Arkansas Probate Lawyers
Probate is an expensive and lengthy process that involves settling the estate of a person who has passed away (the decedent). "Settling" means identifying and collecting assets and property, paying debts, filing final tax returns, and distributing the remaining assets according to the decedent's wishes. If the decedent received Medicaid benefits, assets in probate may also be subject to Medicaid recovery, which can drastically reduce the amount of property distributed to heirs.
Here is where our Medicaid, long-term care, and estate planning services at AAPG Law are invaluable. As part of our efforts to help clients become eligible for Medicaid, we work to establish estate plans that minimize the impact of Medicaid estate recovery and other liabilities on their assets. Since 2000, we have saved significant amounts of money for thousands of clients. We would be glad to have the opportunity to leverage our experience and knowledge of estate and elder law on your behalf.
Find out how our Arkansas probate lawyers can serve you in a free consultation. Call (501) 530-9670 or connect with us online to schedule yours. We proudly serve the entire state of Arkansas.
The Probate Process in Arkansas
Probate typically begins when an executor (named in the will) or an interested party files the will with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived. When there is no will, a court will appoint an administrator to oversee the estate's distribution and ensure it follows intestacy laws.
The following is a general outline of probate's steps:
Hear From Families We've Helped
Our clients often say our services seemed too good to be true—until they saw the results. Read how we’ve helped families like yours protect their assets and plan for long-term care.
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"Very Professional"We would have been lost without them.- Gary H.
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"Highly Recommend"I couldn’t have done it by myself. I had nothing to worry about—they handled everything.- Jimmy W.
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"Awesome Experience"Everyone is nice and helpful, and they were a life-saver in a time of need.- Kristi B.
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"Very Helpful"I had a very good experience with AAPG.- Jennifer S.
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"Comfortable"Ben and Steve were very helpful in explaining the process.- Marianne S.
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"Fantastic"I didn't know where to start. I was grateful to learn about AAPG.- Denese S.
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"Thrilled"AAPG was a lot of help in transferring and protecting property. I couldn't have completed the process alone, especially the way I was feeling.- Robert P.
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"Wonderful"AAPG was very trustworthy and was able to help my family find a place for Dad as well as protect assets. I‘m grateful for the staff at AAPG, I don’t know where my family would be without their help and honesty.- Danny Z.
Assets Subject to Probate
Not all assets go through probate. Those subject to it will be solely owned by the decedent or without a qualifying beneficiary designation.
Common examples include:
- Solely owned real estate
- Bank or investment accounts without payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiaries
- Personal property, such as jewelry, vehicles, or furniture (without a joint owner)
- Business interests not governed by a succession plan
On the other hand, assets like life insurance policies, retirement accounts, jointly owned property with rights of survivorship, and accounts with designated beneficiaries pass directly to the named recipient and avoid probate.
Medicaid Estate Recovery & Arkansas Probate
As described above, Medicaid may place a claim on the decedent's estate in probate to recover benefits paid during their lifetime. If this happens, it can significantly reduce the value of assets for heirs. That is why at AAPG Law, we offer holistic planning services to simultaneously help clients get the Medicaid benefits they need while minimizing the impact of estate recovery.
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Trusted Support for Families
For decades, families have trusted us to help them make informed decisions about their future with clarity and confidence.
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Personalized Legal Guidance
Every situation is unique, and we take the time to understand your needs, offering tailored solutions for long-term care and estate planning.
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Simplifying Medicaid Planning
Navigating Medicaid can be complex, but we handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on what matters most.
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Asset Protection That Works
We help you safeguard your savings, home, and other assets while ensuring you or your loved ones receive the care needed.
Planning for long-term care and asset protection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let AAPG Law guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Common Ways to Avoid Probate
Probate can be avoided through careful estate planning and asset structuring. The following are a few common ways we accomplish just that:
- Placing assets in trusts, which can avoid probate and provide other benefits such as asset protection, tax planning, and privacy
- Utilizing joint ownership with rights of survivorship, allowing assets to pass directly to the surviving owner
- Designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts and life insurance policies
- Making lifetime gifts to reduce the value of an estate subject to probate
Preserving Assets & Legacies Is Our Priority
If you are searching for an Arkansas probate attorney who can also assist you with Medicaid planning and elder law matters, put your confidence in AAPG Law. Every day, we work tirelessly to preserve the assets that our clients have spent their lifetimes earning. Whether by finding ways to avoid probate or engaging in other strategies, we aim to support the financial security of those who turn to us.
Start with us by requesting a free consultation. To do so, call (501) 530-9670 or submit our convenient online contact form.