Real numbers for Arkansas — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Divorce procedure varies by state in the details, but the overall arc in Arkansas looks like this:
Treat this as a general framework rather than Arkansas-specific legal guidance — a licensed attorney or your local courthouse self-help center can confirm exact requirements for your case.
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Calculate My Arkansas Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Arkansas ranges from roughly $2,280 for a simple uncontested case to $25,600 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Arkansas requires a 30-day waiting period. Fault grounds are still recognized.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $165 | $735 | $3,800 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,280 | $3,800 | $5,700 |
| Contested, no trial | $8,800 | $16,000 | $25,600 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $25,600 | $30,400 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $12,200 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Arkansas is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $165 statewide average
| Pulaski County (Little Rock) | $165 |
| Benton County | $160 |
| Washington County | $160 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Arkansas average $185 per hour.
A couple in Little Rock with no children using fault grounds would typically spend $165 in filing fees and $1,000–$2,500 in attorney costs — roughly $1,200–$2,700 total. Using the 18-month separation no-fault route adds waiting time but keeps costs similar for simple cases.
How much does a divorce cost in Arkansas?
An uncontested divorce in Arkansas typically costs $3,800–$5,700 including the $165 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $16,000–$25,600 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What are the grounds for divorce in Arkansas?
Arkansas allows no-fault divorce after 18 months of separation. Fault grounds — which allow faster filing — include adultery, felony conviction, habitual drunkenness, and cruel treatment.
What is the waiting period for divorce in Arkansas?
The standard no-fault waiting period requires 18 months of separation. If filing on fault grounds, there is no mandatory separation period but the process still takes several months.
How is property divided in an Arkansas divorce?
Arkansas courts divide marital property equitably — fairly but not necessarily equally — based on factors such as length of marriage, each spouse's economic circumstances, and contributions to the marriage.
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Open Arkansas Calculator →Filing fees based on Arkansas court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.