Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
Learn more
Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Arkansas
Free forms for settling an estate in Arkansas: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Notice to Creditors
In Arkansas, the notice to creditors is published for 2Ark. 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 weeks in a local newspaper, and creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code § 28-50-101 (6 months from first publication); § 28-50-101(h) (2 years for known or reasonably ascertainable creditors); § 28-50-101(d) (5-year bar from death)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Arkansas, a person named as personal representative may refuse the appointmentArk. Code Ann. § 28-40-107(a)(3)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Arkansas, the Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by DistributeeArk. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates valued at $100,000Ark. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 45 daysArk. Code § 28-41-101Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, filed with the court.
Estate Closing
In Arkansas, the personal representative is discharged by court orderArk. Code §§ 28-53-118, 28-53-104(b)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
IRS Form 1310
Claim a refund due a deceased taxpayer on the official form, on the box the form routes you to, with what the form says to attach.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Arkansas
Free tools for settling an estate in Arkansas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
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.
Can I Self-File Probate?
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) (clerk appointment only in the judge's absence); no informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.
How Do I Get Letters Testamentary?
In Arkansas, the Circuit Court clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration once the Circuit Court appoints the personal representative; every appointment goes through the courtArk. Code § 28-40-119 (the circuit court admits the will and grants letters); § 28-1-106(b)(1) (clerk appointment only in the judge's absence); no informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Arkansas, creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code § 28-50-101 (6 months from first publication); § 28-50-101(h) (2 years for known or reasonably ascertainable creditors); § 28-50-101(d) (5-year bar from death)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Arkansas pays the claims in 4Ark. Code § 28-50-106(a)Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Claim a Deceased Person's Unclaimed Property?
In Arkansas, a deceased owner's unclaimed property is claimed from the Arkansas Auditor of State, Unclaimed Property DivisionArk. Code Ann. 18-28-201 et seq. (Unclaimed Property Act)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
Hire an Arkansas Probate Attorney
Browse 107 probate firms in Arkansas with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Arkansas Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Arkansas probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.