Ready to start your uncontested divorce in Arkansas? Get your divorce papers today with our easy online tool.
Get your divorce papersWhat Divorce Papers needs to be valid in Arkansas
- You or your spouse must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing.
- You must have grounds for divorce, such as separation for 18 months, adultery, or another legally recognized reason.
- You must complete the required divorce forms, including a complaint, summons, and financial affidavit if applicable.
- If you have minor children, you must provide a parenting plan and child support information.
- All forms must be filed with the circuit clerk in the correct county, and you must pay the filing fee unless you qualify for a waiver.
How to set up a Divorce Papers in Arkansas
- Determine your eligibility: Check that you meet the residency requirement and have grounds for divorce.
- Collect necessary information: Gather details about your marriage, assets, debts, children, and income.
- Complete the divorce forms: Fill out the complaint, summons, and other required documents. You can get these from the circuit clerk's office or online.
- File the forms: Take the completed forms to the circuit clerk's office in the proper county and pay the filing fee (or request a fee waiver).
- Serve your spouse: Have a sheriff or certified process server deliver the papers to your spouse. They must receive them within 120 days.
- Wait for response and finalize: Your spouse has 30 days to respond. If they don't, you can ask for a default judgment. If you reach an agreement, you'll attend a final hearing to dissolve the marriage.
How much it costs
The filing fee for divorce in Arkansas varies by county, typically ranging from $165 to $200. You may also need to pay for process serving and copying fees. In total, you might spend between $200 and $400, but you can request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
Arkansas Divorce Papers Checklist
Before you begin completing your Arkansas divorce forms, gather the necessary information and understand the state's basic requirements to avoid delays.
- Meet Arkansas residency requirements: either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 60 days before filing.
- Have your marriage certificate, spouse's full legal name, and current address ready, plus details about any minor children (birth dates, social security numbers, and proposed custody/parenting plan).
- Decide on grounds for divorce: Arkansas allows no-fault (irreconcilable differences) or fault-based grounds; your choice may affect the forms and process.
- Gather financial documents: income, expenses, assets, debts, and any existing agreements on property division or spousal support.
- Be aware that Arkansas requires a waiting period of 30 days after filing before the divorce can be finalized, and both spouses must sign the final decree unless a default judgment is obtained.
- Check with the circuit clerk in the county where you file for specific local forms and filing fees, and note that notarization may be required for certain documents.
Questions people ask
Do I need a lawyer to file divorce papers in Arkansas?
No, you can file for divorce yourself without a lawyer, especially if it's uncontested. However, if your case is complex or you have disagreements, consulting a lawyer is wise.
How long do I have to be separated to file for divorce in Arkansas?
You need to be separated for at least 18 months to use that as a ground for divorce. However, you can file immediately for other grounds like adultery or felony conviction.
What happens if my spouse doesn't respond to the divorce papers?
If your spouse doesn't respond within 30 days, you can ask the court for a default judgment, and the divorce can proceed without their input.
Are there any special requirements for the forms in Arkansas?
Some forms need to be notarized, and you must sign them in front of a notary. Also, you must file in the county where either you or your spouse resides.