What to Do When Someone Dies in Arkansas

When someone dies in Arkansas, you need to contact emergency services or a doctor first, obtain a death certificate through the Arkansas Department of Health, and arrange for the body to be taken to a funeral home or crematory. The state requires these steps to be completed within specific timeframes to ensure proper legal documentation.

Losing someone is overwhelming, and knowing what steps to take can help you navigate this difficult time. Arkansas has specific laws and procedures that families must follow, from the initial moments after death through the final arrangements.

Immediate Steps in the First 24 Hours

If the death was expected and occurred under medical care, contact the attending physician or hospice nurse first. If the death was unexpected, call 911 immediately. The responding medical professional will pronounce the death and begin the official process.

If the person dies at home under hospice care, contact the hospice provider first. They will guide you through the immediate steps and coordinate with other necessary parties. For deaths in hospitals or care facilities, the staff will handle the initial procedures.

You’ll need to decide whether to contact a funeral home immediately or wait until morning if the death occurs overnight. Most funeral homes provide 24-hour services and can transport the body from the place of death.

Who to Call First

• Expected death under medical care: Contact the doctor, hospice, or medical facility
• Unexpected death: Call 911
• Death at home: Call the person’s physician or 911
• Suspicious circumstances: Call 911 and do not move the body

Obtaining Death Certificates in Arkansas

Death certificates are issued by the Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. The funeral director typically files the death certificate within 10 days of death, but you’ll need certified copies for various legal and financial matters.

You can request certified copies online, by mail, or in person at the Arkansas Department of Health office in Little Rock. Each certified copy costs $12, and you’ll need multiple copies for insurance claims, bank accounts, Social Security, and other purposes.

Most families need 6-12 certified copies initially. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often require original certified copies, not photocopies.

Required Information for Death Certificate Requests

• Full name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Place of death (city and county)
• Your relationship to the deceased
• Your identification and contact information
• Payment for the certified copies

For detailed information about obtaining death certificates in Arkansas, including forms and current fees, contact the Arkansas Department of Health directly.

Funeral and Burial Requirements

Arkansas does not require embalming unless the body will be transported across state lines or if burial is delayed beyond 24-48 hours, depending on circumstances. However, most funeral homes recommend embalming for visitation services.

The state requires burial in an approved cemetery or cremation at a licensed crematory. Home burial may be permitted in some rural areas, but you must check local zoning laws and obtain proper permits.

Cremation requires additional authorization forms and a waiting period of 48 hours unless waived by the coroner or medical examiner. All cremations must be performed at state-licensed facilities.

Timing Requirements

Arkansas law requires disposition of the body (burial or cremation) within a reasonable time, typically within one week unless special circumstances apply. Refrigeration or embalming may be required if disposition is delayed.

If you’re planning a memorial service or need time for out-of-town family to arrive, discuss preservation options with your funeral director early in the process.

Notifying Important Parties

After handling the immediate arrangements, you’ll need to notify various organizations and individuals. Start with the most urgent notifications and work through a systematic list.

Immediate Notifications

• Social Security Administration: Call 1-800-772-1213
• Employer or former employer: For benefits and final paycheck
• Life insurance companies: Begin the claims process
• Banks and credit card companies: Freeze accounts and stop automatic payments

Within the First Week

• Medicare and health insurance providers
• Veterans Affairs (if applicable)
• Pension plan administrators
• Mortgage and loan companies
• Utility companies
• Subscription services and memberships

For a comprehensive guide on who to notify when someone dies, including contact information and required documentation for each organization.

Arkansas-Specific Considerations

Arkansas has several state-specific factors that may affect your decisions and required actions after a death occurs.

Probate Requirements

Arkansas requires probate for estates over $100,000 or when real estate is involved. Smaller estates may qualify for simplified procedures. The probate process typically takes place in the county where the deceased lived.

Joint property with right of survivorship and properly designated beneficiary accounts generally avoid probate. However, you’ll still need death certificates to transfer these assets.

Property and Vehicle Transfers

Vehicle titles in Arkansas can be transferred to a surviving spouse without probate if the vehicle is worth less than $50,000. For other situations, you may need to go through the probate process or use an affidavit procedure for small estates.

Real estate transfers depend on how the property was owned. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship transfers automatically, while sole ownership typically requires probate.

Financial Matters and Benefits

Arkansas residents may be eligible for various death benefits and have specific financial obligations that need attention.

Social Security Benefits

Social Security provides a one-time death benefit of $255 to eligible spouses or children. Survivors may also qualify for ongoing monthly benefits if they meet age and dependency requirements.

Report the death to Social Security as soon as possible. Benefits are not payable for the month of death, so any payments received for that month may need to be returned.

Veterans Benefits

Arkansas veterans may be eligible for burial benefits including burial in a national cemetery, burial allowances, and headstones or markers. Contact the Veterans Affairs office to determine available benefits.

The Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock provides burial services for eligible veterans and their spouses. Private veterans cemeteries are also available throughout the state.

Planning Funeral Services

Arkansas has many licensed funeral homes and crematories to serve families throughout the state. Costs vary significantly based on services selected and location.

The average cost of a traditional funeral in Arkansas ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, while cremation services typically cost $3,000 to $6,000. These estimates include basic services but may not include cemetery costs, flowers, or memorial items.

Source: National Funeral Directors Association

Consider whether the deceased had prepaid funeral plans or specific wishes about services. Many Arkansas residents purchase burial insurance or prepay for services to reduce the burden on their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file for probate in Arkansas?

You must file for probate within five years of the person’s death in Arkansas. However, it’s best to begin the process within a few months to avoid complications with asset transfers and to meet creditor notification requirements.

Can I handle funeral arrangements without a funeral director in Arkansas?

Arkansas allows families to handle their own funeral arrangements, but you must still comply with state requirements for death certificates, body transportation, and burial or cremation at licensed facilities. Most families find working with a funeral director simplifies the process significantly.

What if someone dies without a will in Arkansas?

When someone dies without a will in Arkansas, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally, assets go to the surviving spouse and children, or to parents and siblings if there is no spouse or children. Probate is still required for most estates.

How do I cancel the deceased person’s driver’s license?

Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Driver Services Division, to cancel a deceased person’s driver’s license. You’ll need to provide a death certificate and the license number if available.

What happens to the deceased person’s pets?

Pets are considered property under Arkansas law. If the deceased made provisions in their will, follow those instructions. Otherwise, pets typically go to the next of kin or may need to be surrendered to animal shelters if no one can care for them.

Understanding what to do when someone dies helps you prepare for this difficult time and ensures you don’t miss important deadlines or requirements.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.