Free Printable Arkansas Last Will and Testament & Requirements
Distribute your assets and appoint guardians after death
Document Preview
LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT State of Arkansas I, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], a resident of [COUNTY] County, Arkansas (AR), being of sound mind and memory, do hereby declare this to be my Last Will and Testament, revoking all previous wills and codicils. ARTICLE I — IDENTIFICATION Name: [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME] Date of Birth: [DOB] Address: [ADDRESS], AR [ZIP] Social Security Number: [LAST 4 DIGITS ONLY] ARTICLE II — FAMILY Spouse: [SPOUSE NAME] (if applicable) Children: [LIST CHILDREN WITH DATES OF BIRTH] ARTICLE III — DEBTS AND EXPENSES I direct my Personal Representative to pay all legally enforceable debts, funeral expenses, and costs of administration from my estate. ARTICLE IV — SPECIFIC BEQUESTS I give the following specific gifts: 1. [ITEM/AMOUNT] to [BENEFICIARY NAME] 2. [ITEM/AMOUNT] to [BENEFICIARY NAME] 3. [ITEM/AMOUNT] to [BENEFICIARY NAME] ARTICLE V — RESIDUARY ESTATE I give the remainder of my estate to [BENEFICIARY NAME]. If this beneficiary does not survive me, I give the residuary estate to [ALTERNATE BENEFICIARY]. ARTICLE VI — PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE I appoint [EXECUTOR NAME] as Personal Representative of this Will. If unable to serve, I appoint [ALTERNATE EXECUTOR] as successor. ARTICLE VII — GUARDIAN (if minor children) I appoint [GUARDIAN NAME] as guardian of my minor children. If unable to serve, I appoint [ALTERNATE GUARDIAN]. ARTICLE VIII — POWERS My Personal Representative shall have full power to sell, lease, mortgage, or otherwise manage estate assets as necessary. This Will is executed in accordance with the laws of Arkansas (AR Statutes). TESTATOR SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____ Print Name: _____________________ WITNESS ATTESTATION: We declare that the person who signed this Will, or asked another to sign for them, did so in our presence, and appeared to be of sound mind and under no duress. Witness 1: _____________________ DATE: _____ Print Name: _____________________ Address: _____________________ Witness 2: _____________________ DATE: _____ Print Name: _____________________ Address: _____________________ NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT (if required in Arkansas): State of Arkansas, County of [COUNTY] Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__. Notary Public: _____________________ My Commission Expires: _____ [NOTARY SEAL]
FAQ: Last Will and Testament in Arkansas
Is a Last Will and Testament required in Arkansas?
Yes, in Arkansas, a Last Will and Testament is required for most transactions of this type. Under Arkansas State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Last Will and Testament may result in legal complications.
Does a Last Will and Testament need to be notarized in Arkansas?
Notarization requirements in Arkansas (AR) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5-$10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.
What are the tax implications of a Last Will and Testament in Arkansas?
Arkansas has a base sales tax rate of 6.5%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Last Will and Testament, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Arkansas tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will?
No, you can create a valid will without a lawyer in all 50 states. However, the will must meet your state's requirements for execution, including proper witnesses and, in some states, notarization. A lawyer is recommended for complex estates.
How many witnesses do I need for a will?
Most states require two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the will. The witnesses must observe you sign the will and then sign it themselves. Some states also accept self-proving affidavits notarized at the time of signing.
Can I change my will after signing it?
Yes, you can change your will at any time by creating a codicil (amendment) or by writing an entirely new will that revokes the previous one. Any changes must meet the same execution requirements as the original will.
Arkansas Last Will and Testament Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Last Will and Testament is legally valid in Arkansas.
Arkansas Notarization
Arkansas requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $5-$10.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In Arkansas, a 6.5% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. Arkansas law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
Arkansas Filing Deadlines
Check Arkansas deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
Last Will and Testament Costs in Arkansas
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | Arkansas standard rate: $5-$10 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in Arkansas |
| Sales Tax | 6.5% | Arkansas base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | Arkansas requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
Sarah Mitchell, J.D.
Legal Document Specialist
Licensed Attorney, 15+ years experience
Specializes in contract law and legal document preparation
This Last Will and Testament template for Arkansas has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Where to File Your Last Will and Testament in Arkansas
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Last Will and Testament.
Arkansas County Clerk
Arkansas Capital
Main Government Building, Arkansas
District County Clerk
Arkansas Metro Area
County Courthouse, AR
Arkansas Last Will and Testament Legal Guide
For residents of Arkansas, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.
For Arkansas (AR) residents, this Last Will and Testament is governed by Arkansas State Code. Important details: sales tax at 6.5%, notary costs of $5-$10, and a requirement for 2 witnesses. The document has indefinite validity once properly executed.
Using this template ensures you're protected under Arkansas law while saving time and money on legal fees.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Arkansas attorneys frequently see these errors:
- Using an out-of-state template that doesn't comply with AR law
- Forgetting to include required witness signatures
- Leaving fields blank or using abbreviations
- Not retaining copies for personal records
- Failing to update documents when Arkansas law changes
Enforceability in Arkansas
A Last Will and Testament that meets all AR requirements is fully enforceable in Arkansas. Courts in Arkansas have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Getting It Done Right in Arkansas
Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any AR-required notarization. Arkansas makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.
What Arkansas Law Requires
Arkansas's statutes are clear: a valid Last Will and Testament must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under AR law can render the document unenforceable.
A Last Will and Testament that meets all AR requirements is fully enforceable in Arkansas. Courts in Arkansas have consistently upheld documents that demonstrate clear intent, proper execution, and compliance with state formalities. Keep your original signed copy in a secure location.
Getting It Done Right in Arkansas
Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any AR-required notarization. Arkansas makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.
What Arkansas Law Requires
Arkansas's statutes are clear: a valid Last Will and Testament must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under AR law can render the document unenforceable.
Arkansas's statutes are clear: a valid Last Will and Testament must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of at least one witness where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under AR law can render the document unenforceable.
Other Forms in Arkansas
Last Will and Testament in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Last Will and Testament
- State
- Arkansas (AR)
- Category
- Estate Planning
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 6.5%
- Notary Fee
- $5-$10
Arkansas Legal Requirements
Governing Statute:
State Law
- ✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements
Legal Disclaimer
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Arkansas may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.