Arkansas child support helps make sure children get the money they need from both parents. If you're dealing with child support in Arkansas, this guide explains the basics in simple terms. Whether you need to set up support, get help collecting payments, or understand your rights, we'll walk you through everything step by step.
What is Arkansas Child Support?
Arkansas child support is money that one parent pays to help take care of their children. Usually, the parent who doesn't live with the Arkansas child most of the time pays money to the parent who does. This money helps pay for things like food, clothes, housing, and other things kids need.
The Department of Finance and Administration runs the child support program in Arkansas. They work with courts and other agencies to make sure parents pay what they owe and kids get the support they need.
How Arkansas Child Support Works
In Arkansas, both parents must help pay for their children, even if they don't live together. The court looks at how much money both parents make and decides how much each should pay. The parent who lives with the children usually gets money from the other parent.
The Office of Child Support helps families set up and collect child support payments. This office is part of finance and administration in Arkansas and has workers all over the state to help parents.
Getting Help with Child Support
The Office of Child Support is the main place to get help with Arkansas child support. They can help you:
- Set up new child support orders
- Find a parent who isn't paying
- Collect money that's owed
- Change support amounts when things change
MyCase Online System
Arkansas has an online system called MyCase where parents can manage their child support cases. You can log in to see payment history, update your information, and talk to your caseworker.
Local Offices
There are 26 child support offices across Arkansas. You can visit or call your local office to get help with your case. The workers there can answer questions and help you with paperwork.
How Much Child Support You'll Pay or Get
The amount of Arkansas child support depends on several things:
- How much money both parents make
- How many children need support
- Who pays for health insurance
- Childcare costs
- Special medical expenses
Arkansas uses a chart that shows how much support families should pay based on their income. You can use the online calculator on the Arkansas courts website to get an idea of how much support might be ordered.
Setting Up Child Support Orders
There are two main ways to set up child support orders in Arkansas:
Through the Court
You can file papers in court to ask for child support. This is good if you have other issues to resolve, like custody or if the other parent disagrees about support.
Through the Office of Child Support
If you just need a basic support setup, the Office of Child Support can help without going to court. This is usually faster and costs less.
What You Need to Apply
To start a child support case, you'll need:
- Birth certificates for your children
- Information about the other parent (address, job, Social Security number)
- Proof of your income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Any existing court orders
- A $25 application fee (may be waived if you get government benefits)
Receiving Child Support Payments
Once you have child support orders, payments usually come through the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse. This system:
- Collects money from the paying parent
- Keeps track of all payments
- Sends money to the parent who should receive it
- Provides payment records
You can get payments by direct deposit, debit card, or check. Most parents choose direct deposit because it's fastest and most reliable.
When Parents Don't Pay
If a parent stops paying child support, the Office of Child Support Enforcement OCSE has many ways to collect the money:
Wage Garnishment
They can take money directly from the parent's paycheck before they get it.
Asset Seizure
They can take money from bank accounts or tax refunds.
License Suspension
They can suspend driver's licenses, professional licenses, or recreational licenses until the parent pays.
Property Liens
They can put liens on houses, cars, or other property.
Jail Time
In serious cases, parents who refuse to pay can go to jail.
Getting Support from Other States
If the other parent lives in a different state, Arkansas can still help collect child support. All states work together to make sure parents pay what they owe, no matter where they live.
Rights and Responsibilities
I f you're receiving child support you have the right to:
- Get payments on time as ordered
- Get help collecting missed payments
- Know where payments are coming from
- Request changes when needed
You must:
- Let the Office of Child Support know if you move
- Report if the other parent isn't paying
- Use support money for your children's needs
If You're Paying Child Support
You have the right to:
- Know how your support amount was calculated
- Request changes if your situation changes
- Get credit for payments you make
You must:
- Pay the full amount on time every month
- Keep the Office of Child Support updated on your address and job
- Pay even if you can't see your children (support and visitation are separate issues)
Important Things to Remember
- Child support is for your children, not you as a parent
- You can't stop paying just because you can't see your kids
- Support orders don't go away - they must be officially changed
- Back support (arrears) doesn't disappear when children turn 18
- Both parents are responsible for supporting their children
Arkansas child support helps ensure children get the financial support they need from both parents. Whether you're starting a new case, having trouble with payments, or need to make changes, help is available through the Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Child Support. Don't wait to get help if you need it - your children's financial security depends on having proper support in place
When You Can Request Changes
Arkansas allows child support modifications when there's a substantial change in circumstances. This includes significant changes in either parent's income, changes in custody arrangements, or changes in the child's needs. A substantial change typically means an income change of at least 20% or $100 per month, whichever is greater.
Other qualifying changes include job loss, disability, remarriage affecting household income, or changes in childcare costs. The key is that the change must be ongoing and not temporary. Short-term unemployment or seasonal income fluctuations typically don't qualify for modifications.
The Modification Process
To request a modification, you can contact the Office of Child Support or file a petition with the court. The Office of Child Support reviews cases every three years automatically, but you can request a review anytime if circumstances have changed significantly.
Both parents will need to provide updated financial information, including recent pay stubs, tax returns, and documentation of any changed circumstances. The process typically takes 60-90 days, and the new support amount usually starts from the date you filed for the modification, not when it's approved.
Medical Support and Health Insurance
Arkansas child support orders typically include provisions for medical support beyond basic monthly payments. This includes health insurance coverage and payment of medical expenses not covered by insurance.
The parent with access to reasonable health insurance through employment is usually required to maintain coverage for the children. If both parents have insurance available, the court determines which provides better coverage at a reasonable cost. Reasonable cost is generally considered to be no more than 5% of the parent's gross income for health insurance premiums.
Uninsured medical expenses are typically divided between parents based on their income percentages. This includes deductibles, copayments, prescription costs, dental and vision care, and other necessary medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Educational and Extracurricular Expenses
While basic child support covers general living expenses, Arkansas courts may also address educational and extracurricular costs separately. Private school tuition, tutoring, sports fees, music lessons, and other activities may be considered additional expenses beyond basic support.
These expenses are typically handled on a case-by-by-case basis, considering factors like the family's financial resources, the child's needs and interests, and what the child was accustomed to during the marriage. Parents may agree to share these costs proportionally based on their incomes.
Technology and Communication
Arkansas has embraced technology to make child support management more efficient and accessible. The MyCase online portal allows parents to access their case information 24/7, view payment histories, update contact information, and communicate with caseworkers.
Mobile apps and automated phone systems provide additional ways to check payment status and account balances. Electronic payment methods, including direct deposit and prepaid debit cards, ensure faster and more reliable payment processing.
Future Planning and Financial Security
Child support represents just one aspect of ensuring children's financial security. Parents should consider additional financial planning strategies, including life insurance policies naming children as beneficiaries, educational savings accounts, and long-term financial planning for children's future needs.
Understanding that child support obligations typically continue until children reach age 18 or graduate from high school (whichever is later) helps parents plan financially. In some cases, support may continue longer for children with disabilities or those pursuing higher education.
Arkansas child support helps ensure children get the financial support they need from both parents. Whether you're starting a new case, having trouble with payments, or need to make changes, help is available through the Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Child Support. Don't wait to get help if you need it - your children's financial security depends on having proper support in place. The system is designed to work for families, providing multiple resources and enforcement tools to ensure children receive the support they deserve while respecting the rights and responsibilities of both parents.