Arkansas Probate Form Form 14

Notice to Surviving Spouse

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Forms and requirements change frequently — verify the current version with your local probate court or an attorney.

Last updated: November 5, 2026

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About Notice to Surviving Spouse

A notice from the clerk informing a surviving spouse that a decedent's will has been admitted to probate and explaining the time limit for making a written election against the will.

When you'd use it: Used when a decedent's will has been admitted to probate, to notify the surviving spouse of the right to elect against the will and how that election must be filed.

Where to get the official form

The official version of Notice to Surviving Spouse is published as a PDF by the Arkansas courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:

Verified official PDF

Download Notice to Surviving Spouse (PDF) →

Source: arcourts.gov

Link last checked: November 5, 2026

How to file Notice to Surviving Spouse in Arkansas

  1. Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Notice to Surviving Spouse (Form 14) when used when a decedent's will has been admitted to probate, to notify the surviving spouse of the right to elect against the will and how that election must be filed. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Arkansas probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
  2. Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Notice to Surviving Spouse carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
  3. Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
  4. Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Notice to Surviving Spouse to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Arkansas county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).

Working through the Notice to Surviving Spouse? SwiftProbate builds a personalized, step-by-step checklist for settling the estate — so you know which forms to file, in what order, and by when.

Get help with this form

Probate in Arkansas

See the full Arkansas probate guide for filing deadlines, small-estate options, timelines, costs, and county courthouse details.

Read the Arkansas probate guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Notice to Surviving Spouse (Form 14)?
A notice from the clerk informing a surviving spouse that a decedent's will has been admitted to probate and explaining the time limit for making a written election against the will. You'd typically use it when used when a decedent's will has been admitted to probate, to notify the surviving spouse of the right to elect against the will and how that election must be filed.
Where do I file Notice to Surviving Spouse in Arkansas?
Probate forms are filed with the probate court or county clerk in the Arkansas county where the deceased person lived. Our Arkansas probate guide can help you find the right courthouse, filing fees, and local requirements.
Do I need a lawyer to complete Notice to Surviving Spouse?
Many people complete probate forms themselves, especially for smaller or uncontested estates. Complex estates may benefit from professional advice. SwiftProbate is an informational tool that helps you understand and organize the process — it is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Is Notice to Surviving Spouse available online?
Most Arkansas probate forms are published as PDFs by the state courts or the county clerk. You can find the official source linked above.

Other Arkansas Probate Forms

Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate By Distributee16LPR-20Demand for Notice of Proceedings for Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal RepresentativeForm 1Demand for Notice of Proceedings for Probate of Will or Appointment of Personal RepresentativeForm 1Letters of AdministrationForm 10

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate forms and requirements vary by state, county, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Always verify the current form and instructions with your local probate court, and consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. SwiftProbate is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.