Arkansas Child Support Calculator

Arkansas uses the income shares model. Effective July 1, 2020, Arkansas uses the Income Shares model under Administrative Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines). Both parents' gross incomes are combined and the child support obligation is calculated based on the combined income and the number of children. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined income. The model is based on the concept that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income as if the parents lived together.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Arkansas generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Arkansas can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Arkansas has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.