What to Do When Someone Dies in Lonoke County, Arkansas

How probate works in Lonoke County: the Circuit Court - Probate Division record, what the process costs, and how to file there.

Probate Court Record

Lonoke County Circuit Court - Probate Division

Lonoke County · 23rd Judicial Circuit

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Office

301 North Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086

Self-represented filing

Allowed

E-filing

Required for attorneyseFlex e-filing is mandatory for attorneys, including new cases. Self-represented filers may register for eFlex only in a case where the court has mandated electronic filing.

Verified October 15, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Lonoke 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 Lonoke, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 301 North Center Street, Lonoke. The court sits in the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

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. Creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code §§ 28-50-101, 28-50-103, 28-50-104, 28-50-105, 28-50-106, 28-1-112, 28-40-111Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the first publication of the notice to creditors.

What Probate Costs in Lonoke County

What probate costs in Lonoke 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 301 North Center Street, Lonoke. The court is part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

Arkansas charges $165Ark. Code Ann. §§ 21-6-403(b)(1), 21-6-416(b)(2)Verified Oct 17, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

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.

Arkansas allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.03% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules pay, capped by statute at 3.03%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. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

Arkansas requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.

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 cases in Lonoke County, Arkansas are filed at the Circuit Court - Probate Division. The court sits in the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

Can You File Without an Attorney?

Arkansas has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableArk. Code § 28-40-119 (the circuit court admits the will and grants letters); § 28-1-106(b)(1) (clerk appointment only in the judge's absence); no informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.

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

Lonoke 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 filers file on paper unless the court has mandated e-filing in their case

eFlex accounts are open to attorneys and to a self-represented litigant in a case where the court has mandated electronic filing. A self-represented filer otherwise files with the circuit clerk's office in person or by mail. Statewide probate forms: arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications/court-forms/probate-division/forms.

Source

What to Bring

Filed with the opening petition at the Circuit Court - Probate Division: Death certificate (customary, not required by statute or by any official Arkansas probate form); Original will and any codicils (for testate estates) lodged with the court (filed with Form 3); Proof of the will's execution (proof of will / self-proving affidavit) at presentation of the petition; Probate Cover Sheet (statewide AOC form required by Administrative Order No. 8); Acceptance of Appointment as Personal Representative (Form 8), where no bond is required; Bond of Personal Representative (Form 6), only if the court requires a bond (Ark. Code Ann. § 28-48-201(a))Ark. Code Ann. § 28-40-102 (venue); § 28-40-107 (contents of the petition for probate & appointment); § 28-48-102 (letters & power to act); § 28-48-201, § 28-48-206 (bond)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Death Certificates and the Coroner in Lonoke County

In Arkansas a death is registered locally, and in Lonoke County certified copies of the death certificate are issued by Lonoke County Local Health Unit as well as by Arkansas Department of Health - Vital Records.

Vital Records Office Record

Local Health Department

Lonoke County · Lonoke County Local Health Unit

Hours

Monday, Wednesday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; Tuesday 9:30 AM-6:00 PM

Office

306 North Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086

Fax

1-501-676-0578

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Coroner or Medical Examiner Record

Coroner

Lonoke County · Lonoke County Coroner

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Transferring Property in Lonoke 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 Lonoke County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk at 301 North Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086. Phone: 1-501-676-2316.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 870, Lonoke, AR 72086-0870.

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

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Lonoke County

Office

301 North Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086

Mail

P.O. Box 870 Lonoke, AR 72086-0870

Fax

1-501-676-3014

Verified October 16, 2026 · Source

Probate Attorneys Serving Lonoke County

Arkansas uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Lonoke 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 Lonoke 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.

FirmLittle Rock, AR

Cox, Sterling, Vandiver & Botteicher, PLLC

Serves 4 counties

Little Rock firm serving Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, and Lonoke counties in central Arkansas, with probate handled in the local circuit courts. For families settling an estate, partner Cade L. Cox handles probate, wills, and trust administration, ranging from simple wills to trust and tax planning. Each of the firm's attorneys has practiced in their focus area for more than a decade.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningBusiness Law

Office
8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 330Little Rock, AR 72227

Solo PracticeCabot, AR

Greg Crumpton P.A.

Serves 3 counties

Cabot solo practitioner serving Lonoke, Pulaski and White County families on probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters. Handles the court side of settling an estate alongside family law and civil litigation for central Arkansas clients. Established 2014; locally recognized Lonoke County attorney.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateGuardianshipCivil LitigationCriminal Law

Office
206 North First St.Cabot, AR 72023

Solo PracticeConway, AR

James O. Wyre II, Attorney at Law

Serves 3 counties

Conway solo practitioner with 25+ years of experience serving Faulkner, Lonoke, and Pope County families. Drafts wills and trusts, handles estate planning and probate, and also takes Chapter 7 bankruptcy matters that often intersect with estate debts. Serves Conway, Cabot, Russellville, and nearby communities.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBankruptcyFamily Law

Office
1014 Markham St., Ste. 3Conway, AR 72032

FirmLittle Rock, AR

James, House, Swann & Downing, P.A.

Serves 4 counties

Little Rock litigation firm with a focused estate and trust litigation practice serving Pulaski County and beyond. Opens probate estates, admits wills, secures appointment of executors and personal representatives, and litigates contested trust and estate disputes for fiduciaries and beneficiaries. AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and listed in its Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationEstate Tax Planning

Office
801 West Third StreetLittle Rock, AR 72203

Solo PracticeCabot, AR

Larry K. Cook, P.A.

Serves 3 counties

Cabot firm serving Lonoke, White, and Pulaski County families across central Arkansas. A lifetime Lonoke County resident, Larry Cook is known for probate work, guiding executors and heirs through estate administration in the local court, and also handles wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate

Office
200 Westport Dr, Suite BCabot, AR 72023

Solo PracticeCabot, AR

The Hardin Law Firm, PLC

Since 2013 · Serves 3 counties

Cabot practice led by Deborah L. Hardin serving Lonoke, Pulaski, and White counties. For families, the firm prepares practical wills, trusts, and powers of attorney and handles probate, deeds, and title work; it does not take litigation. Offers phone consultations and online booking.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateReal EstateSocial Security Disability

Office
110 S. 1st StreetCabot, AR 72023
See all 22 firms serving Lonoke 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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Legal Sources

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

Tools for Settling an Estate in Arkansas

Free tools for settling an estate in Arkansas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Arkansas.

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Arkansas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysArk. Code § 28-49-110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code §§ 28-50-101, 28-50-103, 28-50-104, 28-50-105, 28-50-106, 28-1-112, 28-40-111Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

See the Steps

How Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in Arkansas happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeArk. Code Ann. § 28-73-101 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysArk. Code §§ 28-73-813, 28-73-1005Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

See the Steps

Can I Self-File Probate?

Arkansas has no statewide fill-in probate petition, so the opening petition is drafted as a legal pleading, and informal probate is not availableArk. Code § 28-40-119 (the circuit court admits the will and grants letters); § 28-1-106(b)(1) (clerk appointment only in the judge's absence); no informal probate trackVerified Sep 8, 2026View source.

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