Divorce Law in Little Rock, AR
Divorce Law refers to the legal termination of a marriage and often involves working through several complicated issues.
Are you facing a costly divorce in Little Rock, Arkansas? Does your estranged spouse have an attorney? Usually, couples going through a divorce are unable to compromise on most items and reach an agreement on their own. Thus, many couples go through mediation or the court system to resolve their case.
Issues Involved in Little Rock, Arkansas Divorce Law
There are many complicated issues that you need to settle during the divorce process. Many of these elicit strong emotions from one party or the other, resulting in volatility.
Dividing Property
One of the most challenging issues in the divorce law process is dividing property, debts and assets. In many states, like Arkansas, anything you and your spouse purchased over your marriage is subject to division. This includes things such as real estate, bank accounts, cars, stocks, etc. Some states split marital property evenly, while others go along an equitable split. In the latter, the judge weighs the contribution each spouse made to the marriage and uses that information to decide the disposition property, which may not equate to a perfect 50/50 division of your property, debt, and other assets..
Child Support
Both parents are responsible for paying for the care of their children. There is a child support guideline that helps determine how much each parent should contribute based on their income and the amount of time they spend with the children. Child support pays for things such as healthcare, food, clothing and other basic needs.
The Arkansas Courts provide forms online that allow residents of Little Rock to tabulate what they may owe in child support. Child support is calculated through a percentage of the non-custodial parent’s income. However, the courts do allow certain deductions from this amount, such as medical costs.
Alimony
Alimony, or spousal support, can vary dramatically depending on the marriage, and Little Rock, AR divorce law court looks at multiple factors when determining the amount and length of alimony, including:
- A spouse’s need and the other spouse’s ability to pay
- The age and health of each spouse
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s earning capacity and level of education
- The division of property
- Parental responsibility of the children
- Sole investments and assets of either spouse
Women’s Law states that Arkansas prescribes 2 basic types of alimony; rehabilitative and indefinite. Rehabilitative is meant to be short-term to allow a spouse to regain autonomy financially. Indefinite is meant to support a spouse who cannot achieve financial independence.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody is perhaps the most emotional issue during a divorce that involves children. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the court bases all decisions on what is in the best interest of the child. Keeping this in mind may help navigate the rough waters of custody.
The Arkansas Circuit Judges Benchbook affirms that the primary factor for the court in every divorce proceeding is the best interest of the child. The court will go to great lengths to avoid disruption to a child’s life, if at all possible, and encourage both parties to share custody. However, if both parties cannot come to this amicably the court will consider several factors when granting sole custody. The child’s wishes, the emotional stability of both parents, and if there is any history of violence or substance abuse.
Generally, Little Rock, Arkansas courts award joint legal custody giving both parents the legal right to make decisions for the children, such as education, medical care and religious practices. Legal custody has nothing to do with physical custody or visitation. Joint custody does not mean both parents split time with the child evenly, just as Sole legal custody does not bar the non-custodial parent from visiting the child.
The Process of Going Through Divorce Law in Little Rock, Arkansas
Are you leaning towards getting a divorce from your partner? If so, it is important to understand the necessary steps of the divorce law process.
Step 1: File the Divorce Law Petition
The divorce law process begins when one spouse files a legal petition to terminate the marriage. The petition must include:
- A legal reason for divorce (grounds for divorce)
- A statement that shows at least one spouse meets the state’s residency requirements for divorce
- Other statutory information your state requires
Most states offer the option for filing a no-fault divorce, which does not require a legal reason for the divorce.
Arkansas Statute establishes a no fault divorce law for the state. A couple must be separated for 18 months, then file for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.
Step 2: Request Temporary Orders
The divorce law process in Little Rock can take several months, but temporary orders can be requested and approved for a multitude of reasons, including:
- Child custody
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Property restraining orders
- Status quo orders
Request temporary orders as quickly as possible so you are not absent the resources or protection that you need.
Step 3: Serve Your Spouse and Wait for Their Response
If you are the one who files a petition for divorce, you must have your spouse served with their divorce law papers and then file a proof of service with the courts. If your spouse accepts service, then they need to fill out an affidavit to that effect. However, in many cases, the petitioner must hire a process server or sheriff to formally serve the petition on the other spouse. It is this third-party who then records the proof of service.
Step 4: Try To Come to an Agreement
The best outcome for anyone going through this process is to have an uncontested divorce, meaning both spouses agree on all issues.
This can be reached between both partners or with the help of a mediator. Not only will this save each spouse money, but there will typically be a lot less animosity.
Step 5: Go To Court
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement, then the case continues before a Little Rock, AR judge. While there is some benefit to having a judge hand down orders, it may also be a detriment as there is little to no control of the agreement by the parties.
Circuit Courts hear the majority of domestic cases for the state of Arkansas The Pulaski County Circuit Court is where residents of Little Rock will go through a divorce proceeding. This is a difficult process for everyone involved, but an experienced divorce attorney in Little Rock can help you go through it.
Step 6: Receive the Judgement of Divorce
The divorce law trial will end with the official judgment of divorce, ending the marriage. This final dissolution of marriage sets out the details about property and debt division, child custody and all relevant issues between the couple.
Work With an Experienced Little Rock, Arkansas Divorce Law Attorney
If you are going through a divorce and are unable to reach an agreement with your partner, you should hire an experienced Little Rock divorce law attorney. A lawyer will fight for you and make sure you get what is yours. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Arkansas state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
