What to Do When Someone Dies in Phillips County, Arkansas

Probate in Phillips 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 Phillips 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

Phillips County · 1st Judicial Circuit

Address

620 Cherry StreetHelena, AR 72342

Fax

870-338-5513

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit court website →
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneys

Verified July 3, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Phillips 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 Phillips County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 620 Cherry Street, Helena. The court sits in the 1st Judicial Circuit. Phillips County shares the 1st Judicial Circuit with Cross, Lee, Monroe, St Francis and Woodruff.

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 Phillips County

What probate costs in Phillips 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 620 Cherry Street, Helena. The court is part of the 1st 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.

E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Circuit Court - Probate Division (https://efile.arcourts.gov/). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.

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

If you're handling probate yourself in Phillips County, Arkansas, you can file at the Circuit Court - Probate Division in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 1st Judicial Circuit.

How to File Your Documents

Paper Filing Available

You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Phillips County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.

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 Phillips County Self-Filing Assessment.

Phillips 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 Phillips 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 Phillips County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Tameka Franklin, at 620 Cherry Street, Helena, AR 72342. Phone: 870-338-5515.

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

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Phillips County · Tameka Franklin

Address

620 Cherry StreetHelena, AR 72342

Fax

870-338-5513

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 Phillips County

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

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

Downtown Little Rock firm (Simmons Bank Tower) serving central Arkansas: Pulaski, Saline, Faulkner, Lonoke. Its taxation and estate-planning group handles revocable trusts, wills, trust and estate administration, and estate/trust litigation. Established in 1986 and now 31 attorneys, including Adam D. Reid, who handles trust and estate administration.

Location
425 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 3800Little Rock, AR 72201
Established
1986
Service Area
Statewide
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Tax Planning
  • Elder Law
  • Asset Protection
  • Special Needs Planning

Mena firm covering the Polk, Scott, and Montgomery county courts of western Arkansas, with reach into adjoining Oklahoma. For families settling an estate, handles probate administration and contested wills, plus wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorney John Maddox is a Polk County native with 25-plus years of local court experience.

Location
520 Church AvenueMena, AR 71953
Service Area
Statewide
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Family Law
  • Business Law
  • Civil Litigation
See all 12 firms serving Phillips 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.