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On September 2, 2025, Arkansas family law underwent significant changes with revisions to child custody and support guidelines that are aimed at ensuring the best interests of children in divorce and custody cases.One of the most notable changes is the implementation of a new formula for calculating child support payments. The new formula takes into account both parents' income, the number of children involved, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. This is a departure from the previous system, which primarily relied on the non-custodial parent's income to determine child support payments. The goal of this change is to more equitably distribute financial responsibility for the children involved in custody cases.Additionally, Arkansas now requires parents to attend a co-parenting education program before finalizing a custody agreement or parenting plan. The program aims to educate parents on effective communication, conflict resolution, and co-parenting techniques to ensure a healthy and stable environment for their children post-divorce.Another key change in Arkansas family law is the emphasis on shared custody arrangements. The state now strongly encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that allows for joint custody whenever possible. This is based on research showing that children benefit from having meaningful relationships with both parents following a divorce.Furthermore, the new laws also place a greater emphasis on the mental and emotional well-being of children during custody disputes. Judges are now required to consider the impact of any proposed custody agreements on the child's mental health and to prioritize their best interests above all else.Overall, these changes to Arkansas family law are aimed at creating a more child-centered approach to divorce and custody cases. By prioritizing the well-being of children and encouraging shared custody arrangements, the state hopes to minimize the negative impact of divorce on families and promote healthy co-parenting relationships moving forward.