Arkansas Child Support Calculator
Calculate child support in Arkansas using the state's official Income Shares Model. Includes custody adjustments, health insurance credits, and childcare deductions.
Arkansas divorces typically cost 55% less than the national average of $12,900.
Child Support in Arkansas
- Formula
- Income Shares Model
- Income cap
- None specified
- Equal parenting presumption
- Yes - 50/50 default
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
Child Support Calculator in Arkansas: What You Should Know
Arkansas moved to the Income Shares Model in 2020 under Administrative Order No. 10, replacing the older percentage-of-income approach it had used for years. Support now starts from both parents' combined income, with the total obligation drawn from a guideline chart and then split between the parents in proportion to their earnings. Arkansas also presumes equal parenting time by statute, so the schedule often begins closer to 50/50, which feeds into how the obligation is shared between the two homes. There is no statutory income cap, and a court can deviate from the guideline figure when the facts call for it.
Key point: Arkansas switched to the Income Shares Model in 2020 (Administrative Order No. 10), combining both parents' incomes rather than applying a flat percentage to one.
Tell us the basics
Locked to Arkansas on this page.
Use your gross (before-tax) monthly income. If you are paid annually, divide by 12.
Use their gross (before-tax) monthly income. If they are paid annually, divide by 12.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Child Support in Arkansas - Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total obligation is proportional to their share of the combined income.
Can child support be modified in Arkansas?
Yes. Either parent can request a child support modification if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, change in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. Courts in Arkansas typically require a change of at least 15-20% in the support amount to justify modification.
Does custody arrangement affect child support in Arkansas?
Yes. Parenting time is a significant factor in child support calculations. Arkansas presumes equal parenting time by default. Parents with shared custody (typically defined as 40% or more overnights) receive a proportional reduction in their child support obligation.
Is there an income cap for child support in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not set a specific income cap in its child support formula. However, courts have discretion to deviate from the guideline amount in cases with very high incomes.
How long does child support last in Arkansas?
Child support in Arkansas typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. Support may continue longer if the child has a disability or if the parents agree to extend support for college expenses.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.