how do i file for divorce without a lawyer in arkansas?

by Dr. Kassandra Stokes 4 min read

Online Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arkansas You just complete the questionnaire and wait a couple of days. When everything is ready, we will send you an email with your completed divorce forms package. You just print them, sign them in front of a notary, and file them with your local court.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to get divorce in Arkansas?

How much does a divorce in Arkansas cost? Typical filing fees for a divorce in Arkansas are around $165, but these fees may vary from county to county. Beyond the filing fee, there are many factors that affect how much your divorce will cost. In general, the more issues you and your spouse can agree on, the less expensive your divorce will be.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Arkansas?

You must wait 30 days filing to finalize your divorce. You must wait 60 days after your spouse is served with divorce papers to finalize the divorce. You must wait 6 months +1 day after the date your spouse was served with divorce papers to finalize your divorce.

How soon can you get remarried after divorce in Arkansas?

The grounds for divorce in Arkansas are the following:

  • Impotence;
  • The other spouse was convicted of a felony;
  • Habitual drunkenness;
  • Cruel and barbarous treatment;
  • Adultery;
  • General indignities;
  • Lived separate and apart for eighteen 18 continuous months;
  • Lived separate and apart for three years due to spouse’s incurable insanity and the spouse has been committed to a mental health facility;

More items...

What are grounds for divorce in Arkansas?

  • Impotence – Your spouse was impotent at the time of the marriage and continues to be impotent
  • Felony conviction – Your spouse is convicted of a felony or other “infamous crime
  • Drunkenness – Your spouse has a habit of getting drunk continually during a one-year period or a longer period of time

More items...

image

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Arkansas without a lawyer?

How Much Does it Cost to File for Divorce in Arkansas? You'll need to pay a filing fee of approximately $165 when you file a petition for divorce in Arkansas, although fees may vary from county to county. You should check with your local court for the most up-to-date information.

Can you file your own divorce papers in Arkansas?

Prepare and file your divorce papers You can also visit the Arkansas Legal Services website for self-help divorce forms. If you are not a resident of Arkansas, you should file the complaint in the county where your spouse lives.

How long does a uncontested divorce take in Arkansas?

Uncontested divorces. Legally, a divorce is required to take at least a month. The law requires that 30 days pass between the day of filing and the entry of the divorce decree. If everyone is agreeable, then we can get a divorce completed, realistically, within about 45-60 days.

What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Arkansas?

A do-it-yourself (DIY) divorce will be the cheapest route to ending your marriage, but it will take some time and attention to detail to make sure you have all the right forms, fill them out correctly, and follow all of the steps and requirements for divorce in Arkansas.

What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Arkansas?

The fastest way to get a divorce in Arkansas is with an “uncontested divorce”. Both spouses must be in agreement about the divorce, or one party must have proof of the grounds of the divorce to claim in their filing.

Is online divorce legal in Arkansas?

Valid grounds to get divorce in Arkansas Grounds for an online divorce using OnlineDivorce.com are the same as they would be for any divorce within the State of Arkansas. Grounds are merely the reason for divorce, and the state must approve them.

Can you get a divorce without the other person signing the papers?

Overview: It is not necessary that both the spouses have to agree to file for a divorce. One of them may file for a divorce without the others' consent if they are sure that they have strong grounds for breakdown of the marriage.

Can I get divorced without a lawyer?

Yes, it is possible to file your own divorce and complete the process without the aid of an attorney.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce is automatic?

Most state courts will automatically enter a divorce decree if the parties have been legally separated for a period of time, often one to two years, and meet the basic eligibility requirements.

What is the average cost of divorce in Arkansas?

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by StateStateAverage Filing FeesOther Divorce Costs and Attorney FeesArkansas$165Average fees: $8,000+California$435 (Ask for a fee waiver)Average fees: $14,000Colorado$230Average fees: $11,000+Connecticut$360 (excluding paternity legal action)Average fees: $12,000+48 more rows•Jul 21, 2020

What is the divorce process in Arkansas?

First, you must meet the residency requirements of the state in which you wish to file. Second, you must have “grounds” (a legally acceptable reason) to end your marriage. Third, you must file divorce papers and have copies sent to your spouse.

What are grounds for divorce in Arkansas?

The Arkansas statute considers the following acceptable grounds for divorce: The husband or wife is impotent (cannot produce children). Either party has been convicted of a felony. Either party has demonstrated alcoholism for at least a year.

Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Arkansas

To file for divorce in any state, you must meet the residence rules. They may vary slightly from state to state. In Arkansas, one of the spouses must have lived in the state for at least 60 days.

