What to Do When Someone Dies in Izard County, Arkansas

Probate in Izard County runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.

When someone dies in Izard County, settling their estate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.

Probate Court Record

Circuit Court - Probate Division

Izard County · 16th Judicial Circuit

Address

80 East Main StreetMelbourne, AR 72556Mailing: P.O. Box 95

Fax

870-368-4748

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit court website →
Paper filing availableE-filing optionalSelf-filing allowed

Verified July 3, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Izard County

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Izard County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 80 East Main Street, Melbourne. The court sits in the 16th Judicial Circuit. The same 16th Judicial Circuit also serves Cleburne, Fulton, Independence and Stone.

The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Arkansas intestacy law when there is no will.

Most Arkansas estates take 9 months to 12 months to move through this process. The 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 creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.

What Probate Costs in Izard County

What probate costs in Izard County, Arkansas comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 80 East Main Street, Melbourne. The court is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Arkansas charges $165Ark. Code Ann. §§ 21-6-403(b)(1), 21-6-416(b)(2)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

The Circuit Court - Probate Division accepts e-filing (https://efile.arcourts.gov/). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.

Estimate the costs for this estate:

Arkansas sets attorney fees by statute — a percentage of the estate's gross value. Every attorney charges the same schedule, so the decision to hire one comes down to complexity, not price.

Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 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 estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

Arkansas requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.

Probate in Arkansas typically runs 9 months to 12 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.

How to File Probate at the Circuit Court - Probate Division

Probate documents in Izard County can be filed in person at the Circuit Court - Probate Division, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 16th Judicial Circuit.

How to File Your Documents

Paper Filing Available

You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.

E-Filing Also Available

If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.

View E-Filing Information

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court - Probate Division is realistic.

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Izard County Self-Filing Assessment.

Izard County Filing Requirements

These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.

Before You File

Self-represented litigants may file by paper if unable to use eFlex

Arkansas uses the eFlex electronic filing system. Self-represented (pro se) litigants who cannot use eFlex may file documents in person at the circuit clerk's office, by mail (USPS, FedEx, UPS), or via filing depository. Official probate forms available at arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications/court-forms/probate-division/forms.

Source

What to Bring

To file at the Circuit Court - Probate Division you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.

Transferring Property in Izard County

Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the Circuit Clerk.

Deeds and other real property documents for Izard County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Joe M. Cooper, at 80 East Main Street, Melbourne, AR 72556. Phone: 870-368-4316. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page.

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Izard County · Joe M. Cooper

Address

80 East Main StreetMelbourne, AR 72556

Fax

870-368-4748

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 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

Probate Attorneys Serving Izard County

Arkansas uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Izard County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.

Probate attorney fees in Arkansas are set by statute as a percentage of the estate's value, so every Izard County attorney charges the same schedule. Price isn't the variable — experience with the Circuit Court - Probate Division and responsiveness are.

A probate attorney files the petition with the Circuit Court - Probate Division, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.

Batesville general-practice attorney serving Independence, Stone, and Izard counties in north-central Arkansas. Handles wills and estates and probate, including guiding executors through administration, alongside guardianship and family matters. Office open weekdays for consultations.

Location
262 East Boswell StreetBatesville, AR 72501
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Guardianship
  • Personal Injury
  • Criminal Defense
  • Family Law
Free consultation

Salem attorney and Fulton County Attorney serving the 16th Judicial District (Fulton, Izard, Stone, Independence, Cleburne counties). Handles probate, wills and trusts, and estate planning alongside family law and litigation. AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Location
127 West Church StreetSalem, AR 72576
Service Area
5 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Law
  • Personal Injury
  • Civil Litigation
Free consultation

Batesville firm serving Independence County and the broader White River region, with satellite offices in Heber Springs, Melbourne, and Mountain View. Handles probate, estate and trust administration, estate and trust litigation, and asset protection for families settling estates. Covers nine surrounding counties.

Location
520 Harrison StBatesville, AR 72501
Service Area
9 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Estate Administration
  • Civil Litigation
  • Probate Litigation
  • Trust Litigation
  • Asset Protection

John D. Milum, P.A.

Solo Practice

General-practice firm with offices in Yellville, Salem, and Harrison, serving Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Izard, and Sharp County families in north central Arkansas. Handles estate planning, probate, powers of attorney, guardianships, elder law, and deeds, plus the real estate and property work that surfaces when settling an estate.

Location
121 Hwy 62 EastYellville, AR 72687
Service Area
6 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Elder Law
  • Guardianship
  • Civil Litigation

Mountain Home firm serving Baxter, Fulton, Izard, Stone, and Marion counties, with a department dedicated to probate and guardianship in the local circuit courts. For families after a death, the firm handles trust and estate administration and guides estates through probate court, with three attorneys and a dedicated probate coordinator. Practicing in the region since 1998.

Location
313 Highway 201 North, Suite 5Mountain Home, AR 72653
Established
1998
Service Area
5 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Guardianship
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Asset Protection
Free consultation

Estate planning and elder law practice in Marshall serving north central Arkansas, with additional offices in Harrison and Calico Rock. Mitch Cash, a former Searcy County District Court Judge, handles wills, trusts, probate, and Medicaid/life care planning for families. Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and ElderCounsel.

Location
608 Hwy 65 NorthMarshall, AR 72650
Service Area
7 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Guardianship
  • Special Needs Planning
See all 21 firms serving Izard 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.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Arkansas statutes and official state code. How we research.