Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Arkansas

Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have been an Arkansas resident for at least 60 days before filing.

Waiting Period

18 months of continuous separation for no-fault divorce. No waiting if fault-based.

Grounds

• No-fault: 18 months separation


• Fault: Adultery, felony conviction, cruelty, indignities, etc.

Covenant Marriage

If you have a covenant marriage, additional requirements apply.

Family Courts in Arkansas

Divorce and family law cases are heard in Circuit Court.

Court Structure

• 75 counties


• 28 judicial circuits

Major Courts

• Pulaski County (Little Rock): Sixth Judicial Circuit


• Washington County: Fourth Judicial Circuit

Domestic Relations Division

Larger circuits have domestic relations divisions handling family matters.

Filing Fees in Arkansas

Fee Schedule

• Divorce filing fee: $165


• Service fees: $25-$50

Fee Waiver

Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis available for those who cannot afford fees.

Typical Costs

• Uncontested: $500-$2,000


• Contested: $5,000-$15,000+

Free Legal Resources in Arkansas

Legal Aid of Arkansas

• Website: arlegalaid.org


• Phone: 1-800-952-9243


• Serves low-income Arkansans statewide

Online Resources

• Arkansas Free Legal Answers: ar.freelegalanswers.org


• AR Legal Services Online: arlegalservices.org

Pro Bono

Arkansas Volunteer Lawyers for the Elderly

Critical Deadlines in Arkansas

Separation Period

18 months continuous separation required for no-fault divorce.

Residency

60 days residency required before filing.

Response Deadline

30 days to respond after being served.

Fault-Based

No waiting period for fault-based grounds.

Arkansas's Unique Family Law Features

18-Month Separation

Arkansas has one of the longest separation periods for no-fault divorce at 18 months.

Covenant Marriage

Arkansas offers Covenant Marriage with stricter requirements for divorce.

Short Residency

Only 60 days residency required - shorter than most states.

Fault Matters

Fault grounds can bypass the 18-month waiting period.