How Arkansas Calculates Child Support
Arkansas uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares
Arkansas has used the Income Shares model since Administrative Order No. 10 was revised effective July 1, 2020 (mandatory for all orders after October 6, 2022), combining both parents' gross incomes on the Family Support Chart and dividing the result by each parent's income share.
Income Basis & Definitions
gross
Selects the base-support amount from the schedule/table.
Source: Administrative Order No. 10 guideline model/worksheetsParent A gross income used by guideline.
Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)Parent B gross income used by guideline.
Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)Parenting Time Handling
Calculator selects custody model/worksheet (sole/shared/split/joint) and applies corresponding formula.
Source: Custody/worksheet applicability and parenting-time adjustmentParenting time entered as overnights or time-share variable used by the worksheet.
Source: Parenting time input field(s) / adjustmentDeductions & Adjustments
Adjustments/credits for other dependents or court-ordered support for other children (state-specific).
Source: Other children / preexisting support adjustmentIf the guideline adjusts for spousal support (paid/received), capture amount.
Source: Spousal support (alimony/maintenance) adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Work-related childcare costs added and allocated between parents.
Source: Childcare add-onChild’s health insurance premium share and uninsured/unreimbursed medical allocation.
Source: Medical support (insurance + uninsured medical)Caps, Minimums & Deviations
If guideline table caps at an income level, above-cap support is typically discretionary with findings.
Source: Maximum schedule income / above-cap handlingDeviation allowed for enumerated factors; requires findings (court-determined).
Source: Deviation factors / findings