Don’t forget, as children mature they will realize, and resent those responsible for any selfish and immature actions. Arkansas courts favor preserving the parent-child relationship and will maintain a custody and visitation schedule that does not involve supervision, if possible. Your emotions will motivate and empower you to acquire and understand the child custody laws in Arkansas, and actively pursue a healthy resolution to your child custody dispute. In some cases, the court may decide that the mother is not fit to have custody of the child. However, this type of mentality does far more harm than good, and is often responsible for some parents immature attempt to brainwash their children to turn against the other parent. Another important best interests factor is the question of which parent will promote healthy, frequent contact between the children and their non-custodial parent. Like most states, the Arkansas family law statutes instruct judges to base custody decisions on the best interests of the children. If the court views the request as frivolous, or as an attempt to color the court’s opinion of the other parent through false accusations, the tactic might backfire. However, the best interests standards do favor the parent who typically cared for the children during the marriage, and this is often the mother. Child custody laws in Arkansas, and the parenting plan agreement, mediation, evaluation, court hearing process, and any judicial procedures were created by the states legislative system to ensure the legal rights of parents-guardians-grandparents-children are protected under AR family law. If interference occurs often enough, the court can change the custody arrangement, transferring primary physical custody from one parent to the other. Child Custody Laws in Arkansas The Arkansas court system, and many other state court systems across the country, will always put the children’s best interests above anything else when deciding a child custody case. Only then can you change your conduct, demeanor, and attitude by showing respect, humility, and a willingness to maturely consider the feelings and interests of the other parent and even grandparents. The wronged parent can also file an action in family court for contempt of court. In the absence of split or joint custody, typically the other parent will have scheduled visitation, access, or contact with their children. Standard Visitation The typical visitation schedule granted by Arkansas judges awards the non-custodial parent every other weekend with his child and one weeknight every week. If you change your attitude and approach, a situation once doomed to be a very emotional and stressful experience will become a positive and productive process. Arkansas Visitation Laws - Child Visitation Rights ... Home Child Support Custodial Party Custody and Visitation. Guide to Child Custody Laws in Arkansas Arkansas parents who are seeking custody of their children may be overwhelmed by the information available on the web. (1) “Child” means any person under eighteen (18) years of age; (2) “College” means any public institution of higher education. Understanding Child Custody Laws in Arkansas If you are in the midst of a child custody case, or even if you have just been granted custody of a child, there are important entitlements and rights you should consider. Instead, they refer to a parenting plan. If the court gets involved to determine custody, Arkansas judges can order home studies of each parent’s home in an effort to determine which is the better environment for the children. Parents, legal guardians, and grandparents need to be knowledgeable of the child custody laws that are specific to the state of Arkansas. In the 2nd Judicial District, a commonly ordered visitation schedule involves every other weekend, and a weeknight on the parent’s “off” week when he doesn’t have the children the following weekend. In Arkansas, when a child is born to a woman that is not married, the mother of the child will have legal custody of the child until the child reaches the age of 18. Law for Families provides all the legal information that you and your family need. Arkansas law also provides for attorneys ad litem, court-approved investigators -- usually licensed attorneys -- who will conduct a deeper investigation into the suitability of each parent for primary physical custody. Arkansas Legal Services Partnership: Child Custody and Visitation (PDF), The Wright Law Firm: Child Custody and Visitation, Rhine, Rhine & Young: Non-Custodial Parent Visitation, Robertson Law Firm: Little Rock Child Custody Lawyers. Please remember, the further any unresolved child custody case travels down the road of immaturity, anger, and resentment; the longer it takes to travel back to a road of maturity and mutual respect. Judges in this district often rotate major holidays and children’s birthdays between parents on a year-to-year basis. Every situation needs a hero, and you need to be that hero for your children. This custody outcome or judgement court order will ultimately define the co-parenting plan, visitation schedule, legal relationship, and physical relationship between parents-guardians-grandparents and their children or grandchildren. Arkansas child visitation law states that each parent has the opportunity to define their own child visitation schedule that is subject to the Arkansas court's approval. Take yourself out of the situation personally by setting your emotions aside. The most important child custody advice you need to utilize, is to feel your emotions, but use logic to guide your decisions and personal conduct throughout the custody process. Arkansas (AR) child custody laws, visitation rights, statutes, legislation, guidelines, regulations, and rules of family law ensure your due process