Rule 17, Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 17.
Parties plaintiff and defendant.
Every action shall be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest. Whenever an infant or incompetent person has a guardian, the guardian must sue or defend on behalf of the infant or incompetent person. If an infant or incompetent person does not have a duly appointed guardian, he may sue by his next friend or by a guardian ad litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for an infant or incompetent person not otherwise represented in an action or shall make such other order as it deems proper for the protection of the infant or incompetent. No judgment shall be rendered against an infant or incompetent until after a defense by a guardian or guardian ad litem, who shall be appointed by the court upon application of any interested party and who shall promptly respond to the claim against the infant or incompetent as provided by these Rules.