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Arkansas family-law guide · reviewed August 22, 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 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.