Arkansas's rule on how child support is calculated turns on a feature the national template does not capture: Arkansas uses the Income shares and measures income as gross income. Arkansas uses an income-shares chart based on combined parental income and number of children. Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical costs are added, then each parent’s percentage of combined income determines the share owed. The controlling authority is Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines). Support generally ends when Support generally ends at 18, or upon high-school graduation if later, not past age 19 absent disability or agreement. Modification: Material change in circumstances; a 20% or $100 difference (whichever is greater) between existing and recalculated support often supports modification under Admin. Order 10.
Key takeaways
- Arkansas follows the Income shares model for presumptive child support.
- Income is generally measured using gross income, then allocated under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines).
- Guideline amounts are presumptive, not automatic — courts may deviate when the facts justify it.
- Support generally ends at 18, or upon high-school graduation if later, not past age 19 absent disability or agreement.
- Either parent can seek modification when material change in circumstances; a 20% or $100 difference (whichever is greater) between existing and recalculated support often supports modification under admin. order 10..
- Read the companion guide: Arkansas alimony / alimony.
Worked example under Arkansas law
The illustration below uses only rules already stated for Arkansas. It is a research hypothetical, not a prediction of what a court will do.
Two parents in Arkansas need a presumptive child-support figure and may have facts that justify a departure.
- Measure guideline income as gross income under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines).
- Apply the Income shares: Arkansas uses an income-shares chart based on combined parental income and number of children. Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical costs are added, then each parent’s percentage of combined income determines the share owed.
- Test deviation: Deviation is allowed when the chart amount is unjust or inappropriate, including for shared custody arrangements, high incomes, or special needs.
- If circumstances later change: Material change in circumstances; a 20% or $100 difference (whichever is greater) between existing and recalculated support often supports modification under Admin. Order 10.
The enforceable number is the Arkansas guideline result under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines), plus any deviation findings. Office of Child Support Enforcement uses income withholding, tax intercepts, and contempt proceedings.
Statutory framework and guideline model
Arkansas's child support system is built around Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines). Under the income shares, Arkansas uses an income-shares chart based on combined parental income and number of children. Health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical costs are added, then each parent’s percentage of combined income determines the share owed.
Federal law requires every state to maintain presumptive guidelines and to review them at least every four years (42 U.S.C. § 667). Confirm the latest Arkansas schedule or worksheet before relying on any online calculator.
How child support is calculated in Arkansas
- Identify each parent's guideline income using gross income as defined in Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines) and the accompanying worksheets or administrative rules.
- Apply the income shares — whether that means a combined-income schedule, an obligor percentage table, or a Melson-style self-support reserve plus primary obligation.
- Allocate add-ons such as health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, and work-related child care according to Arkansas practice.
- Consider parenting time adjustments where the guidelines or case law authorize a credit or shared-custody formula.
- Test for deviation if a strict guideline result would be unjust or inappropriate on the record.
Online calculators can illustrate ranges, but only the controlling statute, guidelines, and court findings produce an enforceable order.
Deviation from the guidelines
Deviation is allowed when the chart amount is unjust or inappropriate, including for shared custody arrangements, high incomes, or special needs.
When a court departs from the presumptive amount, Arkansas practice generally requires findings that explain why the guideline figure is unjust or inappropriate and what amount better serves the child's needs. Those findings matter on appeal and in later modification proceedings.
Modification of child support
Material change in circumstances; a 20% or $100 difference (whichever is greater) between existing and recalculated support often supports modification under Admin. Order 10.
A parent seeking a change typically must show that circumstances after the prior order make the existing award inequitable. Common triggers include job loss, substantial income changes, a new parenting-time schedule, emancipation of a child, or extraordinary medical needs. Retroactivity and temporary relief rules are statute-specific — check Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines) and local family-division procedures.
Enforcement in Arkansas
Office of Child Support Enforcement uses income withholding, tax intercepts, and contempt proceedings.
Interstate cases often implicate UIFSA. Income withholding, contempt, license suspension, and tax-refund intercept remain core tools nationwide, but the Arkansas child support agency and clerk of court procedures control day-to-day collection.
When child support ends
In Arkansas, Support generally ends at 18, or upon high-school graduation if later, not past age 19 absent disability or agreement. Orders may extend for disability, secondary education, or other statutory grounds where the statute allows. Always read the judgment language — agreed orders sometimes set a different end date or require a notice of emancipation.
