Back to Arkansas
Little River County, AR Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Little River County information |
|---|---|
| Court | Little River County Circuit Court, probate division |
| Courthouse address | 351 North Second Street, Ashdown, AR 71822 |
| Probate filings go to | Little River County Clerk, 351 North Second Street, Ashdown, AR 71822, phone (870) 898-7210 |
| Mailing | Call the Little River County Clerk before mailing probate papers. No separate probate mailing address is published on the county clerk page. |
| Phone | (870) 898-7210 for the Little River County Clerk |
| Fax | No Little River County Clerk probate fax is published. The fax number commonly associated with the circuit clerk belongs to a different office, so call before faxing probate papers. |
| Hours | Call the Little River County Clerk before traveling. The circuit clerk department in the same courthouse posts weekday public hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the County Clerk should confirm current probate counter hours. |
| Filing fee | $165.00 to open a decedent's estate, made up of the $150.00 uniform filing fee under A.C.A. § 21-6-403, reprinted by 2013 Act 282 effective March 6, 2013, plus the $15.00 court technology fee under A.C.A. § 21-6-416, created by 2009 Act 328 approved March 9, 2009. The small-estate affidavit filing is $25.00 under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, current as of August 2026, plus $5.00 per certified copy under the same section. |
| Local forms | The Arkansas Judiciary publishes the Official Probate Forms and the statewide probate cover sheet. Little River County does not publish a separate local probate packet on the County Clerk page. |
| E-filing | Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov under Arkansas e-filing rules. A self-represented filer should ask the Little River County Clerk whether this court will register them for electronic filing, and should use in-person or mail filing if the clerk directs that. |
| Case search | Search ARCourts at https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad provides statewide circuit court case information. Document availability varies by court. |
| Remote appearance | Ask the clerk whether the circuit judge permits phone or video attendance for a specific hearing, and check the Ninth Judicial Circuit West administrative plan. |
| Website | Little River County Clerk |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a probate path in Little River County, list the assets, debts, title documents, beneficiary designations, and any co-owned property. Arkansas venue, forms, notice, and whether letters are needed all depend on what the estate owns and who has authority to act.
Sunset's estate settlement process starts with asset discovery across 2,300 financial institutions, then helps organize what you find into a court-ready plan for the Little River County Clerk.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Little River County is filed at the Little River County Courthouse in Ashdown, in the probate division of the Little River County Circuit Court. The case is filed at this county's own courthouse even though the court sits in Arkansas's Ninth Judicial Circuit West with Howard, Little River, Pike, and Sevier counties.
Arkansas venue for probate of a will or administration is governed by A.C.A. § 28-40-102. The usual filing county is where the decedent resided at death; if the decedent did not reside in Arkansas, the rule looks to the Arkansas county with the greater part in value of the Arkansas property, then to the county of death if there was no Arkansas residence or property, and then to a county where the personal representative may maintain a cause of action. The first legally commenced proceeding controls statewide property, and a case filed in the wrong county can be transferred rather than dismissed.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if there is one, asset information, debt information, and names and addresses for heirs, devisees, known creditors, and anyone who may need notice.
- Check Arkansas's five-year filing limit. No will is admitted and no administration is granted unless application is made within five years from death, subject to the statutory exceptions in A.C.A. § 28-40-103.
- Choose the Arkansas path before filing. If 45 days have passed and the estate fits the affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, including the $100,000 amount current as of August 2026 after encumbrances and with the homestead and statutory allowances under A.C.A. § 28-39-101 excluded, the affidavit route may work. Otherwise, prepare a petition for probate of will and appointment of personal representative, or a petition for appointment of an administrator.
- Use the Arkansas Judiciary's official probate forms and include the statewide probate cover sheet. If a will exists, bring or mail the original will as directed by the clerk.
- File with the Little River County Clerk at the courthouse in Ashdown. Pay the statutory opening fee listed in the court-contact table, or ask the court about proceeding in forma pauperis under Rule 72 if the filing fee cannot be paid.
- Give notice as Arkansas law requires. A hearing is required if the petition is opposed or if a demand for notice has been filed; otherwise the court may decide whether a hearing is needed under A.C.A. § 28-40-110.
- If the court appoints a personal representative, the clerk issues letters testamentary or letters of administration under the court's seal after the required acceptance or bond step is complete, as provided in A.C.A. § 28-48-102.
- After letters are granted, publish the notice of appointment and serve copies on heirs, devisees, known creditors, and the Department of Human Services when required. Claims are barred six months from the first publication under A.C.A. § 28-40-111.
- Administer the estate by collecting assets, protecting property, addressing claims, paying approved debts and taxes, and preparing any inventory, accounting, or settlement required by the court.
- When administration is complete, request final distribution and discharge through the probate division so the personal representative's authority can end.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Little River County
Use the Arkansas Judiciary's Official Probate Forms and the statewide probate cover sheet for Little River County filings. The statewide set includes petitions, notice forms, bond forms, acceptance forms, letters testamentary, letters of administration, inventory, accounting, claim, and affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee forms.
The Little River County Clerk page does not provide a separate county probate packet, checklist, or local cover-sheet instruction. If you are filing without a lawyer, call the Little River County Clerk before filing to ask whether the clerk wants any additional local presentation step, copies, or self-addressed return envelopes.
