Arkansas offers a probate shortcut for "small estates." This makes it easier for survivors to transfer property left by a person who has died. You may be able to transfer a large amount of property using the following probate shortcut -- saving time, money, and hassle.
Arkansas has a simplified probate process for small estates. To use it, an executor files a written request with the local probate court asking to use the simplified procedure. The court may authorize the executor to distribute the assets without having to jump through the hoops of regular probate.
You can use the simplified small estate process in Arkansas if:
or
To use this option, the executor's request must state:
The executor attaches a copy of the will and pays a $25 fee to file the affidavit. If the deceased person owned real property, the executor also publishes a notice of the death and the filing within 30 days of filing the affidavit. The notice must say that any creditors must make claims against the estate within three months from the date of publishing the notice.
For help determining if an estate qualifies for one of these probate shortcuts, or handling an estate in general, see The Executor's Guide, by Mary Randolph (Nolo) or Estate Planning Basics, by Denis Clifford (Nolo).
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