How to File for Divorce in Arkansas Without a Lawyer (2026)

Arkansas has several distinctive features you need to know before you file:

Two-stage residency: You can file after just 60 days in Arkansas — but you cannot receive your final Decree until you have been a resident for 3 months. Plan accordingly.

"General indignities": Arkansas still uses this older legal phrase as the standard no-fault divorce ground. It means conduct that makes the marriage intolerable, not necessarily fault in the traditional sense. Most uncontested divorces are granted on general indignities.

Corroborating witness: Arkansas traditionally requires a corroborating witness — someone besides you and your spouse who can testify (by affidavit or in person) that the marriage is broken down. In many counties, this requirement is relaxed for agreed divorces. Check local rules.

Uniform $165 filing fee: Arkansas charges $165 for a divorce petition across all 75 counties — one of the most consistent fee structures in the country.

Disclaimer: General legal information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed Arkansas attorney for your specific situation.

Arkansas Divorce at a Glance

The Two-Stage Residency Rule

Arkansas's residency requirement has two distinct stages — this surprises many filers:

Stage 1 — File: Either you or your spouse must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before you file the Complaint for Divorce.

Stage 2 — Decree: The judge cannot enter your final Decree of Divorce until you or your spouse has lived in Arkansas for a full 3 months (90 days). If you filed at day 60, you must wait another 30 days minimum (plus the 30-day waiting period) before the Decree can be entered.

Practical example: You move to Arkansas on January 1. You can file on March 1 (day 60). Your Decree cannot be entered before April 1 (day 90). Plus the 30-day waiting period. So the absolute earliest your Decree is entered is roughly April 1.

"General Indignities" — The No-Fault Ground

Most states use "irretrievable breakdown" or "irreconcilable differences" as their no-fault phrase. Arkansas uses "general indignities" — a traditional phrase rooted in common law.

General indignities means a pattern of conduct by one spouse that renders the other's condition intolerable. In an uncontested divorce, you simply allege general indignities in the Complaint. The court does not require you to prove specific bad acts if both parties agree the marriage is over.

Other available grounds (fault-based, rarely used in uncontested cases): adultery, felony conviction, habitual drunkenness, impotence, cruel treatment, living separate and apart for 18 consecutive months (alternate no-fault ground).

Corroborating Witness

Arkansas historically requires someone other than the spouses to corroborate that the marriage is broken down. This person provides an affidavit (or appears at a hearing) stating they know the parties and believe the marriage is irretrievably broken.

Who can be a corroborating witness: A friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker — anyone with personal knowledge of the marriage breakdown.

Agreed divorces: Many Arkansas counties relax or waive the corroborating witness requirement when both spouses agree and sign a Property Settlement Agreement. Confirm with the clerk in your specific Circuit Court county.

Step-by-Step Overview

Step 1 — Confirm Residency Stage

Either you or your spouse has lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days. Identify which Circuit Court county to file in.

Step 2 — Download or Access Forms

arcourts.gov — forms section. Or use the eFlex e-filing portal for counties that accept e-filing from self-represented litigants.

Step 3 — Complete the Complaint for Divorce

State the ground (general indignities or 18-month separation). Include residency allegations. If children: include custody, visitation, and child support requests. If property: list and propose division.

Step 4 — Draft the Property Settlement Agreement

For agreed divorces, both spouses sign a Property Settlement Agreement addressing all property, debts, and alimony. File with the Complaint or at time of hearing.

Step 5 — File at Circuit Court

Pay $165. Receive case number. 30-day waiting period begins.

Step 6 — Serve the Respondent

Spouse can accept service (sign a Waiver/Acceptance of Service). Or: Sheriff service or certified mail. Waiver of service is fastest for agreed cases.

Step 7 — Corroborating Witness Affidavit

Obtain a signed affidavit from your corroborating witness. File with the court or bring to the hearing.

Step 8 — Hearing or Submission

After the 30-day wait AND after 3 months residency, attend a brief hearing (many counties allow submission without a live hearing for agreed cases with no children) and present the Property Settlement Agreement.

Step 9 — Decree of Divorce Entered

Judge reviews and signs the Decree. Certified copies from the Circuit Clerk. Update deeds, titles, accounts.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | $165 uniform fee | 60 days to file / 3 months for Decree | "General indignities" ground | Corroborating witness | 30-day wait | eFlex e-filing | arcourts.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.