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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 CertificatesDo I Need Probate?

Use this timeline to handle immediate post-death tasks in the right order before you move into probate, asset transfer, or executor paperwork.

If You Are the Named Executor in Arkansas

In plain terms: if you are handling a Arkansas estate, start with the records and court tasks below, at a steady pace. The details under each step explain exactly what to do.

If you are the named executor, personal representative, administrator, or the family member organizing a Arkansas estate, start with the state-specific records, court, and transfer tasks below. Check each step against the current county office or agency handling the estate.

  1. Order Death Certificates

    You'll need certified copies for banks, insurance, courts, and more. Order more than you think you need.

    Arkansas death certificates guide →

  2. Consider Probate Options

    Arkansas offers more than one path. Smaller estates can often avoid full administration.

  3. Determine if Probate is Needed

    Not all estates need full probate. Many assets pass directly to beneficiaries.

  4. Notify Banks and Financial Institutions

    Contact each bank, brokerage, and financial institution.

  5. Secure Property

    Protect the deceased's home and belongings.

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

Timeline of Tasks

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

Keep this list handy as you work through notifications.

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

Gather these documents as soon as possible.

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 →

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. Use the Arkansas assessment to sort what may apply.

Take the Probate AssessmentRead the Arkansas Probate Guide

More Arkansas Resources

Explore the rest of the Arkansas probate hub.