Divorce in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Family Law
Arkansas requires a 30-day waiting period and allows both fault and no-fault divorce grounds.
How Arkansas treats Divorce
Arkansas permits divorce on no-fault grounds (irreconcilable differences) or traditional fault grounds including adultery, cruelty, and desertion. A 30-day waiting period applies after filing before a decree can be entered. Arkansas courts divide marital property equitably, considering factors like contribution to the marriage and earning capacity. Alimony and child support are determined using statutory guidelines based on income and custody.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce 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.