how to file for divorce arkansas without lawyer

by Yazmin Marquardt 10 min read

  1. Figure out which forms you need The first step to filing for a divorce in Arkansas is to fill out the proper forms and then submitting or filing ...
  2. Serving your spouse Once you have filed your complaint, you must serve a copy of the complaint to your spouse, which can be served in several ways. ...
  3. Contested or Uncontested divorce? Contested Divorce (High Cost) If your spouse and you are not able to agree on the various terms of divorce such as property division, ...
  4. DIY divorce or hire an attorne ? Do-It-Yourself Divorce in Arkansas You can handle your divorce by yourself without an attorney and a do-it-yourself divorce is a good ...
  5. Dealing with the major issues Property Division in Arkansas Divorce Community vs Separate Property Community property, which is also known as marital property comprises the property, assets and ...
  6. Finalizing your Arkansas Divorce

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;

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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

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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 I file my own 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.

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

18 monthsHow long do you have to be separated before you can get divorced in Arkansas? You must live separately from your spouse for 18 months in order to be granted a divorce in Arkansas.

What forms are needed to file for divorce in Arkansas?

Below are the list of forms to apply for a divorce in Arkansas:Answer Form.Dissolution of Marriage.Divorce Petition.Divorce Summons.Divorce Verification.How to File For Divorce in Arkansas.

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.

How long does it take to get a divorce if both parties agree in Arkansas?

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.

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.

Can a divorce be denied?

Thus, the courts can deny you a divorce if the judge is convinced you haven't sorted all your kid's custody issues. Not proving at-fault divorce – If you stated fault-based grounds for divorce, such as adultery, and you failed to sufficiently support these claims with evidence, the court can deny your divorce.

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.

How do you get legally separated in Arkansas?

A legal separation must be filed in the county where you currently live with your spouse or in the county where you and your spouse last lived. In addition, you must file the petition, domestic relations form and an executed settlement agreement. There is a filing fee for a legal separation in Arkansas.

How do I get a divorce in Arkansas?

For a no-fault divorce in Arkansas you need to state in the Complaint that “the parties have been voluntarily living separate without cohabitation for 18 continuous months.” 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 ...

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.

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.

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 to get divorced in Arkansas?

Your circumstances will have an impact on how long it takes to get a divorce in Arkansas. In a no-fault divorce, you must live apart from your spouse for a minimum of 18 months. In a fault-based divorce, at least one spouse must prove they have lived in the state for at least 60 days.

How long do you have to live in Arkansas to get divorce?

You must be able to demonstrate that at least one of you have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days. After you file, you must then serve your spouse with copies of the divorce papers to legally make them aware of the divorce petition.

How long do you have to be married to a former military spouse to receive retirement?

A key element is that the former spouse must have been married to the former servicemember for a minimum of 10 years while the military member has served on active duty.

What to do if you can't locate a defendant?

If you can’t locate the defendant, you must still prove to the judge that you completed service.

Where to file a complaint in Arkansas?

File Your Documents. In Arkansas, paperwork must be filed in the circuit court clerk’s office in the county where you live. If you don’t live in the state, you should file your complaint in the county where your spouse lives. You must be able to demonstrate that at least one of you have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days.

What are the different types of divorce?

Here are the most common types of divorce: Litigation. Mediation. Collaborative divorce. Do-it-yourself.

How long does it take to get a divorce?

In all divorce cases, as long as other conditions have been met, then a couple is required to wait for a minimum of 90 days before the court grants a final petition. A final judgment may take longer depending on the venue, court backlog or other circumstances.

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.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Arkansas?

Arkansas is one of the fault divorce states that require a spouse to prove that there are grounds for marriage termination. People most commonly list separation for 18 months and general indignities as the reasons to end the wedlock. Take a look at the table below for other common divorce reasons:

How To File for Divorce in Arkansas

If you want to file for a divorce in Arkansas, these are the steps you’ll need to take:

How To File for Divorce in Arkansas Without a Lawyer

In cases when spouses don’t have underage children and mutual property, or they agree on everything (alimony, property division, etc.), they can get a divorce without going to court or involving lawyers.

Create a Divorce Settlement Agreement in Arkansas With DoNotPay

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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.

What does it mean to have a diligent attempt to serve your spouse?

Diligent attempts means that you have sent the divorce papers to the last known place your spouse was living. You will need to send the papers by cert ified mail, restricted delivery with return receipt requested or have a process server go to your spouse’s last known place of residence to attempt service.

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.

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

What is divorce in Arkansas?

Divorce . Divorce is a permanent and legal end to a marriage in Arkansas. All ties are severed, assets are divided, custody and alimony issues are resolved, and each spouse goes their separate way after a final decree is issued.

How much does it cost to get divorced in Arkansas?

Fees to file for divorce in Arkansas vary from county to county but are generally around $150. For an exact filing fee, check with the county court where you plan to file. You will also need to pay a service fee to have your paperwork delivered formally to your spouse.

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

With a no-fault divorce, you must live apart from your spouse for a minimum of 18 months. In a fault-based divorce, at least one of the spouses must prove that at least one of them lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days.

What is an annulment in Arkansas?

Annulment . Annulments are granted in Arkansas as long as specific grounds are met. An annulment means that a marriage is considered null, as if it never happened. Grounds for an annulment are met when someone is incapable of lawfully consenting to a marriage for any the following reasons:

Can a marriage be ended in Arkansas?

Spouses can end their marriages in Arkansas by divorce or annulment. Legal separation is also permitted, but it does not officially end a marriage. Legal Separation. Legal separation is a binding agreement between two spouses that covers the period of separation until a divorce can be finalized.

Can you get divorced in Arkansas without a fault?

Arkansas allows for both no -fault and a fault-based grounds for divorce. To be eligible for a no-fault divorce, which means you do not need to state a specific reason, you must have lived separate and apart from your spouse for at least consecutive 18 months.

Can you spend a night together in Arkansas?

You are not allowed to spend even a single night together or the clock will reset. In Arkansas, if you don’t meet the requirements for a no-fault divorce, you can file for divorce based on your spouse’s marital misconduct or if you are in a covenant marriage.

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