The Real Cost of Divorce in Arkansas: Fees, Lawyers, and How to Save
Brandon Haubert
Jan 8, 2026
The Real Cost of Divorce in Arkansas: Fees, Lawyers, and How to Save
When you are facing the end of a marriage, the emotional toll is heavy enough without the added stress of a confusing price tag. One of the first questions I get asked is, "How much is this going to cost?"
The honest answer? It depends.
It’s not the answer anyone wants to hear, but it’s the truth. A divorce in Arkansas can cost as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as a luxury car. The final number depends almost entirely on two things: the complexity of your finances and how well you and your spouse can cooperate.
At ArkansasLegalNow, we believe you shouldn't have to drain your savings to start your new chapter. This guide will break down exactly where the money goes so you can budget with confidence.
Key Takeaways
The Baseline: Every divorce starts with mandatory court filing fees (approx. $165) and service fees ($50–$100).
The Conflict Factor: Contested divorces (where you fight in court) cost significantly more than uncontested ones, often exceeding $15,000.
Attorney Fees: Lawyers typically bill by the hour ($250–$400+), which is the biggest driver of cost.
You Can Save: Handling an uncontested divorce yourself (Pro Se) is the most affordable route, often costing under $500 total.
Table of Contents
The Non-Negotiable Costs: Court Fees
The Variable Costs: Attorneys vs. Self-Help
What Drives the Cost Up?
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
How to Keep Your Costs Down
When You Should Talk to a Lawyer
Next Steps
The Non-Negotiable Costs: Court Fees
No matter how simple or complex your divorce is, there is a "price of admission" to the legal system. These are fixed administrative costs that you generally cannot avoid.
The Filing Fee
To officially open your case, you must pay a filing fee to the Circuit Clerk in your county. In Arkansas, this fee is typically around $165, though it can vary slightly by county, sometimes ranging between $165 and $185.
Pro Tip: Before you head to the courthouse, call the Circuit Clerk in your specific county to confirm the exact amount and what forms of payment they accept (cash, check, or card).
Service of Process
After you file, the law requires that you formally notify your spouse. You cannot just hand them the papers yourself; a neutral third party must do it.
Sheriff’s Department: This is a reliable option and usually costs between $50 and $100.
Private Process Server: This may cost more but can be faster if the Sheriff is busy.
Certified Mail: In some specific cases, this may be an option (check with the clerk).
If you are filing "Pro Se" (representing yourself), these might be your only costs, potentially keeping your total bill under $500.
The Variable Costs: Attorneys vs. Self-Help
This is where the price tag really changes. The biggest wildcard in your budget is legal representation.
Attorney Fees
Most Arkansas divorce attorneys bill by the hour. Rates often fall between $250 and $400 an hour. Every email, phone call, draft, and court appearance is billed in increments.
Retainers: You will likely have to pay a "retainer" upfront (think of it as a deposit), which the lawyer draws from as they work.
The Cost of Conflict: If you have high conflict, costs skyrocket. A contested divorce involving trial can range from $11,000 to over $25,000.
The DIY (Pro Se) Alternative
If you and your spouse agree on the major issues, you can file without an attorney. This is called an uncontested divorce.
Cost: Mostly just the filing and service fees (~$250–$500 total).
Risk: You are responsible for ensuring all paperwork is perfect. A mistake here can cause delays or future legal headaches.
What Drives the Cost Up?
Think of your divorce like a project budget. An uncontested divorce is a "fixed bid"—you know what to expect. A contested divorce is a renovation where you keep finding problems behind the walls.
The main driver of cost is conflict.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on issues, your attorneys have to negotiate for you. This leads to:
Discovery: The formal process of trading financial documents (hours of billable time).
Motions: "Mini-trials" to resolve smaller issues before the final divorce decree.
Experts: You may need to hire appraisers for property, financial analysts for retirement accounts, or child custody evaluators.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
The legal bills aren't the only financial impact. You are splitting one household into two.
Refinancing: If one spouse keeps the house, you may need to refinance to remove the other’s name, incurring closing costs.
Health Insurance: Moving from a family plan to an individual plan often increases premiums.
Taxes: Dividing 401(k)s or selling assets can have tax implications that affect your future finances.
How to Keep Your Costs Down
You have more control over the final bill than you think. Here is how to protect your wallet:
Aim for Uncontested
The single most effective way to save money is to agree with your spouse before legal paperwork is involved. If you can sit down at the kitchen table and decide who gets the car and how to split the debts, you save thousands in legal negotiations.
Be Organized
If you do hire a lawyer, don't pay them $300/hour to organize your messy bank statements. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, and debt lists yourself before your first meeting.
Consider Mediation
If you can't agree, try a mediator before a judge. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps you reach an agreement. It is usually much cheaper and faster than a court trial.
When You Should Talk to a Lawyer
While self-help is a great option for many, it isn't for everyone. You should speak with a licensed Arkansas attorney if:
Safety is an issue: There is a history of domestic violence or fear for your safety.
Hidden Assets: You suspect your spouse is hiding money or property.
Complex Assets: You have a family business or high-value assets to divide.
Next Steps
Divorce doesn't have to bankrupt you. If you and your spouse are in agreement, you can skip the expensive retainers and handle the process yourself with the right tools.
ArkansasLegalNow helps you generate the specific court-approved forms you need for your situation, coupled with clear instructions on how to file them.
Simple: We guide you through the questions in plain English.
Affordable: A fraction of the cost of hiring a lawyer.
Reliable: Designed specifically for Arkansas courts.
Ready to move forward without the high legal fees?