DIVORCE BASICS

Residency Requirements

When filing for divorce in the state of Arkansas, a spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 60 days and must also reside in the state for three months prior to the finalization of the divorce.

Grounds

Arkansas recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds for divorce. No-fault grounds include, but are not limited to:
• the parties having been separated for 18 months;
• three years or more of voluntary living separately without cohabitation.

Some fault grounds include, but are not limited to:
• impotence;
• conviction of a felony;
• adultery;
• abandonment for one year;
• cruel and inhuman treatment.

Child Custody

Custody is determined according to the best interests of the child, without special regard to the gender of the parent. In other words, custody shall be awarded in a way that assures frequent and continued contact between the child(ren) and both parents.

Child Support

Unless special circumstances exist, Arkansas’ specific child support guidelines apply in virtually every case. Both parties gross income and other child related expenses are taken into consideration in the child support calculation. In some cases, child support may be extended through the child’s secondary education.

Mediation

Dispute Resolution is strongly encouraged in Arkansas legislation.

Filing Fees

Court filing fees are additional cost.

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