Arkansas Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Arkansas charges a uniform $165 filing fee for a Complaint for Divorce across all 75 counties. This remarkable consistency is unusual nationally — most states have wide county-by-county variation.
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | $165 (all 75 Arkansas counties) |
| Counterclaim for Divorce (Respondent) | ~$100–$165 (varies) |
| Certified copies of Decree | $5–$15 per copy |
| Re-opening a closed case | Varies |
Service Costs
| Method | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance/Waiver of Service (spouse agrees) | Free |
| Sheriff's service | $30–$60 per service |
| Certified mail service | $10–$20 |
| Service by publication (unknown location) | $75–$200 (newspaper) |
Tip: For agreed divorces, having the Respondent sign an Acceptance of Service eliminates the service cost entirely.
Indigency Waiver — Affidavit of Indigency
Arkansas waives the filing fee for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete an Affidavit of Indigency (available at arcourts.gov or from the Circuit Clerk)
- File with or before the Complaint
- If approved, the $165 fee is waived
- Service costs may also be waived
Eligibility: Generally, income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, or receipt of public assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI).
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Property Settlement Agreement (attorney-drafted) | $500–$2,000 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $350–$700 |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Deed preparation | $150–$500 |
| County Recorder deed recording | $15–$30 per page (AR) |
| Mediator (contested) | $150–$400/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (out-of-pocket for self-represented filer) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate, no retirement | $175–$350 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $800–$2,500 |
| Contested | $5,000–$50,000+ |
Why Arkansas's $165 Is Notable
Most states show wide variation:
- Texas: $250–$350+ depending on county
- California: $435
- Florida: $408
- Arkansas's flat $165: lower than most, and consistent
This makes Arkansas one of the more affordable states for uncontested divorces.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $165 uniform fee all 75 counties | Indigency waiver available | Agreed cases: Sheriff service not required if spouse signs waiver | arcourts.gov
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.