Arkansas Executor and Estate Kit: the $100,000 Small Estate Route After 45 Days, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Arkansas. Through a court office. The affidavit is filed with the probate court; the clerk certifies a copy, and that certified copy is what banks and others act on.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Arkansas, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: Nolo (secondary source): Probate Shortcuts in Arkansas (Nolo, updated 4/24/2024); Arkansas Judiciary official probate form 23: Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee; Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate (Pulaski County Circuit/County Clerk, as of January 1, 2019); Norwood v. Sellers, 2009 Ark. App. 497, quoting Ark. Code 28-25-103 (Arkansas Judiciary); Nolo (secondary source): How to Make a Will in Arkansas (Nolo, updated May 2023).
• All 12 Arkansas facts are confirmed: on an official page, or where none could be read, on a vetted secondary source marked as such.

What is inside

• Arkansas small estate route. The estate, not counting the homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children, can't be more than $100,000. Real estate other than the homestead counts; when there's real estate, notice must be published within 30 days after filing (Nolo's summary). Real estate counts toward the value, and the procedure can reach it. 45 days. More than 45 days after the death. Signed before a notary. Sworn before a notary public: the Pulaski County Clerk's version of the affidavit ends with a notary's jurat. Through a court office. The affidavit is filed with the probate court; the clerk certifies a copy, and that certified copy is what banks and others act on. Form 23, Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee. The state judiciary's official probate form, with the clerk's certificate on it. Distribution without administration (Form 23): The small estate procedure itself: the affidavit is filed with the probate court, the clerk certifies it, and the holder releases the property on the certified copy. The homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children are left out of the $100,000.
• How a Arkansas will had to be signed. At least two witnesses, per the statute as quoted by the Arkansas Court of Appeals in 2009. Yes: a notary takes the sworn affidavit of the testator and both witnesses, which lets the court accept the will without calling them (Nolo on Ark. Code 28-25-106). Recognized if the entire body and signature are in the testator's handwriting; three credible, disinterested witnesses must be able to establish the handwriting (Nolo, citing 28-25-104). Use witnesses who get nothing under the will: Nolo reads 28-25-102 as putting a witness-beneficiary's gift at risk.
• Arkansas estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $100,000, dates day 45 after the death and counts real estate in the person's name.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 45 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.