As a former family-law paralegal supervisor with over twelve years of experience preparing custody pleadings in Arkansas and across the South, I’ve helped hundreds of parents navigate the often overwhelming process of filing for child custody. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you not only through how to file for custody in Arkansas in 2025, but I’ll also give you direct access to my updated, attorney-reviewed Arkansas child custody forms packet that you can download and use for free today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable templates are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique facts. Always consult a licensed Arkansas family-law attorney or legal aid organization before filing anything with the court.
In Arkansas, courts divide custody into two main categories:
Arkansas strongly prefers joint custody (both parents share legal and physical custody) unless one parent is proven unfit. See Arkansas Code § 9-13-101 and the 2023 amendments emphasizing shared parenting time.
No. Arkansas circuit courts accept pro se (self-represented) filings every day. However, having an attorney dramatically increases your chances of a favorable outcome, especially in contested cases. If your income is low, contact Legal Aid of Arkansas or the Arkansas Access to Justice free forms clinic.
The exact Arkansas child custody forms depend on your situation:
| Situation | Required Core Forms |
|---|---|
| New custody case (no prior order) | Petition for Custody, Domestic Relations Cover Sheet, UCCJEA Affidavit, Standing Order |
| Divorce with children | Complaint for Divorce + custody section |
| Modification of existing order | Motion to Modify Custody + Notice of Hearing |
| Paternity + custody (unmarried parents) | Petition to Establish Paternity + Custody |
Every single custody case in Arkansas requires the Affidavit of Child Custody Information Under the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act). This form tells the court whether the child has lived in another state in the last 5 years. Download the official version directly from the Arkansas Judiciary website.
You must file in the circuit court of the county where the child has lived for the last six months (or since birth if under 6 months old). See Ark. Code Ann. § 9-13-203.
As of 2025, filing fees range from $165–$200 depending on the county. If you cannot afford it, complete the Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (free).
After filing, you must legally serve the opposing party via sheriff, private process server, or certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt). Waiver of service is also allowed.
Many Arkansas counties require both parents to complete a parenting class before a final hearing. Check your county’s standing order.
I’ve compiled and regularly update the exact packet I used in private practice. The current November 2025 version includes:
Click here to download your free Arkansas child custody forms packet (PDF + editable Word)
From my years attending hearings in Pulaski, Washington, Benton, and Faulkner counties, judges consistently apply the “best interest of the child” factors listed in Arkansas case law (Hollandsworth v. Knyzewski, Caldwell v. Caldwell). The biggest factors I see:
If the child is in immediate danger, you can file an Ex Parte Motion for Emergency Custody. You must prove “immediate and irreparable harm.” Most judges require a hearing within 5–10 days after granting temporary emergency relief.
Source: Arkansas State Legislature and Arkansas Judiciary
Can I file for custody if we were never married?
Yes. Unmarried fathers must usually establish paternity first (voluntary acknowledgment or court order).
How long does a custody case take in Arkansas?
Uncontested: 30–90 days. Contested: 6–18 months.
Does Arkansas favor mothers over fathers?
No. Arkansas is gender-neutral; the 2023 joint-custody presumption applies equally.
Can a 14-year-old choose which parent to live with?
The judge will consider the child’s preference but is not bound by it.
Filing for custody in Arkansas doesn’t have to be terrifying. With the right Arkansas child custody forms and a clear understanding of the process, many parents successfully represent themselves and protect their children.
Download my free 2025 packet below, fill it out tonight, and file tomorrow. If your case is complex or contested, please schedule a consultation with a licensed Arkansas attorney—your child deserves the best possible outcome.
Download Free Arkansas Child Custody Forms Packet (Updated November 2025)
Written by Jennifer M. Lancaster, former Senior Family Law Paralegal (2011–2023). Last updated November 18, 2025.