In Arkansas, a surviving spouse who meets the legal requirements may choose to take against the will instead of accepting what the will leaves behind. That right depends on Arkansas probate law, the length of the marriage and the timing of the election. What it means...
Probate
Can a small estate affidavit simplify probate in Arkansas?
Losing a loved one can be difficult, and handling legal matters afterward might feel overwhelming. Many families assume that every estate must go through a lengthy, expensive probate process. In some situations, Arkansas law provides a simplified estate administration...
What happens to digital assets during probate in Arkansas?
Many people consider only physical property, bank accounts and real estate to be assets when creating estate planning documents. Today, a lot of individuals own digital property, which may play an important role in their estate administration. Individuals should not...
Is the executor mishandling your loved one’s estate?
When someone you care about passes away, you expect the executor to handle their estate properly. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. If you are a beneficiary, you have the right to stay informed and watch for potential problems. Warning signs to watch for...
What happens during probate if the family can’t find a will?
Many people think of wills when they think of estate planning. While estate plans can include a variety of documents, many people rely only on wills to establish a legacy and protect their loved ones. A will makes estate administration more predictable and less...
Who pays debts during probate?
When a person passes away, it is common for them to have some outstanding debt that has not yet been resolved. Many older adults try to address debt in advance, such as paying off a mortgage or other major obligations, to reduce the burden on family members. However,...
How to handle Arkansas probate from out of state
If you’re managing the estate of a loved one who lived outside Arkansas but owned property there, you may be surprised to learn that probate must still take place in Arkansas. Understanding how this works and what steps to take from afar can help you navigate the...
When can estate beneficiaries remove a personal representative?
A personal representative administering an estate commits to months of efforts on behalf of a deceased individual. Their efforts can uphold the last wishes of the deceased party and ensure the comfort and protection of their family members. Either the probate courts...
What to do if a will was written under duress
Discovering that a will may have been written under duress can be unsettling. A will is meant to reflect the true wishes of the person who created it, and any pressure or coercion can undermine its validity. When a will is suspected to have been signed because of...
How to speed up the probate process
Probate can take several months or more, depending on the complexity of the estate. While some delays are unavoidable, there are steps that can help move things along more quickly. Here are some important points to consider. Use of the small estate procedure If the...

