Reviewed August 2026
Protective Orders in Arkansas
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Arkansas calls its civil protection order an Order of Protection. The Domestic Abuse Act grants it, at Arkansas Code 9-15-201 and following. A person abused by a family or household member, a current or former spouse, or a co-parent can petition circuit court for this order. There is no filing fee. An Arkansas Order of Protection can be issued the same day on an emergency basis if the danger is immediate. It can require no contact and distance from the petitioner's home and work. It can also set temporary arrangements for shared children.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how protective orders 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.
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Who qualifies for an Order of Protection
The Domestic Abuse Act covers family or household members, and Arkansas defines that group broadly. It includes current and former spouses, and people related by blood or marriage. It also covers people who currently live together or lived together as a household. People with a child in common, or a current or former dating relationship, qualify too. This household or family connection separates a Domestic Abuse Act petition from a general harassment or stalking case, which follows a different process in Arkansas.
Emergency orders and the full hearing
A petitioner who shows immediate danger can get an ex parte Order of Protection the same day, before the other person is notified. That order takes effect once served and stays active until the court holds a full hearing. Arkansas law directs courts to hold that hearing promptly. Both sides can appear and present evidence at it. A final Order of Protection in Arkansas can last up to two years and can be extended.
The exact hearing date depends on the circuit court's calendar. Confirm the scheduled date and any local filing requirements with the circuit clerk.
Filing is free, and where to file
There is no fee to file an Order of Protection petition in Arkansas. File the petition in the circuit court of the county where the petitioner lives, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse happened. The circuit clerk's office can direct a petitioner to the correct forms and courtroom for domestic abuse petitions in that county.
Firearms provisions
Arkansas law allows a court to order a respondent to refrain from possessing firearms while an Order of Protection is in effect. Federal law separately prohibits firearm possession for a person subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Violating an Arkansas Order of Protection is a criminal offense, and a violation can lead to arrest.
Orders of Protection and divorce or custody cases
An Order of Protection is a separate civil case from a divorce or custody case in Arkansas. A petitioner does not need a divorce already filed to ask for one. The order can address temporary custody and support for shared children while it is active. If a divorce or custody case is already open, tell that court about the Order of Protection so the cases can be coordinated.
Sources: Arkansas Code Title 9, Subtitle 2, Chapter 15 (Domestic Abuse Act), Arkansas Legislature, Arkansas Judiciary, Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Not independently confirmed
- The Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence site does not publish a single statewide crisis hotline number; this page uses the National Domestic Violence Hotline number only.
- Exact statutory day count for scheduling the full hearing after an ex parte order; confirm with the filing circuit clerk.
Protective Orders in Arkansas: frequently asked questions
What is an Order of Protection in Arkansas?+
It is Arkansas's civil protective order under the Domestic Abuse Act, Arkansas Code 9-15-201 and following. It covers current and former spouses, family and household members, co-parents, and current or former dating partners, and it can require no contact while it is active.
Where do I file for an Order of Protection in Arkansas?+
File in the circuit court of the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. The circuit clerk's office can confirm the correct forms and process for that county.
Does it cost money to file in Arkansas?+
No. There is no filing fee for an Order of Protection petition under the Domestic Abuse Act in Arkansas.
How fast can I get protection in Arkansas?+
A judge can issue an emergency ex parte order the same day if you show immediate danger, before the other person is notified. That order stays in effect until the court holds a full hearing, which Arkansas law directs to happen promptly.
How long does an Order of Protection last in Arkansas?+
A final Order of Protection issued after a full hearing can last up to two years in Arkansas. A court can extend it if the petitioner still needs protection when it is set to expire.
Can an Order of Protection affect custody in Arkansas?+
Yes. It can include temporary custody and support terms for children the petitioner and respondent share, even without a separate custody case filed. If a divorce or custody case already exists, tell that court about the Order of Protection.
This page is general information about protective orders 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.
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