Arkansas
Estate law, probate process, and inheritance rules for Arkansas — in plain language.
$2,000–$4,000 typical
Affidavit collection of personal property A.C.A. §28-41-101
Dower / curtesy of 1/3 in real estate + 1/3 of personal property
Spouse + descendants of marriage: spouse takes life estate in real property + 1/3 of personal.
- ✓Must be 18+ and of sound mind
- ✓May be required to post bond unless will waives it
- ✓Must file inventory of estate assets
- ✓Must give notice to creditors per statute
- ⏱Will filed within 5 years of death
- ⏱Notice to creditors: 6 months
- ⏱Inventory: within 2 months of letters
- ⚠Dower/curtesy can create unexpected spousal claims even with will
- ⚠AR has retained common-law dower (rare in 2024)
- ⚠Outdated beneficiary designations override the will
- ⚠Real estate in another state triggers ancillary probate
- ⚠Joint tenancy with non-spouse can create unintended consequences
- →Trust to avoid probate and address dower/curtesy
- →Beneficiary designation review
- Arkansas Code Title 28 (Wills, Estates, and Fiduciary Relationships)
Statute references are for orientation only. Verify current text with your state legislature's website. Not legal advice — consult an attorney licensed in Arkansas.
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