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Arkansas court preparation · reviewed August 22, 2026

Preparing for Arkansas Family Court

A careful statewide checklist that sends district- and court-specific fees, forms, and procedure to the Circuit Court.

Legal information, not legal advice. Arkansas law and local practice can change. Verify forms, fees, filing methods, service, and hearing procedure with the clerk of the Circuit Court receiving your case.

Before filing

  • Identify the correct Circuit Court and county
  • Ask the Circuit Court clerk for current forms, filing method, and local rules
  • A complaint/petition for divorce has a Circuit Court filing fee of about $165 (confirm the current amount)
  • If you cannot afford fees, file an In Forma Pauperis petition (Ark. R. Civ. P. 72)
  • Use the Arkansas Judiciary statewide court forms (arcourts.gov)
  • Confirm how emergency / interim requests are presented
  • Serve the other party in the manner the court rules require and file a proof of service

Before the hearing

  • Read every notice and temporary order
  • Meet the actual exhibit, witness, disclosure, and subpoena deadlines
  • Confirm the courtroom, remote link, check-in, security, and device rules
  • Prepare a short list of requested orders and the evidence supporting each
  • Bring only what the court permits; arrange child care unless the court directs otherwise
Official sources reviewed August 22, 2026

Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the clerk of the Arkansas Circuit Court handling your case.

Confirm current court fees and deadlines. Court fees, filing and response deadlines, hearing timing, notice periods, and local procedures can change or vary by Arkansas county. Before relying on any amount or time period on this page, confirm the current amount or deadline with the court or Circuit Court clerk handling your case.