Arkansas law considers both parents equally when deciding who will get custody. The judge cannot favor the mother for custody just because she is the mother.
How much is a custody lawyer in Arkansas?
Our firm offers two different types of fees, flat fee and hourly. Both usually require a retainer of $1,500 to $2,500 in order to retain us and then there is some type of payment plan beyond that. We discuss fees and answer any questions you have about them during the initial consultation.
Does it matter who files for divorce first in Arkansas?
No, it doesn’t matter who files for divorce first in Arkansas. Both parties will have the opportunity to deny claims and state their own requests. The spouse who files for divorce will have to state a “ground”, or a reason, for the divorce.
How long does the average divorce take in Arkansas?
Legally, a divorce is required to take at least a month. The law requires that 30 days pass between the day of filing and the entry of the divorce decree. If everyone is agreeable, then we can get a divorce completed, realistically, within about 45-60 days.
What is an attorney ad litem in Arkansas?
An attorney ad litem is an attorney that is appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests. They are appointed in almost every contested custody case.
How much does a child custody lawyer cost in California?
Generally, child custody attorneys can charge flat fees anywhere between $3,000 to $20,000. These flat fees will likely be smaller depending on how much mediation is required and the number of court appearances necessary. If finances are an issue, one should consider searching for a pro bono lawyer.
How long do you have to be separated to file for divorce in Arkansas?
To file for a divorce in Arkansas you must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days before filing and have grounds for divorce. The the most commonly used grounds for divorce are “general indignities” and “separation for 18 months.” The grounds must have happened within the last five years.
Who gets the house in a divorce in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, all marital property is distributed one-half (1/2) to each party unless the Court finds such a division to be inequitable.
How long is alimony paid in Arkansas?
The duration of payments is determined by a judge in Arkansas family court. Alimony length is usually based on length of marriage – one commonly used standard for alimony duration is that 1 year of alimony is paid every three years of marriage (however, this is not always the case in every state or with every judge).
Is Arkansas an alimony state?
Contrary to popular belief, there’s no gender requirement for alimony, meaning either spouse can request financial support during and after the divorce. However, before awarding any alimony, an Arkansas court must find that one spouse has financial need and the other can pay.
What is considered abandonment in a marriage in Arkansas?
In matrimonial law, abandonment is a form of marital misconduct which occurs when one spouse brings the cohabitation to an end (1) without justification, (2) without consent, and (3) without intention of renewing the marital relationship.
How does adultery affect divorce in Arkansas?
If your spouse has been unfaithful and you’re seeking a divorce in Arkansas, adultery is one of the grounds upon which you can base a request to legally end your marriage. (Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-301 (b) (4).)
Is Arkansas a mom state?
In Arkansas, aren’t mothers automatically given custody of the children? That is not the case at all. Although the laws regarding unmarried parents seem to favor the mother in custody disputes, (before the father has established paternity and that he is a fit parent), married parents stand on equal ground.
How much is child support in Arkansas per child?
The court orders a flat percentage of 25% of the non-custodial parent’s income to be paid in child support to the custodial parent.
What makes a parent unfit in Arkansas?
While there is no specific definition under Arkansas law, an unfit parent is one who has failed to have regular contact with a children for a prolonged time without justifiable cause or has failed to contribute to their support for a prolonged time without justifiable cause.
What is supervised visitation in Arkansas?
Supervised visitation is when the noncustodial parent can visit with the child only when supervised by another adult. It is used to keep the child safe, while supporting the parent–child relationship.
What is guardian ad litem?
When a petition is filed to establish a guardianship, the court appoints a guardian ad Litem (GAL). The GAL represents the client’s best interests (not the client him or herself) in the guardianship proceeding. The GAL also acts as a neutral investigator for the court.
What is an attorney ad litem in Texas?
Texas Family Law defines an Attorney Ad Litem as “an attorney who provides legal services to a person, including a child, and who owes to the person the duties of undivided loyalty, confidentiality, and competent representation.” (Texas Family Code Annotated §107.001(2)) A court must appoint an Attorney Ad Litem to …
Who pays the court fees in a divorce?
In most cases, the applicant pays the court fee; however, some couples agree to split the court fees between them, particularly if it is a joint application. Helping our clients file their divorce papers is only one of the many family law services at Stowe Family Law.
Who pays for a divorce?
There appears to be a myth that the person being divorced (known as the Respondent) always pays the fees for a divorce, when in reality this is not the case in the majority of divorce cases. The person filing for the divorce (known as the Applicant) will always pay the divorce filing fee.
How much is a lawyer consultation fee?
What Are Typical Lawyer Hourly Fees? Lawyer fees for a consultation vary throughout the United States. On average, consultation costs will range from about $250 an hour to $350 an hour. Rates will change depending on location, type of law, and attorney experience.
Can you get a divorce without going to court?
It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.
What is the Arkansas law on divorce?
To file for divorce in Arkansas, you or your spouse must have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing for the divorce and 3 full months before the final judgment granting the divorce. No divorce will be granted until at least 30 days have passed from filing for the divorce.
Is Arkansas A 50/50 state for divorce?
Arkansas is NOT a community property state, which means that marital property is not automatically divided 50/50 between the spouses in a divorce case.
Can you date while separated in Arkansas?
Once the court finalizes your divorce, you or your spouse can remarry or start dating. Because Arkansas is a fault state for divorce, dating before the divorce is finalized can give the other side grounds for divorce.