Attorneys in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Farrar & Williams, PLLC is a Hot Springs, Arkansas based law firm practicing estate planning, wills, trusts, and other areas of elder law. We are committed to helping you plan for the future and strive to build a level of trust with each client that instills confidence and a peace of mind. We assist clients throughout all of Arkansas.
The staff at Farrar & Williams, PLLC is experienced and efficient in multiple areas of elder law including, long term care planning, Medicaid planning and estate planning. Let the staff at Farrar & Williams, PLLC help you plan for your future.
We Offer A Free 30-Minute Estate Planning Consultation with One of Our Attorneys!
(excluding Medicaid)
Since 1927 our Firm has focused its practice in the following areas:
Our Legal Services
Elder Law
Elder Law is a legal field that supports seniors and their families on various legal issues, prioritizing quality of life and dignity.
Estate Planning
Estate planning allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed, designate beneficiaries, establish powers of attorney for property and healthcare, and create a will to manage your estate after your passing.
Longterm Care & Medicaid Planning
We assist with long-term care planning by structuring your assets to qualify for programs like Medicaid and Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance, aiming to secure your financial eligibility while preserving your assets.
Last Will and Testament
A Last Will & Testament is a legal document that outlines your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship of minor children after your death, helping to ensure your intentions are fulfilled and easing the process for your loved ones.
Revocable Living Trust
A Revocable Living Trust is a flexible legal document that lets you manage and protect your assets during your lifetime, specify their distribution after your death, and helps your estate avoid probate.
Durable Powers of Attorney
A Durable Power of Attorney grants a trusted person authority to manage your financial or healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated, ensuring continuity in your affairs and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Living Wills & Medical Powers of Attorney
Living Wills and Medical Powers of Attorney allow you to communicate your healthcare preferences and designate someone to make medical decisions if you’re incapacitated, ensuring your wishes are honored and reducing stress for your loved ones during critical times.
Second Marriage Estate Planning
Estate planning for a second marriage involves balancing the financial interests of a new spouse with the inheritance rights of children from a prior relationship, using tools like trusts and updated wills to ensure both are provided for as intended.
Business Formation
Launching a new business is an exciting journey, yet managing the legal details can be challenging. Farrar & Williams, PLLC offers comprehensive business formation services to ensure your business is built on a solid legal foundation.
Guardianship
Guardianship legal services offer guidance to those seeking legal authority to care for a minor or incapacitated adult, ensuring arrangements are structured to protect the well-being and best interests of those in need.
Probate and Estate Administration
Probate and estate administration manage a deceased person’s assets by settling debts, transferring assets, and respecting their wishes, we will provide compassionate guidance through these tasks during a time of loss.
Trust Administration
Administering a trust involves various responsibilities and legal requirements, and Farrar & Williams, PLLC provides expert services to ensure each trust is managed according to the grantor’s wishes and legal standards.
Recent Blog Posts
May 1, 2026
There are certain conversations families tend to put off—not because they don’t care, but because they care deeply. Topics like aging, illness, finances, and end-of-life decisions can feel uncomfortable, even overwhelming. It’s often easier to say, “We’ll deal with that later.” The problem is, “later” has a way of becoming “too late.” In my work, I regularly see families forced into making urgent decisions during moments of crisis—after a hospitalization, sudden decline, or an unexpected diagnosis. In those situations, emotions are high, time is limited, and options can be more restricted. What could have been a thoughtful, planned conversation becomes a rushed and stressful one. Here are some of the most common conversations families avoid—and why having them early can make all the difference. “What happens if you can’t make decisions for yourself?” No one likes to think about losing independence. But without a plan in place, families may have no legal authority to help when it matters most. This can lead to court involvement, delays, and added expense. A simple discussion about who should step in—and putting the proper documents in place—can prevent a great deal of difficulty. “How will care be paid for?” Long-term care is expensive, and many families underestimate the cost. Avoiding the financial conversation doesn’t make the issue go away, it just limits the available options later. Talking openly about savings, income, and planning strategies allows families to protect assets and reduce stress down the road. “Where do you want to live if you need help?” Some individuals prefer to stay at home as long as possible, while others are open to assisted living or nursing care. Without discussing these preferences in advance, families are left guessing—and sometimes disagreeing—during critical moments. Clear communication helps ensure that decisions reflect the individual’s wishes. “Who will take on responsibility?” Caregiving is a significant commitment, and assumptions can lead to tension. One family member may expect another to step in, only to find they are unable or unwilling. Having an honest conversation about roles and expectations can prevent resentment and confusion later. “What are your wishes at the end of life?” This is often the hardest conversation of all. Yet understanding someone’s wishes regarding medical care, quality of life, and end-of-life decisions is one of the greatest gifts a family can receive. It provides clarity and peace of mind during incredibly difficult times. Why these conversations matter Avoiding these topics doesn’t protect families, it leaves them unprepared. On the other hand, having these discussions early allows for thoughtful decision-making instead of rushed choices, greater control over legal and financial outcomes, reduced conflict among family members, and peace of mind for everyone involved. These conversations don’t have to happen all at once, and they don’t have to be perfect. What matters is starting. A simple way to begin You don’t need a formal setting or a detailed plan. Sometimes it starts with a simple question: “If something unexpected happened, what would you want us to do?” From there, the conversation can grow naturally over time. Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about making sure that, no matter what happens, your family is prepared, protected, and able to support one another with clarity and confidence. Because the hardest conversations are often the ones that matter most.
