How to File for Divorce Yourself in Arkansas

What Are Arkansas Residency Requirements for Divorce?

Before filing, at least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for a minimum of 60 days immediately preceding the filing date under Ark. Code § 9-12-307. This is one of the shortest residency requirements in the nation. You'll file in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resides.

How Do You Start the Arkansas Divorce Process?

Under Arkansas divorce law, you'll need to gather and complete several forms:

• Complaint for Divorce — States your grounds for divorce and what you're requesting
• Civil Cover Sheet — Required administrative document
• Domestic Relations Information Sheet — Collects case statistics
• Summons — Notifies your spouse of the lawsuit

Arkansas recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common no-fault ground is "general indignities" or living separate and apart for 18 continuous months (Ark. Code § 9-12-301). Filing fees range from $150 to $165 depending on the county.

What Happens After You File?

Once you file your Complaint, you must formally serve your spouse. Arkansas allows service by:

1. Sheriff's deputy or process server
2. Certified mail with return receipt
3. Acceptance of service (spouse signs a waiver)

Your spouse has 30 days to respond after being served. If they don't respond, you may request a default judgment. According to Arkansas divorce statistics, approximately 65% of divorces in the state proceed uncontested, which significantly simplifies the timeline.

How Long Does an Arkansas DIY Divorce Take?

Arkansas imposes no mandatory waiting period for divorces without minor children. However, cases involving children require a 30-day waiting period after filing. The median time to finalize an uncontested divorce is 6-8 weeks, while contested cases average 8-12 months.

What Forms Do You Need for Property and Children?

If you have assets to divide, review the Arkansas statute reference on equitable distribution. Arkansas divides marital property equitably (fairly, not necessarily equally). For cases with children, you'll also need:

• Parenting Plan
• Child Support Worksheet (using Arkansas Family Support Chart)
• Financial Affidavit

Our Arkansas divorce checklist walks you through each required document step by step.

Should You Hire an Attorney for Your Arkansas Divorce?

While you can legally file yourself, contested divorces or those involving complex assets benefit from professional guidance. According to the American Bar Association, self-represented litigants in family court face a 70% higher rate of procedural errors. If your divorce involves significant property, business interests, or custody disputes, find your attorney through our vetted network.

For court forms and filing locations, visit the Arkansas divorce resources page or your local circuit clerk's office.