What to Do When Someone Dies in Pulaski County, Arkansas
Probate in Pulaski 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 Pulaski 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
Pulaski County · 6th Judicial Circuit
Address
401 West Markham Street, Suite 100Little Rock, AR 72201
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 Pulaski County, probate runs through the Circuit Court - Probate Division at 401 West Markham Street, Suite 100, Little Rock. The court sits in the 6th Judicial Circuit. Pulaski County shares the 6th Judicial Circuit with Perry.
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 Pulaski County
What probate costs in Pulaski 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 401 West Markham Street, Suite 100, Little Rock. The court is part of the 6th 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 Pulaski 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 6th 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 Pulaski 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.
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.
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.
New probate cases filed through the Central Receiving Department
The Circuit Clerk's Central Receiving Department files all new court cases including probate, issues writs, and processes small estate affidavits. New estate filings route through Central Receiving rather than a separate probate counter.
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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Terri Hollingsworth, at 401 West Markham Street, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: 501-340-8433. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page.
Pulaski County accepts electronic recording through CSC, eRecording Partners Network (ePN), Indecomm Global Services, Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Circuit Clerk
Pulaski County · Terri Hollingsworth
Address
401 West Markham Street, Suite 100Little Rock, AR 72201
Arkansas uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Pulaski 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 Pulaski 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 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.
Location
8201 Cantrell Road, Suite 330Little Rock, AR 72227
North Little Rock firm in Pulaski County focused exclusively on estate planning since 1993. Prepares wills and trusts and handles probate and estate-tax planning, with particular experience serving farming families, cattlemen, and small-business owners passing assets to heirs. Founder Tim Russell has prepared more than 2,000 estate plans over three decades.
Location
2504 McCain Blvd, Suite 224North Little Rock, AR 72116
Little Rock firm (the largest in Arkansas, with a Rogers office) serving Pulaski County and statewide clients. Its Trust & Estate group handles estate and trust administration, fiduciary representation, trust and estate controversies, and gift/estate tax returns. A choice for larger or contested estates needing experienced fiduciary counsel.
Location
400 West Capitol Ave, Suite 2000Little Rock, AR 72201
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.
Located in downtown North Little Rock, the firm primarily handles probate and estates, trusts, wills, estate planning, and real estate. Attorney Harvey Harris works personally with each client to set up an estate plan or resolve a decedent's estate. Offers free consultations, in person or by phone.
Location
One Riverfront Place, Suite 413North Little Rock, AR 72114
Little Rock firm (with Conway and Stuttgart offices) serving Pulaski, Faulkner, and Arkansas counties. Tax-forward estate practice handling wills, trusts, probate administration, complex trust administration and accounting, guardianships/conservatorships, and asset protection. Partner Lyle D. Foster works in tax, estate planning, and probate administration.
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.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
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Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
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This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Pulaski County Guides
Step-by-step tools for families in Pulaski County, Arkansas.
