Arkansas divorce at a glance
Confirm with your county before filing — fees and rules can vary.
Arkansas divorce: the separation rule
Arkansas stands alone in the country: there is no true no-fault divorce. The most common path is to live separate and apart without cohabitation for 18 continuous months, then file for divorce on that ground. Fault-based options exist, but they require proving something like adultery or cruelty in open court, which most couples prefer to avoid.
Once you file with the Circuit Court (Chancery Division) in your county, a 30-day waiting period runs before the final decree. You need 60 days of Arkansas residency to qualify. The state divides marital property equitably, and child support follows Administrative Order No. 10, the Arkansas Child Support Guidelines.
Because the separation clock starts before you file, planning the timeline matters more here than almost anywhere else. The official complaint and summons forms come from the Arkansas Judiciary, and the filing fee is about $165.