How to file for divorce in Arkansas — without a lawyer
Arkansas lets you handle your own divorce, and for uncontested cases it's very doable: file in the Circuit Court, use the state's no-fault ground — 18 months' continuous separation (no-fault) — follow the steps below, and use the official Arkansas forms. This page gives you the real requirements, with links to the official sources to verify each one.
Arkansas divorce: the key facts
Residency note: 60 days before filing; 3 full months before final judgment.
Verify with the official source: Arkansas court self-help ↗Official forms ↗Find your court ↗
The 6 steps, start to finish
- 1
Confirm you can file in Arkansas
At least one spouse generally must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days (about 2 months) before filing. If you qualify, you'll file in the Circuit Court — usually in the county where you or your spouse lives.
- 2
Get the official forms
Arkansas's own forms are free. You'll typically need the petition (Complaint for Divorce (no statewide form)), a financial disclosure (Affidavit of Financial Means), and with children, the support worksheet (Child Support worksheet (Administrative Order No. 10)). CaseForward's guided interview fills in the decisions those forms ask you to make.
- 3
Complete your paperwork carefully
Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is the #1 reason self-filed divorces get bounced. Work through each form slowly; if you and your spouse agree on everything, prepare a settlement agreement and a custody / visitation agreement to attach.
- 4
File with the court
The filing fee varies by county — call your clerk of court to confirm the exact amount. If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Many Arkansas courts accept electronic filing through eFlex.
- 5
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must formally receive the papers — usually by sheriff, private process server, or (in agreed cases) a signed waiver/acceptance of service. Keep the proof of service; the court needs it.
- 6
Wait, then finalize
Arkansas has a 30-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. In an uncontested case the judge reviews your paperwork (sometimes with a short hearing) and signs the final decree.
Do the paperwork with a guide, not from scratch
CaseForward walks you through every decision, generates your court-ready Arkansas documents, and shows you full previews free. One price — $99 for the complete DIY packet, or $29 for a single document. No subscription.
Child support in Arkansas: Income Shares
Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41).
Arkansas divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Arkansas?
No. Every state, including Arkansas, lets you represent yourself in a divorce (called appearing "pro se"). Self-representation works best for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms. If your case involves abuse, hidden assets, or a real dispute over the children, talk to a licensed Arkansas attorney — many offer free consultations, and you may qualify for legal aid.
How long do I have to live in Arkansas before I can file for divorce?
At least one spouse generally must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days (about 2 months) before filing. Always verify the current rule with the court's own self-help resources before filing.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a 30-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. Uncontested cases with complete, correctly-filled paperwork are consistently the fastest.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Arkansas?
The filing fee varies by county — call your clerk of court to confirm the exact amount. If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Beyond the court fee, doing the paperwork yourself is the biggest saver: preparing your own documents (free preview, $99 for the complete court-ready packet on CaseForward) instead of paying a few thousand dollars in attorney fees.
What are the grounds for divorce in Arkansas?
Arkansas accepts a no-fault ground — 18 months' continuous separation (no-fault). Fault-based grounds also exist, but most self-represented filers use the no-fault ground because it's simpler and doesn't require proving misconduct. Note: a separation period of about 540 days applies in some circumstances.
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses the Income Shares model. Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41). You can run your numbers with CaseForward's free Arkansas child-support estimator, then confirm with the state's official worksheet.
Helpful Arkansas links & guides
Court self-help center ↗Official forms ↗E-filing (eFlex) ↗Find your court ↗
Free: The Uncontested Divorce Filing Checklist
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