(a) Prior to the probate of the will and granting of letters testamentary, a person nominated in the will to be executor may take such steps as are reasonably necessary in the management and preservation of the property and rights of the decedent and, subject to the prior rights of members of the immediate family of the decedent, may arrange for his or her burial.
(b)
(1) If the court refuses to admit the proffered will to probate or the person shall not qualify as executor, he or she shall not be liable for his or her acts done in good faith and for which he or she would not be liable had he or she been the lawful executor.
(2) However, promptly upon the appointment of a personal representative, the person shall account to the personal representative for steps taken and acts performed by him or her and deliver to the personal representative any assets of the estate which have come into his or her hands.
Structure Arkansas Code
Title 28 - Wills, Estates, and Fiduciary Relationships
Subtitle 4 - Administration Of Decedents' Estates
Chapter 40 - Probate And Grant Of Administration
Subchapter 1 - Proceedings Generally
§ 28-40-101. Character of proceeding
§ 28-40-103. Time limit for probate and administration
§ 28-40-104. No will effectual until probated — Unprobated wills admitted as evidence
§ 28-40-105. Delivery of will by custodian
§ 28-40-106. Powers of nominated executor prior to appointment
§ 28-40-107. Petition for probate and appointment of personal representative
§ 28-40-108. Requests for notices
§ 28-40-109. Hearing on petition without notice
§ 28-40-110. Notice of hearing on petitions
§ 28-40-111. Notice of appointment of personal representative
§ 28-40-112. Search for alleged decedent
§ 28-40-113. Contest of will generally
§ 28-40-114. Notice of contest
§ 28-40-116. Will subsequently presented for probate
§ 28-40-118. Manner of taking testimony
§ 28-40-119. Conditions on which probate ordered and letters granted
§ 28-40-120. Probate of will of nonresident
§ 28-40-121. Finality of order — Conclusiveness of finding of death