When parents are going through a custody dispute, one question comes up often: Can my child choose which parent they want to live with? The answer is not as simple as a certain age. Arkansas law does not give children a specific age when they can decide where they want to live. Instead, the court considers the child's best interest and may consider the child's preference if the child is of sufficient age and mental capacity to reason. See A.C.A. § 9-13-101. Is there a certain

When your child's other parent gets remarried, you may start wondering what that means for your child and your existing custody arrangement. Many parents ask: Can a parent's remarriage affect where their child lives or how they share parenting time? In Arkansas, a parent's remarriage by itself is not enough to change an existing custody order. However, if the remarriage leads to significant changes in the child's circumstances, those changes may provide a basis for requesting

Child custody and visitation disputes can be difficult, especially when parents disagree about when or how a child should spend time with the other parent. If you have concerns about your child's safety or the other parent's behavior, you may wonder whether you can refuse visitation. In Arkansas, parents are generally expected to follow the terms of a court-ordered custody or visitation schedule. A parent cannot simply deny visitation because of a disagreement with the other

If the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) becomes involved with your family, you may have questions about what happens next and what authority DHS has. One of those questions may be whether DHS can remove your child from your home without first getting a court order. In certain circumstances, Arkansas law does allow a child to be taken into protective custody without a prior court order. However, DHS cannot remove a child without a legal basis for doing so. There are

Falling behind on car payments can create a lot of stress, especially when you depend on your vehicle to get to work, take care of your family, or handle everyday responsibilities. At ARlaw Partners, one of the first questions we ask potential clients who are considering filing for bankruptcy is whether they are dealing with any garnishments, repossessions, or foreclosures. We ask this because, in many cases, filing for bankruptcy can stop or delay these collection actions.

Child custody orders are designed to provide stability for children, but that does not mean they are permanent. As children grow and families' circumstances change, the custody arrangement that once worked may no longer be in a child's best interests. Fortunately, Arkansas law recognizes that life changes. In certain situations, a parent may ask the court to modify an existing child custody order. However, simply wanting a different arrangement is not enough. The court must d

Many people believe that once they have a felony conviction, it will follow them for the rest of their lives. While that is true for some offenses, Arkansas law allows certain felony convictions to be sealed under specific circumstances. A sealed record can open doors to better employment opportunities, housing, education, and professional licensing. Whether you've completed your sentence years ago or are just beginning to explore your options, here are five things every Ark

Most people don’t realize the many ways law enforcement can search private property without warrants. After all, the Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures, right? Of course, but the law treats vehicles differently than homes. There are several situations where an officer may legally search your car without first obtaining a warrant. Whether you've had your car searched and evidence seized, or simply want to know your rights, understanding w

Most people never expect to be arrested for DWI. You might think you're okay to drive after dinner and a couple of drinks. Maybe you took a prescription medication without realizing how much it would affect you. Or, maybe you were stopped for a traffic violation that quickly turned into something much more serious. Whatever the circumstances, a DWI arrest can happen faster than many people realize. Once it does, the consequences can follow you long after your case is over. Wh

Few moments are more frightening for a parent than getting a phone call that their child has been arrested. For most families, this is completely unfamiliar territory. Questions start racing through your mind. Where is my kid? Will they have a criminal record? Do they have to stay in detention? What happens next? The good news is that juvenile cases are handled differently than adult criminal cases in Arkansas. While the situation is serious, an arrest does not automatically

Powers of attorney are some of the most valuable estate planning tools available, but they are also some of the most misunderstood. Many people assume they only need a power of attorney later in life or believe their spouse or adult children can automatically make decisions for them if something happens. Under Arkansas law, those assumptions are not always correct. A properly drafted power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf if you are un

When a loved one passes away, one of the biggest questions families face is what happens to the home or other real estate they owned. Understanding the process can help you avoid delays and costly mistakes, and is useful knowledge for heirs, executors, and estate administrators. This article explains that process. How Do I Sell Real Estate or Property After My Loved One Dies? In Arkansas, real estate owned solely by a deceased person may need to pass through probate before i

If you're renting a home or apartment, the thought of being evicted can be incredibly stressful. As attorneys one question we hear often is whether a landlord can simply tell a tenant to leave or force them out without involving the court. In Arkansas, the answer is generally no. Landlords must follow specific legal procedures before removing a tenant from a rental property. While every situation is different, landlords typically cannot take matters into their own hands and

Divorce can be messy, overwhelming, and stressful. This is especially true when it involves major decisions about finances, property, and children. During the process, small mistakes can sometimes create bigger problems later on. Here are five common mistakes people should try to avoid during a divorce in Arkansas. 1. Letting Emotions Control Decisions Divorce is personal, but emotional decisions can sometimes lead to unnecessary conflict, delays, or financial strain. Staying

Losing a loved one is already difficult. When someone passes away without a will, families are often left with questions about who gets what and who is in charge of their estate. In Arkansas, dying without a valid will is called dying “intestate.” When this happens, Arkansas inheritance law determines who receives the deceased person’s property and assets. Without a will, families may face uncertainty and confusion about inheritance rights, or disputes over property and estat

Chapter 7 bankruptcy is what most people think of when they think of filing for bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will generally allow the debtor to wipe out (discharge) debts owed to non-secure creditors (such as medical debts and credit card bills). However, not everyone qualifies for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy depends on many factors, including your income and past bankruptcy filings. To determine whether you qualify for a Ch. 7 bankruptcy

At ARlaw Partners, we understand the stress and frustration that comes with continuous collection calls. If you're overwhelmed by...

At ARlaw Partners, we understand the importance of estate planning in ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are...

Divorce is a life-altering and emotional event that not only impacts the couple but also their entire family. The decision to get a...

At ARlaw Partners in Arkansas, we understand that the probate process can be confusing and overwhelming for many individuals and...