Important: SplitWise NWA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide housing guidance and referrals to legal professionals. Always consult directly with a licensed attorney for legal matters.
When You Need a Divorce Attorney
Not every divorce requires an attorney, but many do. If your divorce involves property, children, or disagreements, legal guidance helps protect your interests and ensures everything is done correctly.
Arkansas is an equitable distribution state. Under Arkansas Code 9-12-315, this means courts divide marital property in a way that is fair, but not necessarily equal. An attorney helps you understand how this applies to your situation.
You should strongly consider an attorney when:
- You own a home or other significant property together
- You have children and need custody arrangements
- You disagree with your spouse on how to divide assets
- Alimony or child support may be involved
- Your spouse has already hired an attorney
- You are unsure about your rights under Arkansas law
How Our Referral Process Works
Complete Your Assessment
When you complete our housing assessment, you can indicate whether you need legal referrals. This helps us understand your needs.
We Share Resources
We provide information about family law attorneys in Northwest Arkansas who handle divorce and property division cases.
You Contact Directly
You reach out to the attorney directly to schedule a consultation. Most family law attorneys offer an initial consultation to discuss your case.
You Decide
After meeting with an attorney, you decide whether to hire them. There is no obligation from our referral.
What Family Law Attorneys Help With
Property Division
They help ensure your home and other assets are divided fairly under Arkansas law. This includes negotiating buyouts, sale terms, and distribution of proceeds.
Custody and Support
If you have children, attorneys help establish custody arrangements and child support. Arkansas has a joint custody presumption since 2021.
Divorce Agreement
They draft and review the marital separation agreement that outlines how everything is divided. This document must be approved by the court.
Protecting Your Rights
An attorney ensures you understand your rights and do not agree to terms that are unfair or that you do not fully understand.
In Arkansas, the divorce filing fee is $165 statewide. After filing, there is a 30-day mandatory waiting period, and the divorce cannot be finalized until at least 3 months have passed. An attorney helps you navigate these requirements.