Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Arkansas
Arkansas has no statewide standard parenting schedule in the statutes we read. Circuit courts set schedules in each order or publish standing orders, and the child support order looks at the 141-night line.
Does Arkansas have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes we read. Arkansas law says custody should assure frequent and continuing contact with both parents and that a parent without custody gets reasonable parenting time, with a specific written schedule on request (Ark. Code 9-13-101). Many circuit courts publish their own standing orders. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture notes that a standard visitation schedule might include every other weekend, alternating holidays and an extended period in the summer, and that orders vary widely (Child Custody and Visitation).
What does a local court schedule look like in Arkansas?
The Twenty-First Judicial District (Crawford County) shared parenting order leaves weekly time to be decided case by case “in light of the preference for joint custody,” alternates holidays by even and odd years, and gives each parent five weeks of summer, with the other parent keeping a weekend in the middle (Crawford County standing orders). Other districts use different terms, so check the local court.
What is the 141-night line in Arkansas?
The child support order treats a traditional visitation schedule as fewer than 141 nights a year and a liberal one as usually more. When the parents share approximately equal time, the court offsets the two obligations; when time is less than approximately equal but each parent has at least 141 overnights, the court may consider the time with the payor parent as a basis for an adjustment (Administrative Order No. 10).
| Pattern (other parent) | Overnights a year | Share of the year | At least 141 each |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 nights | 52 | 14.2% | No |
| 4 of 14 nights | 104 | 28.5% | No |
| 5 of 14 nights | 130 | 35.6% | No |
| 6 of 14 nights | 156 | 42.7% | Yes |
| 7 of 14 nights | 183 | 50.1% | Yes |
| 9 of 14 nights | 235 | 64.4% | No |
These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before any extra summer or holiday nights.
How do overnight equivalents work in Arkansas?
The discretionary adjustment is based on overnights, or overnight equivalents, that a parent spends with the child under a court order. Overnight equivalents apply when the parent has significant time on separate days with the child in the parent’s direct care but without staying overnight.
What should a written schedule cover in Arkansas?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, school breaks and summer, which usually override the regular pattern.
- The overnight count, so child support uses the right section of the guidelines.
- Travel and communication with the child.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing.
Can a parent ask for a specific schedule in Arkansas?
Yes. At a party’s request the court must issue a written order specific as to the frequency, timing, duration, condition and method of scheduling parenting time for a parent without custody, taking account of the child’s developmental age (9-13-101(b)(1)(A)(vii)).
What does a local holiday schedule look like in Arkansas?
In the Crawford County order, the holiday and special-day schedule supersedes the weekly schedule. Valentine’s Day, the child’s birthday, spring break, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas alternate between the parents in even and odd years; Mother’s Day and Father’s Day go to the mother and father each year from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and a parent’s birthday gives that parent an evening visit (Crawford County standing orders).
How does a schedule turn into support in Arkansas?
Run the Arkansas parenting time calculator for the overnights and the Arkansas child support calculator for the guideline amount.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in Arkansas?
No statewide schedule appears in the statutes we read; many circuit courts publish their own standing orders.
What is a typical Arkansas visitation schedule?
Every other weekend, alternating holidays and an extended summer period are common elements, but orders vary widely.
How many overnights is liberal visitation in Arkansas?
The child support order treats more than 141 nights a year as a liberal schedule.
How many overnights is a 6-in-14 schedule in Arkansas?
About 156 a year, 42.7%, which is above the 141-night line.
Who sets the schedule if Arkansas parents cannot agree?
The court decides, and on request must issue a specific written schedule.
Official sources
- Ark. Code 9-13-101: award of custody
- Arkansas Administrative Order No. 10: child support guidelines
- Arkansas Judicial Branch: Domestic Relations Benchbook (custody chapter)
- WomensLaw: custody process and jurisdiction in Arkansas
- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: Child Custody and Visitation
- Crawford County Circuit Court (21st Judicial District): standing orders
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
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.