Arkansas Alimony & Spousal Support (2026)
Unlike child support, Arkansas has no fixed formula for how much alimony (spousal support) costs or how long it lasts. A judge decides both based on a list of factors set out in Ark. Code § 9-12-312. There is no calculator that can honestly give you an exact number here — but the factors below are what actually drives the decision.
What determines alimony in Arkansas
Under Ark. Code § 9-12-312 (Arkansas Code § 9-12-312 (Alimony — Child support — Bond — Method of payment)), a court considers:
- The recipient spouse's financial need and the other spouse's ability to pay (the two primary factors)
- Standard of living established during the marriage
- Length of the marriage
- Each spouse's current and anticipated future income
- Health of each spouse
- Each spouse's education and ability to work
- Property owned by each spouse
Good to know
- Ark. Code § 9-12-312 does not itself list specific factors — it simply directs the court to make an alimony order that is 'reasonable from the circumstances of the parties and the nature of the case.' The factors above come from Arkansas appellate case law interpreting that standard (for example, Kuchmas v. Kuchmas), not from a numbered list in the statute, but they are the factors Arkansas courts actually apply.
- There is no formula for the amount or duration of alimony in Arkansas — need and ability to pay are the two factors Arkansas courts weigh most heavily, with the rest considered case-by-case.
Also need a child support estimate?
Alimony and child support are calculated completely separately in Arkansas. If you also have children, use our free Arkansas child support calculator — that one does compute a real number, based on the official guideline formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an alimony formula in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas has no statutory formula for alimony. Ark. Code § 9-12-312 only requires an award that is 'reasonable from the circumstances of the parties and the nature of the case' — courts decide based on need and ability to pay, developed through Arkansas case law, not a fixed calculation.
What factors determine alimony in Arkansas?
Arkansas courts weigh the recipient's financial need against the other spouse's ability to pay as the two primary factors, then consider the length of the marriage, standard of living, each spouse's income and health, education and ability to work, and property owned by each spouse.
Source: Arkansas Code § 9-12-312 (Alimony — Child support — Bond — Method of payment) · Last verified 2026-07-22
Disclaimer: This page explains the general legal framework for alimony in Arkansas and is for informational purposes only — it is not legal advice and does not predict the outcome of any specific case. Laws change; always verify with the official source above or a family law attorney licensed in Arkansas before making decisions.