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Lincoln County, AR Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Lincoln County details |
|---|---|
| Court | Lincoln County Circuit Court, probate division |
| Courthouse address | Lincoln County Courthouse, 300 South Drew Street, Room 101, Star City, AR 71667 |
| Mailing address | Call before mailing if you need a clerk-specific mailing address. |
| Probate filings go to | Call ahead to confirm whether the circuit clerk or county clerk takes the filing. Circuit clerk: (870) 628-3154. County clerk: (870) 628-5114. |
| Fax | Circuit clerk fax: (870) 628-5546 |
| Hours | Call before visiting; the available clerk listings do not state office hours. |
| Filing fee | Current as of August 2026: $165.00 to open a decedent's estate, made up of the $150.00 uniform filing fee under A.C.A. § 21-6-403 and the $15.00 court technology fee under A.C.A. § 21-6-416. Current as of August 2026: $25.00 to file a small-estate affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, plus $5.00 per certified copy under A.C.A. § 28-41-101. |
| Local forms | Use the Arkansas Judiciary official probate forms and statewide probate cover sheet. Ask the Lincoln County clerk whether any local instruction sheet is required. |
| E-filing | Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov. A self-represented filer should ask the clerk whether this court will register them, with in-person or mail filing as the fallback. |
| Case search | Search ARCourts at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad provides statewide case information. Document availability depends on the court. |
| Remote appearance | Ask the clerk and check the Eleventh West Judicial Circuit administrative plan before relying on phone or video participation. |
| Website | Arkansas Judiciary clerk listings: arcourts.gov/directories/circuit-clerks and arcourts.gov/directories/county-judge-clerk |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before starting probate in Lincoln County, make a practical list of the estate's assets, debts, account access, real property, beneficiaries, and any original will. That list drives the estate settlement path, the forms, the filing fee, and whether you need letters testamentary or letters of administration.
Sunset's asset discovery can search more than 2,300 financial institutions so families can identify accounts before filing. Better asset information makes estate settlement in Star City less likely to stall after the petition is filed.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Lincoln County is filed at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Star City, in the probate division of the Lincoln County Circuit Court. Lincoln County sits in Arkansas's Eleventh West Judicial Circuit, but the case is filed at Lincoln County's own courthouse.
Arkansas venue is set by A.C.A. § 28-40-102: file where the decedent resided in Arkansas at death, or, for a nonresident, where the greater part in value of the Arkansas property is located. If more than one case is started, the first legally commenced proceeding controls while venue is determined, and a misfiled case can be transferred rather than dismissed.
Lincoln County has separate circuit clerk and county clerk offices. Because the public contact information does not identify which office serves as probate clerk, call the courthouse before filing: circuit clerk at (870) 628-3154 and county clerk at (870) 628-5114.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if one exists, a list of heirs and devisees, and a working inventory of assets and debts for the estate settlement.
- Check the Arkansas filing deadline. A will cannot be admitted and an administration cannot be granted unless application is made within five years from death, subject to the statute's exceptions (A.C.A. § 28-40-103).
- Choose the filing path. If 45 days have passed and the estate qualifies for the affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee, current as of August 2026: $100,000 or under after encumbrances and excluding the homestead and statutory allowances under A.C.A. § 28-39-101, use A.C.A. § 28-41-101. Otherwise prepare a petition for full administration.
- Prepare the Arkansas Judiciary official probate form that fits the case, such as a petition for probate of will and appointment of personal representative or a petition for appointment of administrator. Add the statewide probate cover sheet.
- Before traveling to Star City, call the Lincoln County courthouse to confirm whether the circuit clerk or county clerk is accepting probate filings that day. The circuit clerk number is (870) 628-3154 and the county clerk number is (870) 628-5114.
- File at the Lincoln County Courthouse, 300 South Drew Street, Room 101, Star City, AR 71667. Current as of August 2026, opening a decedent's estate costs $165.00, made up of $150.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-403 and $15.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-416. If the filer cannot afford the fee, ask about a Rule 72 in forma pauperis request.
- Handle notice and any hearing. A hearing is required if the petition is opposed or a demand for notice has been filed, and otherwise is within the court's discretion (A.C.A. § 28-40-110). Ask the clerk how the Eleventh West Judicial Circuit judge handles scheduling and any phone or video request.
- After appointment, the court appoints the personal representative and the clerk issues letters testamentary or letters of administration under the court's seal (A.C.A. § 28-48-102).
- Publish notice after letters are granted and serve required copies on heirs, devisees, known creditors, and the Department of Human Services when required. Claims are barred six months from first publication under A.C.A. § 28-40-111.
- Administer and close the estate by collecting assets, handling claims, paying approved debts and taxes, accounting to the court when required, distributing property, and seeking discharge.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Lincoln County
Arkansas publishes official probate forms for decedent estates, including petitions, proof of will, bond, acceptance of appointment, letters testamentary, letters of administration, notices, inventory, accounting, and the Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee under A.C.A. § 28-41-101. The statewide probate cover sheet should be prepared with the filing.
| Form source | What to use in Lincoln County |
|---|---|
| Arkansas Judiciary official probate forms | Use the statewide forms for petitions, notices, letters, inventory, accounting, and the small-estate affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101. |
| Statewide probate cover sheet | Include the probate cover sheet with the opening filing. |
| Lincoln County local instructions | Ask the clerk before filing whether the court wants an extra local instruction sheet or cover note. |
Local nuance
Lincoln County-specific considerations
The important Lincoln County local issue is the filing counter. Lincoln County has separate circuit clerk and county clerk offices, and the public contact information for those offices does not identify which one serves as probate clerk. Before you prepare envelopes, travel to Star City, or rely on a phone number, call both offices if needed: circuit clerk at (870) 628-3154 and county clerk at (870) 628-5114.
