Arkansas is unique because it allows debtors to choose between and federal exemptions . You cannot mix the two; you must pick the entire list from one or the other.
Filing for bankruptcy in Arkansas involves navigating both federal statutes and specific state guidelines that dictate which assets you can keep and how your case is processed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas .
Arkansas state law provides specific protections for a single vehicle, necessary household goods, and retirement accounts. arkansas bankruptcy laws
All filers must complete a pre-filing credit counseling course and a post-filing debt management course from approved providers.
As of 2026, the standard filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13 . If your income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you may apply for a fee waiver . Arkansas is unique because it allows debtors to
Immediately upon filing, an "automatic stay" goes into effect, which legally prohibits creditors from calling, suing, or continuing wage garnishments against you. Non-Dischargeable Debts
Certain debts generally cannot be wiped out in an Arkansas bankruptcy, including: Child support and alimony. Most student loans, unless you can prove "undue hardship". Recent tax debts and debts incurred through fraud. Eastern & Western Districts of Arkansas - Bankruptcy Court Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern and Western Districts
To initiate a case in Arkansas, you must meet several administrative and legal hurdles: