Arkansas Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Arkansas, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Arkansas guide.
- Will
- Arkansas will requirements: the 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, holographic wills, self-proving affidavits, and how divorce revokes a will. Read the guide
- Living trust
- Arkansas revocable living trust under the Arkansas Trust Code (Title 28 ch. 73): how it avoids probate, funding by retitling assets, and the pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- Arkansas power of attorney basics: durable by default, signing and notary rules, springing POAs, the statutory form, hot powers, and how it ends at death. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- How an Arkansas advance directive and healthcare proxy work: signing rules with two witnesses or a notary, when a proxy can act, and the surrogate list. Read the guide
Arkansas estate planning guides
Arkansas Estate Planning Basics: A Plain-Language Starter Guide
Arkansas estate planning basics: the will, durable POA, and healthcare directive every adult needs, plus probate, the small-estate limit, and taxes.
Arkansas Will Requirements
Arkansas will requirements: the 18-and-sound-mind rule, two-witness signing, holographic wills, self-proving affidavits, and how divorce revokes a will.
Arkansas Power of Attorney
Arkansas power of attorney basics: durable by default, signing and notary rules, springing POAs, the statutory form, hot powers, and how it ends at death.
Arkansas Advance Directive
How an Arkansas advance directive and healthcare proxy work: signing rules with two witnesses or a notary, when a proxy can act, and the surrogate list.
Arkansas Guardianship Planning
How adult and minor guardianship work in Arkansas under Title 28, Chapter 65, plus the durable POA and advance directive that can keep a court out of it.
Arkansas Revocable Living Trust Guide
Arkansas revocable living trust under the Arkansas Trust Code (Title 28 ch. 73): how it avoids probate, funding by retitling assets, and the pour-over will.
Arkansas Trust Administration Guide
Arkansas successor trustee duties after death under the Arkansas Trust Code (ch. 28-73): notify beneficiaries within 60 days, pay debts, account, distribute.
Arkansas Transfer on Death Deed (Beneficiary Deed) Guide
Arkansas's transfer on death deed is the beneficiary deed under Ark. Code 18-12-608: name a real estate beneficiary, record it before death, and skip probate.
Not sure what you need in Arkansas?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.