The Arkansas child support formula is a comprehensive guideline that calculates the amount of child support obligations based on the financial situation and needs of the parents involved. It provides a structured approach to ensure fairness in determining child support amounts and aims to prioritize the best interests of the child. The Arkansas child support formula takes into consideration various factors, including the income of both parents, the number of children requiring support, and potential additional expenses such as healthcare and childcare costs. The formula primarily relies on the income shares model, which divides the total child support obligation between the parents based on their respective incomes. To determine child support in Arkansas, the court first identifies the combined gross income of both parents. This includes income from various sources such as salaries, wages, bonuses, self-employment earnings, pensions, and other forms of income. Once the combined gross income is established, adjustments may be made for certain expenses, tax considerations, other child support obligations, and the number of overnights each parent has with the child. The Arkansas child support formula offers specific guidelines to determine the basic child support obligation. This is calculated by assigning a percentage of the total combined income based on the number of children requiring support. For example, if there are two children, the child support obligation is generally set at 20% of the combined income. In addition to the basic child support obligation, the formula accounts for additional expenses such as healthcare and childcare. The court may adjust the support amount with additional factors like medical insurance premiums, out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and childcare costs incurred due to employment or education. These adjustments help ensure the child's needs are adequately met. It is important to note that Arkansas child support laws may undergo changes, and the court may deviate from the standard guidelines in certain circumstances, such as a child's extraordinary medical needs, educational expenses, or special needs. The court may also take into account factors like visitation costs, travel expenses, and extraordinary income of either parent. Different types of Arkansas child support formulas include the shared custody formula, which adjusts child support based on the number of overnights each parent has with the child. This recognizes when both parents play an active role in the child's life and provides a fair distribution of financial responsibilities. Overall, the Arkansas child support formula serves as a comprehensive framework to determine child support obligations, emphasizing the essential role of both parents in meeting the financial needs of their child. By considering relevant factors and using set guidelines, it strives to ensure that child support amounts are reasonable, consistent, and promote the best interests of the child.