May 1, 2026
One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is the cost of long term care. Nursing home care can exceed $7,000 to $9,000 per month in Arkansas, and many families worry that a lifetime of savings could disappear quickly if care becomes necessary. Fortunately, there are planning tools available that can help protect assets while still allowing individuals to qualify for long term care Medicaid benefits when needed. One of the most effective tools is an irrevocable trust. What Is an Irrevocable Trust? An irrevocable trust is a legal arrangement where a person transfers ownership of certain assets into a trust that cannot be easily changed or revoked. Once assets are placed into the trust, they are no longer legally owned by the person who created it. Instead, the trust holds and manages those assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Because the person who created the trust no longer owns those assets, they may not be counted when determining eligibility for Medicaid long term care benefits, provided the trust was established early enough. Understanding the Five Year Look Back Period Medicaid has strict rules designed to prevent individuals from transferring assets at the last minute simply to qualify for benefits. One of the most important rules is known as the five year look back period. When someone applies for long term care Medicaid, the state reviews all financial transactions made during the previous five years. If assets were transferred or gifted during that time without receiving fair market value in return, Medicaid may impose a penalty period during which benefits are delayed. This is why advance planning is so important. Assets placed into an irrevocable trust more than five years before applying for Medicaid are generally outside the look back period and may not affect eligibility. How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help When used properly, an irrevocable trust can provide several advantages: It can protect certain assets, such as a home or investment accounts, from being spent down on nursing home costs. It allows families to preserve assets for children or other beneficiaries. It can provide peace of mind knowing that long term care needs have been considered in advance. It is important to understand that irrevocable trusts are not appropriate for every situation, and they require careful planning. Once assets are transferred into the trust, the person creating it generally cannot take those assets back. Planning Before a Crisis The key takeaway is that Medicaid planning works best when done early. Waiting until someone is already in a nursing home or facing immediate long term care needs can limit the available options. If you have questions about long term care planning, irrevocable trusts, or Medicaid eligibility, give me a call. I would be happy to speak with you about your situation and help you understand your options. Ryan Villano Farrar & Williams, PLLC 1720 Higdon Ferry Road Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 (501) 525-4401
February 16, 2026
For many people, the phrase estate planning conjures images of sprawling estates, complex trusts, and wealthy families and individuals. In reality, estate planning is something almost every adult should consider, regardless of income or asset level. At its core, estate planning is about control, protection, and peace of mind for you and for the people you care about most. Estate planning involves making legal arrangements for what happens to your property, finances, and personal decisions if you pass away or become unable to manage your affairs. Without a plan in place, those decisions are often left to the courts, state law, or family members who may not agree on what should be done. What Happens Without a Plan When someone dies without an estate plan, their estate is typically handled through probate, which is a court-supervised process that determines who inherits property, who pays debts, and who has authority to act on behalf of the estate. While probate is not always inappropriate or avoidable, it can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining for families, particularly when no clear instructions exist. Incapacity planning is another commonly overlooked issue. If a person becomes ill or injured and is unable to make decisions, a court may appoint a guardian or conservator to manage financial or personal affairs. With proper planning, this process can often be avoided entirely. The Core Pieces of an Estate Plan A basic estate plan often includes several key documents: A Will , which directs how property should be distributed and who should manage the estate Powers of Attorney , which allow a trusted individual to handle financial or legal matters if you are unable to do so Healthcare Directives , which outline medical wishes and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf Trusts , in certain situations, which can be used to manage assets, protect beneficiaries, or reduce court involvement Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. A young professional, a married couple, a blended family, and a retiree will all have different needs. The goal is clarity, not unnecessary complexity. More Than Money While finances are an important part of the process, estate planning involves far more than deciding who receives what. It allows parents to nominate guardians for minor children, helps protect beneficiaries with special needs, and provides guidance that can prevent family conflict during an already difficult time. Estate planning also gives individuals the opportunity to plan for long-term care, nursing home expenses, and medical decision-making. These are issues that affect far more families than many expect. When to Start and When to Update The best time to create an estate plan is before you need one. