Arkansas Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Arkansas charges a uniform $165 filing fee for a Complaint for Divorce across all 75 counties. This remarkable consistency is unusual nationally — most states have wide county-by-county variation.
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | $165 (all 75 Arkansas counties) |
| Counterclaim for Divorce (Respondent) | ~$100–$165 (varies) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $5–$15 per copy |
| Re-opening a closed case | Varies |
Service Costs
| Method | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance/Waiver of Service (spouse agrees) | Free |
| Sheriff's service | $30–$60 per service |
| Certified mail service | $10–$20 |
| Service by publication (unknown location) | $75–$200 (newspaper) |
Tip: For agreed divorces, having the Respondent sign an Acceptance of Service eliminates the service cost entirely.
Indigency Waiver — Affidavit of Indigency
Arkansas waives the filing fee for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete an Affidavit of Indigency (available at arcourts.gov or from the Circuit Clerk)
- File with or before the Complaint
- If approved, the $165 fee is waived
- Service costs may also be waived
Eligibility: Generally, income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, or receipt of public assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI).
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Settlement Agreement (attorney-drafted) | $500–$2,000 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $350–$700 |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Deed preparation | $150–$500 |
| County Recorder deed recording | $15–$30 per page (AR) |
| Mediator (contested) | $150–$400/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (out-of-pocket for self-represented filer) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate, no retirement | $175–$350 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $800–$2,500 |
| Contested | $5,000–$50,000+ |
Why Arkansas's $165 Is Notable
Most states show wide variation:
- Texas: $250–$350+ depending on county
- California: $435
- Florida: $408
- Arkansas's flat $165: lower than most, and consistent
This makes Arkansas one of the more affordable states for uncontested divorces.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $165 uniform fee all 75 counties | Indigency waiver available | Agreed cases: Sheriff service not required if spouse signs waiver | arcourts.gov
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.