Statutory Reference to Arkansas Code:   

Divorce: § 9-12-301 et seq.

Alimony § 9-12-312

Property Distribution: § 9-12-315

Custody: § 9-13-102

Visitation: § 9-13-103

http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/lpbin/lpext.dll?f=file[fbrowse-h.htm]

Child Support: Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10

 

Residence:

Presence in the state by either party for 60 days before commencement of the action, plus another 30 days before the final decree may be entered, except in cases of willful desertion for one year without reasonable cause, or continuous separation for 18 months without cohabitation.

 

Grounds:           

(1) Voluntary separation without cohabitation for 18 months.

(2) Impotency;

(3) felony conviction;

(4) habitual drunkenness for one year;

(5) cruel and barbarous treatment;

(6) indignities to the person;

(7) adultery;

(8) three year separation by reason of confinement for incurable insanity;

(9) willful nonsupport.

 

Distribution of Property:

Adopts traditional dual classification of property.  Marital property be divided equally between the parties unless the court finds that equal division is inequitable.  The only usual aspect of Arkansas equitable distribution law is its treatment of property held as tenants by the entireties, which is divided by legal title. 

 

Alimony/Spousal Support:

Alimony may be awarded to either party in fixed installments for a specific period of time. 

 

Child Custody/Visitation:

The court shall determine custody in accordance with the best interests of the child.

 

Child Support:

Child Support Guidelines at Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10.

Adopts Varying Percentage of Income Model, basing noncustodial parent's obligation on a percentage of net income, which percentage decreases as income goes higher.  Support terminates at age 18 or when child graduates from high school.  Parents cannot be compelled to pay for the college education of their children.