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What to Do When Someone Dies in Arkansas

A step-by-step guide for the first days and weeks after losing a loved one. Take your time - most of these don't need to happen immediately.

Get Death Certificates

If You Are the Named Executor in Arkansas

If you are the named executor, personal representative, or the family member organizing an Arkansas estate, start with the records and court tasks below at a steady pace. Each step links to its full instructions in the timeline.

  1. Order Death Certificates

    Arkansas death certificates guide →

  2. Consider Probate Options
  3. Determine if Probate is Needed
  4. Notify Banks and Financial Institutions
  5. Secure Property

Grief is exhausting. It's okay to ask for help, take breaks, and handle things one step at a time.

Timeline of Tasks

Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.

First 24-48 Hours

Pronouncement of Death
If the death occurred at home, call 911 or the deceased's doctor. A medical professional must officially pronounce the death.
Contact a Funeral Home
Choose a funeral home to transport and care for your loved one. They will guide you through many next steps.
Notify Immediate Family
Let close family members know. Consider designating one person to spread the word to extended family and friends.

First Week

Order Death Certificates
You'll need certified copies for banks, insurance, courts, and more. Order more than you think you need.
Locate Important Documents
Gather the will, trust documents, insurance policies, and financial records.
Consider Probate Options
Arkansas offers more than one path. Smaller estates can often avoid full administration.
Notify Social Security
Report the death to Social Security to stop benefits.

First Month

Decide: Attorney vs DIY
A small estate affidavit is often manageable on your own; full administration is more involved. Decide if you need professional help.
Determine if Probate is Needed
Not all estates need full probate. Many assets pass directly to beneficiaries.
Notify Banks and Financial Institutions
Contact each bank, brokerage, and financial institution.
File Life Insurance Claims
Contact each life insurance company to file a claim.
Secure Property
Protect the deceased's home and belongings.

Ongoing (Weeks to Months)

Open Probate (if needed)
If the estate requires administration, file the appropriate petition with the Circuit Court (Probate Division) in the decedent's county.
Publish Notice to Creditors
In a formal administration, the personal representative publishes a notice to creditors.
File the Estate Inventory
The personal representative files a true and complete inventory of the decedent's property.
File Tax Returns
File the deceased's final tax return and any estate income tax returns.
Distribute Assets
After debts are paid and the claim period ends, distribute remaining assets.

Who to Notify

Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213
Employer / HR Department
Phone call or email
Banks & Credit Unions
Visit branch with death certificate
Insurance Companies
Call policy customer service
Credit Card Companies
Call number on card
Utility Companies
Call to transfer or cancel
DMV / Vehicle Registration
Visit in person or online
Post Office
Submit change of address form

Documents to Gather

Death Certificates

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.

How to get death certificates →

Will & Trust Documents

Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.

Probate guide →

Financial Statements

Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.

Asset transfer guide →

There is no rush on this. When you are ready, a short assessment can help you see whether probate is needed.

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. The Arkansas probate guide walks through what usually comes next.

Read the Arkansas Probate Guide

More Arkansas Resources

Explore the rest of the Arkansas probate hub.

Do I need probate?4 pages
Costs and money5 pages
File for probate2 pages
Transfer assets4 pages
Learn and reference5 pages