{"id":371684,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-12-20T16:57:41","modified_gmt":"2024-12-20T21:57:41","slug":"arkansas-legal-requirements-for-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/arkansas-law\/arkansas-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Arkansas Divorce Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Arkansas Divorce Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

State laws regulate the divorce process. Arkansas divorce statutes dictate residency requirements, waiting periods, alimony, and grounds for divorce. Here, we’ll discuss the legal requirements for dissolving a marriage<\/a> in the State of Arkansas. We’ll also provide a chart that breaks down Arkansas divorce laws.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re considering divorce, you should learn the divorce laws in Arkansas. This will make the process less intimidating. It may also help to discuss your divorce case with a skilled Arkansas divorce lawyer<\/a>. They know the law and how to navigate the family court system in Arkansas.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Requirements for an Arkansas Divorce<\/h2>\r\n

You must meet the state’s 60-day residency rule<\/a> to file for divorce in Arkansas. You or your spouse must live in the state for at least 60 days before filing your divorce papers. You must live in Arkansas for at least three months before the family judge can issue your final divorce decree. This 30-day waiting period extends the residency rule by one more month.<\/p>\r\n

Arkansas Recognizes Legal Separation<\/h2>\r\n

Not every state recognizes legal separation<\/a>. Arkansas is one of the states that does. If you and your spouse aren’t sure divorce is the best option, you can separate for a few months to think things over. You can apply to the court for a legal separation. You can submit a copy of your separation agreement<\/a> when you submit your request.<\/p>\r\n

Your separation agreement will outline the same terms as your divorce settlement agreement. These terms include:<\/p>\r\n