Child support pays for the everyday needs of children. Whether you are asking for support, being asked to pay, or trying to change or enforce an order, you should know how Arkansas sets the number. I represent parents on both sides of child support cases in Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas.
How Arkansas Calculates Child Support
Arkansas uses the income-shares model set out in the Arkansas Supreme Court’s Administrative Order No. 10, which took effect in 2020. Under this model:
- Both parents’ gross incomes are used, not just the income of the parent who pays.
- The amount from the support chart is presumed to be correct. A judge can set a different amount in some situations, but must have a reason.
- Work-related childcare costs are normally added and split between the parents in proportion to their incomes.
- When parents share custody and the paying parent has at least 141 overnights a year, the court may allow an adjustment. That adjustment is up to the judge.
The hardest part of many cases is figuring out what each parent’s income really is. That can be harder when a parent is self-employed, owns a business or has irregular pay.
Changing a Child Support Order
Under A.C.A. § 9-14-107, a change of 20% or more in the gross income of either the paying parent or the receiving parent is a material change in circumstances that can support a modification. A difference between the current order and what the current chart would produce can also be a reason to review the order.
An order does not change on its own when income changes. Until a court changes it, the existing order stays in place. If your situation has changed, don’t wait to ask.
When Child Support Ends
Under A.C.A. § 9-14-237, support generally ends when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school, it continues until the child graduates or until the end of the school year after the child turns 19, whichever comes first.
Enforcing an Order
When a parent does not pay support that a court has ordered, the other parent can ask the court to enforce it. That can include a contempt action. I handle enforcement cases, and I also represent parents who are accused of falling behind.
What to Bring
- Any current support or custody order
- Recent pay stubs and tax returns for you, and the other parent’s if you have them
- Childcare bills and health insurance costs for the children
- A record of payments made or missed
- Your current parenting schedule
Child Support Questions
Does the paying parent’s income decide everything?
No. Since 2020, Arkansas looks at both parents’ incomes under the income-shares model.
If we share custody, is there no child support?
Not necessarily. Shared custody of at least 141 overnights may allow an adjustment, but the judge decides whether to make one.
I lost my job. Does my support go down automatically?
No. You have to ask the court to change the order. A 20% change in gross income is a material change under Arkansas law.
Talk With Me About Child Support
Support is often tied to custody, so you may want to read about child custody too. If support is part of a divorce, see my divorce page.
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.