Free Printable Arkansas Last Will and Testament & Requirements

Distribute your assets and appoint guardians after death

Sales Tax: 6.5%Notary: $5-$10Witnesses: 2

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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.

Testator must be 18 or older
Testator must be of sound mind
2 witnesses must sign
Notarization recommended
Self-proving affidavit recommended
Personal representative named
Guardian for minors designated
Residuary clause included
Revocation of prior wills stated
2 witnesses must sign

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 TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Arkansas standard rate: $5-$10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Arkansas
Sales Tax6.5%Arkansas base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesArkansas requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Arkansas-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.
SMJ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

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.

testatorbeneficiaryexecutorpersonal representativeestate distributionprobateinheritanceguardian
Navigating Arkansas's legal landscape for a Last Will and Testament doesn't have to be complicated. This guide breaks down everything AR residents need to know — from required fields to filing procedures — so you can complete your document with confidence.

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.

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.