🌳 How to Set Up a Trust in Arkansas (2025 Guide)

Many Arkansas families are choosing trusts to protect their assets, avoid probate, and leave a clear legacy—without the high cost of a lawyer.

This simple guide explains how to set up a valid trust in Arkansas, even if you're not an attorney.

🔍 What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal tool that allows you to transfer assets into a structure managed by a trustee, who then distributes those assets to your chosen beneficiaries according to your rules.

The most common in Arkansas is the Revocable Living Trust, which:

• Avoids probate court delays and fees

• Keeps your affairs private

• Allows you to stay in control of your assets while alive

• Automatically transfers property upon your death

• Provides for incapacity without court intervention

📍 How to Set Up a Trust in Arkansas

1. Choose the Type of Trust

Start with a Revocable Living Trust, which is:

✅ Recognized under Arkansas Code § 28-73-101
✅ Easy to change or revoke
✅ Compatible with Arkansas property law

You may also include:
☐ Minor’s Trust
☐ Special Needs Trust
☐ Pet Trust
☐ Spendthrift Trust
☐ Dynasty Clause for generational planning

✅ TrustGenie includes all these options in one customizable plan.

2. Appoint Key Roles

☐ Grantor – You, the trust creator
☐ Trustee – The person who manages the trust (often you)
☐ Successor Trustee – Steps in after death/incapacity
☐ Beneficiaries – Individuals or organizations who inherit your assets

3. List and Organize Your Assets

Include:

• Arkansas real estate (home, land, farms)

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, credit unions)

• Investments (stocks, crypto, retirement)

• Vehicles, heirlooms, personal property

• Business entities or LLCs

• Digital assets (e.g., domain names, online royalties)

✅ TrustGenie provides Schedule A and General Assignment tools to do this efficiently.

4. Sign & Notarize Your Trust

• Arkansas does not require witnesses, but notarization is required

• Store the original in a fireproof safe

• Provide copies to your Successor Trustee and spouse (if applicable)

✅ TrustGenie walks you through proper Arkansas execution format.

5. Fund the Trust

Funding is what makes your trust “work.”

☐ File a Quitclaim or Warranty Deed to transfer Arkansas real estate
☐ Retitle bank and brokerage accounts
☐ Assign business interests and personal property
☐ Update life insurance and retirement designations (optional)

🚨 Unfunded trusts fail to avoid probate — don’t skip this step!

⚠️ Common Mistakes in Arkansas

❌ Not funding the trust
❌ Using out-of-state or generic templates
❌ Forgetting to include farmland, mineral rights, or timberland
❌ Not updating titles or deeds
❌ Leaving no instructions for your Successor Trustee

💰 How Much Does a Trust Cost in Arkansas?

Method Cost Range Attorney-drafted$2,000 – $6,000+ Online Templates$100 – $300 TrustGenie$150/year (all-in)

🧠 Do You Need a Lawyer to Create a Trust in Arkansas?

No. Under Arkansas law, any competent adult may create a valid trust that:

✅ Names a trustee and beneficiaries
✅ Is signed and (ideally) notarized
✅ Is properly funded with assets

✅ TrustGenie ensures legal compliance without high legal fees.

📎 Download the Free Arkansas Trust Checklist

Need a printable version of these steps?

📥 [Arkansas Trust Checklist – Download (Plain Text)]
(You can request it in the next message if you haven’t already received it.)

✅ Ready to Start?

Arkansas families are using TrustGenie to protect their homes, avoid probate, and plan for the future — without paying thousands in legal fees.

👉 [Create Your Arkansas Trust – $150/year]