Arkansas Child Support Calculator

How Child Support is Calculated in Arkansas

Arkansas determines child support by first combining your income with the other parent's income. The court then uses a state chart to find a total support amount based on that combined income and number of children, and divides the responsibility between you based on your individual share of the income.

Understanding Arkansas's Shared Custody Rules

When your child stays with each parent for at least 141 nights per year, Arkansas law recognizes the increased costs of shared parenting. A special calculation is used that adjusts the basic support obligation to account for duplicated expenses in both households, which often results in a lower payment.

AR Child Support: Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does child support end in AR?

In Arkansas, the child support obligation typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending high school when they turn 18, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in AR?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a judge can 'impute' income. This means the court calculates child support based on what that parent *could* be earning, considering their education, work history, and local job opportunities.

How do I modify a child support order in AR?

You can request a modification if there has been a 'material change in circumstances.' In Arkansas, a change in the paying parent's income of 20% or more than $100 per month is automatically considered a material change, simplifying the process for requesting a review.

Does AR child support cover college expenses?

No, a court in Arkansas cannot order a parent to pay for college expenses. The legal obligation for support ends at age 18 or high school graduation. Parents may create a separate, legally binding agreement to cover college costs, but it is not required by law.

How does AR handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs are considered 'add-on' expenses and are not included in the basic child support obligation. These costs are typically divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes and added to the final support order.