Arkansas Executor and Estate Kit: the $100,000 Small Estate Route After 45 Days, First Month Checklist and Estate Ledger

Who it is for

Whoever is settling the estate of someone who lived in Arkansas. Through a court office. The affidavit is filed with the probate court; the clerk certifies a copy, and that certified copy is what banks and others act on.

Not the right fit if

The person didn't live in or own property in Arkansas, or a will contest or family dispute means you need an estate attorney. Not a form preparation or legal service.

Why it is different

• Sources, checked November 2026: Arkansas Judiciary official probate form 23: Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee; Norwood v. Sellers, 2009 Ark. App. 497, quoting Ark. Code 28-25-103 (Arkansas Judiciary).
• 6 facts aren't stated on those pages, so the kit says so and links where to check.

What is inside

• Arkansas small estate route. The estate, not counting the homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children, can't be more than $100,000. 45 days. More than 45 days after the death. Through a court office. The affidavit is filed with the probate court; the clerk certifies a copy, and that certified copy is what banks and others act on. Form 23, Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee. The state judiciary's official probate form, with the clerk's certificate on it. The homestead and the statutory allowances for the surviving spouse or minor children are left out of the $100,000.
• How a Arkansas will had to be signed. At least two witnesses, per the statute as quoted by the Arkansas Court of Appeals in 2009.
• Arkansas estate ledger (Excel). Assets, debts, payments and distributions; it compares the countable assets with $100,000, dates day 45 after the death and marks real estate to ask the court about.
• First 30 days, tracker and letters. The first month in order with day 45 marked, a documents and accounts tracker, and plain letters to a bank, a utility and Social Security.
• Still to confirm in Arkansas. real estate, notary or oath, simplified court procedure: check Arkansas Judiciary official probate form 23: Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee; self-proving affidavit, if the will is handwritten, a witness who inherits: check Norwood v. Sellers, 2009 Ark. App. 497, quoting Ark. Code 28-25-103 (Arkansas Judiciary).