For most Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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, Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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 Calhoun County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Jeanie Smith, at Second and Main Streets, Hampton, AR 71744. Phone: 870-798-2517.
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 1175, Hampton, AR 71744.
The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page beneficiary deed in Calhoun County comes to $20. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Calhoun County · Jeanie Smith
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
Camden firm serving southwest Arkansas — Ouachita, Calhoun, and Dallas counties — with probate, estate planning, and tax matters. Attorney Paul E. Lindsey handles estate administration alongside the tax planning that complex or tax-heavy estates need, in practice since 1978.
South Arkansas firm based in Magnolia (formed 2019 from a Magnolia/El Dorado merger) covering Columbia, Union, Ouachita, Calhoun, Dallas, and Lafayette county courts. For families after a death, handles probate of wills and estates, will contests, and guardianships, plus wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Partners carry a combined 60 years of practice.
El Dorado firm serving Union County and south Arkansas before the 13th Judicial District courts. Attorney R. Jeffrey Sawyer, a former deputy prosecutor, handles estate and probate matters alongside family law, civil litigation, and personal injury. Practicing since 2006.
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.
Benton firm serving Saline County and the surrounding central Arkansas counties, handling probate in the local circuit courts. For estate settlement, the firm files probate cases, settles estates, and assists with trusts and wills. Don Spears has practiced since 1975, bringing over four decades of experience to probate matters.
Bryant estate planning and elder law firm serving Saline, Pulaski, and Garland counties, with additional offices in Hot Springs Village, Fayetteville, and Bentonville. Drafts wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and deeds, and handles long-term care and Medicaid planning, including emergency crisis cases. Founder Justin S. Elrod is one of only four Certified Elder Law Attorneys in Arkansas.
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 Calhoun 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.
