College and Adult Child Support in Arkansas: Post-Secondary and Disabled Children

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Child support for college in Arkansas is not provided for in the statutes we read. A court can provide support past 18 for a child still in high school, conditional on staying in school, and for an individual with a disability that affects independent living.

Does child support cover college in Arkansas?

We found no Arkansas statute that provides for court-ordered child support for college. The statute lets a court provide support beyond the 18th birthday for the educational needs of a child whose 18th birthday falls before graduation from high school, but only so long as the support is conditional on the child’s remaining in school, and for an individual with a disability (Ark. Code 9-12-312(a)(6)). Termination follows 9-14-237 at 18, or at the end of high school as described there.

Is there child support for a disabled child past 18 in Arkansas?

The court also may provide for the continuation of support for an individual with a disability that affects the ability of the individual to live independently from the custodial parent (9-12-312(a)(6)(B)). It is not automatic: an order that specifically extends support is what keeps support going past the statutory termination events (9-14-237(a)(1)).

What should the parent of a child with a disability do?

1. Talk to a licensed Arkansas attorney well before the 18th birthday.
2. Gather medical records showing the disability affects the ability to live independently.
3. Ask the court to provide for the continuation of support in the order.
4. Keep the payment and withholding history.

What about school expenses before 18?

For a minor child, Administrative Order No. 10 lists educational expenses, such as private or parochial school tuition and special education needs, among the factors a court may consider for a deviation from the chart (Section II.2). That applies while support is being set for a minor.

What factors can justify a deviation for a minor child?

Administrative Order No. 10 lists these among the factors a court should consider when it deviates from the chart (Section II.2): educational expenses, such as private or parochial school tuition, and special education needs; life, dental or other insurance for the children; extraordinary travel expenses for court-ordered visitation; significant available income of the children; a trust fund for the children; support given in the absence of a court order; extraordinary time with the payor parent; additional expenses for natural or adopted children in the home; childcare, extraordinary medical and health insurance costs not added to the obligation; and any other factors that warrant a deviation. None of them is college support after the duty ends.

Can parents agree to pay for college in Arkansas?

Parents who want to share college costs can negotiate their own terms. Put any agreement in writing and have an attorney review how it would be enforced.

So when does support end for most children?

For most children it is the 18th birthday, or the end of high school if the child is still attending. Use the Arkansas child support end date calculator.

What about unpaid support from before the end?

It stays owed: see whether Arkansas arrears expire or can be forgiven.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• Ark. Code 9-14-237: expiration of child support obligation
• Ark. Code 9-12-312: continuation of support past 18
• Ark. Code 9-14-235: continued payment of arrearages
• Ark. Code 9-14-236: recovering arrearages
• Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 10

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Arkansas statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Arkansas attorney.