Alimony in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Family Law
Arkansas courts award alimony based on need and ability to pay, with no statutory formula or duration limits.
How Arkansas treats Alimony
Arkansas law does not establish a fixed formula or percentage for alimony calculations. Courts consider factors including the length of marriage, earning capacity, age, health, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. Alimony may be temporary (during divorce proceedings) or permanent, depending on circumstances. Permanent alimony typically terminates upon the recipient's remarriage or death of either party, but cohabitation does not automatically end support.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.