when to get attorney advise about seperation and alamony arkansas

by Walker Cruickshank 6 min read

Separate and marital asset issues can be quite complex so it is best to consult an attorney if you are not sure of the status of your asset or your situation. Alimony and Child Support Alimony in Arkansas Alimony can be granted in Arkansas on a case-by-case basis.

Full Answer

How does alimony work in Arkansas?

The ideal time to ask for alimony in Arkansas is at the very beginning of the process, when filing your initial petition for divorce. You should also include the reasons why you believe the court should grant your request. If you do not request alimony immediately, you will need to file an amendment to the petition requesting support and why.

How are debts treated in a divorce in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, a divorced spouse, or spouse in the process of filing a divorce, may file for an alimony order for the individual to maintain the standard of living maintained during the marriage. The resulting judgment is dependent on many factors. Alimony is awarded at the final judgment of the judge and court deciding the case.

What happens to your pension when you divorce in Arkansas?

If you have been living in Arkansas for the last 60 days or more, you can file divorce papers in this state. Arkansas is an at-fault state, meaning that the only way you can get a divorce is to prove your spouse is guilty of: Abandonment. Abuse or cruelty.

Is Arkansas a 50/50 state for divorce?

Legal separation is like divorce in that the process begins with one spouse filing a motion (request) with the court, the couple decides the same legal issues, and creates an agreement. In both legal processes, the court decides all issues if there are disputes over the terms of the divorce or separation. The critical difference between a legal ...

Do I need legal advice for separation?

If you and your partner are separating, you might be able to sort everything out without using legal or other professional advice. But if your ex-partner won't stick to what you've agreed, or you want to know what your rights are, it might be worth getting professional advice.

What qualifies you for alimony in Arkansas?

Contrary to popular belief, there's no gender requirement for alimony, meaning either spouse can request financial support during and after the divorce. However, before awarding any alimony, an Arkansas court must find that one spouse has financial need and the other can pay.

How long can you be legally separated in Arkansas?

18 continuous months
Yes, in Arkansas in order to get a divorce, you will have to prove to the court that your spouse did something to you. The only way to get a divorce in Arkansas and not show fault is for you and your spouse to live separate and apart for 18 continuous months.

Do you have to file for separation in Arkansas?

Separation in Arkansas Can be Complicated

To file for separation from this type of marriage, one or both spouses must live in the state, and you must present a legal reason—or, ground—for your request. Additionally, the law requires spouses to obtain specialized counseling before either party can file for separation.

Is alimony awarded in Arkansas?

Arkansas Alimony Law Summary

Alimony is awarded at the final judgment of the judge and court deciding the case. One of the main factors taken into consideration by a judge and court when a request is filed is which spouse has custody of any children that the two parties involved cared for.

Is Arkansas an alimony state?

In Arkansas, when one spouse pays financial assistance to help the other spouse, that assistance is called "alimony." (Alimony is sometimes referred to as "spousal support" or "maintenance".) Arkansas judges have wide discretion in deciding whether to award alimony, as well as the amount and duration.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Arkansas?

No, it doesn't matter who files for divorce first. In either situation, you'll have the chance to deny your spouse's claims and make your own requests as part of the divorce. The spouse filing for divorce will have to state a "ground," or reason, for the divorce. You can seek a fault or no-fault divorce in Arkansas.

How do I file separation papers in Arkansas?

A legal separation must be filed in the county where you currently live with your spouse or in the county where you and your spouse last lived. In addition, you must file the petition, domestic relations form and an executed settlement agreement. There is a filing fee for a legal separation in Arkansas.

What does General indignities mean in a divorce?

In the context of divorce law, the phrase “general indignities” simply means that the other spouse treated the party seeking the divorce in such a way that it made his or her life intolerable.Apr 30, 2019

What are the divorce laws in Arkansas?

To file for divorce in Arkansas, you or your spouse must have been a resident of Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing for the divorce and 3 full months before the final judgment granting the divorce. No divorce will be granted until at least 30 days have passed from filing for the divorce.

What are the grounds for divorce in Arkansas?

The fault-based grounds for divorce in Arkansas are: Impotence - Your spouse was impotent at the time of the marriage and continues to be impotent; Felony conviction - Your spouse is convicted of a felony or other “infamous crime;”Feb 14, 2022

What is an absolute divorce in Arkansas?

Absolute divorce is what we usually think of when a divorce case. An absolute divorce ends the marriage permanently for the parties involved. In order to receive an absolute divorce, one party must be able to show adequate grounds to end the marriage.

Can a divorced spouse file for alimony in Arkansas?

In the state of Arkansas, a divorced spouse, or spouse in the process of filing a divorce, may file for an alimony order for the individual to maintain the standard of living maintained during the marriage. The resulting judgment is dependent on many factors. Alimony is awarded at the final judgment of the judge and court deciding the case.

Does Arkansas have alimony?

