Pulaski County Probate Court Records
Pulaski County Probate Court Records are filed at the Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk's office in Little Rock. The office holds case files for wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships from across the county. You can search Pulaski County Probate Court Records online through the state CourtConnect portal, visit the clerk in person at 401 W Markham Street, or mail a written request for copies. This page shows how to find the right court, what a probate file may hold, and how to get a plain or certified copy for your own use.
Pulaski County Probate Court Records Overview
Pulaski County Probate Court Records Office
The Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk is a combined office. Terri Hollingsworth is the elected clerk. The office serves as clerk to the probate court and keeps all case files for estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships filed in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
The main office is at 401 W Markham Street, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72201. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can call the office at (501) 340-8500. Staff can pull a file, quote copy fees, and point you to the records room. Always call first with the case number if you have it, so the file is ready when you arrive.
You can visit the clerk online at pulaskiclerkar.gov for department pages, fee schedules, forms, and FOIA request tools. A view of the county clerk home page is shown below.
The County Records Department on that site is the repository for all Pulaski County court records, from probate files to medical licenses and county court orders.
Search Pulaski County Probate Court Records Online
Pulaski County takes part in CourtConnect, the free statewide case search run by the Arkansas Judiciary. You can search by party name, case number, or case type. Probate cases show up with case status, next hearing date, and a full docket list.
The main search portal is at caseinfo.arcourts.gov. Pick the Sixth Judicial Circuit to narrow to Pulaski County. Free public access is open to anyone with a web browser.
The Pulaski County Circuit Court also runs its own records page. Take a look at the layout below before you dive in.
From pulaskicountycourt.org you can jump to case search, court records department pages, and forms for probate and estate filings.
Note: Online records show docket entries and party names, but full document images for probate cases may need a walk-in or mail request to the clerk.
The extended court records page on the same domain goes deeper into record types. A view is below.
The page at pulaskicountycourt.org/court-records walks through case types and record request steps for Pulaski County.
Pulaski County Probate Court Records Types
The Probate Division of the Sixth Judicial Circuit hears a wide set of cases. Pulaski County Probate Court Records cover estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, and adoption matters. Adoption cases are sealed by state law.
Most estate cases start with a petition under Arkansas Code § 28-40-107. The court admits the will, names a personal representative, and sets deadlines for inventory and claims. The rep files an inventory within 60 days under § 28-48-101 and gives notice to creditors. Claims must be filed within six months of first publication per § 28-40-111.
A typical Pulaski County probate file holds:
- Petition for probate or letters of administration
- The will and proof of will
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventory and appraisal of estate assets
- Creditor claims and responses
- Petitions for allowances and distributions
- Final accounting and order of discharge
Guardianship files hold medical statements, reports from the guardian ad litem, and yearly reports to the court. See § 28-65-101 for the rules on appointment, and § 28-65-207 for the 20-day notice that runs before each guardianship hearing.
Pulaski County Probate Court Records Fees
The standard Pulaski County probate filing fee is $165 to open a new estate case. A small estate affidavit under § 28-41-101 runs about $25 to $30. The small estate track is for estates at or under $100,000 in value, not counting the homestead or statutory allowances.
Copy fees at the Pulaski County Circuit and County Clerk are set by the clerk:
- Plain copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copy: $5 per document
- Authenticated copy: $5 per document
- Letters testamentary: $5 per set
Certified copies cannot be sent by email. You can pick them up in person or get them by mail through the USPS. The clerk can quote an exact total once staff pull the file. If you need several certified copies to settle bank accounts or retitle deeds, order a few more than you think you need. The cost per extra copy is low, and a second trip takes much more time.
Tip: Cashiers at the Pulaski County clerk accept cards for in-person payments; mail-in requests should include a check payable to the Circuit Clerk.
Request Pulaski County Probate Court Records
You have three main ways to get Pulaski County Probate Court Records. Pick the one that fits your need.
In person: walk in to 401 W Markham Street during business hours. Bring a photo ID. Give staff the case name or number. They will pull the file and make copies. Plain copies often happen the same visit. Certified copies take a few more minutes for the seal and signature.
By mail: send a written letter with the case info, your return address, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check for the copy fees. The clerk will mail the copies back. If you do not have the case number, include the decedent's full name and approximate year of death so staff can search the index.
Online: start with CourtConnect to find the case. Then use the forms at pulaskiclerkar.gov if the clerk offers an online copy request. Not every document in a probate file is online, so for full images you may still need to mail or visit the office.
Historic Pulaski County Probate Court Records
Pulaski County was created June 1, 1819, and its records are complete from May 24, 1819. The county holds probate records from 1820 and marriage records from 1839. Book A of marriages went missing long ago and was rebuilt from period newspapers.
Old probate files from before 1920 are housed at the Arkansas History Commission, now part of the Arkansas State Archives in Little Rock. The archives search room is free to use. You can start online at arkansasheritage.com and request help by email or phone.
FamilySearch has digitized many Pulaski County probate records and will images. Visit the Pulaski County research wiki to find links to the microfilm reels and online indexes.
Divorces issued before 1950 are still at the courthouse. Divorces after 1950 sit at the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. That split can matter when a probate file references a prior marriage and a name change.
Public Access to Pulaski County Probate Court Records
Probate files in Pulaski County are public. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and Administrative Order No. 19 back this up. You do not have to be an heir, a lawyer, or a party to ask for the file. Just walk in, or send a FOIA request through the clerk's web portal.
Some items are sealed or held back. Adoption files are sealed by law. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and the full names of minor children are redacted. Medical records in a guardianship case may be limited to the parties. The rest of the file stays open to the public.
A request to seal a full record can be filed under Arkansas Code rules and Rule 19. The court weighs the privacy interest against the public interest. Most requests are denied unless a strong case is made.
Legal Help in Pulaski County
The Center for Arkansas Legal Services serves Pulaski County for low-income residents. You can reach the office by phone at (501) 376-3423 or online at arlegalaid.org for a statewide intake. They help with small estate affidavits and simple guardianships when the case fits their rules.
The Arkansas Bar Association lawyer referral service links you with a probate attorney in Pulaski County. Many lawyers take a short free first call. The Arkansas Judiciary self-help page has standard forms for personal representatives, guardians, and heirs who want to file on their own.
Cities in Pulaski County
Pulaski County holds several Arkansas cities. Each files probate cases at the Circuit Court in Little Rock.