How to Make an Online Will In Arkansas

What You Need to Know about Creating a Will Online in Arkansas

Creating an Arkansas will is an important step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring your final wishes are honored. Whether you want to name guardians for your children, outline how your assets should be distributed, or specify your healthcare preferences, having a legally valid will gives you control and peace of mind. With Trust & Will’s online platform, Arkansas residents can easily create a customized, attorney-approved will that meets all state requirements, without the stress or expense of visiting a lawyer’s office.

What is a Last Will and Testament in Arkansas?

A Last Will and Testament in Arkansas is a legal document that explains how you want your property and belongings distributed after your death. It also lets you name a guardian for minor children and appoint someone to handle your estate. 

What is Considered a Legal Will in Arkansas?

A legal will in Arkansas must be created by someone at least 18 years old and of sound mind, signed by the person making the will, and witnessed by at least two people who are not beneficiaries. Handwritten wills are legal if they are entirely in your handwriting and signed by you. 

What are the Requirements for a Will to be Valid in Arkansas?

Again, the requirements for a will to be legal in Arkansas include: 

• You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.

• The will must be in writing (typed or handwritten).

• You must sign the will yourself or direct someone to sign for you in your presence.

• At least two competent witnesses must sign the will in your presence.

• Witnesses should not be beneficiaries named in the will.

• A handwritten (holographic) will must be entirely in your handwriting and signed by you.

• The will should clearly show your intent for it to serve as your Last Will and Testament.

Are Wills Public Record in Arkansas?

Yes, wills become public record in Arkansas once they are filed with the probate court after someone’s death. Before filing, a will remains private and is only accessible to the person who made it and anyone they choose to share it with.

How to Make a Will in Arkansas

The following steps provide a simple overview for creating a Last Will and Testament in Arkansas: 

1. List your assets and choose who will inherit them.

2. Select an executor to manage your estate.

3. Name guardians for any minor children.

4. Write and sign your will according to Arkansas law.

5. Have at least two witnesses sign the will in your presence.

6. Store the signed document in a safe place and tell your executor where to find it.

How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer in Arkansas

You can make a will without a lawyer in Arkansas by writing it yourself or using an online platform like Trust & Will. Make sure it meets state requirements: it must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people. Following these steps ensures your will is legally valid and clearly reflects your wishes.

How Much Does a Will Cost in Arkansas?

The cost of a will in Arkansas depends on how you create it. Hiring an attorney can cost $300 to $1,000 or more, while creating an online will with Trust & Will is much more affordable and still legally valid under Arkansas law.

Does a Will Need to be Notarized in Arkansas?

No, a will does not need to be notarized in Arkansas to be valid. However, adding a notarized self-proving affidavit can make the probate process easier because it confirms the will’s authenticity without requiring witnesses to testify in court.

Does a Will Need to be Witnessed in Arkansas?

Yes, a will must be witnessed in Arkansas. State law requires at least two competent witnesses to sign the will in the presence of the person making it. This step helps confirm that the will was created voluntarily and is legally valid.

How to File a Will in Arkansas

To file a will in Arkansas, the original signed document must be submitted to the probate court in the county where the person lived at the time of death. The executor named in the will usually files it along with a petition to open probate. The court then reviews the will’s validity, appoints the executor, and oversees the distribution of assets according to the will’s instructions. Filing the will promptly—typically within a few days or weeks of death—helps ensure the estate is settled efficiently and in compliance with Arkansas law.

How to Amend or Update a Will in Arkansas

To amend or update a will in Arkansas, you can create a codicil, which is a separate legal document that makes specific changes to your existing will. A codicil must be signed and witnessed in the same way as your original will to be valid. You can also create a new will that clearly states it replaces any prior versions. Using an online service like Trust & Will makes updating your estate plan simple and ensures your revised documents meet all Arkansas legal requirements.

Do all Wills go through Probate in Arkansas?

No, not all wills go through probate in Arkansas. Estates valued under $100,000 may qualify for a simplified process that avoids full probate. However, most estates with property or significant assets will go through probate so the court can verify the will and oversee asset distribution.

How do you Avoid Probate in Arkansas?

You can avoid probate in Arkansas by setting up a living trust and transferring your assets into it. Property held in a trust passes directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. You can also use tools like joint ownership with rights of survivorship, payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts, and transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds for real estate. These methods ensure your assets transfer smoothly and quickly outside the probate process.

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Arkansas?

If someone dies without a will in Arkansas, their estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. This means the court decides who inherits based on family relationships. In Arkansas, this typically starts with children and grandchildren, a spouse, then parents, siblings, or other relatives if no immediate family exists. Without a will, the person has no control over how their assets are divided, and the court also appoints someone to manage the estate.

The Difference Between a Will and a Trust in Arkansas

The key difference between a will and a trust in Arkansas is when and how each takes effect. A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death and allows you to name guardians for minor children. A trust, on the other hand, can take effect while you’re still alive and helps your assets transfer directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate. A trust also provides more privacy and control over how and when inheritances are managed, while a will serves as a foundational document for anyone beginning their estate plan.

Creating an Arkansas will is a straightforward way to protect your family and ensure your wishes are followed. With Trust & Will, you can create a legally valid, state-specific will online in just minutes. Our guided platform walks you through each step, from naming an executor to selecting beneficiaries, and ensures your documents meet all Arkansas requirements. Whether you’re starting with a will or considering a trust for added protection, Trust & Will makes it easy to plan your legacy with confidence.

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