Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Arkansas

Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Arkansas

Step Description
1 Meet Arkansas’s residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing for divorce.
2 Choose the appropriate grounds for divorce. Arkansas recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds.
3 Fill out the necessary forms. The forms you need to fill out will depend on your county, so check with your county court clerk’s office.
4 File the forms with your county court clerk’s office. You will need to pay a filing fee, which varies by county.
5 Serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can hire a process server or ask a friend or family member who is over 18 and not involved in the case to serve the papers.
6 Wait for your spouse’s response. Your spouse has 30 days to file a response to your divorce papers.
7 If your spouse responds, attend any necessary court hearings. If your spouse does not respond, you can request a default judgment.
8 Finalize the divorce. After all court hearings and negotiations are complete, the court will issue a final divorce decree.

Overview of Divorce in Arkansas

Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with a copy of it and has 30 days to respond. If they fail to respond within that time frame, the court may grant a default judgment in favor of the petitioner. However, if both parties agree on all terms of their divorce, including child custody and support issues, they can file an uncontested divorce jointly.

  • The cost for filing a petition for divorce in Arkansas is $165.
  • Arkansas law requires couples to wait at least 30 days after filing before finalizing their divorce.
  • If there are disputes regarding property division or child custody arrangements during mediation or trial phase, then additional expenses will incur such as lawyer fees and expert witness fees (if required).

Definition of Divorce

Arkansas is an equitable distribution state when it comes to property division during divorce proceedings. This means that all marital property will be divided fairly but not necessarily equally among both parties. Marital property includes anything acquired by either spouse during the course of the marriage including real estate, investments or other assets.

Grounds for Divorce in Arkansas

In Arkansas, there are two types of grounds for divorce: fault and no-fault. It’s important to understand the differences between these two types of grounds before filing for divorce.

  • No-Fault Grounds – This is when neither spouse is deemed responsible for the dissolution of their marriage. In this case, the reason listed on the petition will be “irreconcilable differences.” Both spouses must agree that their marriage has irretrievably broken down with no hope of reconciliation.
  • Fault Grounds – This is when one spouse claims that the other has engaged in specific marital misconduct or wrongdoing. Some common examples include adultery, domestic violence, abandonment or substance abuse issues. It’s important to note that fault-based divorces can be more complicated and time-consuming than no-fault divorces and may require additional evidence to prove.

Residency Requirements for Divorce in Arkansas

If neither spouse meets these residency requirements, it may be necessary to establish legal residency before proceeding with a divorce in Arkansas. It’s important to consult with an experienced family law attorney if you have questions about your eligibility or need help navigating the divorce process.

Filing for Divorce in Arkansas

If both parties agree on all aspects of their divorce including property division and child custody arrangements, they may be able to file an uncontested divorce jointly which is less time-consuming and less costly than going through mediation or trial phase.

Preparing to File for Divorce

You’ll also need to consider other practical matters such as:

  • Living Arrangements – If one spouse is moving out of the marital home, they may need to find a new place to live prior to filing for divorce.
  • Child Custody Arrangements – If there are children involved in the marriage, both parents will need to work together (or with their attorneys) to create a custody arrangement that works best for everyone involved.

Completing the Divorce Forms

It’s important to carefully review all completed paperwork before submitting them to avoid any errors that could cause delays or even lead to dismissal of your case. After reviewing everything carefully once again make sure you sign all documents where required including notarization when applicable before filing with the appropriate court clerk office along with payment for filing fees ($165).

Filing the Divorce Forms with the Court

If both parties agree on all terms of their divorce, including child custody and support issues, they can file an uncontested divorce jointly. In such cases, they will need to provide:

  • A joint petition for divorce outlining their agreement on all aspects related to ending their marriage.
  • A marital settlement agreement that spells out how property division, spousal support or alimony payments and child custody arrangements will be handled.

It’s important to note that if there are disputes regarding property division or child custody arrangements during mediation or trial phase, then additional expenses will incur such as lawyer fees and expert witness fees (if required).

