Bentonville Probate Lawyer

Making life easier during hard times

We’ll guide you through probate step by step—with care, patience, and clear answers. We know this can be overwhelming and emotional. Our job is to make it as smooth and low-stress as possible. Count on us as your trusted partner, and we’ll navigate the process together from start to finish.

Click Here to Book Your Free Consultation   Takes ~60 seconds • No obligation • Fast call back

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Clear Communications
Bentonville Probate Lawyer

You Can’t Afford the Wrong Probate Attorney

  • The process of probate can be complicated, so it is advisable to seek an attorney with extensive experience rather than just a few cases
  • Because it is complex, many probate attorneys seem to stretch out what should take 8 – 10 months into years.
  • If you choose an the wrong probate lawyer, they may fail to keep you informed about your case, and may not even respond to your attempts to contact them. This is a common grievance among clients and is the most frequently filed complaint against attorneys.

We Get It…Probate is Hard – We’re Here to Guide You to Success

We’ve helped many families in your shoes—and we’re ready to take the weight of probate off yours.

Here’s how we make it easier:

  • We move the process forward faster.

  • We work to limit what goes to creditors.

  • We keep steps clear and reduce stress for everyone.

You focus on your family. We’ll handle the legal maze.

3 Step Process

  1. Meet – During our call, we’ll gain clarity on what’s truly important to you and assess whether we can assist you with your probate needs. If we determine that we can help, we’ll discuss the next steps together
  2. Guide – Allow us to be your guiding light, accompanying you through every step of the probate process with care and compassion. We understand the overwhelming nature of this journey and are committed to making it as smooth and stress-free as possible. Trust us to navigate through it together.
  3. Let Us Handle the Legal Details – While we handle the legal so you can focus on what matters most—taking care of yourself and your family. Rest assured that we’ll manage the complex so you can prioritize your well-being.
Best Elder Law | Best Wills and Trusts | Best Estate Lawyer
Gary DeWitt, Lawyer. Estate planner, probate.

Professional and Knowledgeable Probate Lawyer

I’ve personally been through probate (before I went to law school) and know how difficult it is as a non-attorney. Probate and administration seems long, complex, and frustrating. 

We are here to make the complexity seem easy and take the sting of frustration away from the process. You’ll be surprised at how easy this can be. We guide you through the process with our unique, easy to follow, one step at a time systems. We do the hard part.

For most of our work, we’ll give you the price up front for your peace of mind. From time to time we do hourly work, but that is the exception, not the norm.

Probate in Bella Vista, Arkansas: What to Expect

Losing a loved one is hard. Handling their estate can feel overwhelming—especially without a will. Probate is the court process that settles debts and transfers property to the right people. It takes time and has rules, but it brings order and closure.

What is probate?

Probate is how the court:

  • Confirms a will (if there is one)

  • Appoints a trusted person to handle the estate

  • Makes sure debts and taxes are paid

  • Distributes what’s left to heirs or beneficiaries

Local note: Bentonville cases are handled by the Probate Division of the Benton County Circuit Court (102 NE A St., Room 206, Bentonville). The court issues Letters Testamentary (with a will) or Letters of Administration (no will) so the executor/administrator can act.

When is probate required?

Probate is usually needed when the person who died owned assets in their name alone with no co-owner or beneficiary, such as:

  • Real estate

  • Bank or investment accounts

  • Vehicles and personal property

If there’s a will, probate validates it. If not, Arkansas law decides who inherits.

The executor/administrator’s role

This person (named in the will or appointed by the court) must:

  1. File the probate petition

  2. Gather, inventory, and value assets

  3. Notify heirs and creditors

  4. Pay valid debts and taxes

  5. Distribute remaining property

  6. File a final accounting and close the estate

Step-by-step overview

  1. File the petition with the Benton County Probate Division.

  2. Receive court authority (Letters).

  3. Inventory assets and file it with the court.

  4. Notify creditors and observe Arkansas’s creditor-claim period.

  5. Resolve disputes (if any) with court guidance.

  6. Pay debts/taxes in the correct order.

  7. Distribute assets under the will or state law.

  8. Final accounting and court approval to close the estate.

How long does it take?

Simple estates often take 6–9 months. Disputes, real estate sales, or tax issues can extend the timeline.

What does it cost?

Expect court fees, attorney fees, and executor fees. Costs vary with estate size and complexity. Clear records help keep expenses down.

Why hire a probate attorney?

An experienced local attorney can:

  • Keep the process moving

  • Reduce what’s paid to creditors (where the law allows)

  • Handle court filings and deadlines

  • Prevent costly mistakes and settle disputes

Tips for a smoother process

  • Gather key documents (will, deeds, account statements, titles).

  • Keep detailed records of bills paid and assets collected.

  • Communicate regularly with beneficiaries.

  • Use professional help for taxes, valuations, and legal questions.

  • Be proactive—deadlines matter.

Bottom line: Bentonville probate can be complex, but it’s manageable with the right guidance. Understanding the steps—and getting local help—can make the process faster, clearer, and far less stressful.

Call Now

Click Here to Book Your Free Consultation   Takes ~60 seconds • No obligation • Fast call back

DeWitt and Daniels

125 Parkwood St, STE A

Lowell, AR 72745