Free Arkansas forms for planning an estate or settling one: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed, and the probate forms an executor files.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
In Arkansas, a will is signed before 2Ark. Code Ann. § 28-25-103Verified Oct 18, 2026View source witnesses, and the witnesses sign an affidavit at probate instead of a self-proving affidavitArk. Code Ann. § 28-25-103Verified Oct 18, 2026View source.
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Arkansas: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Arkansas costs an estimated $27,915Ark. Code § 28-48-108(d)(2) (6-tier statutory schedule on total market value of real + personal property; court may adjust if excessive or insufficient)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees are statutory (set by law)Ark. Code § 28-48-108(d)(2) (6-tier statutory schedule on total market value of real + personal property; court may adjust if excessive or insufficient)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Settling an estate in Arkansas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysArk. Code § 28-49-110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code §§ 28-50-101, 28-50-103, 28-50-104, 28-50-105, 28-50-106, 28-1-112, 28-40-111Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Arkansas pays executors reasonable compensationArk. Code § 28-48-108(a) (just and reasonable; not to exceed 10% first $1K + 5% next $4K + 3% balance of personal property passing through PR's hands)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value), capped by Ark. Code § 28-48-108(a) (just and reasonable; not to exceed 10% first $1K + 5% next $4K + 3% balance of personal property passing through PR's hands)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.03%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value), capped by Ark. Code § 28-48-108(a) (just and reasonable; not to exceed 10% first $1K + 5% next $4K + 3% balance of personal property passing through PR's hands)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
In Arkansas, estates valued at $100,000Ark. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less use the Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by DistributeeArk. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, 45 daysArk. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, a court filing short of full probate.
In Arkansas, creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code § 28-50-101 (6 months from first publication of notice to creditors; § 28-50-101(h): 2 years from first publication for known or reasonably ascertainable creditors even without actual notice; § 28-50-101(d): 5-year absolute bar from death if no letters issued and no notice published)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
Arkansas has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableArk. Code § 28-40-119 (the circuit court admits the will and grants letters); § 28-1-106(b)(1) (probate clerk may appoint a PR only in the absence of the judge or referee, subject to court review) — no informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.
107 probate firms in Arkansas, by county and firm type.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability.
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107 firms
Solo PracticeVan Buren, AR
Van Buren firm serving Crawford and Sebastian counties plus nearby eastern Oklahoma. Attorney Gentry C. Wahlmeier handles probate and estate administration alongside real property and business matters, assisting families with wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorney Myles Kerchner practices alongside him.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateCriminal Law
FirmFayetteville, AR
Fayetteville firm focused entirely on estate planning and elder law for families across Northwest Arkansas, including Benton County. Owner Audra Bailey Wilcox handles probate, living trusts, and long-term-care Medicaid planning, along with farm and business succession. The practice narrowed exclusively to estate planning and elder law in 2018.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateElder Lawand 4 more
FirmJonesboro, AR
Jonesboro firm serving Craighead County and Northeast Arkansas for decades. Waddell, Cole & Jones handles probate, estate and trust administration, and guardianships alongside its litigation and business practice, working with local families as well as larger institutional clients. Estate planning is a core practice area.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateTax PlanningBusiness LawCommercial Litigation
Solo PracticeWalnut Ridge, AR
Solo Walnut Ridge firm run by James Ethan Weeks, serving Lawrence, Randolph, and Clay counties. He guides families through probate and helps with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and Medicaid/elder-law planning, offering a local option in Lawrence County. Also handles bankruptcy and personal injury.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawAsset ProtectionMedicaid Planning
Solo PracticeParagould, AR
Paragould firm serving Greene County and surrounding Northeast Arkansas for over 25 years. Attorney Lorie L. Whitby handles probate and estate planning (wills, deeds, powers of attorney) within a general practice that also covers family law, adoptions, and guardianships. Offers a complimentary consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipBusiness Lawand 2 more
FirmLittle Rock, AR
Long-established Little Rock firm (since 1900) with a Rogers office, serving Pulaski and Benton counties. Its estate planning group prepares wills and trusts, handles family-owned-company and partnership succession, and plans for incapacity and special needs. John B. Peace is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more
FirmWest Memphis, AR
West Memphis firm handling Crittenden County Circuit Court probate matters for families settling an estate. Guides executors and heirs through proving wills, carrying out estate distribution, and protecting heirs with valid claims regardless of estate size, alongside its family law and civil practice. Offers a free initial consultation.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipCivil LitigationCriminal Defense