Family law in Arkansas is a rapidly changing, complex legal area. Divorce, legal separation, child custody disputes, and other family law matters can be emotionally charged and stressful for all parties involved.
Family Law Attorney in Arkansas
Compassionate and Comprehensive Family Law Support in Little Rock
Our family law attorneys in Little Rock are committed to providing our clients with comprehensive and compassionate legal support. If you are taking steps to deal with a family law matter, we can guide you through the process with professionalism, skill, and care.
Family Law Services Our Firm Provides
State laws concerning marriage, children, and families are constantly changing. Arkansas law has seen recent changes in child support guidelines, child custody, property division, and other areas. Our experienced family lawyers stay up to date with the law and offer a range of family law services, including the following:
Legal Separation
A separation agreement in Arkansas is a legally binding agreement between spouses that pertains to the period from separation until the marriage is dissolved. It must be in writing and signed by both parties. This contract outlines the terms of the separation. It may settle specific issues that can be merged into the divorce decree. Although a separation agreement may contain enforceable terms concerning property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support, family courts are not bound to enforce provisions relating to children. They must always rule in the child’s best interests in these matters.
Divorce
Arkansas is a fault state for divorce. You must have grounds to file a complaint in circuit court, such as general indignities or separation for 18 months. There are two types of divorce proceedings in Arkansas:
- Uncontested: Divorce may be uncontested if the spouses have identified all their assets and debts and have come to an agreement on all the issues, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. An uncontested divorce may be finalized in as little as six weeks.
- Contested: When divorcing spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, it is left up to the court to decide. Unless a settlement agreement is reached at some point in the process, the case will go to trial in front of a family law judge. It may take six months to one and a half years or longer for a contested divorce to be finalized.
Adoption
For a child to be adopted in Arkansas, either the adopting parent or the child must be a resident of the state. Adoptions may be private or public. Married couples, unmarried adults, unmarried parents of children being adopted, and married individuals petitioning without their spouses may be eligible to adopt. Applicants must be 21 to 45 years older than the individuals they seek to adopt. If married, an applicant must demonstrate a stable relationship with their spouse. Adoption in Arkansas is a complex legal process. Seek legal guidance from an experienced family law attorney in Little Rock.
Child Custody and Support
Child custody and support issues can arise in a divorce or outside of marriage. When a child is born during a marriage, the law assumes both spouses are the child’s parents. If the mother is unmarried when a child is born, she has legal custody automatically. The father must petition the court to establish paternity for custody and visitation rights. An unmarried mother seeking child support must prove paternity before the court will enter an order.
