Overview
Logan County is located in Arkansas with a population of approximately 21,457. The Logan County Circuit Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Arkansas probate is governed by Title 28 of the Arkansas Code. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Personal Representative to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Arkansas offers a simplified procedure for small estates known as the Affidavit for Collection of Small Estate. This is available if the value of the estate (excluding the homestead and statutory allowances) does not exceed $100,000 and 45 days have passed since the death.
Arkansas does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives; fees must be "reasonable" and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Logan County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Logan County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Logan County are handled at one of the two district courthouses, depending on where the decedent lived (Northern or Southern District).
Northern District (Paris):
Address: 25 West Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
Phone: (479) 963-2164 (Circuit Clerk)
Southern District (Booneville):
Address: 366 North Broadway Avenue, Booneville, AR 72927
Phone: (479) 675-2894 (Circuit Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Circuit Clerk's office serves as the probate clerk. You should file in the district where the decedent resided.
Parking and Access
Both courthouses are located in their respective town squares. Street parking is generally available around the courthouse squares in both Paris and Booneville. Security screening may be required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $100,000 or less (excluding homestead and statutory allowances) and no personal representative has been appointed, you may file an affidavit after 45 days.
- Joint Tenancy/Survivorship: Assets held jointly with rights of survivorship pass automatically to the survivor.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the Logan County Circuit Court. Include:
- Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $165.00)
- Cover sheet and other state-mandated forms
Electronic filing (e-filing) is available in Arkansas courts through the eFlex system, though pro se litigants may still file in paper.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Logan County (such as the Paris Express or Booneville Democrat) once a week for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 6 months from the date of first publication to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 2 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Logan County-Specific Procedures
- Dual Districts: Logan County has two judicial districts (Paris and Booneville). Ensure you file in the correct district based on the decedent's residence.
- Bond requirements: A bond is typically required unless waived by the will or by all beneficiaries.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Logan County, such as the Paris Express or Booneville Democrat.
Always check with the Circuit Clerk for the most current local rules and form requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Logan County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $165.00
- Small Estate Affidavit: $25.00 filing fee + $5.00 per certified copy
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 per copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Claims against estate: $5.00 - $10.00
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The creditor claim period in Arkansas is 6 months from the date of the first publication of notice.
Local Resources
Logan County Court Resources
- Court Website: logancountyark.org
- Probate Self-Help: Arkansas Legal Help
- Arkansas Probate Forms: Arkansas Judiciary Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Arkansas Bar Association: (501) 375-4606 — arkbar.com
- Center for Arkansas Legal Services: (800) 950-5817 — arkansaslegal.org
Publication
- Paris Express: (479) 963-2135 — Newspaper of general circulation in the Northern District
- Booneville Democrat: (479) 675-2310 — Newspaper of general circulation in the Southern District