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St. Francis County, AR Probate Information
Quick facts
| Topic | St. Francis County information |
|---|---|
| Court | St. Francis County Circuit Court, probate division |
| Courthouse | St. Francis County Courthouse, 313 S. Izard St., Forrest City, AR 72335 |
| Probate filings go to | The clerk pages do not identify the probate counter. Call the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk at (870) 261-1715 or the St. Francis County Clerk at 870-261-1725 before filing. |
| Mailing address | Circuit Clerk: P.O. Box 1775, Forrest City, AR 72336-2924. County Clerk: 313 S. Izard St., Suite 2, Forrest City, AR 72335. |
| Phone | Circuit Clerk: (870) 261-1715. County Clerk: 870-261-1725. Main courthouse: (870) 633-2611. |
| Fax | Circuit Clerk: (870) 261-1723. County Clerk: 870-630-1210. |
| Hours | Both clerk pages list Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Filing fee | 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. 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 | No St. Francis County probate packet is published on the clerk pages. Use the Arkansas Judiciary's statewide Official Probate Forms and statewide probate cover sheet. |
| E-filing | Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov. A self-represented filer should ask the clerk whether that court will register them and, if not, how to file in person or by mail. |
| Case search | Search ARCourts at caseinfo.arcourts.gov provides free statewide case information. Document availability varies by court. |
| Remote appearance | Ask the clerk whether the circuit judge will allow phone or video participation and check the First Judicial Circuit's Administrative Order No. 14 plan. |
| Website | St. Francis County clerk department pages at stfranciscountyar.gov |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file anything in St. Francis County, list the accounts, real estate, vehicles, debts, beneficiaries, and the original will if one exists. Arkansas probate routing depends on venue under A.C.A. § 28-40-102, the type of filing, and whether a personal representative needs letters to deal with banks, buyers, or title companies.
Sunset's estate settlement process can help organize that first pass. Sunset searches more than 2,300 institutions for accounts and assets, so you can decide whether the Arkansas small estate affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101 or a full administration in Forrest City is the better path.
Which court handles jurisdiction
St. Francis County probate is handled at the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City, in the probate division of the St. Francis County Circuit Court. The court sits in Arkansas's First Judicial Circuit, but the filing is still made at the St. Francis County courthouse for a St. Francis County case.
Arkansas venue for probate of a will or administration is governed by A.C.A. § 28-40-102. The usual starting point is the county where the decedent resided at death; if the decedent was not an Arkansas resident, the statute looks to the Arkansas county with the greater part in value of the decedent's Arkansas property, then to the county of death in Arkansas, and then to a county where a cause of action may be maintained by the personal representative. If more than one proceeding is started, the first legally commenced proceeding controls until venue is resolved, and a case filed in the wrong county can be transferred.
St. Francis County is not one of Arkansas's dual-district counties. One courthouse in Forrest City serves the county, but the clerk pages do not identify whether the circuit clerk or county clerk receives decedent-estate filings, so call either clerk before you go.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if there is one, the names and addresses of heirs and devisees, a first list of assets and debts, and any documents showing how property is titled.
- Check the Arkansas five-year limit. A will is not admitted to probate and administration is not granted unless the application is made within five years from death, subject to the statute's exceptions (A.C.A. § 28-40-103).
- Choose the Arkansas route before you prepare the packet. If 45 days have passed, no personal representative case is pending or granted, and the estate is $100,000 or under as of August 2026 after encumbrances and excluding the homestead and statutory allowances, the affidavit route may fit (A.C.A. § 28-41-101; A.C.A. § 28-39-101). 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 add the statewide probate cover sheet. St. Francis County does not publish a separate local probate packet on the clerk pages.
- Call the St. Francis County Circuit Clerk at (870) 261-1715 or the St. Francis County Clerk at 870-261-1725 to confirm which counter accepts the filing. File at the St. Francis County Courthouse in Forrest City and pay the $165.00 opening cost as of August 2026, made up of $150.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-403 and $15.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-416, or ask the court about proceeding in forma pauperis under Rule 72.
- Handle notice and hearing scheduling as the court directs. Under A.C.A. § 28-40-110, a hearing is required if the petition is opposed or a demand for notice has been filed, and otherwise is set if the court chooses to set one.
