The short answer
If you have minor children, your divorce paperwork adds a parenting plan and a child support calculation to the usual forms. Legal Aid’s free divorce packet doesn’t cover cases with minor children, so you’ll need the court forms or a service like ours.
Kids change a divorce. The court looks closely at the arrangement because it has a duty to make sure it serves the child. Here’s what you need to prepare.
The extra forms
| Form | What it does |
|---|---|
| Parenting plan | Sets the custody and visitation schedule: weekdays, weekends, holidays and summer |
| Child support worksheet | Calculates support using the Arkansas Family Support Chart |
| Confidential information form | Keeps personal details off the public record. Required when you have minor children |
| Affidavit of Financial Means | Shows both parents’ income and expenses. See the guide. |
Some courts may also expect a parenting class. Ask your Circuit Clerk what your county requires.
How Arkansas approaches custody
The standard is the best interest of the child. Arkansas law presumes joint custody is in a child’s best interest unless there are safety concerns. That means you should be ready to build a workable shared schedule. Think about school drop-offs, where you exchange the kids, how you split holidays and what summers look like.
Child support
Child support is calculated from both parents’ income using the Arkansas Family Support Chart. Use real numbers on your financial affidavit, because your income feeds directly into the result. Don’t guess.
Will there be a hearing?
Many judges want a short hearing when minor children are involved, to confirm the plan serves the child. That’s why divorce by affidavit is usually harder with children. Read about divorce by affidavit.
Mediation help
If you disagree on custody or visitation and money is tight, the Arkansas Access and Visitation Mediation Program provides mediation for parents. It can be free or reduced-cost for qualifying families. Here’s how to prepare.
Common questions
Can I use the free Legal Aid packet if I have children?
Its packet is for cases without minor children. Compare your options in this guide.
Do we need a parenting plan if we agree?
Yes. Write down your agreement so the court can make it an order.
Can we change custody later?
Yes, through a custody modification. That’s a separate process.
When you need a lawyer
Talk to an attorney, or call Legal Aid if money is tight, if:
- There’s domestic violence or abuse. Your children’s and your safety come first.
- Custody is contested and you can’t reach an agreement.
- Paternity is in question.
Back to the full filing guide and the forms hub.
Sources
- Arkansas Family Support Chart (Administrative Order No. 10)
- Act 604 of 2021 and Ark. Code Ann. § 9-13-101
- Arkansas Judiciary