Grounds for Divorce in Arkansas

While a do-it-yourself divorce typically involves no-fault grounds, it doesn’t hurt to discuss all the legal grounds for divorce in Arkansas, including those that imply guilt. So:

Step-by-Step Guide

So let’s take a closer look at each of the steps in the divorce process. First, we will discuss the standard steps for any divorce in Arkansas. However, depending on your specific situation, they may change — there may be more or less of them. But first things first.

2. Divorce in Arkansas FAQ

Yes, in Arkansas in order to get a divorce, you will have to prove to the court that your spouse did something to you. The only way to get a divorce in Arkansas What are the grounds for divorce in Arkansas?Does Arkansas grant divorces based on marital fault? (4) …

4. Online divorce in Arkansas

Online Divorce in Arkansas Without Lawyer Fees ➥ Quick & Cheap ➥ Get Your Divorce Forms | ☎ 1 866 927-1400. (9) …

5. 3 things you should know before filing for divorce in Arkansas

Jan 9, 2018 — Staying married is hard work no matter your age, income or disposition. Unfortunately, many marriages don’t survive the Divorce. (14) …

6. Arkansas Divorce Laws

The requirements are as follows: A spouse must be a resident of the state of Arkansas for at least 60 days prior to filing for the divorce and the divorce will Can you locate your spouse?: Yes NoState of Residence: Choose State Alabama Al (17) …

7. Arkansas Divorce Laws – What You Need to Know! – LawInfo

Without a legal ground for the divorce, the process takes much longer. Residency Requirements and Time Frames. The residency requirement for a divorce in (21) …

8. Arkansas Divorce Law – HG.org

Filing: The Complaint for Divorce may be filed in the Circuit Court of the county where the Plaintiff (filing party) resides unless he/she is a (24) …

10. Arkansas Divorce Laws – MaritalLaws

In Arkansas, a divorce can be completed on average in a minimum of 540 days, with court fees of $165.00. The state has divorce residency requirements that (29) …

How long does it take for a judge to finalize a divorce in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, The judge cannot finalize your divorce until 30 days after you filed your complaint for divorce. (AR Code §9-12-307 (2017).)

What are the grounds for filing a felony in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, you must file based on one of the following grounds: impotence. a felony conviction. habitual drunkenness. cruel treatment. irreconcilable differences. adultery. separation – the couple lived apart for 18 continuous months. incurable insanity for one year and living apart for three years, or.

What information do you need to file for divorce?

Some types of information and documents you will likely need to produce to your spouse include: income. assets. debts.

What are the first steps in divorce?

Your first steps in the divorce process involve filling out the appropriate divorce forms and determining where you need to file or submit them: you need to make sure you're filing your forms in the correct county.

How to serve a complaint on spouse?

There are several ways to serve your complaint on your spouse. If your spouse agrees, your spouse or your spouse's attorney can accept service. Your spouse should sign a form you can find at your county clerk's office called an "Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service of Summons.".

What does "file for divorce" mean?

"Filing" for divorce means you have given your divorce complaint to the clerk's office or the circuit court in the county where you're filing . You'll provide a copy of your signed complaint to the clerk, and they should give you a copy with a date stamp and notation, showing that the court received it

What to do if you don't live in Arkansas?

If you don't live in Arkansas, but your spouse does, you may file in the county where your spouse lives. The first form to complete when filing for divorce is the "Complaint for Divorce.". The spouse filing for divorce is the "Plaintiff," and the other spouse is the "Defendant.". Your complaint should state that at least one spouse has been ...

Where to file for divorce in Arkansas?

Where to File. If you are an Arkansas resident, you will file your divorce in the Chancery Court of the county where you live. If your spouse is a resident of Arkansas but you are not, you will file in the county where your spouse lives.

What are the grounds for divorce in Arkansas?

Grounds for Divorce. Grounds are legally recognized reasons to get a divorce , severing the marital relationship. Arkansas, like most states, has what are commonly called no-fault grounds for divorce, as well as more traditional fault-based grounds.

What happens if you divorce a married couple?

A divorce for any married couple will accomplish two things: (1) severing the marital relationship, and (2) dividing assets and debts. If they have been married for a significant length of time and one of them will be unable to be self-supporting after the divorce, the issue of alimony may arise .

How long do you have to live apart for a divorce hearing?

In either case you will need to offer either an affidavit of a witness (in an uncontested case), or the testimony of a witness (in a contested case), who can verify that you and your spouse have lived apart for 18 months.

How long does it take to get divorced in Arkansas?

Residency. In order to file for divorce in Arkansas, either you or your spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 60 days before filing, and at least 3 months before a judgment is entered.

How is child support determined in Arkansas?

Child support is determined by taking into account the needs of the child, and each parent’s relative ability to meet those needs. This is determined by reference to the Arkansas child support guidelines chart, which is available from the Chancery Court Clerk.

Is alimony a lump sum in Arkansas?

