How to File for Divorce for Free in Arkansas

While researching filing for my own divorce and representing myself pro se, I came across a way to file for free without having to pay the $140.00 filing fee. It takes a little longer than it would if you were to use an attorney or file pro se and pay the fee, but if you can't afford to hire an attorney or pay the filing fee and want to get divorced there is a way to do it. It's called Forma Pauperis which means "in the form of a pauper."

First, you have to get the court's approval by filing a Petition For Leave To Proceed In Forma Pauperis. This document needs to be filed before you file your Complaint For Divorce. You will have to prepare this document yourself. Your document has to be on 8 1/2"X 11" white paper. I prepared my document using a 1 1/2" margin at the top of the first page and a 1" margin on the right and left sides. It would be a good idea to call the circuit clerk in your county and ask them if there are any certain format requirements for documents that you file.

So there isn't any confusion, the parts you need to type in your document are in bold.

At the top in CAPS and centered, type IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY YOU LIVE IN, ARKANSAS. Substitute the name of the county you actually live in for THE COUNTY YOU LIVE IN. On the next line, type DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION. Everything after this needs to be double-spaced. On the next line on the left-hand side type your name in CAPS. Set your tabs to 6.5" aligned to the right. If the format for the side margins are different than mine, you'll have to adjust your tab accordingly. Tab once and type in PLAINTIFF. On the next line center and type VS. ________________. The clerk will write the file number for your case in the blank. On the next line type in your spouse's name in CAPS, tab once and then type in DEFENDANT. Underneath that you'll need to center and type PETITION FOR LEAVE TO PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS.

Go to the next line and clear your tabs. Tab once and type:
Comes now your name, Plaintiff, who hereby petitions the court for leave to proceed In Forma Pauperis does allege and states: