Child Support in Arkansas: How It's Calculated
Arkansas uses the Percentage of Income Model to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Arkansas courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Arkansas resources.
Percentage of Income Model in Arkansas
Arkansas uses a Percentage of Income Model under Administrative Order No. 10. Only the paying (non-custodial) parent's net income is used to calculate the obligation. A fixed percentage is applied based on the number of children.
Arkansas percentages are: 1 child — 15%, 2 children — 21%, 3 children — 25%, 4 children — 28%, 5 or more children — 31% of the paying parent's net income. Net income includes wages, self-employment, and most other income sources, with deductions for taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and existing support orders. Adjustments can be made for health insurance and childcare.
Key Factors Arkansas Courts Consider
- Non-custodial parent's net monthly income
- Number of children
- Health insurance contributions for the child
- Work-related childcare costs
- Significant parenting time by the non-custodial parent
- Any court-ordered extraordinary expenses
- Existing support obligations for other children
Official Arkansas Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Arkansas's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Arkansas's Formula Works
Here is how Arkansas applies the Percentage of Income Model to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine the paying parent's income
Arkansas applies its formula to the paying (non-custodial) parent's income. Arkansas percentages are: 1 child — 15%, 2 children — 21%, 3 children — 25%, 4 children — 28%, 5 or more children — 31% of the paying parent's net income.
2. Apply the state's percentage to income
A fixed percentage is applied based on the number of children. 1 child — 15%, 2 children — 21%, 3 children — 25%, 4 children — 28%, 5 or more children — 31% of the paying parent's net income
3. Add health insurance and childcare if applicable
In Arkansas, health insurance premiums for the child and work-related childcare costs may be added to the base support amount or ordered separately, depending on the specific statute.
4. Apply parenting time adjustments
If the paying parent exercises significant parenting time, Arkansas may reduce the obligation. Significant parenting time by the non-custodial parent
5. Apply income caps and deviation factors
Arkansas may cap the income subject to the percentage, and courts can deviate from the guideline amount with written findings that the formula result would be unjust or inappropriate.
Modifying Child Support in Arkansas
In Arkansas, a parent can seek modification by showing a material change in circumstances since the last order — such as a significant income change, a change in custody or parenting time, or a change in the child's needs. Arkansas also permits a review every 3 years without needing to prove a material change. The modification is filed with the circuit court that issued the original order. Support modifications are prospective only — arrears that have already accrued cannot be retroactively reduced.
How Arkansas Enforces Child Support Orders
Arkansas's Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) enforces orders through income withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's, professional, and recreational), credit bureau reporting, and contempt of court. Arkansas also uses the Income Assignment Order (IAO) to deduct support directly from the paying parent's wages. Parents owing more than $2,500 in arrears may face passport denial under federal law.
Document Everything for Your Arkansas Case
Arkansas courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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