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400 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901

Dedicated Hot Springs Divorce Lawyers Pursue Fair Property Division

Trusted Arkansas law firm helps with spousal maintenance and child support

Decisions made during a divorce directly affect each spouse’s parental rights and financial well-being. The family law attorneys of Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh provide thoughtful legal guidance to Arkansas clients before and during the divorce process. Located in Hot Springs and practicing throughout the state, our attorneys are prepared to assist whether you are dealing with a contentious split involving complex assets or an amicable breakup where each party is willing to compromise. We are caring, straightforward and focused on your best interests.

No-fault and fault-based divorce grounds under Arkansas law

Arkansas allows for no-fault and fault-based divorces. No-fault divorce is divorce by separation. This option is available when spouses have lived separately without cohabitation for at least 18 months. A judge can grant a divorce by separation even if one of the separated spouses wants to stay married.

A person who files for a fault-based divorce must allege the marriage ended for one of the following reasons:

  • Adultery
  • Impotence
  • Alcohol addiction spanning at least one year
  • Cruel and barbarous treatment
  • Conviction for a felony or other serious crime
  • Living separate and apart for at least three years when one spouse is incurably insane

In a fault-based divorce, the spouse accused of wrongdoing is given the opportunity to respond to the allegations brought against them and can provide their own reasons why the marriage should end.

You may file for divorce in Arkansas only if you or your spouse has lived in the state for at least 60 days. Our attorneys assist with petition preparation and provide guidance at all stages of the divorce process.

Skillful negotiators draft settlements for distribution of marital property

When parties cannot reach an agreement, Arkansas divorce courts use the equitable distribution standard to divide marital property. The presiding judge has a duty to ensure that marital assets are divided among divorcing spouses them in a way that is fair based on their circumstances.

Property distribution need not be equal to be equitable. Several factors may influence a judge to award one party a greater share of the property. Equitable distribution considerations can include factors such as the length of the marriage and each spouse’s separate financial resources, employability and contributions to the marital home and estate.

Our legal team advocates for your right to receive an appropriate share of the marital estate. We are known for make convincing arguments during settlement negotiations and litigation.

Respected family law team handles child support and spousal support issues

Arkansas law holds that each parent’s financial obligation to a child is proportionate to his or her share of the total combined parental income. The Arkansas Child Support Guidelines provide standard values for the basic child support obligation based on total parental income. To account for a child’s individual needs, court-ordered support amounts can be greater than those listed in the guidelines.

Whereas all children have a right to financial support from each parent, not every divorcing spouse has a right to alimony. A court may order the more financially secure spouse to make support payments to the spouse who demonstrates a financial need. These payments are intended to help the receiving spouse continue to enjoy the standard of living established during the marriage while working toward financial independence.

We tailor our services to your needs and the needs of your family. Our attorneys have successfully negotiated many child custody and visitation plans, custom child support agreements and spousal support settlements.

Contact an experienced Arkansas divorce attorney today to schedule a legal consultation

The attorneys of Schnipper, Britton & Stobaugh in Hot Springs handle all types of Arkansas divorce cases and other delicate family law matters. To schedule a consultation with a dedicated attorney, call 501-762-0887 or contact us online.