Family law is most of what I do. If you are facing a divorce, a custody fight, a child support problem or a family emergency, you are probably worried about your kids, your money and your home all at once. I understand that. My goal is to help you understand where you stand under Arkansas law, what the process will look like, and what choices you have.
I’m Bryce Cook. I was born and raised in Jonesboro, and I have been licensed to practice law in Arkansas since 2009. I am a trial lawyer, and I have worked as a public defender and as a deputy prosecuting attorney. My wife, Sara Beth, works with me full-time as lead paralegal. We are a family business, and we are a family that cares about yours.
Family Law Matters I Handle
Each of the pages below explains the law and the process in more detail.
Divorce
I handle both contested and uncontested divorces. Arkansas has specific grounds for divorce, a residency requirement and a waiting period. Marital property is divided equally unless the court finds that would be unfair and explains why. Learn more on my Jonesboro divorce lawyer page.
Child Custody and Visitation
Arkansas judges decide custody based on the best interest of the child, without regard to either parent’s sex. Joint custody is favored by law. I also handle requests to change an existing custody order. See Arkansas child custody.
Child Support
Arkansas uses an income-shares model that looks at both parents’ incomes. I help parents who need support set, changed or enforced, and parents who are being asked to pay. See child support.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
There is no formula for alimony in Arkansas. Whether it is awarded, and how much, depends on the facts. See spousal support.
Paternity
When parents are not married, a paternity case can establish who the legal father is and set custody, visitation and support. I work with both mothers and fathers. See paternity.
Guardianship
A guardianship lets a court appoint someone to care for a minor child or an adult who cannot care for himself or herself. Many of these cases involve grandparents or other relatives. See guardianship.
When a stepparent, grandparent or other relative wants to make a family permanent, see adoption.
Custody Cases Involving Another State
When parents live in different states, the first question is which state’s court decides custody. Arkansas follows the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). I handle these cases for parents in Arkansas and parents who live elsewhere. See interstate child custody.
Orders of Protection
I represent people asking for an order of protection and people who have been served with a petition. Both sides deserve to understand the process and be ready for the hearing. See orders of protection.
Other Family Matters
I also handle:
- Changes (modifications) to existing custody, visitation and support orders
- Contempt and enforcement when someone is not following a court order
- Dependency-neglect cases
- Adoptions
How a Family Law Case Usually Starts
Most cases start with a conversation. When you meet with me, I will want to hear what is going on, what you are worried about and what you want for your family. Then I will explain how Arkansas law applies, what the next steps are and what decisions you will need to make.
It helps to bring:
- Any court papers you have been served with or have filed, including old orders
- Recent pay stubs and tax returns
- A list of major property and debts, like your home, vehicles, retirement accounts and loans
- Your children’s names, ages and school, and your current parenting schedule
- Dates and notes about important events
If you have been served with papers, read them closely and look for any deadline or hearing date. Deadlines in family cases can be short. Call sooner rather than later.
Where I Practice
My office is in Jonesboro. I regularly handle family law cases in the 15 counties of the Second, Third and Sixteenth Judicial Circuits, and I take select family cases statewide. See the courts I serve.
Common Questions
Do I have to go to court?
It depends. Some cases settle by agreement and need little time in court. Others need a contested hearing or trial. I will be honest with you about what your case is likely to involve as we go.
Can I change a custody or support order that is already in place?
Often, yes, if the facts have changed enough. The rules are different for custody, child support and alimony. The custody, support and spousal support pages explain each one.
What if my case is in another county?
Call the office. If your case is in a Northeast Arkansas court, we can talk about whether I can help.
Talk With Me About Your Family Law Case
Family cases affect the people you love most. I want to be your lawyer, and I want you to walk away from our first conversation understanding your situation better than when you came in. You can read more about me or contact the office.
You can call the office at 870.525.2191. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and Sara Beth or I will call you back. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 721 W. Matthews Ave in Jonesboro. You can also request a consultation online. Consultations are free and usually last about 30 minutes, and I’ll explain how fees work for your kind of case before you decide anything.
This page is general information about Arkansas law, not legal advice for your situation.