Divorce
Common Issues That Arise in a Contested Divorce in Arkansas
A contested divorce can be one of the most stressful legal experiences a person faces. When spouses cannot agree on key issues, the divorce process in Arkansas often becomes more complex, time-consuming, and emotionally charged. Understanding the most common disputes that arise in a contested divorce in Arkansas can help you prepare—and working with an experienced family law attorney can make all the difference.
At Turner & Rasch LLP, our compassionate and knowledgeable legal team helps clients navigate contested divorces with confidence, clarity, and a focus on long-term stability. We work on high-asset and high-conflict cases on a regular basis and will hold your hand through the process.
What Is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on one or more material issues, such as child custody, property division, spousal support, or child support. Unlike an uncontested divorce, contested cases often require court hearings, discovery, negotiations, and sometimes trial before an Arkansas judge.
Common Issues in an Arkansas Contested Divorce
1. Child Custody and Visitation Disputes
Child custody is one of the most emotionally charged aspects of any contested divorce. Arkansas courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, which can lead to disagreements regarding:
Legal custody vs. physical custody
Parenting time and visitation schedules
Relocation requests
Co-parenting conflicts
Allegations of parental unfitness
Disputes over custody can significantly impact your children’s emotional well-being, making it critical to have a strong advocate who understands Arkansas custody laws.
2. Child Support Calculations
In contested divorces, disagreements frequently arise over child support obligations. Issues may include:
Income disputes or underreported earnings
Self-employment income
Bonuses and commissions
Health insurance and medical expenses
Childcare and extracurricular costs
Arkansas uses statutory child support guidelines, but contested cases often require detailed financial analysis and litigation to ensure accurate calculations.
3. Division of Marital Property and Debt
Arkansas is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly—but not always equally. Disputes often involve:
The marital home
Retirement accounts and pensions
Business interests
Real estate and investment accounts
Credit card debt and loans
Determining what qualifies as marital vs. non-marital property is a common source of conflict in contested divorce cases.
4. Spousal Support (Alimony)
Alimony disputes are common when spouses disagree on:
Whether spousal support should be awarded
The amount and duration of payments
Earning capacity vs. actual income
Length of the marriage
Financial need and ability to pay
Arkansas courts consider several factors, and having a knowledgeable divorce attorney is essential to protecting your financial future.
5. Hidden Assets and Financial Misconduct
In some contested divorces, one spouse may attempt to hide assets, understate income, or engage in financial misconduct. These cases may require:
Formal discovery
Subpoenas and financial records
Forensic accounting
Court intervention
An experienced family law attorney can uncover discrepancies and ensure full financial transparency.
6. Communication Breakdowns and High-Conflict Litigation
When emotions run high, communication between spouses often deteriorates. This can result in:
Prolonged litigation
Increased legal costs
Stressful court proceedings
Delays in finalizing the divorce
Strong legal representation can help manage conflict while keeping your case focused on resolution and results.
How Turner & Rasch LLP Can Help You Through a Contested Divorce
Navigating a contested divorce in Arkansas requires more than legal knowledge—it requires empathy, strategy, and unwavering advocacy. At Turner & Rasch LLP, our all-women legal team brings experience, compassion, and a deep understanding of family law to every case.
We proudly serve clients throughout central Arkansas and surrounding areas, helping individuals protect what matters most.
Our Approach Includes:
Personalized legal strategies tailored to your goals
Skilled negotiation and litigation advocacy
Clear communication and honest guidance
A client-centered, compassionate approach
Whether your contested divorce involves custody disputes, property division, or complex financial issues, our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are facing a contested divorce in Arkansas, you do not have to navigate it alone. The experienced family law attorneys at Turner & Rasch LLP are here to guide you through every step of the process with professionalism and care.
Contact our Little Rock office today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. The laws governing family law matters in Arkansas are complex and subject to change, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
Reviewing, accessing, or using this website does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Turner & Rasch LLP. An attorney–client relationship is only formed through a written engagement agreement signed by both the client and the firm after a conflict-of-interest check has been completed.
Visitors should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained on this website without first seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in their jurisdiction.
Any communication submitted through this website, including through contact forms or email links, does not create an attorney–client relationship and may not be treated as confidential until such a relationship has been formally established.
This disclaimer is intended to comply with the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct and other applicable ethical requirements.