Co-Parenting App for Arkansas Parents

What Arkansas courts consider in custody decisions

Arkansas courts consider the wishes of the child and the wishes of the parents, the interaction and relationship of the child with each parent and siblings, the child's adjustment to home/school/community, the mental and physical health of all parties, and which parent is more likely to allow the child frequent and continuing contact with the other parent. Under § 9-13-101(a)(1)(A)(ii), Arkansas specifically weights the 'friendly parent' factor — the willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship with the other parent. There is no statutory presumption favoring joint custody, but courts may award it upon request of either parent.

How the custody process works in Arkansas

Arkansas custody cases are heard in Circuit Court (Family Law Division in larger counties). The court may order mediation to help parents resolve disputes before trial. Arkansas requires a parenting plan that outlines custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, and decision-making authority. Children do not have a statutory age threshold for expressing a preference, but judges give increasing weight to the child's wishes as the child matures.

Key Arkansas custody statutes

• Ark. Code § 9-13-101
• Ark. Code § 9-13-102
• Ark. Code § 9-13-103