Serving Divorce Papers to Your Spouse

If you are unable to locate your spouse, there are still options available. You can request service by publication in a local newspaper and/or file a motion requesting that service be made on another adult residing at your spouse’s last known address.

It’s important to note that serving divorce papers does not mean that your divorce is finalized. It simply means that your spouse has been notified of the proceedings and given an opportunity to respond within 30 days (or more depending on certain circumstances).

Responding to Divorce Papers

It’s highly recommended that you seek legal advice from an experienced family law attorney when responding to divorce papers. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process and can provide valuable guidance on how best to proceed given your unique circumstances.

Divorce Process in Arkansas

It’s important to note that each case is unique and may require additional steps depending on specific circumstances involved. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help ensure that everything is done correctly throughout this entire process.

Default Divorce

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering filing for a default divorce:

  • You must ensure that your spouse has been properly served with a copy of the petition and given ample time (usually 30 days) to respond before proceeding with a default judgment.
  • If there are issues related to property division, child custody or support, these will still need to be addressed by the court even if your spouse does not participate in the proceedings.
  • You may want to consider seeking legal advice from an experienced Arkansas family law attorney who can help guide you through this process and ensure that all necessary steps have been taken before pursuing a default judgment.

Contested Divorce

During a contested divorce proceeding, it’s possible for the court to order mediation between both parties. The goal of mediation is to resolve any issues without having to go through a trial. If mediation fails, however, then both parties will have to present evidence in front of a judge who will ultimately make decisions about how marital assets are divided and other critical matters.

  • If you’re going through a contested divorce in Arkansas, it’s essential that you work with an experienced family law attorney who can help guide you through this complex legal process.
  • The cost for hiring an attorney varies depending on several factors such as experience level and location but could range anywhere from $150-$500 per hour.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all terms of their divorce, including property division, child custody and support issues. This type of divorce is typically faster and less expensive than a contested divorce.

  • Both parties must file jointly for an uncontested divorce in Arkansas.
  • If you have minor children from the marriage, they must have lived in Arkansas for at least six months prior to filing for an uncontested divorce.
  • If there are no minor children involved or if the children meet residency requirements, then the couple can file a Joint Petition for Divorce stating that they have reached an agreement on all issues related to their separation.

Mediation in Divorce Cases

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that is commonly used in Arkansas divorce cases. It involves a neutral third party, known as a mediator, who helps the divorcing couple reach an agreement on their own terms outside of court.

  • The mediator’s role is to facilitate communication between both parties and help them negotiate a settlement that works for everyone involved.
  • Mediation can be less expensive and time-consuming than going through the court system. It also allows couples to maintain more control over the outcome of their case.
  • If mediation fails or one party refuses to participate, then the case may proceed to trial where a judge will make decisions regarding property division, child custody and support issues instead.

Trial and Final Judgment

  • The length of time for the trial process can vary widely depending on how many issues are in dispute and how complicated they are.
  • After the trial is completed, the judge will issue a final judgment that outlines all terms of the divorce including property division, child custody arrangements, child support payments or spousal support if applicable.

Once a final judgment has been issued by the court, either party has 30 days to file an appeal if they disagree with any part of it. It’s important to note that appeals can prolong and complicate what would otherwise be considered a finalized divorce decree.

Child Custody and Support in Arkansas

Child custody and support are important issues that need to be addressed during a divorce, especially if children are involved. In Arkansas, the court will consider the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements and child support payments.

  • Custody – There are two types of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to where the child will live while legal custody refers to who has decision-making authority for major life decisions such as education or healthcare. Custody can either be joint (shared between both parents) or sole (granted to one parent).
  • Support – Child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to help cover expenses related to raising the child. The amount of support is determined based on several factors including each parent’s income, number of children in need of support, and any special needs or medical expenses.

Child Custody Laws in Arkansas

When it comes to child custody in Arkansas, the court’s main priority is always the best interests of the child. There are two types of custody: legal and physical.

  • Legal Custody – This refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions about their child’s upbringing such as education, healthcare or religious practices. Joint legal custody means that both parents share this responsibility equally while sole legal custody gives one parent full decision-making authority.
  • Physical Custody – This refers to where the child will live on a day-to-day basis. Joint physical custody means that the child spends significant time with both parents while sole physical custody means that the child primarily lives with one parent and has visitation rights with the other parent.

