Arkansas Child Support Attorney
Caring, Effective Support for Your Family
If you’re one of the parents dealing with the stress of child support in Arkansas — whether you’re owed support, being asked to pay, or trying to modify an existing order — you deserve clear answers, honest guidance, and a lawyer who actually calls you back.
You need a compassionate, experienced child support attorney in Arkansas who will treat your case with the care it deserves, and luckily, you’re in the right place.
At AR Family Law, our family law group is made up of experienced attorneys and a dedicated legal team who help Arkansas families navigate the child support system with compassion and professionalism. We handle everything from establishing support and finding hidden income to modifying outdated orders or enforcing unpaid ones.
Our team of trusted child support lawyers knows Arkansas law inside and out, and we’re here to protect both your rights and your child’s future.
We believe in putting your needs first with flat fees, payment plans, easy scheduling, and real people who care. Scheduling your free initial consultation is an important first step to getting the legal guidance you need.
Free Consultations. No Pressure. Just Help.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a caring lawyer for child support who puts your family first.
What Does Paying Child Support Cover in Arkansas?
We understand the emotional and financial strain child support situations create, and we’re ready to help you take the next step.
At this point, you’re likely wondering what child support pays for. In Arkansas, child support is intended to financially support the child's care and well-being. It covers the essentials that minor children need to thrive. That includes:
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Food and clothing
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Housing and utility costs
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School expenses (not including college)
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Basic medical care and medical insurance premiums
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Reasonable recreational activities
Typically, the non-custodial parent is required to pay child support, and the custodial parent receives child support on behalf of their minor children. This obligation to financially support the child continues until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school — whichever comes later.
If the child marries, is emancipated by the court, or passes away, child support payments may end earlier.
All child support payments in Arkansas are processed through the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). The paying parent is also responsible for any additional OCSE fees that may be associated with child support payments.
Courts expect that when you pay child support, it will benefit the child directly. If you believe the other parent is misusing funds, you can ask the court to review the situation, and we can help you do it the right way.
How Arkansas Calculates How Much Child Support Is Paid
Child support in Arkansas is based on Administrative Order 10, which follows an income-sharing model. The idea is simple: Children should receive the same portion of their parents’ income as if both parents lived under one roof. Child support obligations are established to ensure the child's needs are met consistently.
The court uses the Arkansas Child Support Calculator to determine a fair amount. This calculator considers the combined income of both parents, as well as each parent's individual income, to help determine child support requirements. Child support calculations begin with the basic child support amount, which serves as the foundation for the process. The calculation also takes into account:
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Each parent’s gross income
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Allowable deductions (like taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and health insurance for the child)
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The number of minor children
The court will consider several factors and criteria related to the child's needs and the parents' circumstances, including extraordinary expenses and the child's educational needs, which may justify deviations from the standard calculation. The amount of time each parent spends with the child can also affect how child support is determined.
A family law judge will determine child support based on Arkansas's child support guidelines, the child's best interests, and the specific facts of the case.
But don’t let the charts fool you. Even though there’s a calculator, without experienced guidance, a lot can go wrong when calculating child support.
Many parents hide income or misreport financials so they can pay less in child support. That’s why it’s critical to work with a skilled child support attorney who knows how to find hidden income, advocate for upward or downward deviations, and present your child support case clearly in court.
Establishing a Child Support Order in Arkansas
Whether you’re going through a divorce, separation, or were never married to your child’s other parent, the court must establish a legal child support order. A court order is required to initiate child support, and the ordered support is legally binding.
To do that, we:
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Establish legal paternity: If necessary, we help establish legal paternity if it hasn’t already been done.
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Gather income documentation: We collect the right financial records and verify income.
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Calculation: We run both parties’ information through the state calculator to propose the correct amount, which is how the court will determine child support.
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Filing: We submit the proposal to the court and walk you through the hearing, where the court order for support is issued.
Even in joint custody arrangements, child support may be required. Courts will consider parenting time and income disparities to determine an appropriate child support amount. That’s why it’s best to work with an experienced Arkansas child support lawyer from AR Family Law who understands the nuances of Arkansas law.