The judge in the state of Arkansas considers custodial status when determining alimony payments. This means that alimony calculations are affected by whether or not the receiving spouse has custody of the children, and custodial spouses may receive higher alimony payments.

What is alimony in divorce?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a court-ordered provision of financial support a spouse for after a divorce. Alimony laws vary considerably from state to state, and courts often have significant flexibility on a case-by-case basis in determing whether to award alimony, how much alimony to award, and how long alimony payments will ...

When is alimony awarded?

Alimony is awarded at the final judgment of the judge and court deciding the case. One of the main factors taken into consideration by a judge and court when a request is filed is which spouse has custody of any children that the two parties involved cared for.

What happens to alimony if the recipient dies?

If either party of the alimony agreement dies, the payments shall cease.

How long does alimony last?

Alimony length is usually based on length of marriage - one commonly used standard for alimony duration is that 1 year of alimony is paid every three years of marriage (however, this is not always the case in every state or with every judge). Alimony may also be discontinued upon the remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse.

What happens if you don't pay alimony?

If alimony is unpaid, the owed debt is known as alimony arrears. Arrears can be collected via mediation, small claims court, or wage garnishment. Failure to comply with a court-issued spousal support order may also result in a contempt of court charge against the spouse who failed to pay owed alimony.

What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a legally-binding document that lists the terms for the separation. Although the court doesn't require this agreement during a trial separation, for any couple that wants the court's help, it's not optional.

What is legal separation?

Legal separation is like divorce in that the process begins with one spouse filing a motion (request) with the court, the couple decides the same legal issues, and creates an agreement. In both legal processes, the court decides all issues if there are disputes over the terms of the divorce or separation. The critical difference between ...

Is Arkansas a covenant state?

Arkansas is one of only a few states that recognizes covenant marriages, which a couple enters into with the knowledge that it is a lifelong commitment and that it's harder to divorce or separate later. To file for separation from this type of marriage, one or both spouses must live in the state, and you must present a legal reason—or, ...

What happens when you break a marriage?

If you've reached a breaking point in your marriage, it's possible that you're considering divorce. The divorce process begins when one spouse files a petition for divorce with the local court. Contrary to popular belief, most divorces settle before they reach the stage that involves nasty court-room fights and mud-slinging.

How does divorce work?

The divorce process begins when one spouse files a petition for divorce with the local court. Contrary to popular belief, most divorces settle before they reach the stage that involves nasty court-room fights and mud-slinging.

What happens when a divorce is granted?

Once the court grants the request for a divorce, both spouses are free to relocate, remarry, and move forward in life.

What happens when a spouse files for divorce?

Once the court grants the request for a divorce, both spouses are free to relocate, remarry, and move forward in life. Legal separation is like divorce in that the process begins with one spouse filing a motion (request) with the court, the couple decides the same legal issues, and creates an agreement. In both legal processes, the court decides ...

Is alimony a punishment?

Alimony has nothing to do with adultery or any other bad thing that one spouse did to the other. It is not punishment ; it is simply a question about one person’s need for support and the other person’s ability to pay. Alimony can be awarded to a wife or husband.

How long does alimony last?

Permanent alimony is, as the name suggests, permanent. It will last for as long as the payor or payee is alive and the payee remains unmarried. It is appropriate in long-term marriages where the financial imbalance is unlikely to change.

Can alimony be modified?

In very limited circumstances, an existing permanent alimony payment can be modified or terminated, depending on the structure of your divorce decree.

Is alimony considered spousal support?

Alimony is sometimes referred to as spousal support. Permanent alimony is, as the name suggests, permanent. It will last for as long as the payor or payee is alive and the payee remains unmarried. It is appropriate in long-term marriages where the financial imbalance is unlikely to change.

Is separation maintenance a divorce?

Separate maintenance is not really a divorce at all. Instead, it is simply an action where the parties are separated and one of the parties needs support. It does affect the legal status of the marriage.

What is an absolute divorce?

Absolute Divorce. Absolute divorce is what we usually think of when we think about “divorce.”. An absolute divorce ends the marriage permanently—in fact, in the eyes of the law it erases the marriage as though it never happened. In order to receive an absolute divorce, one party must be able to show adequate grounds to end the marriage.

What is a limited divorce?

Divorce from Bed and Board. Limited divorce is different from absolute divorce because it does not end the marriage. A couple who has received a limited divorce—or a divorce “from bed and board”—cannot remarry.

How is limited divorce different from absolute divorce?

Limited divorce is different from absolute divorce because it does not end the marriage. A couple who has received a limited divorce—or a divorce “from bed and board”—cannot remarry. They can still file their tax return together and the parties can still own property as “tenants by the entirety,” which is normally reserved only for married couples. Because the parties are still technically married, one spouse can include the other on a health insurance plan. There will be a property settlement agreement and agreements on child support and child custody. Like absolute divorce, one party must be able to show adequate legal grounds to end the marriage. A couple may choose this option because the stigma of divorce may be too great or may be prohibited for religious reasons.

Can a married couple file taxes together?

