Probate cost · Arkansas
Probate cost in Arkansas
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Arkansas costs about $25,895 to $39,265 for a $500,000 estate. The Circuit Court charges $165 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under § 28-41-101. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $580-$3,950.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Arkansas, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $165 | Circuit Court filing fee. Add publication and certificate fees. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $80 - $250 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $200 - $2,500 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $300 - $1,200 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $15,150 on $500k | §28-48-108: 10% first $1k, 5% next $4k, 3% over $5k of the personal estate. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reasonable and court-approved, typically 2-4% of the estate. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Arkansas across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Arkansas has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $10,895 - $18,265 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $25,895 - $39,265 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $50,895 - $74,265 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Arkansas
- If the estate is under $100,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Circuit Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $200-$2,500 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Arkansas?
Total probate cost in Arkansas for a $500,000 estate typically runs $25,895 to $39,265. A $200,000 estate costs about $10,895-$18,265, a $1M estate $50,895-$74,265. Court filing alone is $165.
Who pays probate fees in Arkansas?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Circuit Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under § 28-41-101.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($100,000 in Arkansas). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Arkansas?
§28-48-108: 10% first $1k, 5% next $4k, 3% over $5k of the personal estate.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Circuit Court at the end, typically 12 months after opening the estate.
Where in Arkansas
In Arkansas, probate fees are paid at the Circuit Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Pulaski County
Circuit Court - courthouse in Little Rock
- County seat
Benton County
Circuit Court - courthouse in Bentonville
- County seat
Washington County
Circuit Court - courthouse in Fayetteville
Every Arkansas county has its own Circuit Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Arkansas
Related: Probate in Arkansas · Cost calculator · Probate timeline