When Does Child Support End in Arkansas? 2026 Complete Legal Guide
Reviewed by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022
Child support in Arkansas ends automatically when the child turns 18 years old under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237. If the child is still attending high school at age 18, support continues until high school graduation or the end of the school year after the child turns 19, whichever comes first. Arkansas does not require parents to pay child support through college. The paying parent must provide written notice to 5 parties within 10 days of termination, and unpaid arrears remain enforceable for 5 years after the child turns 18.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| General Termination Age | 18 years old |
| High School Extension | Until graduation or end of school year after age 19, whichever is earlier |
| Governing Statute | Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237 |
| Disabled Child Exception | Court may extend support indefinitely under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a)(6)(B) |
| College Support Required | No (voluntary agreements are enforceable) |
| Arrears Collection Deadline | 5 years after child turns 18 under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-236 |
| Emancipation Minimum Age | 17 under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-362 |
| Child Support Model | Income Shares (Administrative Order No. 10) |
| Modification Filing Fee | $80 through OCSE; ~$165 through circuit court |
| Divorce Residency Requirement | 60 days before filing; 3 months before final decree |
At What Age Does Child Support End in Arkansas?
Child support in Arkansas terminates automatically when the child reaches 18 years of age under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237. Arkansas sets the age of majority at 18, and the child support obligation expires on the child's 18th birthday unless the high school exception applies. No court motion or petition is required for the obligation to end at age 18.
Arkansas is one of the majority of U.S. states that terminates child support at 18 rather than extending it to 19 or 21. The termination is automatic by operation of law, meaning the paying parent does not need a judge's approval for the obligation to stop. However, the paying parent does bear a 10-day notice requirement to ensure all relevant parties know the obligation has ended.
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237(b), the obligor must provide written notification of the termination to all of the following within 10 days:
- The custodial parent or physical custodian
- The clerk of the court responsible for receiving child support payments
- The obligor's employer (if income withholding is in effect)
- The Office of Child Support Enforcement (if applicable)
- Any other party receiving direct payments
Failure to provide this written notice does not extend the obligation, but it can create complications with income withholding and payment processing. Employers who continue to withhold wages without notification may remit payments that the obligor must then seek to recover.
Does Child Support Continue Through High School in Arkansas?
Arkansas extends child support past age 18 if the child is still enrolled in and attending high school at the time of the child's 18th birthday, as provided by Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237(a)(2). In that case, child support continues until the earlier of two events: (1) the child's high school graduation, or (2) the end of the school year after the child turns 19 years old.
This high school extension is significant because approximately 5-8% of Arkansas students turn 18 before completing their senior year, often due to late birthdays or grade retention. The extension means a child who turns 18 in October of their senior year continues receiving support through graduation in May or June.
The high school exception has specific boundaries that Arkansas courts have interpreted:
- The child must be actively attending high school, not merely enrolled
- GED programs generally do not qualify as "high school" attendance under the statute
- Home school programs recognized by the state may qualify
- The absolute outer limit is the end of the school year after the child turns 19, regardless of whether the child has graduated
- If the child drops out of high school after turning 18, the obligation terminates immediately
A child who is 18 and attending high school retains the right to receive support. The paying parent cannot unilaterally stop payments simply because the child has turned 18 if the high school exception applies.
When Does Child Support End Arkansas for a Child with a Disability?
Arkansas courts may order child support to continue indefinitely for a child with a disability that affects the child's ability to live independently from the custodial parent under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a)(6)(B). This exception applies regardless of the child's age and can result in a lifetime support obligation.
The disability exception requires the custodial parent to petition the court for an order extending support. Unlike the automatic termination at age 18 or the automatic high school extension, continued support for a disabled adult child is not self-executing. The custodial parent must prove:
- The child has a diagnosed disability (physical, mental, or developmental)
- The disability affects the child's ability to live independently
- The child continues to need financial support from a parent
- The paying parent has the financial ability to provide continued support
Arkansas courts have broad discretion in these cases. The amount of post-majority support for a disabled child does not necessarily match the original child support amount. Courts may increase or decrease the amount based on the adult child's specific needs, the cost of care, available government benefits (such as SSI or Medicaid), and both parents' current financial circumstances.
