For most Ashley County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Ashley County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court - Probate Division. The two tools that keep a Ashley County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Circuit Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Ashley County property passes through the Circuit Court - Probate Division — even simple Arkansas probates run 6+ months and start with $165 in filing fees. Arkansas also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.
A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Ashley County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Circuit Clerk during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.
Before recording, an Arkansas beneficiary deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentArk. Code Ann. 18-12-608Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathArk. Code Ann. 18-12-608Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.
Deeds and other real property documents for Ashley County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Vickie Stell, at 205 East Jefferson Street, #6, Hamburg, AR 71646. Phone: 870-853-2030.
The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page beneficiary deed in Ashley County comes to $20. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Ashley County · Vickie Stell
Address
Phone
Fax
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $15 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Ark. Code Ann. 21-6-306
Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Monticello firm serving the Tenth Judicial Circuit (Drew, Ashley, Bradley, Cleveland counties) for more than 45 years. For families settling an estate, the attorneys handle probate and estate administration, real estate and land disputes, and commercial matters in southeast Arkansas courts.
Little Rock firm (with Conway and Stuttgart offices) serving Pulaski, Faulkner, and Arkansas counties. Tax-forward estate practice handling wills, trusts, probate administration, complex trust administration and accounting, guardianships/conservatorships, and asset protection. Partner Lyle D. Foster works in tax, estate planning, and probate administration.
Little Rock firm founded in 1988 with offices in Searcy and Stuttgart, serving Pulaski, White, and Arkansas County families. Handles probate of estates with and without a will, distributing property under the will or Arkansas intestacy law. Over 17,500 cases handled and 125+ years of combined experience; offers a free consultation.
Little Rock firm (second office in Pine Bluff) serving Pulaski and Jefferson county families. Attorney Slocum Pickell, an attorney since 1992, drafts wills and trusts and guides families through probate and estate administration, alongside a family-law and civil-litigation practice.
Conway estate planning and elder law firm serving Faulkner and Central Arkansas counties from offices in Conway, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, and North Little Rock. Handles probate, guardianships, Medicaid and long-term care planning, and trust administration. Founded 2014 by Chris Rippy; Ashley Stepps joined in 2019.
Little Rock firm on Cantrell Road handling probate and estate administration in Pulaski County and courts statewide. Walks executors through will validation, appointment of personal representatives, asset inventory and valuation, creditor claims, and final distribution under Arkansas law.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Data sourced from Arkansas statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Arkansas.
Forms and tools for property owners in Ashley County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Arkansas.
