Arkansas Laws

This page summarizes ten Arkansas laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Arkansas Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Arkansas, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Ark. Code § 16-56-105). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Arkansas Comparative Negligence Laws

Arkansas follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Arkansas Minimum Wage in 2026

The Arkansas minimum wage is $11.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Applies to employers with 4 or more employees. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate. Overtime at one and a half times the regular rate generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Arkansas Final Paycheck Laws

In Arkansas, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Arkansas Small Claims Court Limits

In Arkansas, you can sue for up to $5,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the district court (small claims division). Lawyers are not allowed in small claims, and collection agencies and assignees cannot file. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Arkansas Security Deposit Laws

Arkansas security deposit limit: 2 months' rent (does not apply to landlords with 5 or fewer units who do not use a manager). The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 60 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Arkansas Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Arkansas, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days to move (unconditional). Arkansas does not give tenants a statutory right to cure by paying. A separate criminal failure-to-vacate statute was historically used and has been heavily criticized and narrowed.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Arkansas Small Estate Affidavit

Arkansas small estate limit: $100,000, excluding the homestead and statutory allowances. Waiting period after death: 45 days. Real estate: yes, with published notice. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Arkansas Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No. Arkansas does not recognize common law marriages formed in Arkansas. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Arkansas Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Arkansas: 60 days of residence before filing, and 3 full months before the final decree. Waiting period: 30 days after filing. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Arkansas

Popular cities: Fort Smith · Little Rock · Bentonville · Jonesboro · Springdale · Fayetteville · Hot Springs · Texarkana · Rogers · Russellville · Conway

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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