How to File for an Arkansas Divorce

 There are so many issues related to divorce that it can be a complicated thing. Of course there is the pain and emotional turmoil that goes on. There are other issues as well such as settlements, child custody, debts and breaking the news to family members to friends.

For most people, getting the divorce is the first real challenge and many falter because they are not aware about how to file for divorce papers and how the court works. If you are about to approach the court to get a divorce in Arkansas, you should read on for more information on this.

How to File for an Arkansas Divorce

The detailed instructions for a hassle free divorce are enumerated below:

The first step is to find legal help. Both of you might have agreed on the divorce, and also on allied issues such as property division, but the process is still legal. It is thus good to find legal help – in many cases this becomes a necessity.

The second step is to verify where you need to file the divorce petition. Do you need to do this at the “superior” or the “circuit” court in the district, or should it be at the county level? Call the courthouse in your area and ask. Every local government can differ in this requirement.

The third step is to decide if it is going to be a ‘no-fault’ divorce filing that can arise from "irreconcilable differences." You may also want to file the divorce on ‘at-fault’ grounds, wherein you are blaming the other person for breaking up the marriage.

The fourth step is to decide whether you or your spouse will file the petition. In many cases this does not matter because both of you want the divorce to be granted. It is not of much concern who does the necessary paperwork, but one of you must.

The fifth step is to file the temporary custody papers and also those for support issues. This is necessary if you have a child with your spouse.

The Divorce Court and Paperwork Required in an Arkansas Divorce

Please make a note of the steps required for preparing the Marital Court Agreement. It must contain clauses that address a host of points, including:

•    The division of property
•    The alimony involved in the divorce
•    The custody and visitation schedule

Apart from these important issues, the document must have all details of child support that are laid out in the divorce. A Marital Court Agreement should also have a common decision on health insurance. Beyond that, life insurance specifics must have their place in the document as well. Keep in mind that it is necessary that all legal documents are signed in front of a notary public. These documents need to be filed at the office of the county clerk. Once this is done, the court will assign a date for your divorce hearing.