State guide
Arkansas
Arkansas probate creditor notice is tied to the personal representative’s appointment and uses Arkansas Judiciary probate forms that mirror Ark. Code Ann. § 28-40-111. Arkansas also has a relatively generous small-estate affidavit procedure, and the official Form 23 now states a $100,000 cap.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Publishing the notice
- Publication is required after letters are granted; the personal representative causes publication, and under Ark. Code Ann. § 28-1-112(b)(4) it is once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper published and having general circulation in the county.
- Creditor claim deadline
- 6 months after first publication
- Outside deadline
- 5 years after death unless letters issue and notice to creditors is published
- Law
- Ark. Code Ann. §§ 28-40-111, 28-50-101, 28-1-112(b)(4), 28-41-101
- Small-estate limit
- $100,000 (Form 23 / Ark. Code Ann. § 28-41-101), after 45 days
Official resources in Arkansas
Official probate forms, including the notice of appointment and small-estate affidavit forms used in estate cases.
Official affidavit for collection of a small estate by distributee, including the current threshold and waiting period.
Official probate notice form showing the creditor-claim warning used when a will is probated and a personal representative is appointed.
Official legislative act containing the text for Ark. Code Ann. §§ 28-40-111 and 28-50-101 as amended.
Official legislative act showing the probate-code publication rule in Ark. Code Ann. § 28-1-112(b)(4).
Key facts for Arkansas
- Form 13 says claims must be exhibited within 6 months after first publication. (Arkansas Judiciary Form 13)
- Known or reasonably ascertainable unpaid creditors must be served with a copy within 1 month after first publication. (Act 929 of 1989)
- Probate-code publication is once a week for 2 consecutive weeks in a newspaper published and having general circulation in the county. (Act 734 of 1995)
- If the estate to be administered does not exceed $1,000, notice may be posted at the courthouse for 3 weeks instead of newspaper publication. (Act 929 of 1989)
- Act 929 states claims are barred 5 years after death unless letters are issued and notice to creditors is published. (Act 929 of 1989)
- Form 23 says the small-estate affidavit can be used after 45 days if estate value, less encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000. (Arkansas Judiciary Form 23)
What to do next
- Ask the probate clerk for the county’s local filing requirements, then use the Arkansas Judiciary probate forms that match your situation.
- If you know unpaid creditors, mail or otherwise serve the notice within 1 month after first publication and keep proof of service.
- If the estate may qualify for Form 23, total the decedent’s property and liens first; that may avoid opening a full administration.
Helpful guides
- What is a notice to creditors in probate?
- How to publish a probate notice in a newspaper
- How much does it cost to publish a probate notice?
- What counts as a legal newspaper for probate notices
Creditor deadline calculator →