Arkansas calculates child support using the Income Shares model under Administrative Order No. 10 (AO10). Effective July 1, 2020, this approach combines both parents' incomes to determine what would have been spent on children in an intact household. Whether you're navigating an uncontested or contested divorce, understanding Arkansas's Income Shares model, $30,000 income cap, and 141-overnight threshold is essential.
Arkansas AO10 Guidelines Overview
Arkansas child support is governed by Administrative Order No. 10 (AO10), issued by the Arkansas Supreme Court. This order marked a significant shift from the previous Percentage of Obligor Income model to the Income Shares model. Under this approach, both parents' incomes are combined to determine the total child support obligation, then allocated proportionally based on each parent's share of income.
Key AO10 Features at a Glance
- Model: Income Shares (both parents' incomes combined)
- Income Cap: $30,000 combined monthly gross income
- Minimum Order: $125 per month presumptive minimum
- SSR Threshold: $900 Self-Support Reserve
- Overnight Threshold: 141+ overnights for discretionary adjustment
- Chart Children: 1-6 children covered in schedule
- Embedded Medical: $250/child/year in base calculation
Income Calculation and the $30,000 Cap
Arkansas defines gross income broadly to include virtually all sources of money received by a parent. This comprehensive definition ensures that child support calculations reflect each parent's true earning capacity and financial resources.
Income Sources Included
- Wages, salaries, and commissions
- Self-employment income (after business expenses)
- Bonuses and overtime pay
- Military pay and allowances (BAS, BAH)
- Social Security and disability benefits
- Unemployment and workers' compensation
- Pension and retirement distributions
- Trust income, royalties, dividends, and interest
- Rental property income
Exclusions from Income
- Means-tested public assistance (SNAP, TANF)
- Child support received for other children
- Foster care payments and adoption subsidies
- Non-recurring gifts or inheritance
The $30,000 Monthly Income Cap
Arkansas applies a $30,000 combined monthly gross income cap for child support calculations. When parents' combined incomes exceed this threshold, the court uses $30,000 as the calculation basis, then applies judicial discretion for any additional support based on the children's demonstrated needs.
Imputing Income
When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed without good cause, Arkansas courts may impute income based on that parent's earning capacity. Factors considered include education, work history, job skills, local employment opportunities, and any physical or mental limitations. The minimum imputed wage is typically Arkansas minimum wage for 40 hours per week.
Basic Child Support Obligation
The Arkansas child support schedule provides the Basic Child Support Obligation (BCSO) based on combined parental gross income and number of children. This amount represents what an intact family at that income level would typically spend on children.
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $386 | $573 | $685 |
| $5,000 | $717 | $1,072 | $1,287 |
| $10,000 | $1,194 | $1,801 | $2,178 |
| $15,000 | $1,516 | $2,301 | $2,798 |
| $20,000 | $1,791 | $2,732 | $3,337 |
| $30,000 (cap) | $2,264 | $3,478 | $4,270 |
*Sample values for illustration. Consult official AO10 schedule for exact amounts.
Proportional Allocation
Once the BCSO is determined, each parent's share is calculated based on their percentage of combined income. For example, if the combined income is $8,000 and Parent A earns $5,000 (62.5%) while Parent B earns $3,000 (37.5%), the BCSO is divided accordingly.
Example Calculation
- Parent A Monthly Income: $5,000 (62.5%)
- Parent B Monthly Income: $3,000 (37.5%)
- Combined Income: $8,000
- BCSO for 2 Children: $1,436
- Parent A's Share: $1,436 × 62.5% = $898
- Parent B's Share: $1,436 × 37.5% = $538
The noncustodial parent pays their share directly; the custodial parent's share is presumed spent through daily care.
Self-Support Reserve (SSR) Protection
Arkansas protects low-income obligors through the $900 Self-Support Reserve (SSR). When a parent's gross monthly income falls below $900, the presumptive minimum order of $125 applies. This ensures that the obligor retains enough income to meet basic subsistence needs.
Custody Arrangements and Adjustments
Standard Visitation (Under 141 Overnights)
For standard visitation arrangements where the noncustodial parent has fewer than 141 overnights per year, Arkansas uses the basic worksheet calculation without parenting time adjustments. The custodial parent receives the full support amount.
Extended Visitation (141+ Overnights)
When the noncustodial parent has 141 or more overnights annually, Arkansas courts have discretion to adjust the support amount. This threshold recognizes that extended parenting time involves significant direct expenses for food, transportation, and activities.
