Filing for divorce in Arkansas without an attorney costs $150-$200 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 60 days in Arkansas. Arkansas is a equitable distribution state with a 30 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 1-2 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Arkansas-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $150-$200 (Pulaski County (Little Rock): $165. Fees are relatively low across Arkansas counties, typically $150-$200.) |
| Residency Requirement | 60 days in Arkansas |
| Waiting Period | 30 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | 18 months separation (no-fault), Impotence, Felony conviction, Habitual intoxication, Cruel treatment, Indignities, Adultery, Incurable insanity |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 1-2 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Arkansas, you must meet the following residency requirement: 60 days in Arkansas.
At least one spouse must have resided in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing for divorce. This is one of the shortest residency requirements in the country.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Arkansas's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Arkansas without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have resided in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing for divorce. This is one of the shortest residency requirements in the country.
Download the official Arkansas divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Affidavit of Financial Means. All forms are available from the Arkansas courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Varies by county) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Arkansas court and pay the filing fee of $150-$200. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Arkansas rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Arkansas law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Arkansas has a mandatory 30-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized. This applies even in uncontested cases.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Arkansas, this typically takes 1-2 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Arkansas. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Notifies spouse
Financial disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Arkansas is $150-$200. Pulaski County (Little Rock): $165. Fees are relatively low across Arkansas counties, typically $150-$200.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $150-$200 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $200-$800 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Arkansas offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Arkansas, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Arkansas courts are strict about service requirements.
Arkansas is a equitable distribution state.
Arkansas is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like length of marriage, occupation, income, and vocational skills of each party.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Arkansas law applies to your specific property.
Arkansas uses the Income shares model per Administrative Order No. 10.
Arkansas uses Administrative Order No. 10 for child support, based on the income shares model. Both parents' incomes are considered, with support calculated as a percentage of combined income based on the number of children.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Arkansas divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $150-$200 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
30 days - Arkansas has a mandatory 30-day waiting period from the date of filing before the divorce can be finalized. This applies even in uncontested cases.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Very short 60-day residency requirement
Low filing fees compared to other states
18-month separation required for no-fault without consent
Both fault and no-fault grounds available
Covenant marriage available
Common questions about filing for divorce in Arkansas without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Arkansas's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Arkansas-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Arkansas's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
Create properly formatted legal documents
Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
24/7 AI guidance
Ask Victoria anything, anytime
AES-256 encryption, SOC 2 ready infrastructure. Your documents are protected.
Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Arkansas divorce information verified from official state court sources.
Victoria is ready to guide you through every step of the Arkansas divorce process. Start your free trial today.
7-day free trial • Cancel anytime • Charged after trial ends