Estate Planning for Woodruff County, Arkansas Property Owners

For most Woodruff 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 Woodruff 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 Woodruff 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.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, Woodruff County property passes through the Circuit Court - Probate Division — even simple Arkansas probates run 6+ months and start with $165 in 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 Woodruff County

A beneficiary deed names a beneficiary who receives Woodruff 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 Woodruff County are recorded with the Circuit Clerk, led by Lori Grisham, at 500 North 3rd Street, Augusta, AR 72006. Phone: 870-347-2391.

The Circuit Clerk charges $15 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Recording a 2-page beneficiary deed in Woodruff County comes to $20. A beneficiary deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

Circuit Clerk

Woodruff County · Lori Grisham

Address

500 North 3rd StreetAugusta, AR 72006

Fax

870-347-8703

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 Woodruff County

Newport firm serving Jackson County and the broader White River region, with offices also in Fayetteville and Memphis. Tim Watson Sr., in practice over 45 years, guides personal representatives through probate and the full estate settlement process — wills, trusts, and administration — for families across northern and central Arkansas. Now transitioning to Tim Watson Sr. Law Firm, LLC.

Location
209 Walnut StreetNewport, AR 72112
Service Area
4 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Property Law
  • Business Law
Free consultation

John D. Milum, P.A.

Solo Practice

General-practice firm with offices in Yellville, Salem, and Harrison, serving Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Izard, and Sharp County families in north central Arkansas. Handles estate planning, probate, powers of attorney, guardianships, elder law, and deeds, plus the real estate and property work that surfaces when settling an estate.

Location
121 Hwy 62 EastYellville, AR 72687
Service Area
6 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Elder Law
  • Guardianship
  • Civil Litigation

Sherwood estate and elder law firm with offices also in Searcy, Benton, and Little Rock, serving families across central Arkansas probate courts. Steven McClelland and his team handle probate administration, trust administration, guardianships, and Medicaid planning, with a focus on retaining public benefits for elderly or incapacitated clients.

Location
135 Shadow Oaks DriveSherwood, AR 72120
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Guardianship

Little Rock firm founded in 1988 with offices in Searcy and Stuttgart, serving Pulaski, White, and Arkansas County families. Handles probate of estates with and without a will, distributing property under the will or Arkansas intestacy law. Over 17,500 cases handled and 125+ years of combined experience; offers a free consultation.

Location
5701 South University AvenueLittle Rock, AR 72209
Established
1988
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Estate Administration
  • Trust Administration
Free consultation

Central Arkansas estate firm with offices in Little Rock, Searcy, and Conway, covering Pulaski, White, and Faulkner county families. Handles living trusts, wills, probate, trust administration, and Medicaid planning. Free consultations offered.

Location
900 S Shackleford Rd, Suite 708Little Rock, AR 72211
Service Area
3 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Elder Law
Free consultation

Estate planning and elder law practice in Marshall serving north central Arkansas, with additional offices in Harrison and Calico Rock. Mitch Cash, a former Searcy County District Court Judge, handles wills, trusts, probate, and Medicaid/life care planning for families. Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and ElderCounsel.

Location
608 Hwy 65 NorthMarshall, AR 72650
Service Area
7 counties
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Trust Administration
  • Elder Law
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Guardianship
  • Special Needs Planning
See all 18 firms serving Woodruff 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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