Reviewed August 2026
Child Support in Arkansas
Arkansas calculates child support under the income shares model. Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10 sets out the rule. The state moved to this model from a flat percentage-of-income chart in 2020. A support order now starts with both parents' combined income, not just the paying parent's income. The Arkansas Judiciary publishes an online child support calculator built around the current guidelines. Circuit courts across Arkansas hear child support cases, usually as part of a divorce, paternity action, or standalone petition. The Office of Child Support Enforcement sits inside the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and serves as the state's IV-D agency. It helps parents establish, collect, and enforce support orders.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how child support works under Arkansas law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Arkansas paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
Get notified when Virdix reaches Arkansas
We'll send one email, nothing else, the day Arkansas launches.
The income shares model under Administrative Order No. 10
Administrative Order No. 10 is the Arkansas Supreme Court's standing order that sets the state's child support guidelines. Since the 2020 revision, Arkansas combines both parents' incomes to find a total support obligation on a schedule. It then divides that amount between the parents based on each one's share of the combined income. This replaced the state's older flat-percentage chart. The Arkansas Judiciary's online child support calculator applies this current schedule, so parents can estimate an amount before filing.
Applying for OCSE services
The Office of Child Support Enforcement, part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, is the state's IV-D agency. A parent can apply online through OCSE's case portal, by mailing or hand-delivering a printed application, or by visiting a local office or calling the agency directly. OCSE charges an application fee. It can offer full enforcement services, which locate a noncustodial parent and establish or enforce an order, or payment-processing-only services for a case that already has an order in place.
Who hears an Arkansas child support case
Arkansas circuit courts have jurisdiction over child support matters. This holds whether the case arises inside a divorce, a paternity action, or a standalone child support petition. The court applies the Administrative Order No. 10 guidelines to each parent's verified income to calculate the presumptive support amount. OCSE can also ask the court to establish or enforce an order on a parent's behalf.
Modifying an existing order
An Arkansas child support order can be changed if there's a material change in circumstances since the last order. This usually means a significant change in either parent's income or in the needs of the child. OCSE also offers a periodic review of IV-D cases to check whether the current order still matches the guidelines calculation. Either parent can request that review or file directly with the circuit court to seek a modification.
Enforcement tools
OCSE can pursue income withholding directly from a paying parent's wages, intercept state and federal tax refunds, and report unpaid arrears to credit bureaus. The agency can also seek suspension of a driver's or professional license for a parent who is significantly behind. A parent who does not comply with a circuit court support order can be held in contempt of court. Unpaid arrears remain collectible even after enforcement action begins.
Sources: Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10 (child support guidelines), Arkansas Judiciary Child Support Calculator, Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement, Apply for Support, Arkansas OCSE, Changing an Order
Not independently confirmed
- Exact material-change or percentage-variance threshold text of current Administrative Order No. 10 (full order text was not directly extractable during verification)
- Current OCSE application fee amount
Child Support in Arkansas: frequently asked questions
Does Arkansas use the income shares model for child support?+
Yes, since a 2020 revision to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10. The guidelines now combine both parents' incomes into a total obligation on a schedule, then divide that amount based on each parent's share of the combined income. This replaced the state's older flat-percentage-of-income chart.
How do I apply for child support services in Arkansas?+
You apply through the Office of Child Support Enforcement, part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. You can apply online through its case portal, by mail, or in person at a local office. OCSE charges an application fee and can offer full enforcement services or payment-processing-only services, depending on your situation.
What court hears child support cases in Arkansas?+
Arkansas circuit courts decide child support matters. This holds whether the case comes up inside a divorce, a paternity action, or a standalone petition. The court applies the Administrative Order No. 10 income shares guidelines to each parent's verified income.
When can I get my Arkansas child support order modified?+
You generally need to show a material change in circumstances since the existing order, such as a significant change in either parent's income. OCSE also periodically reviews IV-D cases to check whether the order still matches the current guidelines. You can request that review or file directly with the circuit court.
Is there an official Arkansas child support calculator?+
Yes. The Arkansas Judiciary publishes an online child support calculator built around the current Administrative Order No. 10 guidelines. A parent can use it to estimate a support amount before filing or requesting a modification.
What happens if a parent stops paying child support in Arkansas?+
OCSE can pursue income withholding, intercept state and federal tax refunds, and report the arrears to credit bureaus. It can also seek suspension of a driver's or professional license. A parent can also be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with a support order.
This page is general information about child support in Arkansas, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Arkansas's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Arkansas. Virdix does not prepare or file Arkansas divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Arkansas.
More Arkansas divorce guides
Virdix currently serves California and Florida
In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Arkansas, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
If the court clerk rejects a document we prepared, we fix it for free until it's accepted. See how the guarantee works