Arkansas Law

§ 9-15-201. Petition - Requirements generally.

(a) All petitions under this chapter shall be verified.

(b) The petition shall be filed in the county where the petitioner resides, where the alleged incident of abuse occurred, or where the respondent may be served.

(c) A petition for relief under this chapter shall be filed in the chancery court.

(d) A petition may be filed by any family or household member or on behalf of another family or household member who is a minor or who has been adjudicated incompetent.

(e) A petition for relief shall allege the existence of domestic abuse and shall be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances of the domestic abuse and the specific relief sought.

(f) The petition may be filed regardless of whether there is any pending litigation between the parties.

(g) A person's right to file a petition, or obtain relief hereunder shall not be affected by his or her leaving the residence or household to avoid abuse.

History. Acts 1991, No. 266, §§ 3, 8.