The short answer
The Affidavit of Financial Means is a sworn statement of your income, expenses, assets and debts. It must be used in any case with minor children, to determine support. Courts also use it in divorce cases involving alimony. Use real numbers. Guessing can cause problems with child support and with your credibility.
Of all the divorce forms, this is the one people most often put off. It looks like homework, but it’s mostly gathering documents you already have.
What it is and who files it
An affidavit is a written statement you sign under oath in front of a notary. This one gives the judge a clear picture of your finances. You need one in every case with minor children. The official form is available from the Arkansas Judiciary and Legal Aid of Arkansas. You can also use it early as a prep checklist, for example before mediation. See how to prepare.
What to gather
- Income: recent pay stubs, W-2s and any other income records
- Tax returns: recent years, personal and business if you own one
- Debts: current statements for credit cards, student loans, car notes and personal loans
- Assets: bank balances, retirement account statements and real estate deeds
- Monthly expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, food, transportation and childcare
The parts, in plain English
The exact layout is set by the official form. In general, you’ll be asked to cover four things:
| Part | What to list |
|---|---|
| Income | Everything you earn, from wages to side work |
| Expenses | What you spend each month to live |
| Assets | What you own: accounts, vehicles, property |
| Debts | What you owe, and to whom |
Child support in Arkansas is calculated using the Arkansas Judiciary child support calculator, so your income figures feed straightinto that number.
Mistakes to avoid
- Guessing. Use statements and pay stubs, not memory.
- Numbers that don’t match other forms. Your settlement agreement and this affidavit should agree.
- Signing before you’re with the notary. The notary has to watch you sign.
- Leaving out debts or accounts. Hiding something costs you credibility with the judge.
Common questions
Is the Affidavit of Financial Means required in every divorce?
No. It is needed in every case with minor children, to determine support.
Where do I get the form?
From the Arkansas Judiciary (arcourts.gov) or Legal Aid of Arkansas (arlawhelp.org). ArkansasLegalNow can fill it in from your answers.
What if I’m not sure of a number?
Look it up. Pay stubs, bank statements and loan statements will have it. Don’t estimate.
When you need a lawyer
Talk to an attorney, or call Legal Aid if money is tight, if you own a business, have complex assets or suspect your spouse is hiding income. See the full filing guide and the forms hub.
Sources
- Arkansas Judiciary court forms
- Legal Aid of Arkansas