Use the courthouse address for in-person filing: Lincoln County Courthouse, 300 South Drew Street, Room 101, Star City, AR 71667. Ask for current hours, mailing instructions, and whether any local probate instruction sheet is required.
Recent updates
| Date | Update | What it means for Lincoln County families |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Legal Aid of Arkansas became the only LSC-funded civil legal aid provider statewide. | Use Legal Aid of Arkansas's statewide intake number, 1-800-952-9243, to check eligibility. Do not assume it will take an estate matter. |
| December 9, 2025 | The eFlex Electronic Filing Rejection Policy took effect through efile.arcourts.gov. | Filers using eFlex should follow the rejection and redaction rules before submitting probate documents. |
| June 5, 2026 | Subscription billing ends for eFlex payments through efile.arcourts.gov. | Other payment methods remain available through the e-filing portal. |
| Current statewide case search | Search ARCourts is the live statewide public case search at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad. | Lincoln County case information can be searched there, while document access depends on the court. |
Scenarios
| Person | Likely Lincoln County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse w/ co-owned home | Start by checking how the home is titled and whether the estate has assets that need court authority. If a court filing is needed, call the Star City courthouse to confirm the probate clerk before filing. Homestead and statutory allowances matter in the A.C.A. § 28-41-101 calculation, and statutory allowances are addressed in A.C.A. § 28-39-101. | Sunset helps identify accounts, organize title questions, and prepare an estate settlement plan before you decide whether Lincoln County probate is needed. |
| Out-of-state adult child w/ small estate | If 45 days have passed and the estate fits A.C.A. § 28-41-101, the affidavit is filed with the probate clerk in the county of proper venue, then certified copies are used with asset holders. Current as of August 2026, the filing is $25.00 under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, plus $5.00 per certified copy under A.C.A. § 28-41-101. If letters are needed, ask the clerk about Form 9, Designation of Process Agent, and any phone or video request. | Sunset helps find assets, assemble information for the affidavit or petition, and connect the family with a local attorney if letters or a sale are needed. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101 can include real property, but real property triggers publication and a creditor window. A sale often requires letters, so the parent should call the Lincoln County courthouse before filing and ask which clerk counter takes probate papers. | Sunset helps organize real property, debts, heirs, and account information so the attorney or personal representative can move the estate settlement forward. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln County courthouse contacts | Call to confirm the correct probate filing counter, current hours, mailing instructions, and any local instruction sheet. | Circuit clerk: (870) 628-3154. County clerk: (870) 628-5114. |
| Arkansas Judiciary official probate forms | Statewide probate forms and the probate cover sheet used for Arkansas circuit court probate filings. | arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications/court-forms/probate-division/forms |
| Arkansas Law Help | Public legal information, including a small-estate packet tied to A.C.A. § 28-41-101. | arlawhelp.org |
| Search ARCourts | Statewide public case information for Arkansas circuit courts at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad. | caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad |
| Legal Aid of Arkansas | Income-restricted civil legal help screening. Estate matters may fall outside its case priorities. | 1-800-952-9243 |
When to hire an attorney
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 institutions and helps families build a clearer picture of the estate before filing in Lincoln County.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset organizes the information needed for the Arkansas probate forms, the cover sheet, and the supporting documents a family can review before filing.
Find a local probate attorney. When a Lincoln County estate needs legal help, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted Arkansas probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Sunset supports estate settlement by helping families find assets, understand next steps, and connect with the right professional help.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an estate case for someone who lived in Lincoln County?
File in the probate division of the Lincoln County Circuit Court at the Lincoln County Courthouse, 300 South Drew Street, Room 101, Star City, AR 71667. Because Lincoln County has separate circuit clerk and county clerk offices, call before filing to confirm which counter serves as probate clerk.
Do I call the circuit clerk or the county clerk for Lincoln County probate?
Call before you go. The circuit clerk is at (870) 628-3154, and the county clerk is at (870) 628-5114. The public contact information does not identify which office takes probate filings.
How much does it cost to open probate in Lincoln County?
Current as of August 2026, opening a decedent's estate costs $165.00 statewide: $150.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-403 plus the $15.00 court technology fee under A.C.A. § 21-6-416. Current as of August 2026, filing a small-estate affidavit costs $25.00 under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, plus $5.00 per certified copy under A.C.A. § 28-41-101.
Can I use e-filing for a Lincoln County probate case?
Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov. A self-represented filer should ask the Lincoln County clerk whether this court will register them for electronic filing, and should also ask about in-person or mail filing.
Can I look up a Lincoln County probate case online?
Search ARCourts at caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad provides statewide case information. It can be searched without a paid subscription, but document availability depends on the court.
Will I have to attend a hearing in Star City?
A hearing is required if the petition is opposed or a demand for notice has been filed, and otherwise is within the court's discretion under A.C.A. § 28-40-110. Ask the clerk how the judge sets probate matters and whether phone or video participation can be requested.
Are there Lincoln County probate forms?
Use the Arkansas Judiciary official probate forms and the statewide probate cover sheet. Ask the Lincoln County clerk whether the court wants any local instruction sheet with the filing.
What deadline matters most when opening an Arkansas probate?
Application to admit a will or grant administration must be made within five years from death, subject to the statute's exceptions (A.C.A. § 28-40-103). After letters are granted, creditor claims are barred six months from first publication under A.C.A. § 28-40-111.
Can Sunset help if I live outside Arkansas?
Yes. Sunset can help organize asset information, generate a probate packet for review, and connect you with a vetted Arkansas probate attorney so the estate settlement can move forward even if you are not in Star City.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.