It is advisable to file the petition for continuation of support before the child turns 18 to avoid any gap in the support obligation. If the child has already turned 18 and the original order has expired, the custodial parent may still petition the court, but the process becomes more complex.
Does Emancipation End Child Support Early in Arkansas?
A child who is legally emancipated before age 18 is no longer entitled to child support under Arkansas law, and the support obligation terminates upon the court's entry of an emancipation order under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-362. Arkansas sets the minimum emancipation age at 17 years old and requires a court petition with proof of 8 specific criteria.
Emancipation effectively treats the minor as a legal adult for purposes of financial independence. Once a court grants emancipation, the child support obligation ends because the child is no longer legally dependent on either parent. The following events can also terminate child support before age 18 under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237:
- Marriage of the child
- Death of the child
- Adoption of the child by another person
- Entry of an emancipation order by a court of competent jurisdiction
To obtain emancipation in Arkansas, the minor must be at least 17 years old and demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that they meet all 8 criteria under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-362:
- The juvenile is at least 17 years of age
- The juvenile is willing to live separate and apart from parents or guardians
- The juvenile has an appropriate place to live
- The juvenile has been managing or can manage their own financial affairs
- The juvenile has a legal source of income (employment or trust fund)
- The juvenile has healthcare coverage or a realistic plan for health needs
- The juvenile agrees to comply with compulsory school attendance laws
- Emancipation is in the best interest of the juvenile
Emancipation petitions in Arkansas are relatively uncommon and require filing in circuit court. The court must also consider the wishes of the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian before making its decision.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under Administrative Order No. 10, effective July 1, 2020, which combines both parents' gross monthly incomes and applies the Family Support Chart to determine each parent's proportional obligation. The model replaced the older percentage-of-income approach that only considered the noncustodial parent's earnings.
The Income Shares Model calculation follows these steps:
- Determine each parent's gross monthly income (wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, rental income, and other sources)
- Add both incomes together to arrive at the Combined Gross Income (CGI)
- Look up the Basic Child Support Obligation on the Family Support Chart based on CGI and number of children
- Divide the obligation proportionally based on each parent's share of the CGI
- Add mandatory add-ons: health insurance premiums for the child, extraordinary medical expenses, and work-related childcare costs
- Credit the noncustodial parent for any overnight parenting time above 141 nights per year
For example, if Parent A earns $4,000 per month and Parent B earns $2,000 per month, the CGI is $6,000. Parent A's share is 67% ($4,000 / $6,000) and Parent B's share is 33%. If the Family Support Chart shows a base obligation of $900 for one child at $6,000 CGI, Parent A would owe approximately $603 per month and Parent B approximately $297 per month, before add-ons and credits.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Type | Income Shares (both parents' incomes) |
| Effective Date | July 1, 2020 (Administrative Order No. 10) |
| Income Considered | Gross monthly income from all sources |
| Add-Ons | Health insurance, extraordinary medical, work-related childcare |
| Overnight Credit | Available above 141 overnights per year |
| Deviation Factors | Special needs, shared custody, travel costs, other dependents |
| Review/Modification | Every 3 years or upon material change in circumstances |
Can You Modify Child Support Before It Ends in Arkansas?
Either parent can petition to modify child support at any time by demonstrating a material change in circumstances under Arkansas law, and the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) reviews orders every 3 years for potential adjustment. The filing fee for a modification motion is $80 through OCSE or approximately $165 through circuit court.
