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Arkansas Alimony Calculator (2026)

Arkansas courts apply the factors in Ark. Code § 9‑12‑312 and typically award rehabilitative alimony, but there is no statutory formula. The estimate below follows the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers rule of thumb – 30% of the higher earner’s gross income minus 20% of the lower earner’s gross income, capped so the recipient’s total income does not exceed 40% of the couple’s combined earnings, with a duration tied to the length of the marriage. This is only a guide; judges are not bound by it.

Reviewed 2026-09-02 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice.

Arkansas has no statutory alimony formula. Courts decide case by case under Ark. Code § 9-12-312. The calculator below shows a widely used rule of thumb (the AAML guideline) as a negotiation starting point — it is not the law and a judge may land anywhere the factors justify.
Before taxes.
Before taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Arkansas alimony factors — Ark. Code § 9-12-312.

How Arkansas calculates it

  • Calculate 30% of the higher‑earning spouse’s annual gross income.
  • Calculate 20% of the lower‑earning spouse’s annual gross income.
  • Subtract the lower‑earner amount from the higher‑earner amount to get a preliminary yearly support figure.
  • Apply the 40% cap so the recipient’s total income never exceeds 40% of the combined income, reducing the figure if necessary.
  • Determine the support duration by applying the marriage‑length percentage: 30% of marriage length if under 3 years, 50% if 3–10 years, 75% if 10–20 years, indefinite if over 20 years.

Worked example

In the example, the higher earner makes $100,000 per year and the lower earner makes $40,000 per year in a 12‑year marriage. Thirty percent of $100,000 equals $30,000; twenty percent of $40,000 equals $8,000; the difference is $22,000 per year. Applying the 40% cap reduces the support to $16,000 per year, which works out to about $1,333 per month as a rule‑of‑thumb starting point. For a 12‑year marriage, the duration guide falls in the 10–20‑year bracket, so 75% of 144 months equals roughly 108 months of support. The court is not bound by any of these numbers.

Frequently asked questions

How does Arkansas decide if I’m eligible for alimony?

Eligibility is judged case‑by‑case under Ark. Code § 9‑12‑312. Courts look at factors such as each spouse’s earning capacity, the standard of living during marriage, and the need for rehabilitative support; there is no fixed formula.

Is alimony taxable in Arkansas?

Arkansas follows federal law: for divorces finalized after 2018, alimony payments are not deductible by the payer and are not taxable income to the recipient.

How long after divorce can I start receiving alimony?

Alimony typically begins on the date the court orders it, which may be immediate or after a short waiting period to allow for a final decree and any post‑divorce adjustments.

Can I receive a reduced amount if I only need part of the estimate?

Yes. The rule‑of‑thumb provides a starting point, but judges can adjust the amount up or down based on the specific financial circumstances of each spouse.

What recent changes affect alimony awards in Arkansas?

There have been no statutory changes; the key shift is the continued emphasis on rehabilitative alimony and the courts’ heightened review for abuse of discretion when applying informal guidelines.

Is the calculation different in Little Rock, Fort Smith or Fayetteville?

No. Ark. Code § 9-12-312 applies statewide, so courts in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville and every other county start from the same guideline. Local practice can differ in how judges weigh deviation factors and in typical negotiated outcomes, but the formula on this page is the one used across Arkansas.

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