They can still file their tax return together and the parties can still own property as “tenants by the entirety,” which is normally reserved only for married couples. Because the parties are still technically married, one spouse can include the other on a health insurance plan.

Does Arkansas have separation agreements?

Arkansas recognizes separation agreements as legally binding documents. If the spouses negotiate an agreement, it sets enforceable terms for custody, spousal support, child support, and even property division after they sign it. When they file for divorce, the agreement can be merged into a divorce decree.

How long does it take to get divorced in Arkansas?

Arkansas permits divorce after 18 months of living separately and apart, so this separation is grounds for divorce. In this routine, a party is legally separated while waiting out the time until he or she files for divorce. Arkansas recognizes separation agreements as legally binding documents.

What are the grounds for separation?

Grounds for a legal separation include: 1 adultery 2 spouse is a convicted felon with a death or life sentence 3 physical or sexual abuse upon spouse and/or children 4 two years of living apart without reconciliation, or 5 habitual drunkenness

How long do you have to be a resident of Arkansas to get divorce?

Residency. The Arkansas Code states that either the husband or the wife must be a resident of the state for at least 60 days before filing for divorce or legal separation. A divorce or legal separation degree can be issued no sooner than 30 days after the petition is filed. The petition is filed in the county where one spouse resides.

What happens when you file for divorce?

When they file for divorce, the agreement can be merged into a divorce decree. If the spouses cannot agree, one can file a complaint for an order of separate maintenance, which is similar to filing a complaint for divorce. This asks the court to decide things like custody, support and property division.

What is a limited divorce?

A divorce from bed and board is a "limited" divorce. The petitioner must file a petition for separation. A separation agreement is a legal binding contract signed by spouses, which is intended to resolve property, debt and child related issues.

What is a separation agreement?

Separation Agreement. A separation agreement is a legal binding contract signed by spouses, which is intended to resolve property, debt and child related issues. This can be a very complex and detailed document depending upon the unique situation of the marriage.

Can you get alimony in Arkansas?

Alimony can be granted in Arkansas on a case-by-case basis. The amount and duration are based on the unique circumstances of the marriage and may be granted on either a temporary or a permanent basis. Courts will award alimony based on the means of the parties and what is reasonable.

Is property in Arkansas separate from property in a marriage?

In Arkansas, property one spouse owned before a marriage, or property that was given to them by a gift or inheritance during a marriage is generally considered separate property and not subject to a division of assets. The exception to this is when separate assets are commingled with marital property during a marriage.

What factors are considered when dividing property?

These may include the length of marriage, age and health of each spouse, occupations, amount of income, vocational skills and employability, contributions of each party (including homemaking) and tax consequences of the division.

Is inheritance considered marital property?

Generally, any property acquired before a marriage or after a date of separation are considered separate assets. Gifts or an inheritance directed to one spouse only are not considered marital property and do not need to be split as part of the divorce.

Is debt a 50/50 in Arkansas?

Debts. Debts in Arkansas are treated just like assets in a divorce. This means they will be divided fairly and equitably, but not necessarily on a 50/50 basis. The court will consider the same factors as dividing assets, including income and resources of each spouse, among other things.

Can inherited funds be claimed as separate property?

For an asset to continue to be claimed as separate property, a spouse should take steps to provide evidence that the asset is indeed separate property and has not been commin gled with marital assets .

What is child support in Arkansas?

Child Support in Arkansas. Child support in Arkansas is based on the Percentage of Income Formula. Essentially, this means that the court looks at the amount of income that the noncustodial parent earns and then applies a percentage of that income for child support.

Can you get divorced from bed and board in Arkansas?

The court decides issues for you, but it also terminates your marriage when it issues a decree. You're actually divorced, with one catch. Neither you nor your spouse can remarry unless you file a second legal proceeding, asking the court for an "absolut e divorce." A divorce from bed and board is a "limited" divorce. You might choose this option for purely personal reasons.

Can you file for divorce in Arkansas?

You can be legally separated while you wait out the time until you can file for divorce; Arkansas recognizes separation agreements as legally binding documents. If you and your spouse can negotiate an agreement, it sets enforceable terms for custody, spousal support, child support, and even property division after you both sign it. When you file for divorce, the agreement can be merged into a divorce decree, or if you find that it's not working, you can ask the judge to rule on the issues instead.

Can you file a complaint for divorce?

You can file a complaint with the court asking for an order of separate maintenance, similar to filing a complaint for divorce. This asks the court to decide things like custody, support and property division while you're separated.

How long do you have to wait to divorce if you are separated?

You can still divorce on grounds of separation, but the qualifying time of separation extends from 18 months to two years, and you and your spouse must attend counseling first. An exception exists if you're divorcing because of abuse. In this case, you only have to wait a year.

What is covenant marriage?

Covenant Marriage. If you entered into a covenant marriage, which Arkansas recognizes, your options for separation are more limited. In a covenant marriage, you and your spouse contractually agree that your marriage is a lifelong commitment.