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, purchasing property, or changes in health are all signs that a plan should be created or reviewed. Even an outdated plan is often better than no plan at all, but regular updates are essential to ensure documents reflect current wishes and circumstances. Peace of Mind for the Future Estate planning is ultimately an act of responsibility and care. It reduces uncertainty, eases stress for loved ones, and ensures that your wishes, rather than default legal rules, guide important decisions. No matter your age or financial situation, having a thoughtful estate plan in place can make a meaningful difference. It is not about preparing for the worst. It is about protecting what matters most. Ryan F. Villano is an associate attorney at Farrar & Williams, PLLC, a law firm focusing its practice on trusts, estate planning, and elder law. The firm is located at 1720 Higdon Ferry Road, Suite 202, Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute estate planning consultation, call (501) 525-4401 or email ryan@farrarwilliams.com.
Recent Blog Posts
May 1, 2026
There are certain conversations families tend to put off—not because they don’t care, but because they care deeply. Topics like aging, illness, finances, and end-of-life decisions can feel uncomfortable, even overwhelming. It’s often easier to say, “We’ll deal with that later.” The problem is, “later” has a way of becoming “too late.” In my work, I regularly see families forced into making urgent decisions during moments of crisis—after a hospitalization, sudden decline, or an unexpected diagnosis. In those situations, emotions are high, time is limited, and options can be more restricted. What could have been a thoughtful, planned conversation becomes a rushed and stressful one. Here are some of the most common conversations families avoid—and why having them early can make all the difference. “What happens if you can’t make decisions for yourself?” No one likes to think about losing independence. But without a plan in place, families may have no legal authority to help when it matters most. This can lead to court involvement, delays, and added expense. A simple discussion about who should step in—and putting the proper documents in place—can prevent a great deal of difficulty. “How will care be paid for?” Long-term care is expensive, and many families underestimate the cost. Avoiding the financial conversation doesn’t make the issue go away, it just limits the available options later. Talking openly about savings, income, and planning strategies allows families to protect assets and reduce stress down the road. “Where do you want to live if you need help?” Some individuals prefer to stay at home as long as possible, while others are open to assisted living or nursing care. Without discussing these preferences in advance, families are left guessing—and sometimes disagreeing—during critical moments. Clear communication helps ensure that decisions reflect the individual’s wishes. “Who will take on responsibility?” Caregiving is a significant commitment, and assumptions can lead to tension. One family member may expect another to step in, only to find they are unable or unwilling. Having an honest conversation about roles and expectations can prevent resentment and confusion later. “What are your wishes at the end of life?” This is often the hardest conversation of all. Yet understanding someone’s wishes regarding medical care, quality of life, and end-of-life decisions is one of the greatest gifts a family can receive. It provides clarity and peace of mind during incredibly difficult times. Why these conversations matter Avoiding these topics doesn’t protect families, it leaves them unprepared. On the other hand, having these discussions early allows for thoughtful decision-making instead of rushed choices, greater control over legal and financial outcomes, reduced conflict among family members, and peace of mind for everyone involved. These conversations don’t have to happen all at once, and they don’t have to be perfect. What matters is starting. A simple way to begin You don’t need a formal setting or a detailed plan. Sometimes it starts with a simple question: “If something unexpected happened, what would you want us to do?” From there, the conversation can grow naturally over time. Planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about making sure that, no matter what happens, your family is prepared, protected, and able to support one another with clarity and confidence. Because the hardest conversations are often the ones that matter most.
