How is child support calculated in Arkansas?

Arkansas primarily uses a percentage of income model. The non-custodial parent pays a percentage of their gross income based on the number of children: 17% for one child, 25% for two children, 29% for three children, 33% for four children, and 35% for five or more children. These percentages are applied to the paying parent's gross income (before taxes). Health insurance and extraordinary expenses may be added.

What income is used for Arkansas child support calculations?

Arkansas uses gross income, which includes: wages and salaries, overtime and bonuses, self-employment income (gross receipts minus ordinary business expenses), commissions, pensions and retirement benefits, Social Security benefits (except SSI), unemployment compensation, workers compensation, disability benefits, interest and dividends, rental income, and other income sources. Public assistance like TANF is not included.

Are there limits on how much child support can be in Arkansas?

Arkansas guidelines have an income cap. The percentage-based calculation applies up to a combined gross income of approximately $25,000 per month. For income exceeding this cap, the court has discretion to determine appropriate support, considering the reasonable needs of the children and the parents' financial resources. Very high-income cases may receive amounts above or below what the percentage would indicate.

Does shared custody reduce child support in Arkansas?

Yes, if parents share custody substantially equally (each parent has the child at least 141 overnights per year), Arkansas applies a shared custody adjustment. The basic obligation calculated by the percentage method may be reduced or adjusted to account for both parents' direct financial contributions during their parenting time. The adjustment considers each parent's time with the children and their incomes.

Can Arkansas child support be modified?

Yes, you can request modification when there's a material change in circumstances, such as: significant income change (increase or decrease) for either parent, changes in custody or visitation schedule, changes in health insurance costs, disability or illness affecting earning capacity, or changes in the number of children requiring support. Generally, the change must be substantial enough to alter the support amount by at least 20% or $100, whichever is less.

Finance

Arkansas Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support in Arkansas based on income percentage guidelines.

Non-Custodial Parent Net Income

Number of Children

* Based on standard percentage guidelines. Arkansas updated to an Income Shares Model in 2020, but percentage estimates are still commonly used for quick approximations. Consult a legal professional for exact figures.

Enter income to calculate.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Non-Custodial Parent's Gross Income

Input the gross monthly or annual income of the non-custodial parent (the parent who has the child less than 50% of the time). Gross income means before taxes and deductions. Include all income sources: wages, self-employment, bonuses, unemployment, pensions, etc. **Legal Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and should not be considered legal advice.**

Specify Number of Children

Enter the number of children who will be covered by this child support order. Arkansas uses percentage rates that increase with more children: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 33% for four, and 35% for five or more.

Add Health Insurance and Other Costs

If applicable, enter the monthly cost of health insurance premiums paid for the children and any extraordinary medical or educational expenses. These costs are typically added to the basic percentage-based support amount and may be shared between parents.

Review Estimated Support

The calculator will show the estimated monthly child support payment based on Arkansas's percentage guidelines. Remember this is an estimate - actual court orders may differ based on custody arrangements, income caps, deviations, and other factors. **This tool does not replace legal advice from an Arkansas family law attorney.**