Quick answer: Arkansas sets probate attorney fees by a 6-tier statutory schedule on the total market value of the estate (Ark. Code § 28-48-108(d)(2)), from 5% down to 2%. That's about $14,050 on a $500,000 estate. The court can adjust it if excessive or insufficient, and it's separate from the executor fee. Estimate the whole picture in the Arkansas probate cost calculator.
The attorney fee schedule (28-48-108(d)(2))
| Portion of the total value | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $5,000 | 5% |
| Next $20,000 (to $25,000) | 4% |
| Next $75,000 (to $100,000) | 3% |
| Next $300,000 (to $400,000) | 2.75% |
| Next $600,000 (to $1,000,000) | 2.5% |
| Above $1,000,000 | 2% |
On total value: unlike the executor fee (which is only on personal property), the attorney schedule applies to the total market value of the real and personal property reportable in the circuit court. If the court finds the schedule excessive or insufficient, it allows a reasonable fee instead (§ 28-48-108(d)(3)).
Schedule fee at a glance
| Total estate value | Attorney fee |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,800 |
| $100,000 | $3,300 |
| $300,000 | $8,800 |
| $500,000 | $14,050 |
| $1,000,000 | $26,550 |
Not the same as the executor cap: the executor fee is 10/5/3% on personal property only (§ 28-48-108(a)); the attorney schedule is a different, 6-tier ladder on the total value. Both are court-approved maximums.
Facing probate in Arkansas?
Talk to an Arkansas attorneyA local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Will you charge the full schedule, or contract for a different fee?
- Is your fee separate from the executor fee? (Yes — both come from the estate.)
- Can this estate use the $100,000 small estate affidavit and skip full probate?
- Will independent administration work to reduce court time?
Ways to reduce legal fees
- Small estate affidavit — total property up to $100,000, just $25 to file, usually no attorney.
- Contract a different fee — the schedule applies "unless otherwise contracted" with the PR and heirs.
- Keep assets out of probate — beneficiary deeds, POD/TOD and trusts shrink the fee base.