Divorce Law in Arkansas
How to Find an Arkansas Divorce Attorney
Likely all of America assumed that Arkansas's two most famous residents would divorce when marital scandal made headlines, repeatedly. Yet, Bill and Hillary Clinton remain married.
During extremely difficult times, some people choose to stay married and others choose to divorce. If you are considering divorce, this article was written for you. Our goal is not to convince you to divorce, but only to give you a helping hand in the right direction should you decide divorce is right for you.
In this article, we'll discuss:
- Arkansas specific divorce law requirements;
- What you need to know about divorce; and
- Whether it's in your best interest to hire an Arkansas divorce lawyer and, if so, how to find a qualified lawyer and how to prepare to work with him or her.
Arkansas Divorce Law Specifics
- Either you or your spouse must be a resident of Arkansas for at least 60 days before a divorce filing can be made in the state.
- The divorce filings must state the grounds for divorce, either "no-fault" or "fault".
- Arkansas uses the terms, "plaintiff" and "defendant" to describe the spouse, who initially filed the divorce papers and the other spouse, respectively.
Being called a "defendant" does not necessarily mean that you did anything wrong; it just means that your spouse filed the divorce papers first.
- In Arkansas, divorce papers are filed in the Chancery Court of a particular county.
- In some cases, alimony is available.
- In Arkansas property distribution will be based upon what is equitable, which means, "fair". Fair is not necessarily equal.
- Child support will be based upon the Percentage of Income Formula.
What You Need to Know About Divorce
If you do choose to proceed with divorce, this section will help you to keep stress, family tension, and legal fees to a minimum. It will also help you get more of what you want (i.e. finances and time with children).
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It's important to consult with a therapist, who is trained in helping people go through divorce.
- This will help you to deal with your strong emotions, be strong for your children, and make good decisions.
- Don't use your children or your divorce lawyer as a sounding board. That's what the therapist is for.
- Go into your divorce, knowing that you and your spouse both will have to compromise.
- Hire an attorney who believes in working it out without court interference, if at all possible.
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with an Arkansas Divorce Lawyer?
Bottom line: Yes.
Just one mistake could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars and time with your children.
How to Find and Select an Arkansas Divorce Attorney
First, do a Google search for "How to Find a Arkansas Divorce Attorney" or ask loved ones for a referral to a divorce attorney they respect.
Second, research lawyer websites and narrow your list of potential attorneys down to a few who you'd like to ask questions of.
Third, ask questions about collaboration efforts versus litigation, fees, procedures, what you can expect, the timeline, and anything else on your mind.
Fourth, select the attorney you think would best represent your interests and with whom you are comfortable.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Divorce Attorney
Check off each task:
- Reconciliation efforts have been exhausted.
- An appointment with a therapist has been made.
- A list of all assets, expenses, debts, and income has been made.
- A list of everything that is important to you has been made and prioritized.
- A list of questions and concerns has been prepared.
Making and sticking with the decision to divorce is not any easy one. That decision is best left to you, your spouse, and your therapist. If you do decide that divorce is the best path for you, there's lots of support for you. You have friends, family, a therapist, and a divorce attorney all in your corner.
