Arkansas Child Support Calculator 2026
Free Arkansas child support estimator using the 2026 state guidelines
How Arkansas Calculates Child Support
- ✓Based on payor's take-home (net) monthly income
- ✓Income tables are published by the Arkansas Administrative Office of Courts
- ✓Obligor may seek deviation for extraordinary expenses or shared custody
- ✓Arkansas support ends at exactly age 18, with no statutory provision extending it to high school graduation, unlike many states
- ✓Arkansas OCSE administers the eCourt CASES system and can enforce through contempt, income withholding, and tax refund interception under A.C.A. § 9-14-217
Arkansas Child Support Laws at a Glance
⚖️ Governing Statute
A.C.A. § 9-14-106
🏛️ Enforcement Agency
DHS Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)
📅 Support Ends At
Age 18 (no extension for high school attendance)
Understanding Arkansas's Child Support Formula
Arkansas uses the Percentage of Income model, one of the simpler child support approaches in the United States. The court converts the paying parent's gross monthly income to net income by applying a 76% factor that accounts for estimated taxes and mandatory payroll deductions. That net income figure is then multiplied by a fixed percentage that increases with each additional child:
| Children | % of Net Income | Monthly at $5,000 gross |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | 15% | $570/mo |
| 2 children | 21% | $798/mo |
| 3 children | 27% | $1,026/mo |
| 4 children | 32% | $1,216/mo |
| 5 children | 36% | $1,368/mo |
Arkansas caps the paying parent's net income at $8,000/month for guideline calculations. A parent earning above approximately $10,526/month gross will have their obligation calculated from the cap rather than their actual income. Courts retain discretion to order additional support above the cap for high earners in cases involving extraordinary expenses.
Sample Arkansas Child Support Calculation
Scenario: Paying parent earns $5,500/month gross, 2 children, standard custody arrangement.
Actual court orders in Arkansas may also include health insurance premiums, childcare costs, and extraordinary expenses on top of the guideline base. Average awards in Arkansas range from $350–$750/month across all income levels.
Arkansas Child Support, Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage does Arkansas use for child support?
Arkansas uses 15% of adjusted net income for one child, 21% for two children, 27% for three, 32% for four, and 36% for five or more children. These percentages apply to the paying parent's net income after a 76% conversion factor for taxes.
Is there an income cap for child support in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas caps the paying parent's net income at $8,000/month (approximately $10,526/month gross) for guideline calculations. Income above this threshold does not increase the standard obligation. However, a judge can order additional support beyond the cap in cases where the child has extraordinary needs, such as private schooling, medical conditions, or significant extracurricular costs, or where the paying parent earns substantially more than the cap.
What is the average child support payment in Arkansas?
Child support awards in Arkansas typically range from $350–$750/month based on current data. The actual amount varies significantly depending on both parents' incomes, the number of children, custody arrangements, and whether costs like health insurance or childcare are included in the order. Higher income households and multiple children will produce awards above this range.
Can a Arkansas judge order a different amount than the calculator shows?
Yes. The Arkansas guidelines produce a presumptive amount — the starting point, but a judge can deviate from it when following the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case. Common reasons for deviation include extraordinary medical or educational expenses, one parent directly paying significant healthcare premiums, a parent's substantial assets or non-wage income, the needs of children from other relationships, or significant travel costs related to custody exchanges.
How do you modify a child support order in Arkansas?
Either parent can petition the Arkansas court to modify an existing child support order when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. This typically means a significant change in either parent's income (usually 15–20% or more), a change in custody or parenting time, the child developing extraordinary medical or educational needs, or a change in the cost of health insurance. Most states, including Arkansas, also allow automatic review every three years if either party requests it, even without proving a substantial change.
When does child support end in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, child support terminates at: Age 18 (no extension for high school attendance). The governing law is A.C.A. § 9-14-106, administered by the DHS Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE). If you have an existing order and believe your child is approaching the termination age, contact DHS Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) or your family law attorney to confirm the specific end date and ensure a formal termination order is entered.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
USLegalCalc.com provides estimates and document templates for informational purposes only. Results are not legal advice and vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.