May 1, 2026
One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is the cost of long term care. Nursing home care can exceed $7,000 to $9,000 per month in Arkansas, and many families worry that a lifetime of savings could disappear quickly if care becomes necessary. Fortunately, there are planning tools available that can help protect assets while still allowing individuals to qualify for long term care Medicaid benefits when needed. One of the most effective tools is an irrevocable trust. What Is an Irrevocable Trust? An irrevocable trust is a legal arrangement where a person transfers ownership of certain assets into a trust that cannot be easily changed or revoked. Once assets are placed into the trust, they are no longer legally owned by the person who created it. Instead, the trust holds and manages those assets for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Because the person who created the trust no longer owns those assets, they may not be counted when determining eligibility for Medicaid long term care benefits, provided the trust was established early enough. Understanding the Five Year Look Back Period Medicaid has strict rules designed to prevent individuals from transferring assets at the last minute simply to qualify for benefits. One of the most important rules is known as the five year look back period. When someone applies for long term care Medicaid, the state reviews all financial transactions made during the previous five years. If assets were transferred or gifted during that time without receiving fair market value in return, Medicaid may impose a penalty period during which benefits are delayed. This is why advance planning is so important. Assets placed into an irrevocable trust more than five years before applying for Medicaid are generally outside the look back period and may not affect eligibility. How Irrevocable Trusts Can Help When used properly, an irrevocable trust can provide several advantages: It can protect certain assets, such as a home or investment accounts, from being spent down on nursing home costs. It allows families to preserve assets for children or other beneficiaries. It can provide peace of mind knowing that long term care needs have been considered in advance. It is important to understand that irrevocable trusts are not appropriate for every situation, and they require careful planning. Once assets are transferred into the trust, the person creating it generally cannot take those assets back. Planning Before a Crisis The key takeaway is that Medicaid planning works best when done early. Waiting until someone is already in a nursing home or facing immediate long term care needs can limit the available options. If you have questions about long term care planning, irrevocable trusts, or Medicaid eligibility, give me a call. I would be happy to speak with you about your situation and help you understand your options. Ryan Villano Farrar & Williams, PLLC 1720 Higdon Ferry Road Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913 (501) 525-4401
February 16, 2026
For many people, the phrase estate planning conjures images of sprawling estates, complex trusts, and wealthy families and individuals. In reality, estate planning is something almost every adult should consider, regardless of income or asset level. At its core, estate planning is about control, protection, and peace of mind for you and for the people you care about most. Estate planning involves making legal arrangements for what happens to your property, finances, and personal decisions if you pass away or become unable to manage your affairs. Without a plan in place, those decisions are often left to the courts, state law, or family members who may not agree on what should be done. What Happens Without a Plan When someone dies without an estate plan, their estate is typically handled through probate, which is a court-supervised process that determines who inherits property, who pays debts, and who has authority to act on behalf of the estate. While probate is not always inappropriate or avoidable, it can be time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining for families, particularly when no clear instructions exist. Incapacity planning is another commonly overlooked issue. If a person becomes ill or injured and is unable to make decisions, a court may appoint a guardian or conservator to manage financial or personal affairs. With proper planning, this process can often be avoided entirely. The Core Pieces of an Estate Plan A basic estate plan often includes several key documents: A Will , which directs how property should be distributed and who should manage the estate Powers of Attorney , which allow a trusted individual to handle financial or legal matters if you are unable to do so Healthcare Directives , which outline medical wishes and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf Trusts , in certain situations, which can be used to manage assets, protect beneficiaries, or reduce court involvement Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. A young professional, a married couple, a blended family, and a retiree will all have different needs. The goal is clarity, not unnecessary complexity. More Than Money While finances are an important part of the process, estate planning involves far more than deciding who receives what. It allows parents to nominate guardians for minor children, helps protect beneficiaries with special needs, and provides guidance that can prevent family conflict during an already difficult time. Estate planning also gives individuals the opportunity to plan for long-term care, nursing home expenses, and medical decision-making. These are issues that affect far more families than many expect. When to Start and When to Update The best time to create an estate plan is before you need one. Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, purchasing property, or changes in health are all signs that a plan should be created or reviewed. Even an outdated plan is often better than no plan at all, but regular updates are essential to ensure documents reflect current wishes and circumstances. Peace of Mind for the Future Estate planning is ultimately an act of responsibility and care. It reduces uncertainty, eases stress for loved ones, and ensures that your wishes, rather than default legal rules, guide important decisions. No matter your age or financial situation, having a thoughtful estate plan in place can make a meaningful difference. It is not about preparing for the worst. It is about protecting what matters most. Ryan F. Villano is an associate attorney at Farrar & Williams, PLLC, a law firm focusing its practice on trusts, estate planning, and elder law. The firm is located at 1720 Higdon Ferry Road, Suite 202, Hot Springs, Arkansas. For more information or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute estate planning consultation, call (501) 525-4401 or email ryan@farrarwilliams.com.