The court may also consider factors such as each parent’s ability to provide for their child financially and emotionally, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse and how well each parent can promote a positive relationship between their child and the other parent when making decisions about custody arrangements.

Factors Considered in Determining Child Custody

In addition to these factors, the court may also consider any preferences expressed by older children regarding which parent they would like to live with. It’s important for both parents to be actively involved in their child’s life during divorce proceedings and demonstrate their commitment towards co-parenting after separation.

Child Support Laws in Arkansas

Arkansas courts prioritize the best interests of the child when making decisions regarding custody and support. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to child support laws in Arkansas:

  • The non-custodial parent is typically required to pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later.
  • The amount of child support is based on a number of factors, including each parent’s income, number of children involved and any special needs that they may have.
  • If one parent fails to pay their court-ordered child support payments, there can be serious legal consequences such as wage garnishment or even jail time.

Calculating Child Support

In addition to the basic child support obligation outlined above there may be additional expenses that must be factored in such as:

  • Childcare expenses related to employment or job search activities
  • Health insurance premiums and medical expenses not covered by insurance
  • Educational or special needs expenses for the child

If one parent has primary custody (or more than 50% visitation time), then he or she will receive child support payments from the other parent. The amount of payment will depend on several factors including each parent’s income level and how much time the non-custodial parent spends with their children.

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

  • The OCSE can help locate non-custodial parents who owe child support and establish paternity if necessary.
  • If a non-custodial parent fails to pay their court-ordered child support, the OCSE may take several enforcement actions such as wage garnishment or withholding tax refunds or filing liens against property owned by the non-custodial parent.
  • In extreme cases, failure to pay child support can result in criminal charges and even jail time for the delinquent parent.

If you are owed back child support or need assistance with enforcing an existing order, contact the OCSE for help. It’s also important to keep records of all payments made and received so that you have proof in case of any disputes down the road.

Property Division in Arkansas

The court will consider several factors when determining how to divide marital assets and debts in a fair manner:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The income and earning potential of each spouse
  • The contribution each spouse made towards acquiring marital property (financially or otherwise)
  • The value of each asset being divided
  • Tax consequences associated with dividing certain assets (such as retirement accounts)

Equitable Distribution in Arkansas

Arkansas is an equitable distribution state, meaning that all marital property will be divided fairly but not necessarily equally among both parties. Here are some important things to know about the process of equitable distribution in Arkansas:

  • All marital property will be subject to division during a divorce, including real estate, investments and other assets acquired during the course of the marriage.
  • The court considers several factors when dividing assets equitably, such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and their individual contributions to household expenses or child-rearing.
  • If one spouse brought substantial separate property into the marriage (such as inherited wealth or a pre-marital investment), they may be entitled to keep those assets rather than divide them with their spouse.

Marital Property vs. Separate Property

Determining what is considered marital versus separate can be complex, especially if there are commingled funds or joint accounts involved. It’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate these issues and protect your interests throughout the divorce process.

Factors Considered in Property Division

In general, courts will attempt to divide marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally. This means that one spouse may end up with a larger portion of the marital estate if they can demonstrate greater financial need or contribution during their marriage.

Disputes Over Property Division

Disputes over property division can be a major issue in divorce cases. When couples are unable to come to an agreement on how their assets should be divided, the court will step in and make a decision for them.

  • The court will consider several factors when making its decision about how to divide marital property including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation and earning potential, whether or not one spouse contributed more to the acquisition of certain assets, as well as other relevant circumstances.
  • If there is disagreement over a specific asset such as a business or real estate property then it may be necessary to hire appraisers or other experts who can provide guidance regarding fair market value.

Spousal Support in Arkansas

Spousal support, also known as alimony, may be awarded in Arkansas to the spouse who is deemed financially dependent on the other. The purpose of spousal support is to ensure that both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living after their divorce.

