Arkansas Child Support Calculator – Accurate & Easy to Use

What Is the Arkansas Child Support Calculator?

The Arkansas Child Support Calculator is an online tool designed to estimate monthly child support payments. It follows the Arkansas Family Support Chart (Administrative Order No. 10), which is the official guideline judges use in family court.

This calculator doesn’t replace legal advice or a court order, but it helps parents plan ahead and understand what to expect before stepping into a courtroom.

How the Calculator Works

The Arkansas Child Support Calculator takes into account several key factors:

1. Net income of both parents
   • Payor’s net income (non-custodial parent)
   • Custodial parent’s net income
2. Number of children
   • Support amounts increase with the number of children.
3. Additional costs
   • Work-related childcare expenses
   • Children’s health insurance premiums

The calculator uses these details to estimate:

• Basic Support Obligation – a starting figure from the state’s chart.
• Payor’s Share of Add-On Costs – the extra costs like childcare and insurance, split based on each parent’s share of combined income.
• Total Estimated Monthly Payment – the final support figure.

Why Net Income Matters

In Arkansas, net income is what’s left after taxes and certain deductions. This is different from gross income (before deductions). The calculator relies on net income because it reflects what each parent actually has available to contribute to child support.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the Arkansas Child Support Calculator

Using the calculator is straightforward:

1. Enter both parents’ monthly net incomes.
2. Select the number of children.
3. Add monthly childcare costs (if any).
4. Enter health insurance premiums paid for the children.
5. Click “Calculate.”

You’ll instantly see:

• The basic obligation based on Arkansas’ support chart.
• The payor’s share of extra expenses.
• The total estimated monthly support payment.

If you want to start over, just hit “Reset.”

Example Scenario

Let’s say:

• The non-custodial parent earns $3,000/month (net income).
• The custodial parent earns $2,000/month (net income).
• They have 2 children.
• Monthly childcare costs are $200.
• Children’s health insurance costs $150.

The calculator will estimate the basic support amount, then add the payor’s proportional share of childcare and insurance, resulting in a final monthly payment.

Benefits of Using the Calculator

• Clarity: No guesswork. You get a guideline-based estimate.
• Transparency: Both parents can see how costs are calculated.
• Preparation: Helps with budgeting before court proceedings.
• Fairness: Ensures that support amounts align with official Arkansas law.

Limitations You Should Know

• The calculator is only a guideline. Judges have the final say.
• Special circumstances (like extraordinary medical needs or shared custody arrangements) may change the final support order.
• It does not account for past-due child support (arrears).

Arkansas Child Support Calculator: Key Takeaway

The Arkansas Child Support Calculator is a helpful, easy-to-use tool for parents navigating child support. It gives you an estimate based on official state guidelines so you can plan, budget, and better understand your responsibilities.

Still, remember this: the calculator is for informational purposes only. If you’re facing a custody or support case, you should consult a family law attorney in Arkansas for advice tailored to your situation.