Divorce in Arkansas: Costs, Laws, and Calculators (2026)

Everything you need to understand the financial reality of divorce in Arkansas. State-specific costs, formulas, and free calculators.

Avg. uncontested
$1,200 - $3,500
Avg. contested
$8,000 - $25,000
Typical timeline
2 - 10 months
DCE State Score
77 / 100

Arkansas divorces typically cost 55% less than the national average of $12,900.

Arkansas presumes equal parenting time and calculates child support using the Income Shares model.

Arkansas stands out on custody. Under a 2021 statute, courts start from a presumption that joint custody with equal parenting time serves the child's best interest, which limits judicial discretion compared with states that decide custody from scratch. It is an equitable distribution state that keeps both fault and no-fault grounds, with fault available as an alimony factor. Child support follows the Income Shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, and each parent covers a share of the support obligation proportional to their share of that combined income. Attorney rates are modest at $150 to $300 per hour, and a contested case typically runs $8,000 to $25,000.

Key Fact

Under Act 604 of 2021, Arkansas courts begin from a presumption of joint custody with equal parenting time, making shared parenting the default starting point rather than the exception.

Recent Development

Arkansas continues to apply the joint-custody presumption established by Act 604 of 2021, keeping equal parenting time as the baseline a parent must rebut with specific evidence. Disputes tend to focus on whether equal time fits the particular child rather than on which parent should be primary.

Arkansas Divorce Quick Facts

Verified statutory data, attorney rates, and procedural rules for Arkansas.

Property division system
Equitable Distribution (judicial discretion)
Alimony formula type
Judicial Discretion
Child support formula
Income Shares Model
Mandatory waiting period
30 days
Residency requirement
60 days
Mediation required
No
Equal parenting presumption
Yes - 50/50 default
Fault divorce available
Yes
Collaborative divorce available
Yes
Filing fee range
$165 - $260
Attorney hourly rates
$150 - $300/hour
Data last verified
May 29, 2026

DCE State Score Breakdown

Our proprietary index ranks every state on cost, complexity, and timeline. Higher is more favorable.

Overall DCE State Score

77/ 100

A score of 77 means Arkansas is more favorable than average in terms of divorce cost and complexity.

Cost Score

30/ 40

Based on filing fees, attorney rates, and total typical costs in Arkansas.

Complexity Score

30/ 30

Reflects judicial discretion, mandatory mediation, and procedural hurdles.

Timeline Score

17/ 30

Driven by waiting periods and average case duration from filing to decree.

Divorce Calculators for Arkansas

All 15 calculators preconfigured with Arkansas statutory data.

Arkansas Divorce Laws Overview

Property Division

Arkansas uses equitable distribution to divide marital property. This does not mean equal, it means fair, based on the circumstances. Judges consider factors including each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, length of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse. Outcomes can vary significantly from case to case.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Arkansas judges have broad discretion in setting alimony awards. There is no statutory formula. Courts weigh a set of statutory factors including: length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, marital fault. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific facts of your case.

Child Support

Arkansas uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.

Custody and Parenting Time

Arkansas presumes equal parenting time (50/50) as the default starting point. Courts must have a documented reason, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or evidence of harm, to deviate from this presumption. This makes Arkansas more predictable for custody outcomes than states with full judicial discretion.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Arkansas?
An uncontested divorce in Arkansas typically costs $1,200 - $3,500. Contested cases run $8,000 - $25,000, depending on attorney involvement, custody disputes, and the complexity of the marital estate. Court filing fees alone are $165 - $260.
How long does a divorce take in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires a 30-day waiting period after filing. Uncontested cases finalize in roughly 2 months on average, while contested cases take about 10 months from filing to final decree.
How is property divided in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses equitable distribution. Marital assets are divided based on what the court considers fair, not necessarily equal. Judges weigh income, contributions, length of marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses the Income Shares Model. Arkansas uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.
How is alimony determined in Arkansas?
Arkansas alimony follows a judicial discretion approach. Arkansas judges have broad discretion in setting alimony awards. There is no statutory formula. Courts weigh a set of statutory factors including: length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, marital fault. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific facts of your case.

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