Local nuance
Little River County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means for filing |
|---|---|
| Probate filings go to the County Clerk | The Little River County Clerk page lists estate probate as a County Clerk responsibility. Use the County Clerk's phone, (870) 898-7210, for probate filing questions. |
| The circuit clerk is a different office | The circuit clerk page lists other court and land-record duties and does not list probate. Do not rely on the circuit clerk's phone or fax for probate filings unless the County Clerk directs you there. |
| Hours should be checked before travel | The circuit clerk department in the same courthouse posts weekday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The County Clerk should confirm current probate counter hours, filing cutoffs, and any closure before you travel to Ashdown. |
Recent updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Legal Aid of Arkansas became the statewide LSC-funded civil legal-aid provider for all 75 Arkansas counties. |
| December 9, 2025 | The Arkansas Judiciary's eFlex Electronic Filing Rejection Policy took effect for filings through efile.arcourts.gov. |
| June 5, 2026 | Subscription-based payments in eFlex ended; other payment methods remained available through efile.arcourts.gov. |
| 2026 | The Arkansas Judiciary introduced Search ARCourts at https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad for public circuit court case information. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely Little River County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | Start by checking how the home is titled and whether a court filing is needed at all. If probate is needed for other assets, file in Ashdown with the Little River County Clerk. Arkansas's small-estate affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101 can be considered if 45 days have passed and the estate fits the $100,000 amount current as of August 2026 after encumbrances, excluding the homestead and statutory allowances under A.C.A. § 28-39-101. | Sunset helps identify accounts, title issues, debts, and whether estate settlement can stay narrow or needs a full probate filing. |
| Out-of-state adult child with a small estate | If the affidavit route under A.C.A. § 28-41-101 fits, the affidavit is filed with the probate clerk of the circuit court, then certified copies go to banks or other holders. If full administration is needed, ask the Little River County Clerk about filing by mail, eFlex eligibility at efile.arcourts.gov, and whether the judge permits phone or video attendance for any hearing. | Sunset organizes asset information, creates a task list for certified copies and notices, and helps decide when local counsel should step in. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A small-estate affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101 can reach real property, but real property adds publication and creditor timing. A sale often requires letters testamentary or letters of administration under A.C.A. § 28-48-102, so full administration in Little River County may be the practical path. | Sunset helps collect property, mortgage, account, and debt information so an attorney can move faster and estate settlement can stay organized. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Link or phone |
|---|---|---|
| Little River County Clerk | Probate filing counter for Little River County estate probate questions, filing logistics, current hours, and mailing instructions. | County Clerk page; (870) 898-7210 |
| Arkansas Judiciary Official Probate Forms | State forms for petitions, notices, letters, inventory, accounting, claims, and the affidavit for collection of small estate by distributee. | Official Probate Forms |
| Statewide probate cover sheet | Cover sheet used with Arkansas probate filings. | Probate cover sheet |
| Arkansas Law Help | Public legal information, including a small-estate packet that tracks A.C.A. § 28-41-101. | Arkansas Law Help small-estate packet |
| Search ARCourts | Free statewide circuit court case information at caseinfo.arcourts.gov. Document access varies by court. | Search ARCourts |
| Legal Aid of Arkansas | Income-restricted statewide civil legal-aid intake. Estate administration may not be within its priorities, but it is the statewide place to check eligibility. | 1-800-952-9243; Legal Aid of Arkansas |
When to hire an attorney
A probate attorney is especially useful in Little River County when a home must be sold, heirs disagree, a creditor claim is disputed, a nonresident family member needs authority, or the estate may need full administration instead of an affidavit. Sunset connects families with a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across 2,300 financial institutions and helps build the asset list needed for estate settlement in Little River County.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns what you enter into an organized packet using the Arkansas probate forms and the information the Little River County Clerk will need to receive a filing.
Find a local probate attorney. When the estate needs legal judgment, contested filings, real property work, or court appearances, Sunset can connect you with a vetted Arkansas probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize estate settlement tasks, locate assets, and understand next steps before deciding whether to hire counsel.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Little River County?
File probate matters with the Little River County Clerk at 351 North Second Street in Ashdown. The case is in the probate division of the Little River County Circuit Court.
Is the Little River County circuit clerk the probate filing counter?
No. Little River County's County Clerk page lists estate probate as a County Clerk responsibility. Use the County Clerk phone, (870) 898-7210, for probate filing questions.
How much does it cost to open probate in Little River County?
The opening fee is $165.00, consisting of $150.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-403, reprinted by 2013 Act 282 effective March 6, 2013, plus $15.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-416, created by 2009 Act 328 approved March 9, 2009. A small-estate affidavit is $25.00 under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, current as of August 2026, plus $5.00 per certified copy under the same section.
Can I e-file a Little River County probate case?
Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov. A self-represented filer should ask the Little River County Clerk whether this court will register them for electronic filing, and should be ready to file in person or by mail if directed.
Can I attend a Little River County probate hearing by phone or video?
Ask the Little River County Clerk and check the Ninth Judicial Circuit West administrative plan. Arkansas probate hearings are set by the circuit judge, and remote attendance depends on the judge and court practice for the specific matter.
Can I look up a Little River County probate case online?
Yes. Search ARCourts at https://caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad provides statewide circuit court case information. It is free to search, but whether documents can be viewed online varies by court.
Does Little River County have its own probate forms?
The County Clerk page does not provide a separate local probate packet. Use the Arkansas Judiciary's Official Probate Forms and the statewide probate cover sheet, and call the Little River County Clerk to ask about copies or local filing presentation.
Do I have to travel to Ashdown to start probate?
Not always. Call the Little River County Clerk before traveling to ask about mailing a filing, acceptable payment, copies, and whether any hearing can be handled without in-person attendance. Do not assume remote attendance without the judge's permission.
What deadline should I know before opening probate in Little River County?
Arkansas generally requires the application to admit a will or grant administration within five years from death under A.C.A. § 28-40-103. After letters issue, creditor claims are barred six months from first publication under A.C.A. § 28-40-111.
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.