How Much Is Child Support in Arkansas?

How Does Arkansas Calculate Child Support?

Arkansas uses the income shares model established in Administrative Order No. 10, which bases support on both parents' gross monthly incomes. The state publishes a family support chart that determines the basic support obligation based on combined parental income and number of children.

For example, with a combined gross income of $6,000/month and two children, the basic obligation is approximately $1,198. If the non-custodial parent earns 60% of that combined income, they would pay roughly $719/month.

What Income Counts Toward Child Support?

Arkansas courts consider gross income from all sources under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312, including:

• Wages, salaries, and commissions
• Self-employment income (minus ordinary business expenses)
• Bonuses and overtime pay
• Social Security and disability benefits
• Unemployment and workers' compensation
• Rental income and investment returns

According to Arkansas divorce statistics, the median household income affects what most families can expect. Courts may impute income to voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parents based on their earning capacity.

What Additional Expenses Are Included?

Beyond the basic chart amount, Arkansas requires parents to share:

• Health insurance premiums for the children
• Unreimbursed medical expenses over $250 annually
• Childcare costs necessary for employment or education
• Extraordinary educational expenses (private school, tutoring)

These additions can increase the total obligation by 15-25% depending on circumstances. Use our Arkansas child support calculator for a personalized estimate.

How Does Custody Affect the Amount?

Under Arkansas divorce law, the parenting time arrangement significantly impacts support calculations:

• Standard visitation (every other weekend): Full chart amount applies
• Extended visitation (80+ overnights): A deviation may reduce support
• Equal custody (50/50): The higher earner typically pays the difference between what each would owe

Courts retain discretion to deviate from guidelines when strict application would be unjust. Review our Arkansas divorce checklist to understand the full process.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

Yes. Arkansas permits modification when there's a material change in circumstances, such as:

• Income change of 20% or more
• Change in custody or parenting time
• Child's medical or educational needs change
• Emancipation of one child (affecting multi-child orders)

Support orders are enforceable until the child turns 18 (or 19 if still in high school). The Office of Child Support Enforcement collected over $287 million in Arkansas during fiscal year 2022, with an 89.3% collection rate on current support.

What If a Parent Doesn't Pay?

Arkansas has robust enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, and contempt proceedings. Non-payment can result in jail time for willful violations.

If you're establishing or modifying support, consider consulting with a qualified Arkansas family law attorney to ensure the calculation properly reflects your situation. For more details on alimony and how it interacts with child support, see our comprehensive spousal support resources.