Cost depends on two things: how much you and your spouse can agree on, and how efficiently you move through the process. Here’s what most people spend and how to keep your budget in check.
Court filing fees vary by county. Expect a three-figure filing fee at the start and a modest charge for service, especially if the sheriff serves your spouse. Attorney retainers for contested cases commonly start in the low thousands and increase with case complexity and time. Mediation is usually billed hourly and split between spouses. Online or flat-fee help is often a fraction of full-scope representation, especially in uncontested cases.
Agreement speeds everything up. Disputes over parenting time, support, property valuation, or who keeps the home tend to require more filings, more hearings, and more professional help. The number of issues in play—and how willing each of you is to problem-solve—matters more than who filed first.
Start with clarity. List your assets and debts, gather your income documents, and come prepared with reasonable proposals. Use mediation early to test solutions before positions harden. Pay for targeted legal help on the sticking points instead of handing over the entire case. Use technology to prepare forms correctly the first time.
Hello Divorce can prepare all your Arkansas divorce forms for you with our divorce plans, which reduces errors, keeps you organized, and helps you avoid repeat trips to the clerk.
What’s the cheapest path to divorce in Arkansas?
An uncontested case where both spouses sign a settlement. You pay the court fee, modest service costs, and limited help as needed.
Does filing first make it cheaper?
No. Cost correlates with conflict, not who files.
Who pays attorney fees?
Each spouse usually pays their own. A judge can shift fees in some situations, often tied to need and fairness.
How much does a contested divorce cost?
There is no cap. Costs rise with the number of disputes, discovery, expert involvement, and court appearances.
Can the court waive filing fees?
If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk how to submit a hardship request.