Arkansas family-law guide · reviewed September 20, 2026
Arkansas Custody & Visitation
Current, source-linked Arkansas terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
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.
Arkansas terminology
Legal custody
The right to make major decisions.
Physical custody
Where the child lives.
Visitation
Time with the child for a parent without physical custody.
Best interests
The standard; joint custody is favored and presumed.
Core rules
- Arkansas uses 'custody' (joint/sole, legal/physical) + 'visitation'
- Joint custody is favored and presumed in the child's best interest in an original determination (Ark 9-13-101)
- The presumption is rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that joint custody is not in the child's best interest
- The court considers the child's best interests with frequent and continuing contact with both parents
- A history of domestic abuse creates a rebuttable presumption against sharing custody
- No maternal preference; parents are treated equally
- Cases are heard in Circuit Court
Support and modification cautions
Arkansas uses the Income Shares model under Administrative Order No. 10 (Family Support Chart). Custody may be modified on a material change of circumstances plus best interests.
Official sources reviewed September 20, 2026
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the clerk of the Arkansas Circuit Court handling your case.