Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. It is for educational purposes only.
Detailed Answer
Under Mississippi law, a personal representative (sometimes called an executor or administrator) must file estate accountings with the chancery court and provide copies to all interested parties. Mississippi Code §91-7-233 requires the personal representative to exhibit an annual—or other—account of receipts, disbursements and distributions. Once filed, the personal representative must serve each interested party with a copy of that accounting within 10 days.
Interested parties include heirs, beneficiaries under a will and certain creditors. If you qualify as an interested party, you have the right to request and receive a copy of the accounting without cost. You do not need to file a formal motion to inspect the court file; service of the accounting is mandatory under §91-7-233 (Link).
If the personal representative fails to provide the accounting, you can petition the chancery court to compel production. Under Mississippi Code §91-7-265, the court may order the representative to deliver the requested documents and may hold them in contempt if they refuse (Link).
Example: Jane Doe, a beneficiary under her father’s will, requests a copy of the annual accounting. If the executor does not serve Jane within the 10-day window, she may file a petition under §91-7-265 asking the court to enforce her right to inspect the account.
Helpful Hints
- Identify yourself as an interested party before requesting documents.
- Keep copies of all correspondence with the personal representative.
- Review the accounting for unexpected fees or distributions.
- Note statutory deadlines: you typically have 30 days to object after receiving an accounting.
- Consider consulting a probate attorney for complex estates or disputes.