Child Support in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Family Law
Arkansas uses income shares model; support ends at age 18 unless child remains in high school.
How Arkansas treats Child Support
Arkansas employs the income shares model, where both parents contribute proportionally to their combined adjusted income. The state's guidelines specify percentages ranging from 14% for one child to 40% for six or more children. Support generally terminates when the child turns 18, but continues if the child is still enrolled in high school, extending to graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. Arkansas courts may also order support for post-secondary education in certain circumstances.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support 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.