Watts Law Office, PLLC

05/18/2026

Happy birthday to our amazing paralegal, Abbey B Rowton! 🎉

04/24/2026

04/17/2026

Happy Birthday to our Kelsey Hobbs! 🎉

03/16/2026

A question I hear all the time when someone passes away is this:

“Does everything automatically go to the spouse?”

Many people assume the answer is yes.

But in Arkansas, that is not always how it works.

If someone dies without a will, Arkansas law decides who inherits the estate. In many situations, the surviving spouse does not receive everything automatically, especially if there are children.

That can mean:

• The spouse and children share the estate
• Property has to go through probate
• The court must determine how assets are divided

This often comes as a surprise to families who thought everything would simply pass to the spouse.

A properly written will or estate plan allows you to decide exactly how your property is distributed and can make things much easier on your family.

Quick question for everyone reading this:

Do you currently have a will in place?

👍 Yes
😬 No
🤔 Been meaning to get one done

If you ever have questions about estate planning or probate, Watts Law Office, PLLC is always happy to help.

03/11/2026

Who Gets Custody of Children in an Arkansas Divorce?

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:

“The mother automatically gets custody.”

That used to be a common belief, but Arkansas law does not automatically favor either parent.

Courts decide custody based on the best interest of the child, considering factors such as:

• Each parent’s ability to care for the child
• Stability of the home environment
• The relationship between the child and each parent
• The child’s health, safety, and welfare

In many cases today, courts award joint custody, meaning both parents share responsibility for raising the child.

Every family situation is different, and custody decisions depend heavily on the specific facts of each case.

If you have questions about custody, divorce, or family law matters, Watts Law Office, PLLC is here to help.

03/10/2026

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Arkansas?

Many people assume their property will automatically go to their spouse or children if something happens to them. Unfortunately, that isn’t always how the law works.

When someone dies without a will, they are said to have died “intestate.” In that situation, Arkansas law decides who inherits your property, not you.

Here are a few examples of what can happen:

• If you are married with children, your spouse and children may have to share the estate.
• If you are unmarried with children, your children inherit your estate.
• If you have no spouse or children, your estate could pass to parents, siblings, or other relatives.

Without a will, the process can also involve:

✔ More court involvement
✔ Delays in distributing property
✔ Higher legal costs
✔ Potential family disputes

A properly prepared estate plan allows you to decide who inherits your property, who manages your estate, and how your family will be taken care of.

Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and your legacy.

If you have questions about wills, probate, or estate planning, Watts Law Office, PLLC is here to help.

02/03/2026

Watts Law Office, PLLC, jumping on the AI trend!

01/31/2026

It was a great January for Watts Law Office and now we are capping it off with the Cross County Chamber of Commerce banquet!

01/09/2026

Busy week for us in the 1st Judicial District! ⚖️

✅ 2 Court days in St. Francis County
✅ Adoption in Lee County
✅ 3 Guardianship hearings in Cross County

Grateful for a strong start to the new year!