Arkansas Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

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Arkansas Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs
Judgment Lifespan
5 yrs
Debt SOL (Written)
10%
Post-Judgment Interest
✗
COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Arkansas provides a straightforward 10-year judgment lien with renewal options. Post-judgment interest is capped at 10%. Wage garnishment is available, and the homestead exemption, while limited in dollar amount, covers the debtor’s primary residence.

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type Limitation Period Statute
Written Contract 5 years Ark. Code §16-56-111
Open Account / Credit Card 5 years Ark. Code §16-56-111
Oral Contract 3 years Ark. Code §16-56-105
Promissory Note 5 years Ark. Code §16-56-111
Judgment Lien 10 years Ark. Code §16-65-501

Arkansas’s 5-year SOL applies to most written contracts. Renewed judgments can reset collection timelines.

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Arkansas post-judgment interest accrues at 10% per annum or the contract rate, whichever is higher, under Ark. Code §16-65-114.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Arkansas

Wage Garnishment yes
Creditors may garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings after obtaining a writ of garnishment. Arkansas head-of-household exemptions apply to qualifying debtors (Ark. Code §16-66-208).
Bank Account Levy yes
Bank account garnishment is available after judgment under Ark. Code §16-110-401. Exempt wages deposited within 60 days may retain protection.
Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes
An abstract of judgment filed in the circuit court clerk’s office creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (Ark. Code §16-65-117).
Turnover Order limited
Post-judgment debtor examinations are available to identify assets; courts may order turnover in conjunction with supplemental proceedings.
Writ of Execution yes
Writs of execution allow the sheriff to seize and sell non-exempt personal property (Ark. Code §16-66-101).
Vehicle Levy yes
One motor vehicle up to $1,200 in value is exempt. Vehicles above that amount or additional vehicles may be executed upon.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type Exemption Amount Statute
Homestead Unlimited acreage (1/4 acre urban, 80 acres rural) Ark. Const. Art. 9 §3
Personal Property $500 general Ark. Code §16-66-218
Motor Vehicle $1,200 Ark. Code §16-66-218
Wages Qualified head of household — fully exempt Ark. Code §16-66-208
Retirement All ERISA-qualified plans Ark. Code §16-66-220

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Arkansas Resources

Arkansas Courts – Case InformationCivil case search statewideArkansas SOS – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookupArkansas Circuit Court ClerksCounty-level judgment lien filingsArkansas Code – LegislatureOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Arkansas attorney before taking collection action.