A material change in circumstances sufficient to warrant modification includes:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent's income (generally 20% or more)
- Loss of employment or disability of the paying parent
- Changes in the child's needs (medical expenses, educational costs, special needs)
- Changes in the custody or parenting time arrangement
- Changes in the number of dependents for either parent
- Changes in health insurance availability or cost
- The child reaching an age where expenses increase or decrease significantly
To file a modification through the Arkansas OCSE, contact your local child support office at 1-800-264-2445. The OCSE provides free legal assistance for modifications, which can save thousands of dollars in attorney fees. Filing directly through circuit court costs approximately $165 in filing fees plus attorney costs, which typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 for a contested modification.
Arkansas courts apply the current Administrative Order No. 10 guidelines when recalculating support during a modification. If the recalculated amount differs by 20% or more from the existing order, courts generally grant the modification. Changes smaller than 20% may still warrant modification if other circumstances have significantly changed.
What Happens to Unpaid Child Support After the Child Turns 18?
Unpaid child support arrears in Arkansas remain fully enforceable after the child turns 18, and the custodial parent has 5 years from the date the child reaches 18 to bring a collection action under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-236. Once arrears are reduced to a judgment, that judgment is valid for 10 years and may be renewed every 10 years thereafter.
The distinction between unadjudicated arrears and adjudicated arrears is critical in Arkansas:
- Unadjudicated arrears (amounts owed but not yet confirmed by a court judgment) must be pursued within 5 years of the child turning 18
- Adjudicated arrears (amounts confirmed by a court judgment) are valid for 10 years with unlimited renewals
- No statute of limitations applies against a parent who has left or remained outside Arkansas to avoid paying child support
Arkansas has aggressive enforcement tools for collecting unpaid child support, even after the child is an adult:
- Credit bureau reporting of the debt
- Federal and state income tax refund interception
- Passport denial for arrears over $2,500
- Suspension of driver's license and professional or occupational licenses
- Bank account seizure
- Contempt of court proceedings, which can include jail time
- Liens on real and personal property
If your child is approaching 18 and you are owed back child support, contact the Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement immediately to request that the arrears be adjudicated (confirmed as a court judgment). This converts the 5-year limitation into a 10-year renewable judgment, providing substantially more time and leverage for collection.
Does Arkansas Require Parents to Pay for College?
Arkansas does not require parents to pay for a child's college education as part of a standard child support order, and the child support obligation under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237 terminates at age 18 (or 19 with the high school extension) regardless of college enrollment. Arkansas is among the majority of states that do not mandate post-secondary education support.
However, there are two important exceptions where a parent may be obligated to contribute to college costs:
-
Voluntary agreement: Parents can agree to pay for college expenses as part of a divorce settlement or separation agreement. Once incorporated into a court order, such voluntary agreements become enforceable contracts. Courts will hold a parent to the agreed-upon terms even though the law does not independently require the contribution.
-
Court discretion: Arkansas family courts retain limited discretion to consider college-related expenses when the child demonstrates academic aptitude, the child has been accepted to a program, and the parent has the financial ability to contribute. However, this authority is rarely exercised and typically requires strong evidence that the child will benefit from higher education.
Parents who wish to ensure college contribution should address it specifically in their divorce settlement agreement with detailed terms covering:
- Which institutions qualify (public vs. private, in-state vs. out-of-state)
- Maximum annual contribution amounts
- GPA and enrollment requirements the child must maintain
- Duration of the obligation (typically 4 years or completion of a bachelor's degree)
- How scholarships, grants, and the child's own earnings affect the parent's contribution
How to Properly Terminate Child Support in Arkansas
The paying parent in Arkansas must follow a specific notification procedure within 10 days of the child support obligation ending, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237(b). While the obligation terminates automatically by law, the administrative process of stopping payments requires affirmative action by the obligor.
