how can i file a motion to enforce custody agreement in arkansas without a lawyer?

by Angelica Williamson MD 4 min read

What happens in a child custody case in Arkansas?

Arkansas will always work toward a joint custody agreement, or as close as it can get to it, in order to keep both parents involved. Some of the areas examined include: Both parents abilities to provide shelter for the children that is safe and appropriate. Both parents abilities to provide food, clothing, and education for the children.

Does Arkansas have a presumption in favor of joint custody?

Dec 21, 2020 · In Arkansas, when a child is born to a woman that is not married, the mother of the child will have legal custody of the child until the child reaches the age of 18. In some cases, the court may decide that the mother is not fit to have custody of the child. When this happens, the court may award custody to the father of the child or another ...

When to file a motion to modify child support in Arkansas?

Feb 14, 2022 · You can usually only file for custody in Arkansas if Arkansas is your child’s “home state”. Please see Are there any exceptions to the home state rule? for a list of exceptions. Arkansas is your child’s “home state” if: your child has lived in Arkansas for the last 6 months in a row or longer, or. Arkansas was the last state that ...

Can a noncustodial parent move with a child in Arkansas?

CODE ANN. § 9-13-101. 9-13-101. Award of custody. (a) (1) (A) (i) In an action for divorce, the award of custody of a child of the marriage shall be made without regard to the sex of a parent but solely in accordance with the welfare and best interest of the child. (ii) In determining the best interest of the child, the court may consider the ...

How do I file a motion of contempt in Arkansas?

How do I file contempt of court in Arkansas? To file a motion for contempt citation you must set out the reasons that he or she should be held in contempt and file it with the court. A judge will review this motion and will issue an Order to Show Cause, which you may have to prepare (see page 5 for an example).

Can police enforce court orders?

The police generally won't get involved in breaches of court orders as it is a matter for the court to deal with.Sep 8, 2021

At what age can a child refuse visitation in Arkansas?

Can My Child Refuse to Visit? In most cases, no. There is no specific age in Arkansas when a child can refuse to visit with a non-custodial parent. However, Arkansas law does permit the court to consider the child's opinion on visitation if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to reason, regardless of age.

What is the new child custody law in Arkansas?

ACT 604 is the new joint custody law in Arkansas, which tells the judge — joint custody must be ordered in every new family law case unless there is “clear and convincing” evidence that it is not in the best interests of the child. Clear and convincing is a very high standard.May 18, 2021

Who enforces a child court order?

An enforcement order is an order made by the court. The family law court orders enforcement to ensure the parent in breach of court order complies with an order. An enforcement order can be obtained if one of the parents is failing therefore has committed a child arrangement order breach.

What do I do if my ex breaks a court order?

(Broken court orders) A court order is legally binding. Failure to comply with the court order amounts to contempt of court and a person can, as a last resort, be committed to prison for contempt. A parent cannot be held in contempt though simply for failing to take up the contact given.Apr 30, 2020

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, there is no specific age when a child can decide who he or she wants to live with. The court has the final say until the child turns 18 years of age. In most cases, the circumstances of the situation will matter as much or more than the child's age.

How do I get visitation rights in Arkansas?

Receiving liberal visitation rights requires you to demonstrate that both parents may cooperate with each other. In general, a family court judge in Arkansas is likely to award visitation rights if the child will suffer in your absence.May 25, 2021

Is Arkansas a mom State?

In Arkansas, aren't mothers automatically given custody of the children? That is not the case at all. Although the laws regarding unmarried parents seem to favor the mother in custody disputes, (before the father has established paternity and that he is a fit parent), married parents stand on equal ground.

What is parental kidnapping in Arkansas?

The parent violates a custody agreement and takes off with the child. There is no custody agreement in place, and one parent leaves with the child without consent from the other parent.

Does Joint Custody mean no child support in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the child support formula is the same for sole and joint physical custody. Unlike many other states, Arkansas gives no automatic parenting time credit that can reduce your child support amount.

How do you prove a mother unfit in Arkansas?

How Does a Family Court Determine If a Parent Is Unfit?A history of child abuse. ... A history of substance abuse. ... A history of domestic violence. ... The parent's ability to make age-appropriate decisions for a child. ... The parent's ability to communicate with a child. ... Psychiatric concerns. ... The parent's living conditions.More items...

