Arkansas determines spousal support through a multi-factor statutory analysis under Ark. Code Ann. §9-12-312. Understand how the court evaluates eligibility, amount, and duration in your case.
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Spousal support in Arkansas is determined by a statutory multi-factor analysis under Ark. Code Ann. §9-12-312. The court weighs the following factors to arrive at a fair support amount and duration. Unlike the temporary formula, there is no mathematical calculation for permanent support — it is a discretionary determination by the judge based on the totality of the circumstances.
The types of spousal support available in Arkansas include: Rehabilitative, Permanent, Lump sum. The type ordered depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and the supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Primary statute: Ark. Code Ann. §9-12-312
The court considers these 9 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Need of the receiving spouse
Ability of the other spouse to pay
Standard of living during the marriage
Length of the marriage
Earning capacity and employment history
Age and health of the parties
Property division
Child support obligations
Whether one spouse supported the other's career
No formula. No statutory factor list — court awards alimony "as reasonable from the circumstances." Case-law factors from Burns v. Burns (1993).
Duration is one of the most heavily litigated aspects of spousal support. The length of the marriage is the single most important factor in most cases, but the court also considers the supported spouse's age, health, job skills, and the time needed to acquire education or training for appropriate employment.
No statutory factor list — court has broad discretion "as reasonable from the circumstances and the nature of the case."
Burns v. Burns (1993) established the case-law factors used by courts.
Termination triggers: remarriage, relationship producing child, full-time cohabitation in intimate relationship.
Fault grounds available but alimony analysis is primarily needs-based.
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
Residency Requirement
60 days residency to file; 3 months before decree
Mandatory Waiting Period
No mandatory waiting period (but 3-month residency before decree)
No-Fault Ground
18 months continuous separation (§9-12-301(b)(5))
State Income Tax
Progressive 2–3.9% (Act 1 of Second Extraordinary Session 2024)
Arkansas Child Support Calculator
Income shares model on gross monthly income under Administrative Order No. 10
Arkansas Property Division Calculator
50/50 equal division presumption for marital property with 3 statutory deviation factors
Arkansas Divorce Settlement Calculator
Complete 8-chapter divorce analysis for Arkansas
Arkansas does not use a fixed formula for spousal support. Instead, courts apply a multi-factor analysis under Ark. Code Ann. §9-12-312 to determine the amount and duration based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Arkansas recognizes the following types of spousal support: Rehabilitative, Permanent, Lump sum. The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
No formula. No statutory factor list — court awards alimony "as reasonable from the circumstances." Case-law factors from Burns v. Burns (1993).
Yes. Spousal support orders in Arkansas can generally be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either party's income, retirement, cohabitation of the supported spouse, or other qualifying events as defined by statute.
Get a personalized spousal support analysis based on Arkansas's actual statutory framework.
Start My Free ArkansasEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Arkansas family law and does not constitute legal advice. Spousal support calculations are estimates and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Arkansas family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: Ark. Code Ann. §9-12-312.