If you're staring down a divorce, a custody fight, a child-support order, or an abusive partner in Arkansas, the rules here are not what you'd guess from TV or from a friend in another state. Arkansas still makes you prove a ground for divorce, presumes 50/50 custody, and runs a 30-day clock you can't waive. Before you sign anything, miss a hearing, or move out of the house, call 1-844-690-0555. It's free, it's open 24/7, and you'll get plain-English information about your situation under Arkansas law in minutes.
Free legal information. Not legal advice. Available 24/7 across Arkansas.
Right now, do three things. First, do not move out of the marital home or out of the county with your kids before you understand how it affects custody under Arkansas's joint-custody presumption — leaving can hurt you. Second, if you're in danger, you can ask the circuit court for an ex parte order of protection today, at no filing cost. Third, write down dates: when you separated, when you were served, and any hearing date, because Arkansas runs hard deadlines. Then call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on exactly what applies to you. This is legal information, not legal advice, and the call creates no attorney-client relationship.
Here's the thing that blindsides people who've moved from almost any other state: Arkansas has no quick 'irreconcilable differences' divorce. Under A.C.A. 9-12-301, you either prove a fault ground — like general indignities, adultery, or a year of habitual drunkenness — or you live completely separate, with no cohabitation, for 18 continuous months. Reconcile for a weekend and the clock starts over. On top of that, you need a corroborating witness, because Arkansas won't let two spouses simply agree their way out, and no decree issues for at least 30 days after filing. Most people don't learn this until they've already wasted weeks. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on which ground actually fits your situation before you file.
If money is tight, Arkansas has real free and low-cost help for family law matters — most legal-aid programs cover civil cases like divorce, custody, and protective orders. These are genuine starting points; the hotline can help you figure out which one fits.
Does Arkansas have no-fault divorce?
Only in a limited way. Arkansas has no quick 'irreconcilable differences' option. The one no-fault ground under A.C.A. 9-12-301 is living separate and apart, without cohabitation, for 18 continuous months. Otherwise you must prove a fault ground. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on which path fits your situation.
How long does a divorce take in Arkansas?
No decree can be entered until at least 30 days after you file, and that waiting period cannot be waived even in an agreed case. Uncontested divorces often wrap up in roughly one to three months; contested ones take much longer. For a clearer read on your timeline, call 1-844-690-0555 for free information.
Will the judge split everything 50/50?
Arkansas is an equitable-distribution state. Under A.C.A. 9-12-315 the court starts at 50/50 of marital property but can divide differently if an equal split would be inequitable — and must explain why in writing. Pre-marriage, gift, and inherited property are usually separate unless commingled. Call 1-844-690-0555 to talk through what counts as marital in your case.
Is custody really presumed to be 50/50 now?
Yes. Since Act 604 of 2021, A.C.A. 9-13-101 presumes joint custody — roughly equal time — is in the child's best interest for initial divorce and paternity cases. Overcoming it takes clear and convincing evidence, a high bar. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on how the presumption applies to you.
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Since July 1, 2020, Arkansas uses an income-shares model under the Supreme Court's Administrative Order No. 10. Both parents' incomes are combined, and the support obligation is divided by each parent's share — not just the paying parent's income, as under the old rules. Call 1-844-690-0555 to understand how your numbers might work out.
Can I get an order of protection, and what does it cost?
If you're facing domestic abuse, you can petition the circuit court for an order of protection at no filing cost (A.C.A. 9-15-201). If there's immediate danger, the court can issue a same-day ex parte order until your hearing. Final orders last from 90 days up to 10 years. Call 1-844-690-0555 right away for free information on the steps.
What happens if my ex violates a protective order?
Violating an Arkansas order of protection is a Class A misdemeanor — up to one year in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine — and a second violation within five years becomes a Class D felony (A.C.A. 9-15-207). Any Arkansas law-enforcement officer can enforce it statewide. If it's been violated, call 911 first, then 1-844-690-0555 for free information.
Do I need a witness to get divorced in Arkansas?
Usually yes. Arkansas requires your ground for divorce and your residency to be corroborated by a witness other than you or your spouse (A.C.A. 9-12-306 and 9-12-307). Two spouses can't simply agree their way to a decree. Call 1-844-690-0555 to learn what corroboration your case needs.
Can I get alimony in Arkansas?
Maybe. Under A.C.A. 9-12-312, Arkansas judges have broad discretion to award alimony based on one spouse's need and the other's ability to pay — there's no fixed formula. Rehabilitative alimony, tied to a plan to become self-supporting, is common. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on whether alimony is realistic in your case.
I signed a covenant marriage. Is my divorce different?
Yes. If you chose a covenant marriage under A.C.A. 9-11-801 et seq., you agreed to limited grounds and a counseling requirement, which makes divorce harder than a standard marriage. Most Arkansas marriages are not covenant marriages, but it's worth checking. Call 1-844-690-0555 for free information on what your marriage type means.
My spouse and I live in different states — where do I file?
You can file in Arkansas if you or your spouse meet the residency rule: 60 days in Arkansas before filing and three months before the decree (A.C.A. 9-12-307). Custody jurisdiction follows separate rules tied to where the child has lived. Call 1-844-690-0555 to sort out which state should hear your case.
Is Legal Hotline a law firm that can represent me?
No. Legal Hotline is not a law firm and not a public defender, and the call gives you legal information, not legal advice — it creates no attorney-client relationship. If you need representation, we can help you book a paid consultation with an Arkansas-licensed attorney. Start with free information at 1-844-690-0555.
We connect Arkansans facing divorce, custody, support, and protective-order matters with licensed local counsel. If you practice family law in Arkansas and want to receive vetted, ready-to-consult client referrals, join our network. Reach out to learn how attorney matching works — built to send you clients who already understand they're booking a paid consultation.
General legal information, not legal advice. We research every page from primary sources — legislation, the courts, and government legal-aid bodies — and check it for accuracy. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at admin@platfirm.ai.
Whether it's an 18-month separation clock, a 30-day waiting period, the joint-custody presumption, or an order of protection you need tonight, the wrong move early can cost you for years. Get free, clear information about your Arkansas family law situation before you act. Call 1-844-690-0555 now — 24/7, no income test, no web form. It's legal information, not legal advice, and it creates no attorney-client relationship.
Free legal information. Not legal advice.