Arkansas State Laws
Updated for 2026
Arkansas Divorce Laws
Your complete guide to divorce in Arkansas. With one of the shorter residency requirements and a 30-day waiting period, Arkansas offers relatively quick divorce proceedings.
Understanding Arkansas Divorce Law
Property Division
Arkansas follows Equitable Distribution principles. Courts divide marital property fairly based on various factors including length of marriage and contributions.
Fair Division StandardGrounds for Divorce
No-Fault: Living separate and apart for 18 continuous months
Fault-Based: Impotence, felony conviction, habitual drunkenness, cruel treatment, indignities, adultery
Fault or No-Fault OptionsChild Custody
Arkansas courts use the best interests of the child standard. Joint custody is presumed appropriate when both parents are fit.
Best Interests StandardChild Support
Arkansas uses the Family Support Chart based on the Income Shares Model. Support is calculated based on both parents combined income.
Family Support ChartChild Custody Factors in Arkansas
1
Preference of the child
2
Wishes of the parents
3
Relationship between child and each parent
4
Child adjustment to home, school, and community
5
Mental and physical health of all parties
6
Any history of domestic violence
7
Willingness to facilitate relationship with other parent
Spousal Support in Arkansas
Temporary Alimony
Support during divorce proceedings
Rehabilitative Alimony
Support to help spouse become self-supporting
Permanent Alimony
Long-term support in limited circumstances
Key Arkansas Divorce Statutes
Ark. Code 9-12-301
Grounds for Divorce
Lists both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce
Ark. Code 9-12-315
Property Division
Equitable division of marital property
Ark. Code 9-13-101
Child Custody
Best interests of child custody determinations
Ark. Admin. Code 10.01.01
Child Support
Family Support Chart guidelines
Recent Changes to Arkansas Divorce Law
2024
Child Support Guidelines Update
Arkansas updated the Family Support Chart to reflect current economic conditions and adjusted income thresholds.
2023
Custody Mediation Expansion
Expanded court-ordered mediation programs for contested custody cases before trial.
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