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Legal Information: Arkansas

Custody

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Updated: 
January 3, 2024

Are there any exceptions to the home state rule?

Yes. In some cases, you can file for custody in a state where the children and at least one parent have “significant connections.” Usually, however, you can only do this if there is no home state or if the home state has agreed to let another state have jurisdiction. This can be complicated, and if you think this applies to your situation, please talk to a lawyer in both states about this. For a list of legal resources, please see AR Finding a Lawyer.

You can also file for temporary emergency custody in a state other than the home state if the child is present in the state and:

1. the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child OR
2. a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.1

1 A.C.A. § 9-19-204