Which path fits you
There are three ways to get your papers. We'll be straight about when the free one is enough.
Legal Aid's free packet
Free and official. Built for the simplest cases.
- No minor children
- No significant property
- You've lived in Arkansas at least 60 days
- Your spouse isn't in the military
Court forms from arcourts.gov
Free blank forms from the Arkansas Judiciary. You choose which ones apply and fill them out yourself. Best if you're comfortable reading the instructions and your case is straightforward.
ArkansasLegalNow
You answer questions in plain English and we generate the forms for you, for $49 to $99 per document. It's free to start, and you pay only when your document is complete. A good fit if you have children, a contested case, property to divide, or a spouse in the military.
If the free packet fits your case, use it. We'd rather you save the money.
Every form, in a table
We don't copy the official forms. We explain each one and link to the free version.
| Form | What it does | Who files it | Needed when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | Opens the case and states your grounds | The spouse filing | Always |
| Summons | Notifies your spouse of the case | The spouse filing | Always, unless waived |
| Entry of Appearance / Waiver of Service | Spouse agrees to receive the papers | The other spouse | When they cooperate |
| Affidavit of Financial Means | Lists income, expenses, assets, and debts | Each spouse | Every case with minor children |
| Property Settlement Agreement | Writes down how you divide things | Both spouses | When you agree |
| Parenting plan | Custody and visitation schedule | Both parents | With minor children |
| Child support worksheet | Calculates the support amount | Both parents | With minor children |
| Confidential information form | Keeps personal details off the public record | The spouse filing | With minor children |
| Witness affidavit | Backs up residency | The witness | Divorce by affidavit |
| Decree of Divorce | The final order the judge signs | Submitted to the court | Always |
Official sources
Forms live on arcourts.gov and arlawhelp.org. Which forms are required and which are county-specific can differ, so confirm with your Circuit Clerk.
The order to do them
Complaint for Divorce
Everything starts here. Sign before a notary only if the form asks for it.
Summons or waiver
Decide how your spouse will receive the papers: a signed waiver, the sheriff, or a process server.
Financial affidavit and settlement agreement
Fill these out during the 30-day clock. The numbers should match.
Children's forms, if you have them
Parenting plan, child support worksheet, and the confidential information form.
Decree of Divorce
The judge signs this to finish the case. Order certified copies afterward.
Want the full walkthrough with fees and timing? Read How to File for Divorce in Arkansas.
Forms by situation
No children, you agree
The simplest case. The free Legal Aid packet may fit.
With minor children
Adds a parenting plan and child support worksheet. The free packet doesn't cover this.
Contested divorce
Expect more filings and likely a hearing. Consider a lawyer.
Divorce by affidavit
Some uncontested cases finish without a hearing. See the steps.
Military spouse
Special rules apply. The free packet excludes this.
Property or retirement accounts
A QDRO (a court order that divides a retirement account) may be needed. Talk to a lawyer.
Forms by county
Every county files with its own Circuit Clerk, and small details can differ. Check your clerk's website before you file.
Detailed county pages are added once each county's details are verified.
Mistakes that get packets rejected
- Signing before the notary is present.
- Asking for a decree before the waiting period ends.
- Vague property descriptions. Use the address and legal description.
- Financial figures that don't match across forms.
- Missing a county-specific form. Call the clerk first.
Fees and fee waivers
Court filing is about $165 on paper and about $185 through eFlex. If you can't afford it, ask the clerk about a fee waiver, called in forma pauperis. Our documents are $49 to $99, one time, and you pay only when yours is complete.
Common questions
Where do I get divorce papers in Arkansas?
Free forms are on arcourts.gov and through Legal Aid of Arkansas. Your Circuit Clerk can also tell you what your county expects.
Can I get divorce forms for free?
Yes. Official forms are free. What you pay for with us is the guidance and the finished, filled-in documents.
What is a civil summons?
It's the court notice that tells your spouse a case has been filed against them and how long they have to respond.
What is an affidavit in divorce documents?
An affidavit is a written statement you sign under oath in front of a notary.
How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?
Ask the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce was granted. Order certified copies from the clerk.
Where can I find a parenting plan template?
Check arcourts.gov and Legal Aid. If you have children, our guided questions build the plan with you.
Sources
- Arkansas Judiciary: arcourts.gov
- Legal Aid of Arkansas: arlawhelp.org
- Ark. Code Ann. Title 9, Chapter 12 (divorce)
- Your county Circuit Clerk's official website