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Child custody and support in Arkansas

For divorcing parents in Arkansas: the legal term for custody, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

In Arkansas, custody is called “custody and visitation (joint custody is favored by law)”. Arkansas publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody and visitation (joint custody is favored by law)
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)

Custody terms in Arkansas

Custody and visitation (joint custody is favored by law)

Mediation

Not required statewide; judges may order mediation in custody or property disputes.

Child support in Arkansas

Child support follows Arkansas's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Children in a Arkansas divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Arkansas's term for custody: custody and visitation (joint custody is favored by law).

  2. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  3. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  4. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Arkansas

What is child custody called in Arkansas?

Arkansas uses the term “custody and visitation (joint custody is favored by law)”.

Is there an official child support calculator for Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in Arkansas?

Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE).

Is mediation required for custody in Arkansas?

Not required statewide; judges may order mediation in custody or property disputes.

More about divorce in Arkansas

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.