How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in Arkansas?
The Filing Fee
The base cost to file a divorce complaint in Arkansas is set by statute (§ 21-6-403):
- Paper filing at the circuit clerk's office: $165
- Electronic filing via eFlex: $185 ($165 + $20 system fee under Administrative Order No. 21)
This fee is paid when you submit your Complaint for Divorce to the circuit clerk. Without payment (or an approved fee waiver), your case doesn't open.
Total Cost for a DIY Uncontested Divorce
If you're handling everything yourself and your spouse cooperates, here's what the full process costs:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $165–$185 |
| Service of process (if using sheriff) | $50–$75 |
| Service (if certified mail) | $8–$12 |
| Service (if waiver — spouse signs voluntarily) | $0 |
| Notarization (3–5 documents) | $0–$30 |
| Parenting class (per parent, if children involved) | $25–$60 |
| Certified copy of decree | $5–$10 |
| Total range (no children, waiver service) | $165–$225 |
| Total range (with children, sheriff service) | $290–$415 |
That's the realistic range for a cooperative, uncontested divorce handled entirely pro se. The $165 floor is achievable when your spouse signs the waiver of service and you find free notary services at your bank.
Service of Process Costs
How you deliver the divorce papers to your spouse determines one of the bigger variable costs:
- Voluntary waiver: Free. Your spouse signs a notarized Entry of Appearance and Waiver of Service. This is the cheapest and fastest option for cooperative cases.
- Sheriff service: $50–$75. The county sheriff delivers papers to your spouse's address and files proof of service.
- Private process server: $75–$140. Authorized under Administrative Order No. 20. Useful when the sheriff is slow or your spouse is difficult to locate during normal hours.
- Certified mail (restricted delivery): $8–$12 in postage. You mail the complaint and summons via certified mail, return receipt requested, restricted delivery. Only valid if your spouse personally signs the receipt.
- Service by publication (missing spouse): $100–$300. If your spouse can't be found after diligent search, you must publish a Warning Order in a newspaper for two consecutive weeks. This is the most expensive service option.
Free Download
Get the Arkansas — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
The Fee Waiver Option
If you can't afford the $165 filing fee, Arkansas provides an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) pathway under Rule 72 of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.
To qualify, you file a "Petition for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis" along with a sworn financial affidavit detailing your income, assets, and monthly expenses. A judge reviews your finances and either grants or denies the waiver.
What IFP covers:
- The $165 filing fee
- Sheriff service fees (in most counties)
- Costs of certified copies
What IFP does not cover:
- The $20 eFlex system fee (you'll need to file on paper)
- Private process server fees
- Parenting class tuition
- Notarization fees
There's no income threshold published in the statute — the judge has discretion. Generally, filers at or below 200% of the federal poverty level have strong IFP cases. You'll need to document your income with pay stubs or benefit statements and list all monthly expenses.
Costs With Attorney Assistance
If you use attorney services at any point, costs increase substantially:
| Service Level | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Unbundled attorney assistance (limited scope) | $800–$1,500 |
| Flat-fee uncontested divorce (attorney handles filing) | $500–$1,500 |
| Contested divorce (full representation) | $6,000–$15,000+ |
| Contested with custody dispute | $10,000–$25,000+ |
The gap between $165 DIY and $500+ attorney-assisted explains why many Arkansans file pro se for uncontested cases. When both parties agree on everything, the legal complexity is administrative rather than adversarial — you're filling out forms and following a sequence, not arguing strategy.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
A few expenses people don't think about until they're mid-process:
- Copies: You'll need at least 3 copies of your complaint and decree (one for you, one for your spouse, one for the court file). Courthouses charge $0.25–$1.00 per page.
- Notarization: Some banks notarize free for members, but if you're paying, it's $5–$10 per signature. Budget for the Entry of Appearance, Resident Witness Affidavit, Financial Affidavit, and potentially the settlement agreement.
- Time off work: If your county requires a prove-up hearing, you'll need to appear at the courthouse during business hours. Factor in lost wages if you work hourly.
- Certified decree copies: After finalization, you'll want at least one certified copy of your decree for name changes, property transfers, or refinancing. These cost $5–$10 from the clerk.
- Post-decree costs: Quitclaim deed recording ($15–$30), driver's license update ($10–$20), vehicle title transfer ($10–$25).
The $24 Middle Ground
Between the $165 bare-minimum DIY approach (where you're figuring out every procedural step on your own) and the $500+ attorney-assisted route, the Arkansas Divorce Filing Process Guide fills the gap — giving you the step-by-step sequence, document checklists, and county-specific procedures for a fraction of attorney fees.
Get Your Free Arkansas — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist
Download the Arkansas — Divorce Filing Quick-Start Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.