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Divorce Mediation in Arkansas

Explore divorce mediation options, costs, and benefits in Arkansas. Arkansas follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$165

Median Cost

$7,000–$28,000

Annual Divorces

14,000+

Understanding Divorce Mediation in Arkansas

To file for divorce in Arkansas, you must meet Arkansas’s residency requirement of 60 days. The filing fee is $165. There is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Arkansas allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Fault grounds include: Adultery, Felony conviction, Habitual drunkenness, Cruel treatment, Indignities. Filing on fault grounds may affect property division or alimony awards.

An uncontested divorce in Arkansas typically costs $7,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $28,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is Ark. Code §9-12-301.

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Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Arkansas to file for divorce?
Arkansas requires 60 days of residency before you can file for divorce. Ark. Code §9-12-301 governs the filing requirements.
Is Arkansas a community property or equitable distribution state?
Arkansas follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Arkansas?
Filing fees in Arkansas range from $165. The median total cost is approximately $7,000 for uncontested divorces and $28,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a mandatory waiting period of 30 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses the Income Shares model, based on both parents' combined income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about divorce mediation in Arkansas and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with Ark. Code §9-12-301 or consult a licensed Arkansas attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.