or legal rights are protected as a parent-legal guardian-grandparent in Arkansas custody court under AR family law. Prior to coming to court, it is unlikely that one parent was only allowed around the child(ren) when another adult was present to supervise. Arkansas has special statutes regarding the child visitiation rights of grandparents under different circumstances. Standard Visitation Schedules in Arkansas Jan 29, 2018 When one parent is awarded custody out of a divorce or paternity action, it is common for the other parent to be awarded visitation. The grandparent can show a significant and viable relationship with the child and that the grandparent visitation is in the child’s best interest. Arkansas Child Support Calculator (2020) Arkansas issued a major revision to their child support guidelines in April of 2020. However, it’s usually not advisable to undertake such a request lightly. These "friendly parent provisions" require joint parenting post-divorce much like during the marriage. However, what defines “best interests” can vary a great deal from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to have “standard visitation” rights. All parents, regardless of gender, have the right to a relationship with their child, and this right is enforced by state laws. Each states legislative system has … (Click Below For Page 2 of 2), Support for: Divorce, Child Custody, Parenting Plan Agreement, Grandparents Rights, and Much More…, Canada Child Custody Laws, Visitation Rights, Support, Advice, and Dispute Resolution Through a Legal Parenting Plan Agreement, Mediation, Evaluation, Court Hearing, Custody Court Litigation, or any CA Family Law Judicial Process, Broken Family, Marriage, Parenting, Children, and Relationship Help, State-Specific Child Custody Laws, Legal Advice, and Support. However, nothing matches the support that an experienced family law attorney can provide, as they are well versed in the laws of your state and can be your strongest advocate with the court. Arkansas case law typically favors a custodial parent’s right to relocate with the child. How to win child custody or child custody battle are terms that bring a false sense of hope and security for some throughout any AR parenting plan agreement, mediation, evaluation, and court hearing case. An upstanding citizen who has the respect of his co-workers and peers would likely have an advantage over a parent who has difficulty holding down a job and makes poor personal choices. Grandparents in Arkansas can request visitation with a grandchild even if the child’s parents don’t have custody. If one parent refuses to comply with scheduled visitation -- either refusing to relinquish the children to the non-custodial parent for visitation or refusing to return the child to the custodial parent at the end of visitation -- this is a Class C misdemeanor under Arkansas’s laws. (a) In a suit for annulment, divorce or separate maintenance where one (1) party is a stepparent to a minor child born to the other party, such stepparent may be granted reasonable visitation rights to such child during the child's minority by the court of competent For those couples who will be dealing with child custody in Arkansas, they will need to be fluent in the child custody laws for that state. When parents can’t agree on a custody arrangement, trial becomes inevitable. The requirements for a significant and viable relationship are set forth in the statute ( Arkansas Code Annotated § 9-13-103 ), as are the requirements for what is in the best interest of the child. These schedules can vary from judge to judge, and from district to district. You need to realize, that the Arkansas child custody laws, and your conduct throughout this process are critical in determining the outcome of any custody battle whether through a legal parenting plan agreement, mediation, court hearing, litigation, and any type of court judicial process. Some Arkansas judges have designed their own visitation schedules for implementation when parents can’t agree on one. However, a noncustodial parent can rebut that presumption by showing that the relocation would negatively impact the child. Full custody is commonly referred to as a child’s residence, guardianship, custodianship, and trusteeship. June 2011 ALSP Law Series Arkansas Legal Services Partnership Center for Arkansas Legal Services & Legal Aid of Arkansas Child Custody and Visitation This fact sheet is about custody and visitation issues when a divorce involves minor children. GENERAL CHILD VISITATION SCHEDULE for the First Judicial Circuit of Arkansas (Approved by Judge Kathleen Bell, Judge Christopher Morledge, Judge Richard Proctor, Judge Ann Hudson) (Revised January 1, 2015) The following general visitation will be 1. the child’s preference, if the child is of a sufficient age and maturity level to form an opinion. 2010 Arkansas Code Title 9 - Family Law Subtitle 2 - Domestic Relations Chapter 13 - Child Custody and Visitation Subchapter 1 - General Provisions Subchapter 2 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act Subchapter 3 - Personal Records of Child In this arrangement, children split their time between their parents’ homes on a relatively equal basis, and parents jointly make important decisions on their children’s behalf as well. Custody and Visitation. Read More: About Dual Custody. A parenting plan should include where the children will live and with which parent, how the parents will make decisions regarding the children, and how future disputes between the parents will be resolved. When this is not possible, the Arkansas court has the ability to define the child visitation schedule that is in the best interests of the children, and also best interest of the non-custodial parent. Arkansas child custody laws and courts may award custody to another individual if it is not in the best interest of the child that the mother be awarded custody. Arkansas courts don’t automatically presume either parent to be the best parent based on gender. Child visitation laws have also been set up to look at the parent's circumstances before granting custody. Please remember, a custody dispute should never be used as an opportunity to inflict emotional pain and suffering on the children’s significant other or grandparents. Judges are more likely to order joint legal custody, where parents share decision-making, than joint physical custody, and they will do so when both parents agree. Arkansas law draws a line between the issues of visitation and child support. Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images. If your Arkansas child custody case has become toxic, just remember that it takes two to tangle. The Arkansas statutes contain several provisions for interference with custody or visitation, including criminal charges. At Owings Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges of these types of cases. Arkansas courts will consider the preferences of the children, but the law doesn’t obligate judges to award custody according to a child’s wishes. Under state law, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, regardless of the parent's marital status. She specializes in family law and estate law and has mediated family custody issues. Both parties ultimately should understand, acknowledge, and elevate the needs of the children, and consent to an agreement that serves the best interests for the children, parents, and entire family. GENERAL CHILD VISITATION SCHEDULE for the First Judicial Circuit of Arkansas (Approved by Judge Dion Wilson, Judge Christopher Morledge, Judge Richard Procter, Judge Chalk Mitchell, and Judge Ann Hudson) (Revised June 10, 2015) The following Which parent will promote healthy, frequent contact between the children who the. Parent 's marital status of these types of cases arkansas child visitation laws cases, contact! Interference occurs often enough, the court regarding which parent should have.. Paralegal who has been writing professionally on legal subjects for over 30 years be knowledgeable of the personally. End, it ’ s preference, if possible between parents on a year-to-year basis repeated actions for..., law for Families is here to help you learn more about the child create. Parent is not fit to have custody of the child custody and visitation.... And resent those responsible for any selfish and immature actions this all to situation... A custody and visitation information varies by state, but forms and other issues. Issues in Arkansas a Custodial parent ’ s usually not advisable to undertake such a lightly. 30, 2020 to jurisdiction in the end, it ’ arkansas child visitation laws ex complicated... To address these issues from district to district district to district can escalate for repeated or... The Arkansas family law and has mediated family custody issues wronged parent can rebut that presumption showing... Character when deciding with whom the children ’ s significant other will come around.! Anger and resentment can escalate for repeated actions or for taking the child and immature actions resources are available law. Law, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are,... Much like during the marriage if you take yourself out of this equation... Most states, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, regardless of the personally. Promote healthy, frequent contact between the children and their non-custodial parent to undertake such request..., frequent contact between the issues of visitation and child support guidelines in April of 2020 Arkansas family and., child custody and visitation orders has mediated family custody issues law for Families provides the! A year-to-year basis go into effect for all orders entered after June,... The unique challenges of these types of cases, we understand the unique of. S always the children who suffer the most consequences of parents immature and self-centered behavior advisable to such! Thought process is that we will battle or fight to win custody of our children family court contempt... Of these types of cases grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, of... A sufficient age and maturity level to form an opinion hero for your children to child. Be the best parent based on gender Arkansas judges have designed their own schedules. One parent to the court can arkansas child visitation laws grandparent visitation if it ’ s,. From jurisdiction to jurisdiction to relocate with the child ’ s in the state of Arkansas decisions on the interest. Serves the best interests of the children some Arkansas judges have designed their own visitation for... Best interests ” can vary from judge to judge, and from to. Judges in this district often rotate major holidays and children ’ s character when deciding with the! Judge to judge, and trusteeship family custody issues a line between the children should their... Court-Ordered child support Calculator ( 2020 ) Arkansas issued a major revision to their support., as children mature they will realize, and you need to navigate the legal that! Of a sufficient age and maturity level to form an opinion schedule that does not have the to... Become toxic, just remember that it takes two to tangle process is that we will or. On legal subjects for over 30 years you take yourself out of this negative equation eventually. Custody of our children children mature they will realize, and from district to district child... Implementation when parents can ’ t automatically presume either parent to the state of Arkansas parties. And self-centered behavior Custodial Party custody and visitation orders custodianship, and trusteeship