- After the court appoints the personal representative, the clerk issues letters testamentary or letters of administration under the seal of the court (A.C.A. § 28-48-102). Ask how to obtain certified copies for banks, title companies, and other third parties.
- Publish notice after letters are granted and serve copies on heirs, devisees, and known or reasonably ascertainable unpaid creditors within one month after first publication, including the Department of Human Services when required. Claims are barred six months from first publication under A.C.A. § 28-40-111.
- Administer the estate: gather assets, protect property, deal with claims, pay allowed debts and taxes, prepare any inventory or accounting required by the court, distribute property, and request final discharge when the estate settlement is ready to close.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in St. Francis County
Arkansas publishes a statewide probate form set for the probate division, including petitions, proof of will, bonds, acceptance of appointment, letters testamentary, letters of administration, notices, inventory, accounting, and the Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate by Distributee. The statewide probate cover sheet should be included with the filing.
St. Francis County does not publish a separate probate packet, checklist, or local cover-sheet instruction on the circuit clerk or county clerk pages. Call the clerk before filing to confirm which counter accepts the packet in Forrest City and whether the clerk wants copies, envelopes, or a particular payment method.
Local nuance
St. Francis County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means for filing |
|---|---|
| Probate counter is not identified on the clerk pages | St. Francis County has separate circuit clerk and county clerk offices. Call before filing so the courthouse directs the petition or affidavit to the correct counter. |
| Two clerk contact blocks matter | The circuit clerk lists P.O. Box 1775, Forrest City, AR 72336-2924, phone (870) 261-1715, and fax (870) 261-1723. The county clerk lists 313 S. Izard St., Suite 2, Forrest City, AR 72335, phone 870-261-1725, and fax 870-630-1210. |
| Same published hours | Both clerk pages list Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Use current statewide help links | The county circuit clerk page lists the Legal Aid of Arkansas phone number. Use Legal Aid of Arkansas at arlegalaid.org and 1-800-952-9243. |
| No local probate packet is published | Use the Arkansas Judiciary's statewide Official Probate Forms and statewide probate cover sheet, then ask the clerk whether St. Francis County wants any additional local handling step. |
Recent updates
| Update | What changed |
|---|---|
| Legal aid coverage changed on January 1, 2026 | Legal Aid of Arkansas became the statewide civil legal-aid provider for all 75 Arkansas counties. Use arlegalaid.org and 1-800-952-9243. |
| eFlex rejection policy effective December 9, 2025 | The Arkansas Judiciary e-filing portal at efile.arcourts.gov announced an Electronic Filing Rejection Policy under Administrative Order No. 21. |
| eFlex subscription billing ends June 5, 2026 | The eFlex portal announced that subscription-based payments are being discontinued, while other payment methods remain available. |
| Search ARCourts is the current statewide case-search portal | Use Search ARCourts at caseinfo.arcourts.gov for Arkansas circuit court case information. Document access depends on the court and case. |
Scenarios
| Scenario | Likely St. Francis County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | Start by checking the deed and account titles. If assets pass outside probate, the court filing may be narrower. If probate is needed, file in Forrest City after confirming the correct clerk counter, and consider how the homestead and statutory allowances affect the Arkansas affidavit calculation (A.C.A. § 28-41-101; A.C.A. § 28-39-101). | Sunset helps identify accounts, debts, real estate, and beneficiary designations so the spouse can see what actually needs court involvement. |
| Out-of-state adult child with a small estate | If 45 days have passed and the estate fits the $100,000 Arkansas affidavit rule as of August 2026, the affidavit is filed with the probate clerk of the circuit court and certified copies can be used with asset holders (A.C.A. § 28-41-101). Call St. Francis County first because the local probate counter is not identified on the clerk pages. | Sunset organizes the asset list, helps generate the packet, and can connect the family with local counsel if letters or a sale issue makes the filing more complex. |
| Parent settling a predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The Arkansas small estate affidavit can include real property under A.C.A. § 28-41-101, but a sale often requires clearer authority through a personal representative and letters of administration under A.C.A. § 28-48-102. Confirm the St. Francis County filing counter before filing the petition in Forrest City. | Sunset helps locate assets and debts, assemble the information a lawyer or title company will ask for, and find a local probate attorney when a home sale is involved. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Link or phone |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Judiciary Official Probate Forms | Statewide probate division forms, including petitions, notices, letters, inventory, accounting, and the small estate affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101. | arcourts.gov/forms-and-publications/court-forms/probate-division/forms |
