Filing for divorce in Arkansas without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Arkansas has one of the shortest waiting periods in the United States — just 18 days from filing before a divorce can be granted. The filing fee is approximately $165. This guide explains every step of the DIY divorce process in Arkansas.
Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Arkansas?
You may be able to file for divorce without a lawyer in Arkansas if both spouses agree on all major issues including property division, debts, and — if applicable — child custody and support. Arkansas allows no-fault divorce based on general indignities or 18 months of separation.
- Both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce
- There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
- Neither spouse has highly complex assets such as a business or pension
- Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents
Arkansas residency requirement
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Arkansas for a minimum of 60 days before filing for divorce. You must file in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse lives.
Arkansas divorce waiting period
Arkansas has a mandatory 18-day waiting period from the date the divorce complaint is filed before the divorce can be granted — one of the shortest in the United States. However most courts take longer than 18 days to schedule hearings so the practical timeline is typically 4–8 weeks for an uncontested divorce.
Step-by-step divorce process in Arkansas
Step 1 — Download Arkansas divorce forms
Arkansas divorce forms are available from the Arkansas Judiciary website at arcourts.gov. Arkansas provides free self-help forms and instructions for uncontested divorce cases.
Step 2 — File at your county Circuit Court
File your completed Complaint for Divorce at the Circuit Court clerk’s office in your county. The filing fee is approximately $165 in most Arkansas counties. Pulaski County (Little Rock) and Benton County may have slightly different fees.
Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Complaint and Summons. If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign a Waiver of Service. Otherwise use the county sheriff or a process server. Your spouse has 30 days to respond after being served.
Step 4 — Complete the Property Settlement Agreement
Both spouses must sign a Property Settlement Agreement covering all property, debts, and — if applicable — child custody and support. This agreement becomes part of the final divorce decree.
Step 5 — Attend the final hearing
After the 18-day waiting period, the court schedules a brief final hearing. In Arkansas, at least the filing spouse must appear. The judge reviews the Property Settlement Agreement and signs the Decree of Divorce.
Required forms for divorce in Arkansas
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons
- Waiver of Service (if spouse waives formal service)
- Property Settlement Agreement signed by both spouses
- Decree of Divorce
- If children are involved: Parenting Plan and Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
Forms are available free at arcourts.gov.
How much does a divorce cost in Arkansas?
The court filing fee in Arkansas is approximately $165 in most counties. For a DIY uncontested divorce, your total cost is typically $165–$300. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Arkansas typically range from $750 to $2,500. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $8,000–$20,000 or more.
How long does a divorce take in Arkansas?
The minimum time for a divorce in Arkansas is 18 days from filing. Most uncontested DIY divorces in Arkansas are finalized in 4–8 weeks. Contested divorces typically take 6–18 months depending on the complexity of disputes.
Frequently asked questions — Arkansas divorce
Is Arkansas a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Arkansas allows no-fault divorce based on general indignities — meaning the conduct of one spouse toward the other has made their condition intolerable. Arkansas also allows divorce based on 18 months of separation. You do not need to prove specific wrongdoing for a general indignities divorce.
Is Arkansas an equitable distribution state?
Yes. Arkansas is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally, based on factors such as each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, economic circumstances, and the length of the marriage.
Do I need to appear in court for a divorce in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas requires at least the filing spouse to appear at the final divorce hearing. The hearing is typically brief — the judge asks a few questions confirming the grounds for divorce and reviews the Property Settlement Agreement before signing the Decree of Divorce.
Can I file for divorce in Arkansas without my spouse’s cooperation?
Yes. You can file a contested divorce in Arkansas without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 30 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default divorce after the 18-day waiting period.
What if I cannot afford the Arkansas divorce filing fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Indigency with the court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.
Divorce guides in other states
Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Washington
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Legal disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Arkansas vary by county and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Arkansas.