Arkansas Divorce Lawyers
Your Divorce Is Not The End Of Your Story
Emotions can run high during divorces, and a spur of the moment decision or one made in haste can jeopardize your future or allow your soon-to-be-former spouse to take advantage of you while you’re in a vulnerable state. The right attorney can prevent a vital mistake and promote your best interests at every step.
Catterlin & Arnold Law Firm is your go-to resource if you’re looking for a divorce lawyer in Rogers, Lowell, Fayetteville and Bentonville. We’ll do our best to help you separate from your spouse on terms that respect your best interests. Our divorce lawyer is a tough negotiator with a track record of success. Our Benton County divorce attorneys ready to fight diligently for you. Reach out to Catterlin & Arnold Law Firm today to face your divorce with confidence.
Understanding The Divorce Process
There are many different stages in the divorce process; it is far more than a simple piece of paperwork. Instead, the full process can take months, wherein you and your ex decide all the different ways to separate your life, including your finances and, in some cases, your family.
The right family lawyer can help you through the divorce process from beginning to end. To divorce your spouse in Arkansas you must:
- File a petition with the court
- Negotiate a divorce agreement with your spouse
- Request a final hearing date to finalize the divorce
If your divorce is contested, you may need to schedule an additional hearing to settle your issues. If you have children or if you and your spouse own a business, you should expect a more involved case.
Answers To Frequent Questions About Arkansas Divorces
You have much at stake in an Arkansas divorce. The answers to these common questions can guide your next steps and protect what you care about most.
Do I need to cite grounds in Arkansas for a divorce?
Yes, Arkansas requires grounds for divorce. You can cite either fault-based grounds (such as adultery, cruelty or felony conviction) or no-fault grounds, which may involve living separately for at least 18 months.
How are property and debts divided during an Arkansas divorce?
Arkansas follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means marital property and debts are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, between spouses. Factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation and contributions to the marriage are considered.
What are the requirements in Arkansas for alimony?
Alimony in Arkansas can be temporary, rehabilitative or permanent. The court considers an array of factors like the length of the marriage, the financial needs and resources of each spouse, and the standard of living established during the marriage.
How do Arkansas courts calculate child support?
Arkansas uses the income shares model, which considers both parents’ incomes and the amount of time each spends with the child.
The court determines the basic support obligation based on the combined income of both parents. Additional expenses (health insurance, medical costs and child care) are also factored in. The final amount is determined by dividing the total obligation proportionally according to each parent’s income.
What do Arkansas courts consider in child custody decisions?
Arkansas courts prioritize the best interests of the child in custody decisions. Factors they consider include the child’s emotional and physical needs, the stability of each parent’s home environment and the child’s relationship with each parent.
The courts may also consider the child’s custody preferences if they are of sufficient age and maturity to express a meaningful opinion.
Do I need attorney representation to divorce in Arkansas?
The protection legal representation offers can be significant. Our lawyers can provide knowledgeable guidance with complex but critical issues involving your marital property, children and future.
Introduction To Divorce
Divorce is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each case depends on factors like asset division, child custody and whether both spouses agree on terms. Understanding different divorce types can help you choose the best path forward:
● Contested divorce: Spouses disagree on key issues like child custody or property division, requiring court intervention
● Uncontested divorce: Both spouses agree on all terms, making the process faster and less stressful
Whether contested or uncontested, every divorce has legal challenges. An attorney can help protect your rights and interests.
Grounds For Divorce
When filing, you must state the legal reason for ending your marriage. The choice between fault and no-fault divorce can impact property division and spousal support.
● No-fault divorce: Requires living separately for at least 18 months without reconciliation
● Fault-based divorce: Requires proof that one spouse’s actions – such as adultery, cruelty, abandonment or habitual drunkenness – led to the marriage’s failure. These cases often involve evidence and court hearings
The grounds you choose affect the outcome. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand what options may work best for your situation.
Legal Requirements And Considerations
Certain legal requirements must be met before filing for divorce.
● Residency requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing.
● Legal separation vs. divorce: Legal separation allows couples to live apart while remaining legally married, often for financial or religious reasons.
Meeting the necessary legal criteria helps ensure that your case proceeds smoothly and without unnecessary obstacles.
Filing For Divorce
Filing involves several key steps:
● Filing the petition: One spouse (the petitioner) submits a formal complaint for divorce to the court.
● Serving the other spouse: The respondent must be legally notified of the divorce proceedings.
● Response and negotiation: The respondent can agree to the terms or contest the divorce, leading to further discussions.
● Final hearing and judgment: If both parties reach an agreement, the court issues a final divorce decree. If not, additional hearings may be required.
Navigating the divorce process can be complex, but having an experienced attorney by your side can help you manage the legal and emotional challenges effectively.
Take Back Your Future
Divorce is never easy, but it is the start of a new story. To talk to our Benton County divorce lawyers about how you want your life to look moving forward and how we can create a legal structure for it, call us at 479-339-0778.