Arkansas Child Support Guidelines
Arkansas uses the income shares model under Administrative Order No. 10. The combined adjusted gross income of both parents determines the basic obligation from a chart.
Arkansas follows the Income Shares approach to calculating child support. The base percentages used in Arkansas are approximately:
| Children | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guideline % | 18% | 25% | 29% | 32% | 34% | 36% |
How Arkansas Calculates Child Support
Under the Income Shares model, Arkansas considers the combined gross income of both parents to determine the total child support obligation. The idea is that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have enjoyed if the parents lived together. Each parent's share is then calculated based on their percentage of the combined income.
In practice, the court looks up the combined parental income on a guidelines schedule to find the basic child support obligation. Each parent is then responsible for their proportional share. For example, if Parent A earns 60% of the combined income, they would be responsible for 60% of the obligation.
Key Factors in Arkansas Child Support
Arkansas courts consider several factors when determining child support obligations:
- Healthcare costs
- Childcare
- Travel costs
- Number of children requiring support
- Each parent's gross income
- Parenting time / overnight schedule
Self-Support Reserve
Arkansas protects a self-support reserve of $1,000/month to ensure the paying parent can meet their own basic needs. If the obligor's income falls below this threshold, the court may reduce or suspend the child support obligation.
Shared Custody in Arkansas
Arkansas's shared custody threshold is 28% of overnights (approximately 102 nights per year). When the noncustodial parent has the child for at least this many overnights, the standard child support calculation is adjusted downward to reflect the direct spending that occurs during parenting time.
The more overnights the noncustodial parent has beyond the 28% threshold, the greater the reduction in child support. In a true 50/50 custody arrangement, the higher-earning parent typically pays the difference between what each parent would owe based on their income share.
Arkansas Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses the Income Shares model. Arkansas uses the income shares model under Administrative Order No. 10. The combined adjusted gross income of both parents determines the basic obligation from a chart. The guidelines were last updated in 2024.
What income is included in Arkansas child support?
Arkansas considers most forms of income including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment earnings, rental and investment income, pensions, Social Security benefits, disability payments, and unemployment compensation. Pre-existing child support orders, mandatory taxes, and certain mandatory retirement contributions may be deducted.
Can Arkansas child support be modified?
Yes. Either parent can petition the court to modify child support when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include a significant increase or decrease in either parent's income (typically 15-25%), a change in the custody arrangement, a change in the child's medical or educational needs, or a change in childcare costs. The modification takes effect from the date the motion is filed, not retroactively.
How long does child support last in Arkansas?
In most cases, Arkansas child support obligations continue until the child turns 18. Support may be extended if the child is still attending high school (typically until age 19 or graduation, whichever comes first). If the child has a disability that prevents self-support, the obligation may continue indefinitely. Some states also allow support through college — check Arkansas's specific statutes.
What if a parent doesn't pay child support in Arkansas?
Arkansas takes child support enforcement seriously. The state child support agency can pursue several remedies including automatic wage garnishment, interception of federal and state tax refunds, suspension of driver's and professional licenses, denial of passport applications, seizure of bank accounts, placement of liens on property, and contempt of court proceedings that can result in fines or incarceration. Unpaid child support also accrues interest in most cases.