Specialized

Domestic Violence & Divorce in Arkansas

Resources, protections, and legal options for domestic violence survivors in Arkansas. Arkansas follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$165

Median Cost

$7,000–$28,000

Annual Divorces

14,000+

Understanding Domestic Violence & Divorce in Arkansas

Arkansas processes approximately 14,000+ divorces annually. Understanding your rights and options specific to Arkansas is essential before making decisions that will affect your finances and family for years to come.

Arkansas follows equitable distribution rules for dividing marital assets. The state allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce (fault grounds: Adultery, Felony conviction, Habitual drunkenness). Filing fees are $165, with a residency requirement of 60 days.

The median cost ranges from $7,000 for uncontested cases to $28,000 for contested divorces. Under Ark. Code §9-12-301, courts consider multiple factors when making decisions about property, support, and custody.

Try the Resource Marketplace

Get personalized analysis for your Arkansas situation.

Resource Marketplace

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.

Get Clarity on Your Situation

Upload your letter or calculate your costs. Analyzed against Arkansas’s actual statutes — in 90 seconds.

Related Resources

This page provides general information about domestic violence & divorce 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.