Franklin County Court Records Search
Franklin County court records are kept at two courthouse locations and are open to the public through the statewide online case portal and in-person visits. Circuit Clerk Janice King manages records at both the Ozark office in the southern district and the Charleston office in the northern district. Civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile cases filed across the county are covered by both locations. This guide covers how to search Franklin County court records, how the dual-district system works, and what to expect when requesting copies.
Franklin County Court Records Overview
Franklin County Circuit Clerk Janice King
Circuit Clerk Janice King oversees the Franklin County Circuit Clerk's offices at two locations. The southern district office is in Ozark, and the northern district office is in Charleston. Both offices maintain the same types of records and operate under the same rules, but cases must be filed in the correct district based on where the matter originated. If you are not sure which district applies, the statewide Search ARCourts portal can often clarify where a case is filed.
Franklin County is one of several Arkansas counties with a dual courthouse system. The structure exists because of the county's geographic size and the need to serve residents in both the Ozark and Charleston areas without requiring a long drive for routine court business. Both offices keep standard hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For the most current contact information and any schedule changes, the Franklin County Circuit Clerk page at franklincounty.arkansas.gov is the best source.
The clerk maintains records for civil cases above $25,000, felony and misdemeanor criminal cases at the circuit level, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases. Juvenile records are sealed and not available to the public. The Franklin County Government website provides broader county information and links to all county offices.
Note: Cases in Franklin County must be filed in the correct district based on the location of the underlying matter, so confirm which office applies before submitting documents.
Search Franklin County Cases Online
Franklin County participates in the statewide Search ARCourts system at caseinfo.arcourts.gov. This free portal lets you search civil and criminal cases from both Franklin County districts by party name, case number, or filing date. The system shows case status, judge, hearings, party names, and document links for many cases. It is available 24 hours a day with no login required for public searches.
The Search ARCourts portal covers both Franklin County districts and provides free access to civil, criminal, domestic, and probate case information filed from 2009 forward.
Older records not in the online system require a direct request to the clerk at the appropriate office. Access limits apply under Administrative Order 19. Sealed records, expunged cases, and all juvenile records are excluded from public search results. If a case you expect to find does not appear, confirm the case is not in a restricted category or that it was not filed in the other district.
Franklin County Land Records
Real property records in Franklin County are recorded through the Circuit Clerk's offices. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and releases affecting Franklin County real estate all go through the clerk. The ActDataScout Franklin County database provides online access to ownership data, assessment values, and document transfer history for the county. Both districts are covered in the database.
Franklin County land records through ActDataScout include current ownership and document transfer history for both the Ozark and Charleston districts.
For recently recorded documents, the clerk's office at either location is the most current source. Title companies and lenders working in Franklin County often need to check both courthouse locations depending on where a property is located. The clerk's staff can confirm the proper office for any specific parcel.
Fees, Filings, and Mail Requests
Franklin County copy fees follow state standards. Regular copies cost $0.25 to $0.50 per page. Certified copies require a $5.00 certification fee plus the copying charge. New civil case filings cost $165.00. Recording a new instrument is $15.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page.
For mail requests, address your letter to the appropriate district office of the Franklin County Circuit Clerk. Include the case number or party names, a description of the documents you need, the type of copies (standard or certified), and a check or money order for payment. State law at Ark. Code Ann. ยง 25-19-101 requires that public records be provided within three working days. For a full explanation of your rights under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, the Arkansas Attorney General's FOIA page is the authoritative resource.
Attorneys filing new cases in Franklin County must use the statewide eFLEX e-filing system. E-filing is mandatory in all Arkansas circuit courts. New cases include a $20 electronic filing fee in addition to standard filing fees. Pro se filers may also register for eFLEX if they prefer electronic submission.
Arkansas Court System Resources
Franklin County's courts operate under the oversight of the Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts, which maintains the Arkansas Judiciary website. Forms for all case types are available at courts.arkansas.gov/directories/resources. Courthouse kiosks in Franklin County allow self-represented parties to search records, print forms, and find legal aid.
The official Arkansas Judiciary site at arcourts.gov provides rules, forms, and resources applicable to Franklin County courts in both the Ozark and Charleston districts.
For legal help, contact the Center for Arkansas Legal Services at (501) 376-3423. Legal Aid of Arkansas serves the western Arkansas area and is reachable at (870) 972-9224. Both organizations offer free help to those who qualify.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County is in northwest Arkansas. These neighboring counties also provide public court records through the statewide system.