Estate Planning for Crittenden County, Arkansas Property Owners

For most Crittenden 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 Crittenden 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 Crittenden 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, Crittenden 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.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Crittenden County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Crittenden 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.

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Crittenden County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Terry Hawkins, at 100 Court Square, Marion, AR 72364. Phone: 870-739-3248. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page beneficiary deed in Crittenden County comes to $20. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Crittenden County · Terry Hawkins

Address

100 Court SquareMarion, AR 72364

Fax

870-739-3287

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first page)$15
Each additional page$5
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Ark. Code Ann. 21-6-306

Verified September 4, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Crittenden County

West Memphis firm serving Crittenden County and the surrounding northeast Arkansas communities through the local circuit court. For families settling an estate, the firm handles probate, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate administration, with roots in the area dating to 1944. The firm quotes a fee before billing for estate-plan work.

Location
123 West Broadway Street, Suite AWest Memphis, AR 72301
Established
1944
Service Area
1 county
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Family Law
  • Personal Injury
  • Business Law

West Memphis firm serving Crittenden County and northeast Arkansas. For families settling an estate, founder Denny Sumpter handles probate and wills-and-estates matters alongside real estate, personal injury, and family law. Sumpter served in the Arkansas House from 2003 to 2009.

Location
112 N. Missouri StreetWest Memphis, AR 72301
Service Area
1 county
  • Probate
  • Estate Planning
  • Personal Injury
  • Civil Litigation
  • Real Estate
  • Family Law

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.

Location
106 Dover Road, Suite B, Suite BWest Memphis, AR 72301
Service Area
1 county
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Guardianship
  • Criminal Defense
  • Civil Litigation
Free consultation

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.

Location
8114 Cantrell Road, Suite 100Little Rock, AR 72227
Established
2012
Service Area
Statewide
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Business Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Real Estate
  • Construction Law

Don Spears Law

Solo Practice

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.

Location
113 S Market StreetBenton, AR 72015
Service Area
Statewide
  • Probate
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Real Estate
  • Business Law

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.

Location
400 N Reynolds RdBryant, AR 72022
Service Area
Statewide
  • Estate Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Probate
  • Guardianship
  • Asset Protection
Free consultation
See all 15 firms serving Crittenden County→

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.

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