How Is Child Support Calculated in Arkansas?
Child support in Arkansas is generally calculated using the state's Income Shares Model, which is designed to estimate the amount parents would have spent on their children if they lived together. The calculation considers the financial resources of both parents and determines each parent's share of the basic child support obligation.
What Factors Are Used to Calculate Child Support in Arkansas?
Several factors may affect the amount of child support a parent is required to pay, including:
- Each parent's income
- The number of children requiring support
- The child's health insurance costs
- Work-related childcare expenses
- Certain medical expenses
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child
- Other circumstances that may affect the child's best interests
Arkansas provides an official Child Support Worksheet and Family Support Chart to help determine the guideline amount. The Arkansas Judiciary currently provides these resources along with a child support calculator.
Does Custody Affect Child Support?
Yes. The amount of time a child spends with each parent can affect the calculation. Arkansas's guidelines generally presume that the parent who pays support has fewer than 141 overnight visits with the child each year. Different calculations may apply when the parenting schedule involves more overnight visits.
Can the Court Deviate From the Guidelines?
The guideline amount is generally presumed to be appropriate, but a court can order a different amount when applying the guideline calculation would be unjust or inappropriate. If the court deviates from the guideline amount, the order must explain the reason for the deviation.
Factors that may justify a deviation can include special educational expenses, extraordinary medical needs, childcare costs, or other circumstances affecting the child's best interests.
What About Health Insurance and Childcare Costs?
The basic guideline calculation does not include every expense associated with raising a child. Work-related childcare, the child's share of health insurance premiums, and certain medical expenses may be considered as additional adjustments to the basic support amount.
This means that two families with similar incomes could have different child support obligations depending on their individual circumstances.
Can Child Support Be Changed Later?
Yes. A child support order may be modified when circumstances change and the legal requirements for modification are met. Arkansas law also provides circumstances under which a significant inconsistency between an existing support order and the guideline calculation may support a request for modification.
Because every family's financial and custody circumstances are different, parents should not rely on a general estimate to determine what their actual support obligation will be.
Get Help Understanding Child Support in Arkansas
Child support calculations can become complicated when parents have different incomes, shared custody arrangements, childcare expenses, health insurance costs, or other financial considerations.
If you have questions about child support in Arkansas, an experienced family law attorney can review your circumstances, explain how the guidelines may apply, and help you understand your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Arkansas
1. How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas generally uses child support guidelines and an income-based calculation to determine the amount of support. The calculation considers factors such as the parents' incomes, the number of children, and certain allowable expenses. The Arkansas Judiciary provides an official Child Support Worksheet, Family Support Chart, and Child Support Calculator.
2. Does custody affect child support in Arkansas?
Yes. The amount of time a parent spends with the child can affect the child support calculation. Arkansas's guidelines have specific provisions for parenting time, including situations involving 141 or more overnight visits.
3. Can child support be different from the amount listed in the guidelines?
Yes. A court may deviate from the guideline amount when applying it would be unjust or inappropriate. When a court deviates from the guidelines, the order must explain the reason for the deviation.
4. Can child support be changed after an order is issued?
Yes. Child support may be modified when the legal requirements for modification are met. Arkansas guidelines also address situations where there is a qualifying inconsistency between an existing support order and the amount calculated under the Family Support Chart.
5. Where can I calculate child support in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Judiciary provides an official Child Support Calculator, along with the required Child Support Worksheet and Family Support Chart. These resources can help parents estimate child support, although an online calculation does not replace legal advice or a court's determination.
