Intestate Succession in Arkansas
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Arkansas distributes to spouses and descendants in equal shares, with surviving spouses receiving preference over collateral heirs.
How Arkansas treats Intestate Succession
If the deceased leaves a spouse and children, the spouse and children typically share equally, though the exact split depends on the number of children. Arkansas law provides that if no spouse survives, all children inherit equally per stirpes. The state does not recognize community property, treating all marital property as separate property subject to standard intestacy rules. Collateral heirs (siblings, cousins) inherit only when no spouse or descendants survive.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Arkansas.