Step-by-step termination process:
- Confirm the termination event has occurred (child turned 18 and is not in high school, child graduated high school, or another qualifying event)
- Prepare written notification stating the date and reason for termination
- Send the written notice within 10 days to all 5 required parties: the custodial parent, the court clerk, the employer (if income withholding is active), the OCSE (if applicable), and any other direct payment recipient
- If income withholding is in effect, contact your employer's payroll department to confirm they received the notice and will stop withholding
- Verify with the court clerk that the case has been closed or updated to reflect the termination
- Retain copies of all notices and delivery confirmations for your records
If the custodial parent disputes the termination (for example, claiming the child is still in high school), the paying parent may need to file a motion with the circuit court to confirm the termination date. Filing fees for such motions are approximately $50 to $165 depending on the county. As of March 2026, verify current fees with your local circuit clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does child support end in Arkansas if my child turns 18 during senior year?
Child support continues until high school graduation or the end of the school year after the child turns 19, whichever comes first, under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237(a)(2). A child who turns 18 in November of their senior year will continue receiving support through May or June graduation. The obligation does not pause or terminate mid-school-year.
Can child support be extended past 18 in Arkansas for college?
Arkansas law does not require parents to pay child support for a child attending college. The standard obligation under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237 ends at age 18 (or 19 with the high school extension). However, parents can voluntarily agree to college contributions in their divorce settlement, and once incorporated into a court order, those agreements are legally enforceable.
What happens if my child drops out of high school after turning 18?
Child support terminates immediately when the child stops attending high school after turning 18 in Arkansas. The high school extension under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237(a)(2) requires active attendance. If the child drops out, the paying parent must provide written notice to all required parties within 10 days to formally terminate the obligation.
How long can unpaid child support be collected after the child is 18?
Arkansas allows collection of unpaid child support arrears for 5 years after the child turns 18 under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-236. Once arrears are adjudicated as a court judgment, the judgment is valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely. There is no statute of limitations against a parent who left Arkansas to avoid payment.
Does getting married end child support in Arkansas?
Yes, marriage of the child terminates the child support obligation automatically under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237(a). The paying parent must provide written notice to all required parties within 10 days. Arkansas allows marriage at 17 with parental consent, so child support can end before age 18 if the child marries.
Can a disabled child receive support past age 18 in Arkansas?
Arkansas courts may order continued child support for a disabled adult child under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a)(6)(B). The disability must affect the child's ability to live independently from the custodial parent. This requires a separate court petition and is not automatic. The support amount may differ from the original child support order.
How much does it cost to modify child support in Arkansas?
Filing for child support modification through the Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) costs $80 as a legal action initiation fee. Filing directly in circuit court costs approximately $165 in filing fees. Attorney fees for a contested modification typically range from $1,500 to $3,500. The OCSE provides free legal assistance, which can eliminate attorney costs entirely.
What is the minimum age for emancipation in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires a minor to be at least 17 years old to petition for emancipation under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-362. The minor must meet 8 criteria, including having a legal income source, appropriate housing, healthcare coverage, and compliance with school attendance laws. Emancipation terminates the child support obligation immediately upon the court's order.
Does child support automatically stop at 18 in Arkansas or do I need to file something?
Child support terminates automatically by operation of law when the child turns 18 under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-14-237, and no court filing is required. However, the paying parent must send written notification to 5 parties within 10 days: the custodial parent, court clerk, employer (if income withholding applies), OCSE (if applicable), and any other payment recipient.
Can I stop paying child support if my child refuses to visit me in Arkansas?
No. Child support and visitation (parenting time) are legally separate obligations in Arkansas. A child's refusal to visit does not authorize the paying parent to stop or reduce child support payments. Failure to pay can result in contempt of court, wage garnishment, and license suspension. The proper remedy is to file a motion to enforce your parenting time order.
This guide provides general legal information about when child support ends in Arkansas as of 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Child support matters involve fact-specific analysis under current Arkansas law. Consult a licensed Arkansas family law attorney for advice about your specific situation. Filing fees referenced are as of March 2026. Verify with your local circuit clerk.