Child Custody in Arkansas

Overview of Arkansas Custody Law

Arkansas custody law is governed by ACA (Arkansas Code Annotated) Sections 9-13-101 et seq., which establishes the framework for determining custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. Arkansas does not have a statutory presumption in favor of joint custody, but courts may award joint custody when both parents agree or when the court determines that it would serve the child’s best interests. The state does not favor one parent over the other based on gender.

For a broader explanation of custody types and how courts approach custody decisions, see our guide on child custody laws explained.

Types of Custody in Arkansas

Arkansas recognizes both legal and physical custody:

• Sole Custody — One parent has both legal and physical custody of the child. The other parent typically receives visitation rights.
• Joint Custody — Both parents share custody. Joint custody may encompass joint legal custody (shared decision-making), joint physical custody (shared residential time), or both.
• Joint Legal Custody — Both parents share authority over major decisions regarding the child’s education, health care, and welfare.
• Joint Physical Custody — The child resides with both parents for significant periods, though the schedule does not need to be an equal split.

Under ACA Section 9-13-101, the court has broad discretion to fashion a custody arrangement that serves the child’s best interests. While Arkansas does not presume joint custody, the legislature has expressed a policy favoring the involvement of both parents in a child’s life.

Best Interest Factors

Arkansas courts apply the best interest of the child standard when making custody determinations. The factors considered include:

• The wishes of the child, if of sufficient age and capacity to express a meaningful preference
• The wishes of both parents regarding custody
• The relationship of the child with each parent, siblings, and other significant individuals
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
• The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
• Which parent is more likely to allow frequent and continuing contact with the noncustodial parent
• Whether a parent has willfully created or participated in a fraudulent allegation of child abuse or domestic violence
• The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parent
• Any history of domestic violence or abuse

The court weighs these factors based on the specific circumstances of each case, and no single factor is automatically controlling.

Child’s Preference

Arkansas does not establish a specific statutory age at which a child may express a custody preference. The court may consider the wishes of a child who is of sufficient age and maturity to form a reasonable preference. In practice, courts begin giving meaningful consideration to a child’s expressed preference around age 10 to 12, depending on the individual child’s maturity and the circumstances of the case. The child’s preference is one factor among many and does not determine the outcome.

Domestic Violence Considerations

Arkansas takes domestic violence seriously in custody proceedings. Under ACA Section 9-13-101, evidence of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect is a relevant factor in the best interest analysis. If a court finds that a parent has engaged in a pattern of domestic violence, this weighs heavily against awarding custody to that parent. Courts may impose protective conditions on visitation, such as supervised visitation, to safeguard the child and the victimized parent.

A parent who has willfully created or participated in a fraudulent allegation of child abuse or domestic violence may also face adverse consequences in the custody determination.

Relocation

Under Arkansas law, a custodial parent who intends to relocate with the child must provide 60 days advance written notice to the other parent. The notice must include the proposed new address and the reasons for the move. The noncustodial parent may file an objection, and the court will evaluate whether the relocation is in the child’s best interest, considering the reason for the move, the impact on the child’s relationship with the noncustodial parent, and whether a modified visitation schedule can maintain that relationship.

Visitation Rights

Arkansas law recognizes that noncustodial parents are generally entitled to reasonable visitation. Under ACA Section 9-13-101(a)(1)(A)(iii), the court considers each parent’s willingness to facilitate a relationship with the other parent when crafting visitation schedules. Arkansas courts also address visitation in the context of holidays, school vacations, and summer breaks. If a parent is denied court-ordered visitation, the court may enforce visitation through contempt proceedings.

Modification of Custody Orders

To modify an existing custody order in Arkansas, the parent seeking the change must demonstrate a material change in circumstances since the prior order and show that the modification would serve the child’s best interests. The threshold is intended to protect the stability of the child’s living arrangement while remaining responsive to genuine changes. Common grounds for modification include changes in a parent’s living situation, a parent’s relocation, concerns about a child’s safety, or changes in the child’s needs as the child grows.

When to Seek Legal Help

Arkansas custody law provides courts with significant discretion in crafting custody arrangements. The absence of a joint custody presumption means outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts of each case and the evidence presented. If you are navigating a contested custody dispute, a relocation situation, or a modification request, consider scheduling a free consultation to discuss your case with a qualified family law professional.