Estate Planning for Mississippi County, Arkansas Property Owners

For most Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Mississippi 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 Mississippi County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Leslie Mullins Mason, at 206 North 2nd Street, Blytheville, AR 72315. Phone: 870-762-2332. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 1498, Blytheville, AR 72316.

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 Mississippi County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Mississippi County · Leslie Mullins Mason

Address

206 North 2nd StreetBlytheville, AR 72315Mailing: P.O. Box 1498, Blytheville, AR 72316

Fax

870-762-8148

Hours

Monday-Friday 9:00 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 Mississippi County

Jonesboro firm practicing exclusively in estate planning, elder law, and probate for families across Craighead and surrounding Northeast Arkansas counties. Attorney Chad R. Oldham handles trust and estate administration, wills and trusts, special-needs planning, and estate and trust taxation — a single-area practice rather than a general one.

Location
603 Southwest Drive, Suite CJonesboro, AR 72401
Service Area
5 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Estate Tax Planning
  • Charitable Planning
  • Business Succession
  • Special Needs Planning

Jonesboro firm serving Craighead County and northeast Arkansas. For families administering an estate, the firm guides executors and administrators through Craighead County probate from appointment through the claims process to final distribution, and prepares wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Offers a free consultation.

Location
111 East Huntington Ave., 2nd FloorJonesboro, AR 72401
Service Area
5 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Banking Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Personal Injury
  • Mediation
Free consultation

Jonesboro firm serving Craighead County and Northeast Arkansas for decades. Waddell, Cole & Jones handles probate, estate and trust administration, and guardianships alongside its litigation and business practice, working with local families as well as larger institutional clients. Estate planning is a core practice area.

Location
310 East Street, Suite AJonesboro, AR 72403
Service Area
4 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Tax Planning
  • Business Law
  • Commercial Litigation

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 Mississippi 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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