Arkansas Child Support Calculator

Estimate your monthly child support payment based on the official Arkansas Income Shares Model and guidelines.

What is the Arkansas Child Support Calculator?

An Arkansas child support calculator is a tool designed to estimate the amount of child support a non-custodial parent may be required to pay. This calculation is based on the Arkansas Income Shares Model, a legal framework established to ensure that children receive a level of financial support similar to what they would have received if their parents lived together. The model combines both parents’ incomes to determine a total child support obligation, which is then divided proportionally based on each parent’s share of the combined income. This calculator is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a court order.

Arkansas Child Support Formula and Explanation

Arkansas law uses a specific formula to determine child support. The process involves several steps to arrive at the final obligation:

1. Calculate Combined Gross Income: The monthly gross (pre-tax) income of both the custodial and non-custodial parent are added together.
2. Determine Basic Support Obligation: This combined income figure is then cross-referenced with the number of children on the official Arkansas Family Support Chart. This chart provides a baseline “basic” child support amount.
3. Add Additional Costs: Allowable expenses, such as monthly child care costs and the children’s portion of health insurance premiums, are added to the basic obligation to get the total support obligation.
4. Prorate the Obligation: Each parent’s percentage share of the combined income is calculated. For example, if the combined income is $5,000 and the non-custodial parent earns $3,000, their share is 60%.
5. Determine Final Payment: The non-custodial parent’s obligation is their percentage share of the *total* support obligation. Any direct payments they make for health insurance or child care may be credited against this amount.

Variables in the Calculation

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Parental Gross Income	Each parent’s total monthly income before taxes or deductions.	USD ($)	$0 – $30,000+
Number of Children	The number of minor children shared by the parents.	Count	1 – 6+
Child Care Costs	Monthly work-related child care expenses.	USD ($)	$0 – $2,000+
Health Insurance Premium	The monthly cost to insure only the children.	USD ($)	$0 – $1,000+

Practical Examples

Example 1: Average Incomes

• Custodial Parent’s Income: $2,500/month
• Non-Custodial Parent’s Income: $4,000/month
• Number of Children: 1
• Child Care Costs: $400/month
• Health Insurance: $150/month
• Calculation:
  • Combined Income: $6,500
  • Basic Obligation (from chart): ~$889
  • Total Obligation: $889 + $400 + $150 = $1,439
  • Non-Custodial Share: ($4,000 / $6,500) ≈ 61.5%
  • Estimated Payment: 61.5% of $1,439 ≈ $885

Example 2: Different Incomes, More Children

• Custodial Parent’s Income: $3,000/month
• Non-Custodial Parent’s Income: $6,000/month
• Number of Children: 3
• Child Care Costs: $800/month
• Health Insurance: $300/month
• Calculation:
  • Combined Income: $9,000
  • Basic Obligation (from chart): ~$1,902
  • Total Obligation: $1,902 + $800 + $300 = $3,002
  • Non-Custodial Share: ($6,000 / $9,000) ≈ 66.7%
  • Estimated Payment: 66.7% of $3,002 ≈ $2,002

How to Use This Arkansas Child Support Calculator

Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these steps to get an accurate estimate:

1. Enter Incomes: Input the gross monthly income for both the custodial and non-custodial parent in the designated fields.
2. Select Number of Children: Use the dropdown menu to choose the number of children involved in the support calculation.
3. Add Additional Costs: Input any monthly expenses for work-related child care and the children’s health insurance premiums. If none, leave as 0.
4. Review the Results: The calculator will automatically update, showing the estimated monthly payment from the non-custodial parent. It also breaks down key figures like the combined income and total support obligation.

Key Factors That Affect Arkansas Child Support

Several factors can influence the final child support amount ordered by a court:

• Gross Income of Both Parents: This is the primary factor. A significant change in either parent’s income is grounds for a modification.
• Number of Children: The support obligation increases with each additional child, though not in a linear fashion.
• Child Care Expenses: Necessary, work-related child care costs are added to the basic obligation, increasing the total amount.
• Health Insurance Costs: The cost of covering the children’s health and dental insurance is factored into the calculation.
• Extraordinary Medical Expenses: Uninsured medical costs can also be added and divided between the parents.
• Parenting Time (Visitation): While the standard formula assumes a typical visitation schedule, a court may deviate from the guideline amount if the non-custodial parent has the children for a significantly greater amount of time (often over 141 nights per year).
• Other Dependents: A parent’s obligation to support other children can sometimes be considered by the court.
• Imputed Income: If a judge believes a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed to avoid paying support, they can “impute” income based on that parent’s earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is “gross income” in Arkansas?

It includes income from nearly any source, such as wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, workers’ compensation, disability payments, and retirement income. It does not include benefits from means-tested public assistance programs.

How is child support handled with 50/50 joint custody?

Even with 50/50 custody, child support is not automatically waived. The calculation is still performed. If one parent earns significantly more, they will likely still have a support obligation to the other parent to equalize the financial resources available in each household. The court may adjust the final amount based on the shared parenting time.

Does the formula account for overtime pay?

Yes, overtime pay is generally considered part of gross income. However, if overtime is inconsistent, a court may average it over a reasonable period.

Can we agree to a different amount?

Parents can agree to a different amount, but it must be approved by a judge. The court will only approve a deviation from the guideline if it finds the agreed-upon amount is fair and in the best interest of the child.

How long does child support last?

Child support in Arkansas typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs later. The obligation can be extended for a child with a disability.

What if a parent lives in another state?

The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) provides a legal framework for establishing and enforcing child support orders across state lines. The principles of the Arkansas child support calculator would still apply if the case originates here.

How do I modify a child support order?

You must petition the court for a modification. A “material change in circumstances” is required, which is often defined as a change in income that would result in at least a 20% difference in the support amount.

Is health insurance always included?

The court will order one or both parents to provide health insurance for the children if it is available at a reasonable cost. The premium cost is then factored into the support calculation.

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