Divorce Law in Arkansas

Filing for Divorce in Arkansas

Residency requirements for divorce in Arkansas are similar to those in other states. You must be a resident of the state for at least 60 days before filing for divorce, and the divorce will not become final for three months after filing.

Arkansas Grounds for Divorce

In the home state of the Razorbacks, there both no-fault and fault divorces are allowed under Arkansas divorce law.

No-fault divorces are granted:

• When the spouses have lived separately for 18 months, whether both desire a divorce or not;
• By mutual consent of both parties

Arkansas divorce courts will grant a divorce on the following fault grounds:

• Impotence
• Felony conviction
• Habitual drunkenness
• Cruel and barbarous treatment
• Personal indignities
• Adultery

Property Distribution in Arkansas Divorce Court

Arkansas is an "equitable distribution" state, meaning that marital property is distributed fairly by the court, if the parties cannot agree on a settlement. The court will distribute the property equally unless it finds that equal distribution would be unfair to one party to the divorce.

Spousal Support in Arkansas Divorce

Not all Arkansas divorce cases involve alimony or spousal support. The court will award spousal support on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the circumstances, the economic situations of each spouse, and the duration of the marriage.

Child Custody Under Arkansas Family Law

Child custody decisions in Arkansas are made without regard for the custodial parents' gender, and with the best interest of the child in mind. If a grandparent has been a primary caregiver, the grandparent may be heard on the matter of custody.

Child Support in Arkansas

Child support in Arkansas divorce cases is calculated using the Percentage of Income formula, which means child support is calculated as a percentage of the income of the non-custodial parent. The court may award child support in different amounts, if there is a compelling reason to do so.

Find a Divorce Lawyer in Arkansas

Anywhere in Arkansas, from Little Rock to Fayettevile-Bentonville-Rogers, we have an arrangement with qualified divorce lawyers who want to help you get the best divorce settlement possible. Act now to contact one of our Arkansas divorce lawyers.