Arkansas Child Support Calculator: If you’re going through a divorce or custody dispute in Arkansas, one of the first questions that usually pops up is: “How much child support will I have to pay (or receive)?” That’s where the Arkansas Child Support Calculator comes in—it’s a helpful tool, but understanding how it works is key.

In this detailed, up-to-date guide, I’ll walk you through 20 of the most asked questions about the Arkansas child support system, including how the calculator works, the legal formulas, and what changed in 2025. We’ll break down everything in a simple, conversational tone—so you walk away fully informed.

20 Frequently Asked Questions About the Arkansas Child Support Calculator (2025 Update)

1. What is the Arkansas Child Support Calculator?

The Arkansas Child Support Calculator is an online tool that estimates the amount of child support one parent may be required to pay the other. It uses the state’s Income Shares Model to calculate support based on both parents’ gross monthly income and the number of children involved.

It’s designed to reflect Arkansas family law, but remember: this tool gives an estimate. The final order is determined by the judge based on all financial and custodial factors.

2. Is the Arkansas Child Support Calculator accurate in 2025?

Yes, if you’re using an updated calculator that reflects the latest guidelines from the Arkansas Supreme Court (last revised in 2020 and adjusted for cost-of-living in 2023 and 2025), you’ll get a very close estimate of what to expect.

However, the court can deviate from the calculated amount based on factors like custody type, health care, or unusual expenses.

3. How is child support calculated in Arkansas?

As of 2025, Arkansas uses the Income Shares Model, which works like this:

• Both parents’ gross incomes are combined
• The total support obligation is pulled from a state-provided chart
• Each parent is responsible for their proportionate share, based on income
• Adjustments are made for health insurance, childcare, and custody arrangement

This approach aims to mimic the support a child would have received if the family were still together.

4. What counts as gross income in Arkansas child support calculations?

Gross income includes nearly everything:

• Salary and hourly wages
• Overtime, commissions, bonuses
• Business/self-employment income
• Unemployment benefits
• Social Security income
• Rental income
• Retirement or pension benefits
• Dividends or trust income

Gifts or inheritances are generally excluded unless they are recurring or substantial.

5. Does the Arkansas Child Support Calculator consider custody arrangements?

Yes, custody matters a lot.

Arkansas recognizes:

• Sole Physical Custody (one parent has the child over 65% of the time)
• Joint Custody (both parents share physical time more evenly)

In joint custody, the court typically uses Worksheet B, which allows for parenting time credit—reducing the paying parent’s obligation based on how much time they spend with the child.

6. What’s the difference between Worksheet A and Worksheet B in Arkansas child support?

• Worksheet A is used when one parent has primary custody
• Worksheet B is for joint custody situations

These worksheets are built into most online calculators and influence the final amount you’ll see. Be sure to pick the correct one based on your custody plan.

7. What if both parents have equal income and custody?

If parenting time is nearly 50/50 and incomes are similar, child support may be reduced or even eliminated, but not always. Even in joint custody, Arkansas law states that some amount of child support is usually appropriate, especially for unequal expenses like school or medical costs.

8. Are health insurance and childcare included in the calculator?

Yes. The cost of health insurance premiums for the child and work-related childcare is added to the total support obligation.

These expenses are then split proportionally based on each parent’s income. So, if one parent earns 70% of the combined income, they’ll usually pay 70% of those extra costs.

9. Can child support be modified in Arkansas?

Yes, child support can be modified if there’s:

• A change in income by 20% or more
• A change in custody or parenting time
• A new child from another relationship
• An increase in medical or educational expenses

Arkansas courts allow modifications every three years or earlier with a significant life change.

10. When does child support end in Arkansas?

Child support ends when:

• The child turns 18, or
• Graduates high school, whichever comes later
• But it does not extend beyond age 19, even if still in school

There are exceptions if the child has special needs, in which case support may continue indefinitely.

11. What happens if a parent is unemployed or underemployed?

If a parent voluntarily reduces their income, the court can impute income—meaning it will assign a realistic income based on:

• Job history
• Education
• Local employment market

You cannot avoid child support by simply working less or quitting a job.

12. What if a parent is self-employed?

Self-employed parents must report:

• Gross business income
• Legitimate business expenses
• Net income (after expenses)

Courts scrutinize these carefully and may impute income if records are unclear or inconsistent. Be ready to show tax returns and financial statements.

13. Can parents agree on a different amount than what the calculator shows?

Yes, but only with court approval. Parents can agree to pay more or less than the guideline amount, but the court will review whether the arrangement is:

• Fair
• In the best interests of the child

Verbal or informal agreements do not override court orders.

14. What are the 2025 updates or changes in Arkansas child support law?

In 2025, Arkansas reaffirmed its income shares model but made updates to:

• Income tables, adjusting for inflation
• Clarity in Worksheet B to simplify joint custody calculations
• Added enforcement tools for unpaid support, like credit reporting

These updates are reflected in the most current calculators and forms.

15. How is support calculated for more than one child?

The combined income amount from both parents determines the base obligation. Then, depending on how many children you have, that total increases based on a percentage scale.

More kids = higher support, but the per-child amount often decreases as the number increases.

16. Can child support be waived in Arkansas?

No. Child support is a right of the child, not the parents. Even if both parents agree, the court must ensure the child’s needs are met.

Waiving support entirely is very rare, and usually only allowed if both parents are sharing everything 50/50 and incomes are equal.

17. Can Arkansas enforce child support if the other parent lives in another state?

Absolutely. Through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), Arkansas can:

• Garnish wages across state lines
• Intercept tax refunds
• Suspend licenses
• File enforcement in the other parent’s state

State borders don’t protect non-paying parents.

18. What if I’m already paying support for a child from another relationship?

If you have a court-ordered support obligation for another child, that amount is deducted from your income before calculating new support.

This helps avoid overlapping obligations and unfair burden.

19. How can I check if I’m using the official Arkansas Child Support Calculator?

Use calculators from:

• The Arkansas Judiciary website
• The Department of Finance and Administration
• Reputable family law firms with updated tools

Avoid outdated calculators—make sure they reflect 2025 updates, especially inflation-adjusted tables and Worksheet B changes.

20. Why should I use the calculator before court?

Using the calculator helps you:

• Understand your rights and responsibilities
• Negotiate fairly during mediation or settlement
• Avoid surprises in court
• Plan your finances in advance

Even if the court has final say, coming prepared with your own estimate puts you in control of the conversation.

📝 Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Guess—Use the Arkansas Child Support Calculator the Right Way

Child support isn’t about punishing parents—it’s about making sure children have what they need. And the Arkansas Child Support Calculator is your best friend in this process.

Whether you’re a single parent trying to make ends meet or a co-parent looking for fairness, understanding how the system works gives you peace of mind. Use the calculator, know your worksheets, and always talk to a legal professional when things feel complex.