Support orders are often part of larger family law cases. If you’re also dealing with custody or divorce, we’ve got you covered:
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Learn more about Child Custody Attorneys in Arkansas
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Explore our Arkansas Divorce Lawyers
Modifying Existing Child Support Payments
Life changes. Jobs are lost. Incomes rise or fall. Children’s needs evolve. But the child support agreement doesn’t adjust on its own. Modifying child support orders requires filing a petition and obtaining a new court order to make any changes official.
Arkansas law allows for modification of child support if:
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Three years have passed since the last order.
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There’s at least a 20% or $100/month change in income.
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There’s been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in a parent's income or a parent's ability to pay (job loss, remarriage, relocation, medical needs, etc.), which can justify a child support modification.
Keep in mind: Child support doesn’t change automatically just because one of these conditions has been met. The court doesn’t track your income or your ex-partner’s. You must file a formal request for a court order.
We help with:
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Preparing and filing modification petitions
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Proving material changes
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Presenting evidence in court
The court may also impute income if a parent is deliberately underemployed to avoid payments. We’re here to make sure the numbers reflect reality.
Need help understanding your options? Schedule a free consultation with a child support attorney to get started.
Enforcing Child Support Orders in Arkansas
Missed payments? Falling behind? Unfortunately, this happens all too often.
Failing to pay support carries serious consequences, though, such as:
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Wage garnishment
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Suspension of licenses (driver’s or professional)
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Tax refund interception
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Contempt of court charges, which can result in a jail sentence
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Even criminal charges in extreme cases
We help parents recover what’s owed through both legal action and referrals to collection agencies when appropriate. You can also ask the court to collect back payments or authorize a support enforcement agency to help.
And if you’re on the other side, behind on payments due to a real hardship and facing enforcement, we can help you avoid penalties and file for a modification instead of letting the problem get worse.
If you believe the other parent is misusing child support funds for personal expenses, you should report it. Courts take this seriously, and it can impact custody or future support arrangements.
No matter your circumstance, we’ll defend your rights and help you seek a fair resolution.
Unique Situations We Handle
No two families are the same. Our team regularly helps families navigate complex or less-common child support issues, such as:
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Self-employed or freelance parents – We analyze tax returns and bank records to find accurate income.
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High-income families – Courts may deviate from the chart to better reflect the child’s lifestyle needs, and may require additional support beyond the standard guidelines.
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Special needs children – Support orders may extend past age 18 or be adjusted for medical costs, and extraordinary expenses may be considered in the support order.
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Out-of-state parents – Arkansas support orders can be enforced across state lines.
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Voluntary arrangements – Even if you and your ex-spouse agree, the court still runs the numbers.
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Mediation options – Some parents resolve support and custody outside of court with legal oversight. The process can involve both the mother and the father to reach a fair agreement.
Need help with another family legal matter? See how we support parents through:
Why Choose AR Family Law
We’re not your typical law firm. We’ve built AR Family Law from the ground up to make legal help more human. Here’s how we do it:
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Flat Fees & Payment Plans: We don’t do hourly surprises. Just fair, transparent pricing.
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Self-Scheduling & Online Access: We use technology to keep you informed and in control.
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Client Happiness Coordinator: A real person who ensures your questions are answered and your case runs smoothly.
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Compassionate Attorneys: You’re not just a file. You’re a parent, and we’ll fight for your family like it’s our own.
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Statewide Experience: Whether you’re in Little Rock, Fayetteville, or a smaller community, we know Arkansas family law.
We don’t just do family law — we live it, every day. And we genuinely care about the people who walk through our doors.
Talk to a Child Support Attorney Today
Legal issues don’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re starting fresh, dealing with an ex-partner who isn’t paying, or just trying to make the numbers work, we’re here to help you through it.
Speak to a trusted child support attorney who will listen, explain your options, and walk with you every step of the way. Whether you’re the one paying or receiving support, we’re here to protect your rights and your child’s future.
Call today or use our self-scheduling tool to request your free consultation online. You’ll speak with a lawyer for child support who knows the law and cares about your outcome.
AR Family Law. Let’s make this easier — for you and your family.