Estate Planning for Johnson County, Arkansas Property Owners

For most Johnson 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 Johnson 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 Johnson 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.

Skipping this planning step means the Circuit Court - Probate Division decides who receives the property: a simple Arkansas probate takes 6+ months and opens with $165 in court 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 Johnson County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Johnson 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 Johnson County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Monica King, at 215 West Main Street, Clarksville, AR 72830. Phone: 479-754-2977. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

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

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Johnson County · Monica King

Address

215 West Main StreetClarksville, AR 72830

Fax

479-754-4235

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 Johnson County

Little Rock litigation and transactional firm (offices also in Russellville) handling Pulaski County probate matters. Opens and administers decedents' estates, represents executors, personal representatives, and beneficiaries, and litigates undue influence, breach of fiduciary duty, and elder financial exploitation claims. Roots trace to a firm founded in 1957.

Location
211 Spring StreetLittle Rock, AR 72201
Established
1957
Service Area
6 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Probate Litigation
  • Trust Administration
  • Estate Tax Planning
  • Business Succession
Free consultation

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.

Location
1237 Front Street, Front Street Plaza BuildingConway, AR 72032
Established
2014
Service Area
4 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Special Needs Planning
  • Probate
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Veterans Benefits

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

Hot Springs elder law and estate planning firm serving Garland, Hot Spring, and Saline counties and clients statewide. Handles wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, and transferring real estate outside probate, with deep work in long-term care, Medicaid, and VA Aid and Attendance planning. Offers a free 30-minute estate planning consultation.

Location
1720 Higdon Ferry Rd, Suite 202Hot Springs, AR 71913
Service Area
Statewide
  • Estate Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Long Term Care
Free consultation
See all 14 firms serving Johnson 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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