Shared Physical Custody (Offset Method)
For true shared custody arrangements, Arkansas uses the offset method. Each parent's support obligation is calculated as if they were the noncustodial parent, then the lower amount is subtracted from the higher, with the difference paid to the lower-earning parent.
Offset Method Example
- Parent A's Obligation (if NCP): $800
- Parent B's Obligation (if NCP): $500
- Offset Calculation: $800 - $500 = $300
- Result: Parent A pays Parent B $300/month
Split Custody Arrangements
Split custody occurs when each parent has primary custody of at least one child. Arkansas calculates separate support obligations for each parent based on the children in the other parent's custody, then applies the offset method.
Additional Child-Related Expenses
Health Insurance Premium Allocation
Arkansas requires allocation of children's health insurance premiums between parents. The 5% of gross income reasonable cost test determines whether coverage is affordable: if the premium exceeds 5% of the obligor's gross income, the court may find coverage unreasonable.
Embedded Medical Expenses
The AO10 schedule includes $250 per child per year for ordinary uninsured medical expenses. This covers routine costs like copays and over-the-counter medications. Extraordinary uninsured medical expenses beyond this threshold are divided proportionally between parents.
Work-Related Childcare Costs
Reasonable work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation and prorated between parents by income share. Qualifying childcare includes daycare, after-school programs, and summer care required for employment or job training.
Arkansas Child Support Calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your Arkansas child support obligation. For official calculations, use the Arkansas Judiciary's official calculator.
Simple Child Support Calculator
Get a quick estimate of potential child support in under 60 seconds based on simplified state guidelines, without personal information or a credit card.
Fill out your information to begin exploring potential support payments.
**Important Disclaimer:**
This calculator is for educational purposes only and provides only rough estimates that might vary significantly from official state calculations. Official calculations include many additional factors not included here. This tool does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon for any important decisions. For accurate calculations, please consult a family law attorney or your state's official child support agency.
For a more comprehensive (though still potentially estimated) calculation, consider registering for our full application or seeking professional legal advice.
Modifying Child Support Orders
The 20% Material Change Threshold
Arkansas presumes a material change in circumstances when recalculating support would result in a 20% or greater change from the existing order. Changes that may warrant modification include significant income changes, job loss, disability, remarriage, or custody arrangement changes.
36-Month OCSE Review Process
The Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) offers administrative review of support orders every 36 months upon request. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration oversees this process.
Filing for Modification
To modify support through the court, file a Motion to Modify Child Support in the original court. You must demonstrate changed circumstances and provide current financial documentation. Modifications take effect from the date of filing, not retroactively.
Enforcement and Arrears
10% Simple Interest on Arrears
Arkansas imposes 10% simple interest per year on unpaid child support arrears. This interest accrues from the date each payment becomes due, creating a significant financial incentive to remain current.
Income Withholding
Federal and state law require automatic income withholding for most child support orders. Employers must deduct support payments from wages and remit them to the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse within seven business days.
Additional Enforcement Tools
- License Suspension: Driver's, professional, and recreational licenses
- Tax Refund Intercept: State and federal refunds seized
- Bank Account Levy: Funds seized from financial accounts
- Credit Reporting: Arrears reported to credit bureaus
- Passport Denial: Federal program for arrears over $2,500
- Contempt of Court: Potential fines and incarceration
Duration of Support Obligation
Arkansas child support continues until the child reaches age 18, or through high school graduation if still enrolled and under age 19. Support terminates at the end of the school year following the child's 19th birthday if they remain in high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum child support order in Arkansas? The presumptive minimum is $125 per month, applicable when the obligor's income falls below the $900 Self-Support Reserve threshold.
How does Arkansas handle more than 6 children? The AO10 schedule covers 1-6 children. For more children, courts apply the percentage increase pattern or use judicial discretion.
Can child support be waived? Parents cannot waive child support because it belongs to the child. However, courts may approve alternative arrangements that serve the child's best interests.
What happens if I lose my job? Job loss doesn't automatically reduce your obligation. You must file a motion to modify and demonstrate involuntary unemployment. Until granted, the existing order remains in effect.
Does remarriage affect child support? A new spouse's income is generally not included since they have no legal obligation to support stepchildren. However, remarriage may affect financial circumstances considered in modification requests.
How do I make payments? Most payments go through the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse via income withholding. Direct payments can be made online through the Arkansas Child Support Payment Portal.
Legal Disclaimer
This article provides general information about Arkansas child support laws and is not legal advice. Child support calculations involve complex factors specific to each family's circumstances. For guidance on your situation, consult a licensed Arkansas family law attorney. Laws and guidelines may change; verify current requirements with the Arkansas Judiciary or an attorney.
