Legal Question in Family Law in Arkansas

Representing yourself without an attorney, appearing pro se, is the cheapest way to obtain a divorce, however, it is not the easiest. Arkansas is NOT a no-fault divorce state. Therefore statutorily recognized grounds must be pled and proven by the plaintiff in a divorce action. Certain other statutory requirements must be satisfied, and the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure and Arkansas Rules of Evidence apply to divorce actions. These laws must be followed in every divorce case regardless of whether both parties agree or if issues exist for the court to adjudicate. Many times, depending on the judge, a hearing will be required even in an uncontested divorce. Pro se litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys.

It is impossible to give you quick, generic instructions for instituting and pursuing a pro se divorce action in Arkansas. How you should proceed depends on the particular facts of your case and your goals.

You may want to consider the easier path of retaining an attorney. Because your attorney will already be familiar with divorce law in Arkansas, it should be a much faster and easier process. If you are interested in speaking with an attorney about your divorce case, please call my office at 501-837-2534 to schedule a free consultation. I routinely handle uncontested divorce cases in Arkansas for an affordable flat fee.

If you choose pro se, consider checking with the law library nearest you for helpful resources. Good luck.