Estate Planning for Union County, Arkansas Property Owners

For most Union 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 Union 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 Union 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 Union County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Union 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 Union County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Cheryl Cochran-Wilson, at 101 North Washington, Suite 201, El Dorado, AR 71730. Phone: 870-864-1940. 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 Union County. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Union County accepts electronic recording through CSC, Simplifile, eRecording Partners Network (ePN).

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Union County · Cheryl Cochran-Wilson

Address

101 North Washington, Suite 201El Dorado, AR 71730

Hours

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

E-recording

Available via CSC, Simplifile, eRecording Partners Network (ePN)E-recording info →
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 Union County

L. Jennings Law

Solo Practice

Estate planning and elder law firm with offices in Magnolia and Little Rock, serving Columbia, Union, and Lafayette County families. Ledly Jennings handles estate planning, probate, and estate/trust administration, including work for farming and family-business clients settling estates and preserving assets.

Location
535 E Main StMagnolia, AR 71753
Service Area
4 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Estate Administration
  • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
  • Tax Planning
  • Business Succession

South Arkansas firm based in Magnolia (formed 2019 from a Magnolia/El Dorado merger) covering Columbia, Union, Ouachita, Calhoun, Dallas, and Lafayette county courts. For families after a death, handles probate of wills and estates, will contests, and guardianships, plus wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Partners carry a combined 60 years of practice.

Location
118 E Calhoun StMagnolia, AR 71753
Established
2019
Service Area
6 counties
  • Probate
  • Guardianship
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Property Law

El Dorado firm serving Union County through the local circuit court, with an additional office in Camden. For families settling an estate, the firm handles probate to administer assets and carry out a will, alongside its bankruptcy and Social Security disability work.

Location
725 N West AveEl Dorado, AR 71730
Service Area
1 county
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Social Security Disability

The Sawyer Firm

Solo Practice

El Dorado firm serving Union County and south Arkansas before the 13th Judicial District courts. Attorney R. Jeffrey Sawyer, a former deputy prosecutor, handles estate and probate matters alongside family law, civil litigation, and personal injury. Practicing since 2006.

Location
200 North Washington StreetEl Dorado, AR 71730
Service Area
4 counties
  • Probate
  • Estate Planning
  • Criminal Defense

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
See all 16 firms serving Union 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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