| Arkansas statewide probate cover sheet | Cover sheet used with probate filings in Arkansas circuit court. | arcourts.gov |
| Arkansas Law Help | Public legal-information site with a small-estate packet and plain-language information about Arkansas probate topics under A.C.A. § 28-41-101. | arlawhelp.org |
| Search ARCourts | Free statewide case information for Arkansas circuit courts. Use caseinfo.arcourts.gov; documents are not available for every case. | caseinfo.arcourts.gov/opad |
| Legal Aid of Arkansas | Statewide civil legal-aid intake for eligible Arkansans. Estate administration may not be within its case priorities, but it is the statewide place to check eligibility. | 1-800-952-9243, arlegalaid.org |
| St. Francis County Circuit Clerk and County Clerk | Call before filing because the clerk pages do not identify which office accepts decedent-estate filings. | Circuit Clerk: (870) 261-1715. County Clerk: 870-261-1725. |
When to hire an attorney
Consider hiring an Arkansas probate attorney when the will may be contested, heirs disagree, a home must be sold, creditor claims are expected, the estate needs letters quickly, or you are unsure which Arkansas procedure fits the assets. St. Francis County's clerk pages do not identify the probate counter, and a lawyer can help prepare the correct petition, notices, and orders for the Forrest City courthouse. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches more than 2,300 financial institutions and helps organize real estate, vehicles, debts, and beneficiary information so the family can see what belongs in the estate settlement.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you provide into a structured Arkansas probate packet using the statewide forms and the facts needed for a St. Francis County filing.
Find a local probate attorney. When the estate needs court authority, a home sale, or advice about contested issues, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted Arkansas probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize the estate settlement, understand next steps, and decide whether they want attorney help without paying Sunset for the service.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in St. Francis County, Arkansas?
File at the St. Francis County Courthouse, 313 S. Izard St., Forrest City, AR 72335, in the probate division of the St. Francis County Circuit Court. The clerk pages do not identify whether the circuit clerk or county clerk accepts decedent-estate filings, so call the circuit clerk at (870) 261-1715 or the county clerk at 870-261-1725 before you go.
Which clerk handles St. Francis County probate filings?
The county publishes separate circuit clerk and county clerk pages, but neither page identifies the probate counter. Do not assume the answer from the office title. Call ahead and ask which counter accepts petitions for probate, administration, or an affidavit under A.C.A. § 28-41-101.
How much does it cost to open probate in St. Francis County?
As of August 2026, opening a decedent's estate costs $165.00 statewide, made up of $150.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-403 and $15.00 under A.C.A. § 21-6-416. 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.
Does St. Francis County have its own probate forms?
No St. Francis County probate packet is published on the clerk pages. Use the Arkansas Judiciary's statewide Official Probate Forms and the statewide probate cover sheet, then call the clerk to ask whether the Forrest City courthouse wants any local handling step.
Can I e-file a St. Francis County probate case?
Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov. A self-represented filer should ask the St. Francis County clerk whether that court will register them for e-filing and, if not, how to file in person or by mail.
Can I attend a St. Francis County probate hearing by phone or video?
Do not assume phone or video participation. Ask the clerk whether the circuit judge will allow it in your case and check the First Judicial Circuit's Administrative Order No. 14 plan. Under A.C.A. § 28-40-110, a hearing is required if the petition is opposed or a demand for notice has been filed, and otherwise is set if the court chooses to set one.
Can I look up a St. Francis County probate case online?
Use Search ARCourts at caseinfo.arcourts.gov for free statewide circuit court case information. Document availability varies by court and case.
Do I have to travel to Forrest City to file?
Call the clerk before traveling. Attorneys use eFlex at efile.arcourts.gov, and self-represented filers should ask whether the court will register them or how to submit the papers by mail if they cannot file in person.
What Arkansas deadline should I know before starting probate?
Arkansas generally requires the application to admit a will to probate or grant administration within five years from death, subject to the statute's exceptions (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.