover both.
Types of Court Cases in Izard County
Izard County Circuit Court handles the full range of trial court cases. Felony criminal matters are a core part of the docket. Drug offenses, theft, assault, and other serious charges at the felony level are tried here. Civil cases where the claim exceeds $25,000 also go to Circuit Court. These can include personal injury suits, contract disputes, and property disagreements.
Family law is another large part of the Izard County court docket. Divorces, child custody cases, child support orders and modifications, and protective orders are all filed in Circuit Court. Probate cases, including estate administration, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships, are also handled by the Circuit Court in Melbourne.
For less serious matters, the Izard County District Court takes in misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil claims up to $25,000. Small claims actions also go through District Court. If someone owes you money under $25,000 and you want to take them to court, that starts as a small claims or District Court matter. Both courts are searchable through the CourtConnect system.
Filing Fees and Copy Costs in Izard County
New case filings in Izard County Circuit Court cost $165. This fee applies at the start of a new case and is set by state law. Subsequent filings in the same case carry lower fees. A summons costs $2.50 to issue. A writ is $20. These are standard amounts across all Arkansas circuit courts.
Document copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies of court orders, decrees, or judgments cost $5 per document. If you are getting a certified copy for legal purposes such as a real estate closing or a court proceeding in another state, you will need the official version with the court seal. Ask the clerk to confirm the exact cost for what you need before sending payment by mail.
How to Request Izard County Court Records
Start with the free search at caseinfo.arcourts.gov to find a case number or confirm that a case exists. Once you have that information, you can get document copies by going to the Melbourne courthouse in person, mailing a request, or using the Arkansas eFiling system if the case was filed electronically.
In-person requests at 80 East Main Street during business hours are the quickest way to get copies. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties. Staff will locate the file and make copies at the counter. For mail requests, write to the Circuit Clerk at 80 East Main Street, Melbourne, AR 72556. State what case you need and which documents, and include payment or request a cost estimate first.
Attorneys and registered users can file documents and access case records through Arkansas eFiling. The Arkansas Courts website has general public access information as well. Under Arkansas FOIA law, most court records are public. Exceptions and the full process are covered at Ballotpedia's Arkansas FOIA page.
Arkansas FOIA and Court Record Access
The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act of 1967 gives the public the right to inspect and copy court records that are held by public agencies, including circuit clerks. You do not need to explain why you want the records in most cases. The clerk's office must respond to your request promptly, usually within three business days.
Exceptions include juvenile case files, sealed criminal records, adoption records, and documents the court has ordered protected for privacy reasons. Personal identifying information like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers is redacted from public copies before release. If a request is denied, the clerk must tell you the legal basis for the denial. You can read more about your rights under the state's FOIA at Ballotpedia's FOIA guide.
Federal Courts and Izard County Cases
Cases from Izard County involving federal law, including bankruptcy filings and federal civil rights claims, go to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Those records are not in CourtConnect or at the Melbourne courthouse. Federal court records are accessed through the PACER system, and you can find out how to get copies through the Eastern District of Arkansas court records page.