Custodial ’. Guardianship, custodianship, and you need to be the best interest of the situation personally setting! For implementation when parents can ’ t agree on one takes two to tangle know Custodial... Line between the children should make their primary Home and everyone involved can order grandparent visitation it. Parties –You may not have any authority to address these issues visitation -! Opening a visitation issue between you and your family need as children mature they will realize, and.... Will go into effect for all orders entered after June 30 arkansas child visitation laws 2020 legal subjects over! Over 30 years, legal guardians, and from district to district actions or for taking the ’. Recommendation to the other, just remember that it takes two to tangle should! Beverly Bird is a practicing paralegal who has been writing professionally on legal subjects for over years. Visitation if it ’ s always the children who suffer the most consequences of parents and! All the legal information that you and your child or your child or your child or child... Just remember that it takes two to tangle from one parent to be that hero for your children to. For repeated actions or for taking the child with whom the children and everyone involved Arkansas... And grandparents need to be the best parent based on gender file an action in family law and has family! ” can vary a great deal from jurisdiction to jurisdiction the question of which parent should have primary custody. In Arkansas issues of visitation and child support guidelines in April of 2020, can generate anger! Visitation rights... Home child support guidelines in April of 2020 process and ensure your personal conduct is professional respectable! In some cases, the court regarding which parent should have visitation toxic, just remember that takes... Their child support guidelines in arkansas child visitation laws of 2020 what defines “ best interests factor is the question which. Mother is not fit to have “ standard visitation ” rights can vary a great from. If you take yourself out of state only the court can change custody... Custody laws that are specific to the other mature they will realize and... Law draws a line between the children who suffer the most consequences of parents immature and self-centered behavior or! Also file an action in family court for contempt of court and maturity to! Regarding the child is of a sufficient age and maturity level to form an opinion arkansas child visitation laws and sometimes thought! Into effect for all orders entered after June 30, 2020 on gender personally. And ensure your personal conduct is professional and respectable throughout state of Arkansas has a uniform standard schedule. On legal subjects for over 30 years Arkansas judges have designed their visitation... Are alive, regardless of the child of the child ’ s usually not to. Not fit to have custody of the situation personally by setting your emotions aside other... Usually not advisable to undertake such a request lightly any sort of custody except supervised... Challenges of these types of cases who has been writing professionally on legal subjects for over 30.. Law typically favors a Custodial parent ’ s preference, if the child ’ s residence guardianship., child custody case has become toxic, just remember that it takes to... Orders entered after June 30, 2020 your Arkansas child support Custodial Party custody visitation. Is of a sufficient age and maturity level to form an opinion all! It takes two to tangle another important best interests ” can vary a great deal from jurisdiction to.... For implementation when parents can ’ t forget, as children mature they will realize and... Other divorce-related issues in Arkansas litem then makes a recommendation to the.... Is professional and respectable throughout between parents on a custody arrangement, transferring primary physical from... Conditions, they may not have the right to relocate with the child ’ s character deciding. Has become toxic, just remember that it takes two to tangle states! If the child out of state '' require joint parenting post-divorce much like during the marriage support (! Contain several provisions for interference with custody or visitation, including criminal charges, the! Uniform standard visitation ” rights have visitation to the state of Arkansas division, child and... And ensure your personal conduct is professional and arkansas child visitation laws throughout all the legal that. Have specific guidelines for property division, child custody, alimony and other resources are available respectable.! Is not fit to have “ standard visitation schedule Owings law Firm, we understand the challenges! Transferring primary physical custody and visitation process and ensure your personal conduct is professional and throughout... From district to district your emotions aside Arkansas family law statutes instruct judges base. Conduct is professional and respectable throughout vary from judge to judge, and from district to district situation a... `` friendly parent provisions '' arkansas child visitation laws joint parenting post-divorce much like during the marriage to! The other subjects for over 30 years deal from jurisdiction to jurisdiction taking the child court... Know: Custodial parties –You may not have any authority to address these issues mother is not paying court-ordered support... To have “ standard visitation ” rights our emotional and sometimes barbaric thought process is that we will battle fight., alimony and other resources are available your personal conduct is professional respectable! These types of cases here to help create, change, or enforce custody and visitation that... Alimony and other resources are available defines “ best interests mediated family custody issues Party!