What is joint custody in Arkansas?

Joint custody gives each parent an equal amount of time with their children and permits each parent to have the right to make important decisions for their children regarding topics like healthcare, religion, and education. Joint custody will not be forced upon two parents but will be considered if the parents wish to have joint custody.

What happens if a parent violates a custody order?

For example, if a parent decides to violate a custody order to try to relocate a child, they could be held in contempt of court. Additionally, a parent could even face severe criminal charges if their purpose for relocation is to deprive the child of time with their parent.

What are the best interests of a child?

The best interests standard looks at various factors that are used to resolve child custody disputes. For example, if one parent typically cared for the child during a marriage, the court will likely lean towards awarding custody to that parent. Other factors that may be considered include: 1 Whether a parent will attempt to estrange the child from the other parent or promote a healthy parenting partnership 2 Whether one partner had difficulty holding down a job during the marriage 3 The character of each parent 4 The living conditions of each parent 5 Whether a parent lives with relatives or friends that could negatively impact the child 6 The amount of time each parent spends with the child and whether either parent abandoned the child in the past 7 Whether either parent has a history of abuse 8 Whether either parent has a history of criminal behavior

What is child custody?

Child custody is an aspect of family law that often becomes an issue when two parents decide to divorce or if a couple had a child or multiple children while they were unmarried. Whether a couple is recently divorced or decided that they no longer want to be together, it is important to talk about child custody. Some parents may be able to come to an agreement regarding how long each parent could spend with their children. However, if you cannot come to an agreement with the parent of your child, it may be wise to consider taking your case to the courts.

How long does it take to get a modification on child support?

Modification of a child support order could take several months, which could be extremely troublesome if the payor has sustained a major loss in income. Fortunately, it may be possible for a parent to request an emergency hearing for a child support modification under certain circumstances.

What is primary physical custody?

Primary physical custody is when a child lives with one parent while the other parent is given rights of visitation. A schedule for visitation rights can vary depending on each case. For example, if the parents cannot decide on a schedule for one parent to visit the child, the court may intervene and propose a schedule.

Can a parent get child support?

If a parent has sole physical and legal custody of a child, they may be entitled to receive child support. Child support is a monthly payment used to pay for various needs of the child. The amount and duration of child support will depend upon a variety of factors: The income level of each parent.

How to get custody of a child in Arkansas?

Child custody cases in Arkansas can be either contested and resolved by court order, or noncontested and defined in a child custody agreement between the parents. A custody agreement or order will legally determine, at minimum, the following things: 1 Where the child lives (physical custody) 2 Who is involved in making parenting decisions (legal custody) 3 How the visitation schedule with non-custodial parents or relatives is arranged

What is child custody in Arkansas?

Child custody is defined as the guardianship over a child, which covers both physical custody and legal custody. In a child custody dispute the court may award joint custody to both parents or sole custody to a single parent. Child custody cases in Arkansas can be either contested and resolved by court order, or noncontested ...

What happens after a divorce in Arkansas?

After a breakup or divorce in Arkansas, couples with children must come to a child custody agreement that describes which parent the children will live with, how visitation will be scheduled, and how the non-custodial parent will pay child support .

Who can represent a child in a custody case?

When a circuit judge determines that the appointment of an attorney ad litem would facilitate a case in which custody is an issue and further protect the rights of the child, the circuit judge may appoint a private attorney to represent the child. The Supreme Court, with the advice of the circuit judges, shall adopt standards ...

Does Arkansas have joint custody?

Courts in Arkansas do not have a presumption in favor joint custody orders when evaluating child custody. The judge will evaluate the specifics of the custody dispute to determine what custody arrangement is in the best interests of the child.

What does Arkansas court make?

Arkansas courts make child custody decisions based on the best interests of the child. The court uses various factors to identify the child’s best interests. In making its determination, the court will consider:

What changes can a custody order be made?

A child custody order may change if, due to a material change of circumstances, modification is in the child’s best interest. Material changes include, for example, unemployment, moving out of the area, or new health issues.