Case law: how Arkansas courts apply the guidelines
The opinions below are in the LawDiver corpus. Each block quote is taken from the opinion text so you can jump from this guide into the full decision.
In Re Guidelines for Child Support Enf.
In Re Guidelines for Child Support Enf., 301 Ark. 627 (1990)
784 S.W.2d 589 (1990) In re GUIDELINES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT. Supreme Court of Arkansas. February 5, 1990. *590 PER CURIAM. The Arkansas General Assembly enacted Act 948 of 1989, amending Ark.Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a) (Repl.1987), and providing in part for guidelines for child support enforcement. "9-12-312(a)(1) When a decree is entered, the court shall…
Practitioners open In Re Guidelines for Child Support Enf. when Arkansas child support turns on the distinction in this sentence: "S.W.2d 589 (1990) In re GUIDELINES FOR CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT. Supreme Court of Arkansas. February 5, 1990. *590 PER CURIAM. The Arkansas General Assembly enacted Act 948 of 1989, amending Ark.Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a) (Repl." Do not lift it out of the facts the court was deciding.
In Re Guidelines for Child Support
In Re Guidelines for Child Support, 314 Ark. 644 (1993)
863 S.W.2d 291 (1993) In re GUIDELINES FOR CHILD SUPPORT. Supreme Court of Arkansas. October 25, 1993. *293 PER CURIAM. The Arkansas General Assembly enacted Act 948 of 1989, amending Ark.Code Ann. 9-12-312(a) (Supp.1991), and providing in part for guidelines for child support enforcement. "9-12-312(a)(1) When a decree is entered, the court shall make such orde…
Practitioners open In Re Guidelines for Child Support when Arkansas child support turns on the distinction in this sentence: "S.W.2d 291 (1993) In re GUIDELINES FOR CHILD SUPPORT. Supreme Court of Arkansas. October 25, 1993. *293 PER CURIAM. The Arkansas General Assembly enacted Act 948 of 1989, amending Ark.Code Ann. 9-12-312(a) (Supp." Do not lift it out of the facts the court was deciding.
OFFICE of CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT v. Gary LONGNECKER
OFFICE of CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT v. Gary LONGNECKER, 67 Ark. App. 215 (1999)
Sam Bird, Judge. The State of Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement, as Intervenor in a case between Brenda and Gary Longnecker, appeals a decision requiring Gary Longnecker to pay child support based solely on his primary employment as a fireman. The chancellor stated in a letter opinion: As I read the current law, support should be based upon Mr. Longnecker’…
On child support, OFFICE of CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT v. Gary LONGNECKER speaks to the Arkansas dispute in this passage: "Sam Bird, Judge. The State of Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement, as Intervenor in a case between Brenda and Gary Longnecker, appeals a decision requiring Gary Longnecker to pay child support based solely on his primary employment as a fireman." The surrounding opinion shows how the court applied that language to the record.
Martha S. DAVIS v. OFFICE of CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
Martha S. DAVIS v. OFFICE of CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, 68 Ark. App. 88 (1999)
…s, was ordered by the Randolph County Chancery Court to pay child support in the amount of $70.00 a month. For reversal, appellant contends that the Chancery Court erred in finding that Supplemental Security Income [hereinafter “SSI”] is “income” from which child support can be assessed. We have found no cases specifically mentioning the issue of Supplemental Security Income, b…
Practitioners open Martha S. DAVIS v. OFFICE of CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT when Arkansas child support turns on the distinction in this sentence: "Randolph County Chancery Court to pay child support in the amount of $70.00 a month. For reversal, appellant contends that the Chancery Court erred in finding that Supplemental Security Income [hereinafter “SSI”] is “income” from which child support can be assessed." Do not lift it out of the facts the court was deciding.
Michael W. LOVELACE v. OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT
Michael W. LOVELACE v. OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT, 59 Ark. App. 235 (1997)
…eached majority, and was ordered to pay three years of back child support. He appeals pro se and challenges both the amount of the judgment and the weekly payment amount ordered. We affirm. On July 17, 1996, this case was heard by the chancellor to determine paternity and establish support for a child who had reached majority at the time of the hearing. Lovelace also represente…
On child support, Michael W. LOVELACE v. OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT speaks to the Arkansas dispute in this passage: "He appeals pro se and challenges both the amount of the judgment and the weekly payment amount ordered. We affirm. On July 17, 1996, this case was heard by the chancellor to determine paternity and establish support for a child who had reached majority at the time of the hearing." The surrounding opinion shows how the court applied that language to the record.
