Divorce often means going from one household to two, and childcare can be one of the biggest monthly costs for a working parent. Here is how Arkansas handles childcare when child support is set.
How Arkansas Treats Childcare in Child Support
Arkansas calculates child support under the income-shares model in the Arkansas Supreme Court’s Administrative Order No. 10. Both parents’ gross incomes are considered, and the support chart sets a base amount that is shared between the parents in proportion to their incomes.
Reasonable, work-related childcare costs are normally added to the chart amount and divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes. If childcare is not added that way, the court may consider it as a reason to deviate from the chart amount.
What to Keep Track Of
- Daycare, after-school and summer care bills, with receipts
- Your work schedule and why childcare is needed
- Changes in cost over the year
When Costs or Incomes Change
A child support order does not change on its own. A change of 20% or more in either parent’s gross income is a material change that can support a request to modify support (A.C.A. § 9-14-107). Until a court changes the order, the existing order stays in place.
You can read more on our child support page, or call the office at 870.525.2191.
This post was rewritten in October 2026 to reflect current Arkansas law. It is general information, not legal advice for your situation.