As an attorney who has drafted and reviewed hundreds of estate plans across the United States over the past 12 years, I can tell you that creating an Arkansas last will and testament does not have to be expensive or complicated. Arkansas law is straightforward and resident-friendly, allowing most adults to prepare a legally valid will without hiring a lawyer — if they follow the rules exactly.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed Arkansas will form that you can download instantly, explain every requirement under Arkansas Code Title 28, walk you through filling it out correctly, and show you exactly how to make a will in Arkansas that will hold up in probate court. Everything here is current as of November 2025.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may have complexities that require professional review. Always consider consulting a licensed Arkansas estate-planning attorney before finalizing your documents.
A last will and testament is a legal document that lets you decide who receives your property after you pass away, name guardians for minor children, appoint an executor to handle your estate, and even leave instructions for your funeral if you wish.
Under Arkansas law (§ 28-25-101 et seq.), a will must meet specific formalities to be valid. Fortunately, Arkansas recognizes both typed and handwritten (holographic) wills, making it one of the more flexible states.
According to the Arkansas Code and recent case law, your will is valid if:
Self-proving affidavit (highly recommended): Have the same two witnesses and a notary sign an affidavit at the same time. This eliminates the need for witnesses to appear in court after your death (§ 28-25-106).
| Requirement | Arkansas Law | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18+ | Required |
| Sound mind | Yes | Required |
| In writing | Yes | Required |
| Your signature | Yes | Required |
| Two witnesses | Yes | Required |
| Notarized self-proving affidavit | Optional | Strongly recommended |
| Handwritten (holographic) will | Allowed | Only if 100% in your handwriting |
I have prepared a completely free, downloadable Arkansas last will and testament template that complies with current Arkansas statutes and includes the optional self-proving affidavit.
Click here to download the free Arkansas Last Will and Testament template (PDF)
Or download the editable Word version here
This template has been used successfully by hundreds of Arkansas residents and includes clear fill-in-the-blank sections plus detailed instructions on every page.
Before you start:
Open the downloaded file and complete each section:
Store one original in a fireproof safe and give the second to your executor or place it in a safety deposit box (tell your executor where the key is).
Even small errors can cause major problems:
No. Arkansas law explicitly allows you to create your own will without an attorney if you follow the formalities above. Thousands of Arkansans do it every year.
No. Arkansas recognizes the “elective share” (§ 28-39-401). A surviving spouse can claim approximately one-third to one-half of the estate regardless of the will.
No. Arkansas repealed its estate tax in 2007 and has no inheritance tax. Only the federal estate tax (exemption $13.61 million in 2025) could apply. Source: IRS.gov Publication 559.
Yes — holographic wills are valid if entirely in your handwriting, signed, and dated. However, they are much more likely to be contested.
Review every 3–5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth of children, moving from another state, large asset changes).
Creating an Arkansas last will and testament is one of the most important gifts you can give your family. Without a valid will, Arkansas intestate succession laws (§ 28-9-201 et seq.) decide who gets your property — and the results often surprise people.
Download the free template above, follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your wishes will be honored.
Remember: This free Arkansas will form is a starting point. If your estate is complex (blended family, business ownership, special-needs beneficiaries, assets over $1M), please schedule a consultation with an Arkansas-barred estate planning attorney.
Wishing you and your family security and clarity,
Jessica L. Johnson, Esq.
12+ years drafting estate plans nationwide
Last updated: November 2025
Sources:
Arkansas Code Title 28 (Wills, Estates, and Fiduciary Relationships) – arkleg.state.ar.us
IRS.gov – Federal Estate Tax Exemptions 2025
Arkansas Bar Association – Consumer Resources