Rogers Estate & Probate Lawyers
Securing Your Legacy Throughout Northwest Arkansas, Including Benton, Washington, Sebastian, and Boone Counties
Few legal tasks are as deeply personal as deciding how your life’s work will be managed and who will care for your family after you are gone. A solid estate plan is the only way to override the state’s default "intestacy" laws, which might otherwise distribute your assets in ways you never intended.
At Arnold and Associates, LLC, we don't believe in "one-size-fits-all" templates. We recognize that your family dynamics, whether you are a business owner, a retiree, or part of a blended family, require a tailored strategy. We combine a down-to-earth approach to planning with the intensive courtroom presence necessary to handle complex probate litigation.
Need legal guidance? Get an in-person or virtual consultation with a Rogers estate and probate attorney by contacting us online or at (479) 383-2475. Hablamos español.
Why Northwest Arkansas Families Choose Our Team
Choosing an estate or probate attorney is an act of trust. Here is why our clients rely on us:
- Trial-ready advocacy. Most estate firms avoid the courtroom. We don't. Our trial experience means your documents are drafted to withstand a legal challenge, and if a dispute arises, we are already prepared to fight for you.
- Relatable guidance. We speak plainly. You won't find any hard-to-understand legal jargon here. We offer honest, down-to-earth advice from a team that truthfully cares about your family’s well-being.
- Experienced in Arkansas law. Attorney Makenzie Arnold has been licensed since 2015 and brings over a decade of experience in Arkansas law to every case we handle.
Our Proactive Estate Planning Services
Effective estate planning is about more than just a document; it is about providing a clear roadmap for your loved ones. Our firm focuses on building comprehensive plans that address both death and incapacity.
- Last will and testament: This is your foundational document. It allows you to name a personal representative to execute your will, designate guardians for minor children, and specify exactly who will receive your property. Without a will, the State of Arkansas decides these matters for you.
- Revocable living trusts: For many families, a trust is the preferred tool to bypass the time and expense of probate court. A properly funded trust keeps your financial affairs private and allows for the immediate transfer of assets to your heirs.
- Powers of attorney: We help you designate a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs if you become ill or injured and are unable to speak for yourself.
- Healthcare directives and living wills: These documents allow you to state your medical preferences and name a health care surrogate, preventing family conflict during a medical crisis.
- Beneficiary deeds: A unique Arkansas tool that allows real estate to transfer automatically upon death, skipping the probate process entirely.
Irrevocable Trusts in Arkansas
The "fortress” of asset protection: Under new 2023 Arkansas laws (Acts 291 and 293), Arkansas became a trust-friendly state by allowing Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs).
- Unlike a revocable trust, where a creditor can "step into your shoes" and take your money, an irrevocable DAPT can protect your assets from future lawsuits, creditors, or business liabilities.
- This is especially critical for professionals in high-risk fields (doctors, contractors, business owners) in Northwest Arkansas.
Qualifying for Medicaid: In Arkansas, to qualify for long-term care Medicaid, you generally cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets.
- A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is an irrevocable trust that "starts the clock." Once assets have been in the trust for five years (the look-back period), they no longer count toward that $2,000 limit.
- This allows you to protect your home and life savings for your heirs while still getting the care you need.
Special needs planning: If you have a loved one with a disability, a Special Needs Trust (SNT) is an irrevocable trust that allows them to receive an inheritance without losing their government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid.
Decanting: One reason people used to fear irrevocable trusts was that they were "set in stone." However, Act 293 now allows for “decanting" in Arkansas.
- This means if an old irrevocable trust has outdated language or no longer fits your family’s needs, a trustee can essentially "pour" the assets into a new, updated irrevocable trust with better terms.
Our Probate Representation for Clients in Northwest Arkansas
When a loved one passes away, their estate must often go through a court-supervised process called probate. This involves validating the will, paying off creditors, and distributing the remaining assets. Our team provides the steady hand you need during this difficult time.
- Formal administration: We represent personal representatives in the Benton County Circuit Court, managing the filing of petitions, inventorying assets, and meeting strict court deadlines.
- Small estate affidavits: If the total value of the estate (excluding the homestead) is less than $100,000, Arkansas law allows for a simplified process. We can help you determine if you qualify to collect assets without a full probate proceeding, saving months.
- Probate litigation: Sometimes, a will is questioned, or a family member feels they were unfairly excluded. Because our firm thrives in the courtroom, we are uniquely equipped to handle "will contests" and fiduciary disputes with aggressive dedication.
From family disputes to civil litigation, we’re committed to protecting your interests and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Consult a Rogers Estate & Probate Attorney Today
Whether you are looking to preserve your legacy through a tailored estate plan or need a steadfast advocate to navigate the complexities of probate, Arnold and Associates, LLC is here to lead the way.
We believe that every client deserves more than just a stack of documents; you deserve a strategy built on trust, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to your family’s best interests. Our firm is ready to handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most: your loved ones.
Contact our Rogers office online or at (479) 383-2475 today for estate planning or probate guidance. Our services extend across the Northwest Arkansas region, covering Washington, Sebastian, Boone, Crawford, Madison, Carroll, and Searcy Counties.
-
"A Fierce Yet Compassionate Advocate"Makenzie Arnold was an absolute lifesaver during one of the hardest times in my life. From the very first consultation, she was different from the other lawyers I spoke with—she didn’t just listen, she *fought* for me.- Jennifer H.
-
"Cannot Recommend Makenzie Arnold Enough"Cannot recommend Makenzie Arnold enough. She handled my custody case with more compassion and grace than I could have ever imagined. It was incredibly obvious that she actually cared about my family and our needs.- Todd
-
"She Was Instrumental in Winning Our Case"Makenzie Arnold is without a doubt the best attorney I've ever worked with. She answered emails quickly, she explained things to us well. She is an absolute bulldog in court.- Jarrod C.
-
"Hands Down the Best Attorney"She has grit and integrity. We had a very difficult case with the odds stacked against us. We came out on top. She's highly ethical and commands a solid understanding of the law.- David L.
-
"She Was Truly on My Side"It was a relief knowing I could trust her to advocate for me. She kept me informed and was available to answer questions I had along the way. Will absolutely work with Melanie again if I ever have other legal needs!- Becca S.
-
"A Gem in The Legal Field"Payton's kindness, understanding, and responsiveness truly set her apart as a top-notch lawyer. Throughout the entire process, she eased my fears and made me feel like I had a dedicated advocate fighting for me and my children.- Meggan
-
"Kind, Professional, and Supportive"
Morgan Woelke was incredibly kind, professional, and supportive, patiently guiding me through every step of the process and always making sure I felt informed, confident, and well assisted throughout my case.
- Lilian C.