  • The amount and duration of spousal support payments depend on several factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning potential, and any health or age-related issues affecting either party.
  • There are three types of spousal support arrangements in Arkansas: temporary, rehabilitative and permanent. Temporary alimony provides financial assistance during the divorce process; rehabilitative alimony helps a spouse transition back into being self-sufficient; permanent alimony is typically only awarded for long-term marriages where one spouse may never be able to become fully self-supporting.

Types of Spousal Support in Arkansas

There are two types of alimony that may be awarded in Arkansas:

  1. Temporary Alimony: This is awarded during divorce proceedings when one party needs financial assistance until a final order is entered.
  2. Permanent Alimony:This is typically awarded in longer marriages where one party has significantly less income-earning potential than the other. It can also be modified if there are significant changes in circumstances such as an increase or decrease in income or remarriage.

Factors Considered in Awarding Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial assistance provided by one spouse to the other after divorce. In Arkansas, spousal support can be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis and can be paid in various ways including lump-sum payments or periodic installments.

When deciding whether to award spousal support and how much should be paid, Arkansas courts consider several factors such as:

  • The length of the marriage
  • The age and health of each spouse
  • The earning capacity and income of each spouse
  • The standard of living established during the marriage
  • The educational level and job skills of each spouse

Duration and Modification of Spousal Support

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is financial assistance paid from one spouse to another following a divorce. In Arkansas, spousal support may be awarded on a temporary or permanent basis depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

  • The duration of spousal support in Arkansas varies based on several factors such as length of marriage and earning capacity of both parties. If there are no provisions for spousal support in your divorce decree, it cannot be added later unless you can prove a change in circumstances.
  • If either spouse experiences a significant change in income or living situation after their divorce has been finalized, they may request to modify their existing spousal support order through the court system. A modification can increase or decrease the amount of financial assistance being paid based on new information presented during the hearing process.

Conclusion and Resources

No matter what your situation may be, remember that seeking professional help during this difficult time is crucial. With proper guidance and support, you can navigate the complicated process of filing for divorce in Arkansas with confidence and ease.

Summary of the Divorce Process in Arkansas

Divorce can be a complex process, but understanding the basic steps involved in an Arkansas divorce can help you navigate the process more easily.

  • Filing – The first step is to file a petition for divorce with the circuit court clerk’s office in your county. This document must include information about both spouses and any children they have together, as well as details about property and debts.
  • Serving – Once the petition has been filed, it must be served on your spouse by an authorized individual (usually a sheriff or private process server). Your spouse will then have 30 days to respond.
  • Discovery – During this phase of the divorce process, both parties will gather all relevant financial and personal information that will be used to make decisions about child custody and support arrangements as well as division of assets and debts.
  • Negotiation/Mediation/Trial – Depending on how amicable the parties are during discovery, they may need to work with attorneys or mediators to come up with mutually agreeable terms. If no agreement can be reached through negotiation or mediation, then trial may become necessary where each party presents their case before a judge who ultimately decides how everything should be resolved.

Additional Resources for Divorce in Arkansas.

If you’re considering filing for divorce or have already started the process, it’s important to understand your legal rights and obligations. Seeking out additional resources such as counseling services or support groups can also be helpful during this difficult time.

Remember, every divorce case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

FAQ on ‘Divorce Process: How to File for Divorce in Arkansas’

Q: How much does it cost to file for divorce in Arkansas?

A: The filing fee varies by county, but typically ranges from $165 to $195.

Q: Can I file for divorce without an attorney in Arkansas?

A: Yes, you can file for divorce without an attorney, but it is recommended that you consult with one to ensure that your rights are protected and the process goes smoothly.

Q: How long does it take to get a divorce in Arkansas?

A: The length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in Arkansas depends on various factors such as the complexity of the case and whether both parties agree on all issues. On average, it takes about three months from the date of filing to receive a final decree of divorce.

Q: What grounds can I use to file for divorce in Arkansas?

A: In Arkansas, you can file for divorce based on either fault or no-fault grounds. No-fault grounds include living separate and apart from your spouse for at least 18 months or irreconcilable differences. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, conviction of a felony, habitual drunkenness or drug addiction, impotence or incurable insanity.