Arkansas Divorce Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Assessment

• Confirm residency: either party has lived in Arkansas for 60+ days
• Identify Circuit Court county (where either spouse lives)
• Identify ground: general indignities or 18-month separation
• Identify corroborating witness (friend, family member, neighbor)
• Check local court rules: does this county require in-person corroboration or accept an affidavit?
• Confirm 3-month Decree residency timeline — when will 3 months be reached?

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

• List all marital property (acquired during marriage)
• List all separate property (pre-marital, gifts, inheritances — document separately)
• Bank and investment account statements
• Retirement account balances (marital portion vs. pre-marital)
• Real estate: appraisals or agreed values; mortgage balances
• Vehicles: values and loan balances
• All debts: creditor, balance, account number
• Business interests (if any)
• Income documentation: recent pay stubs, last 2 years tax returns

Phase 3 — Complete Divorce Forms

• Complaint for Divorce (states residency, ground, relief requested)
• Summons (issued by clerk)
• Property Settlement Agreement (both parties sign and notarize)
• Corroborating witness affidavit
• If children: Parenting Plan or custody/visitation proposal
• If children: Child Support Worksheet (Arkansas Guidelines — chart-based)
• If waiving service: Acceptance/Waiver of Service (Respondent signs)
• Fee waiver application if needed (Affidavit of Indigency)
• Final Decree of Divorce (proposed form — many courts require petitioner to draft)

Phase 4 — File at Circuit Court

• File Complaint for Divorce at Circuit Court Clerk's office
• Pay $165 filing fee (uniform statewide)
• Or use eFlex e-filing system (arcourts.gov) if your county accepts self-represented e-filings
• Receive case number and Return Date

Phase 5 — Serve the Respondent

• Agreed case: Respondent signs Acceptance/Waiver of Service — fastest option
• Uncooperative spouse: Sheriff's service or certified mail
• Return of Service filed with clerk once service is complete

Phase 6 — 30-Day Waiting Period

• 30 days must pass after filing before Decree can be entered
• Use this time to finalize Property Settlement Agreement, obtain corroborating witness affidavit, complete financial disclosures

Phase 7 — Hearing or Final Submission

• Schedule hearing (or confirm if submission by mail/e-file is permitted in your county)
• Bring to hearing: Property Settlement Agreement (original + copies), corroborating witness affidavit, financial records, proposed Decree
• Corroborating witness: appears in person OR has already provided signed affidavit

Phase 8 — Decree Entered

• Confirm 3-month residency requirement is satisfied
• Judge signs Decree of Divorce
• Obtain certified copies from Circuit Clerk
• Record deed changes at County Recorder (if real estate)
• File QDRO for retirement plans
• Update name: Arkansas DFA (driver's license), Social Security, accounts
• Update beneficiary designations: life insurance, retirement, payable-on-death accounts

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

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