Alimony in Arkansas. Arkansas alimony law provides that alimony may be awarded as “reasonable from the circumstances of the parties and the nature of the case.”. Fault may be considered. Alimony may be awarded for a limited or an indefinite period of time, and in a lump sum or in installments.

How to file for divorce in Arkansas?

To file for divorce in Arkansas, you will first need a Complaint for Divorce or a Petition. This is your document which tells the court that you want a divorce and why. It also tells the court what else you want (i.e. custody). You will also need a Summons, which tells your spouse that you have filed a legal action against him or her.

How long do you have to be a resident of Arkansas to file for divorce?

In order to file for a divorce in Arkansas, you must be a resident of Arkansas for at least 60 days before you file your Complaint for Divorce. You will have to continue to be a resident of Arkansas for 30 days after you file your Complaint.

What are the grounds for divorce in Arkansas?

The grounds for divorce in Arkansas are the following: Impotence; The other spouse was convicted of a felony; Habitual drunkenness; Cruel and barbarous treatment; Adultery; General indignities; Lived separate and apart for eighteen 18 continuous months;

How long do you have to file a complaint for divorce?

If you are served with a Complaint for Divorce, then you have 30 days to file an Answer, which is a written response to the Complaint. If you or your spouse is incarcerated when served with the Complaint for divorce, then you or your spouse has 60 days to file an Answer.

How long does a divorce hearing last?

For the most part, the judge will expect you to go to court to finalize the divorce. A hearing as described above, is very short, lasting about 10 minutes long. If your spouse has signed the divorce decree, therefore, making this an uncontested divorce then she/he will not have to go to court either.

How long does it take to get divorced?

However, as long as you can prove fault or prove that you and your spouse have been living separate and apart for at least 18 months, then the court will grant your divorce. You will have to be prepared to put on proof of fault or 18 months of separation. You can do this through witnesses or documentary evidence.

What factors are considered when determining spousal support in Arkansas?

When determining spousal support in Arkansas, the primary factor the courts will look at is whether one person can afford to pay spousal support to the other, and whether the person requesting the spousal support needs it. The court will consider the other following factors: The assets of both parties;

Get Your Divorce Forms Completed Online

How does it work? We select and fill out the legal forms based on information the user provides to us by answering a list of questions on our website. Thus, we can ensure you that the prepared paperwork is adjusted following the state laws and unique circumstances of your particular case.

Online Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arkansas

You just complete the questionnaire and wait a couple of days. When everything is ready, we will send you an email with your completed divorce forms package. You just print them, sign them in front of a notary, and file them with your local court.

Scott Allen Scholl

Technically, you do not have to have a lawyer to file for divorce. You are free to represent yourselves. With that said, you need to ask yourself whether or not you feel comfortable representing yourself if you're not sure how to 'tweak' the legal aid forms. If you fail...

Janice Gail Roven

There are a lot of issues here. I suggest that you consult with an attorney to see what your rights are. There are financial issues and access issues . There may be some pro bono attorneys associated with the court system. More

Where to file a complaint for divorce in Arkansas?

To start the process for an uncontested divorce in Arkansas, you should file a "Complaint for Divorce" in the circuit court clerk's office of the county where you live. To learn more, visit this link to the Arkansas Circuit Courts website. You can also visit the Arkansas Legal Services website for self-help divorce forms.

How long do you have to live in Arkansas to file for divorce?

To file for an uncontested divorce in Arkansas, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least 60 days. (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-307 (a) (1) (A).) The court also requires proof that the spouses have separated and don't live together.

Why are uncontested divorces filed?

Most uncontested divorces are filed on no-fault grounds because it's simpler: the spouses aren't blaming each other for the divorce, and neither spouse has to prove that the other spouse committed some sort of marital misconduct. In most uncontested divorces, spouses must agree on the terms of the divorce in a settlement agreement.

What is an uncontested divorce in Arkansas?

The spouse filing for an uncontested divorce is the "plaintiff," and the other spouse is called the "defendant.". In an Arkansas uncontested divorce, the plaintiff must provide a reason, or grounds, for divorce. Arkansas allows no-fault divorce based on the grounds that the spouses have been living separately for 18 months voluntarily.

What happens if you don't live with your spouse in Arkansas?

If your witness can't attend the hearing, the court will accept a signed and notarized affidavit from the witness who states that you or your spouse is a resident of Arkansas and that you don't live with your spouse. If you have signed a settlement agreement, you will present it to the judge at the hearing.

What is the settlement agreement for divorce?

In most uncontested divorces, spouses must agree on the terms of the divorce in a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement will resolve the following issues: property division, debt division, child custody, child support, visitation, and alimony.

How long do you have to wait to file for divorce?

The court must wait at least 30 days after receiving the complaint for divorce before scheduling a hearing. (Ark.

image