IN RE: ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NUMBER 10: ARKANSAS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
IN RE: ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NUMBER 10: ARKANSAS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES, 347 Ark. 1064 (2002)
…n February 5, 1990, this Court first adopted guidelines for child support in response to P.L. 100-485 and Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a). Effective October, 1989, P.L. 100-485 required the following: that all states adopt guidelines for setting child support; that it be a rebuttable presumption that the amount of support calculated from the child-support chart is correct; and tha…
On child support, IN RE: ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NUMBER 10: ARKANSAS CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES speaks to the Arkansas dispute in this passage: "February 5, 1990, this Court first adopted guidelines for child support in response to P.L. 100-485 and Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312(a). Effective October, 1989, P.L." The surrounding opinion shows how the court applied that language to the record.
OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT v. Shaun PITTMAN
OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT v. Shaun PITTMAN, 70 Ark. App. 487 (2000)
OLLY NEAL, Judge. Office of Child Support Enforcement has appealed from an order of the Lee County Chancery Court modifying appellee Shaun Pittman’s child-support obligation for Shamara Pittman, who was born out of wedlock to Sonya Pointer and appellee on July 30, 1996. We agree with appellant that the chancellor erred in determining appellee’s n…
OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT v. Shaun PITTMAN is worth reading on Arkansas child support because the court put the point in its own words: "OLLY NEAL, Judge. Office of Child Support Enforcement has appealed from an order of the Lee County Chancery Court modifying appellee Shaun Pittman’s child-support obligation for Shamara Pittman, who was born out of wedlock to Sonya Pointer and appellee on July 30, 1996." Use that passage as the starting point, then read the facts that precede it.
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT UNIT v. Steve HALLER
CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT UNIT v. Steve HALLER, 50 Ark. App. 10 (1995)
…paternity case, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU), appeals from an order awarding the appellee, Steve Haller, attorney’s fees. In December 1992, CSEU filed a paternity complaint in the chancery court of Arkansas County, alleging that appellee was the father of a child born out of wedlock. After a blood test, excluded appellee as t…
Arkansas opinions such as CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT UNIT v. Steve HALLER are cited where child support is disputed. The court stated: "Arkansas Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU), appeals from an order awarding the appellee, Steve Haller, attorney’s fees." That is the language to brief; the rest of the decision supplies the procedural posture.
Practical checklist for Arkansas child support matters
- Gather recent pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of health insurance / child-care costs.
- Complete the current Arkansas worksheet or financial affidavit required by the local court.
- Document parenting-time overnights if a shared-custody adjustment may apply.
- Flag facts that could support deviation (special needs, travel costs, high income, other children).
- Search LawDiver for recent Arkansas appellate decisions before mediation or trial.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Arkansas?
Arkansas uses the income shares under Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines). Courts start with gross income, apply the guideline schedule or percentage, allocate add-ons, and may deviate with findings when the presumptive amount is unjust.
What income counts for Arkansas child support?
Guideline income generally tracks gross income as defined by Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines) and the worksheets. Wages, self-employment income, bonuses, and certain benefits are commonly included; exact deductions and exclusions are statute-specific.
Can Arkansas courts order more or less than the guideline amount?
Yes. Guideline support is presumptive. Judges may deviate when the record shows the guideline result is unjust or inappropriate, typically with written findings explaining the departure.
How do I modify a Arkansas child support order?
Material change in circumstances; a 20% or $100 difference (whichever is greater) between existing and recalculated support often supports modification under Admin. Order 10. File in the court with continuing jurisdiction (or follow UIFSA for interstate cases) and support the request with current financial evidence.
When does child support end in Arkansas?
Support generally ends at 18, or upon high-school graduation if later, not past age 19 absent disability or agreement. Confirm any disability, educational, or agreed extensions in your particular order.
Where can I research Arkansas child support case law?
Use LawDiver search scoped to Arkansas, or open the opinions linked in this guide. Companion reading: Arkansas alimony guide.
Disclaimer
This guide is general legal information about Arkansas child support, not legal advice. Statutes, guidelines, and case law change. Confirm the current text of Ark. Code Ann. § 9-12-312; Admin. Order No. 10 (Arkansas Child Support Guidelines) and consult a licensed Arkansas family-law attorney about your facts.