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After a parent dies · Arkansas
Small estates in Arkansas: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Arkansas's small estate affidavit is used when more than 45 days have passed since the death. In Arkansas, the property's value, less debts and not counting the homestead and allowances for a surviving spouse or minor children, must not exceed $100,000.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- Arkansas's small estate affidavit is used when more than 45 days have passed since the death. Arkansas Judiciary, Probate Form 23. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Arkansas, the property's value, less debts and not counting the homestead and allowances for a surviving spouse or minor children, must not exceed $100,000. Arkansas Judiciary, Probate Form 23. Checked November 2, 2026
- In Arkansas, if the small estate includes real property, the heir may publish a notice after filing the affidavit so creditors can present claims. Arkansas Judiciary, Probate Form 23. Checked November 2, 2026
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Will or trust copies
- Death certificates
- Court papers naming the executor
- Accounts and property papers
- Bills and letters to close out
- Family land papers (heirs' property)
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for Arkansas
- How to order a death certificate in Arkansas
- Executor checklist: papers after a parent dies: the full guide
- Small estates: collecting a parent's property without full probate: all states
Neighbouring states
- Small estates in Louisiana: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Missouri: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Mississippi: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Oklahoma: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Tennessee: collecting a parent's property without full probate
- Small estates in Texas: collecting a parent's property without full probate
Questions
Where do these Arkansas facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: Arkansas Judiciary, Probate Form 23. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in Arkansas or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for after a parent dies?
A good start: Will or trust copies; Death certificates; Court papers naming the executor; Accounts and property papers; Bills and letters to close out; Family land papers (heirs' property). Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.