Who Pays Child Support in Arkansas?

If you’re a parent going through divorce in Arkansas, you might be concerned about expenses related to your children and who will be paying child support. Arkansas child support laws determine which parent will be financially responsible for child expenses and to what extent. Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school. Courts may also order child support to continue for disabled children who cannot support themselves after reaching adulthood.

How Arkansas Calculates Child Support

Arkansas uses an income-shares approach to calculate child support obligations. This means the amount is determined based on the combined income of both parents. Several factors are considered, including:

• Gross income of both parents
• Number of children requiring support
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses and childcare costs
• Amount of time each parent spends with the children

The court refers to state child support guidelines and tables to determine the proper amount based on these details. The total support amount is then proportionally divided between the parents based on each parent’s income earnings.

Determining Which Parent Pays Support

In most cases, the non-custodial parent who does not have primary physical custody of the children will pay child support to the custodial parent. However, the court will make the final determination based on:

• Custodial arrangement: The number of overnights the children have with each parent annually. If parenting time is equal, both may owe support.
• Total income: The higher-earning parent often owes support, even if they have 50/50 custody.
• Financial resources: Courts look beyond just income and consider all assets and financial means.

Can Child Support Obligations Change?

Child support orders can be modified if there are substantial changes in circumstances, which could include

• Loss of job or change in income
• Medical conditions or disabilities
• Change in parenting time arrangements

For example, if you have a reduction in income, you’ll be able to make a request for lower payments. While you can make this request, courts do not easily grant modifications without adequate proof of major life changes. 

Consult an Arkansas Family Law Attorney

Navigating child support in Arkansas can be complicated. Issues like calculating incomes, allowable deductions, preserving parent-child relationships, and enforcing orders make legal guidance invaluable.

An experienced Arkansas family law attorney can advise you on your rights and obligations as a parent while protecting your relationship with your children. They will also make sure you receive fair treatment if your ex is not complying with current child support arrangements. Contact the Graham Law Firm, PLLC, to discuss your unique child support situation.