Custody

You can usually only file for custody in Arkansas if Arkansas is your child’s “home state.” Please see Are there any exceptions to the home state rule? for a list of exceptions.

Arkansas is your child’s “home state” if:

• your child has lived in Arkansas for the last 6 months in a row or longer, or
• Arkansas was the last state that your child lived in for at least 6 months in a row or longer, or
• your child is less than six months old but has lived in Arkansas since birth .

Leaving Arkansas for a short period of time will not change its status as your child’s home state.