Mississippi — What Happens When an Original Will Is Lost or Damaged in the Mail
Detailed Answer — How Mississippi courts handle an original will that is lost or damaged in transit When the original will cannot be produced because it was lost or damaged in the mail before filing, Mississippi law allows the probate court to admit secondary evidence of the will’s contents and to determine whether the document […]
Read article →Mississippi: Recovering Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale — What to Know
Recovering Surplus Funds After a Tax Sale in Mississippi This FAQ-style guide explains how surplus funds from a tax sale are handled in Mississippi and what a former owner or other claimant must do to recover money left over after a property sells for more than the taxes, fees, and liens owed. Disclaimer This information […]
Read article →Mississippi: What Powers a Financial Power of Attorney Gives Your Agent
Detailed Answer Short answer: A properly drafted and executed durable financial power of attorney (POA) in Mississippi gives your agent the legal authority to manage many of your financial affairs if you become unable to do so. That authority can include accessing bank accounts, paying bills, managing investments, filing taxes, running a business, and—if you […]
Read article →How to Secure Wrongful Death Settlement Proceeds in Mississippi Through the Court Clerk
Detailed Answer Short overview: In Mississippi, you can protect settlement funds from competing claims or release risk to a defendant/insurer by asking the court to accept the money into its registry (the clerk’s “deposit” or “registry” account) or by having the insurer file an interpleader and deposit funds with the clerk. For wrongful death matters, […]
Read article →Mississippi: When Can Trust or Escrow Funds Be Released If the Deed Hasn’t Been Recorded?
Can funds held in trust be released if the deed hasn’t been recorded yet? Short answer Yes — in many situations funds held in escrow or trust can be released even if the deed has not yet been recorded, but whether they should be released depends on the terms set by the parties, the escrow […]
Read article →Mississippi — How to Challenge a Low Insurance Settlement Offer After an Accident
Detailed answer: Step-by-step approach to challenging a low settlement offer in Mississippi Quick overview: If the insurance company’s offer after an accident does not fairly compensate your losses, you can respond without accepting the check. The practical path in Mississippi is: document your losses, present a strong written demand, negotiate or use alternative dispute resolution, […]
Read article →Mississippi — What Happens If a Will Wasn’t Properly Signed?
FAQ: What happens if a will wasn’t properly signed in Mississippi? Short answer: Under Mississippi law, a will that does not meet the state’s formal signature and witness requirements can be rejected by the probate court as invalid. If the court finds the will invalid, the estate will normally be distributed under Mississippi’s intestacy rules […]
Read article →Mississippi: Attendance and Expectations for a Minor Settlement Court Hearing
Detailed Answer In Mississippi, courts routinely review and approve settlements made on behalf of minors. The chancery courts have primary responsibility for protecting the interests of children in matters involving the compromise of claims, the handling of settlement proceeds, and the appointment of guardians or guardians ad litem. For general information about chancery court jurisdiction […]
Read article →Mississippi: Role of a Guardian ad Litem in a Minor Injury Settlement — Can You Serve?
What does a guardian ad litem do in a minor injury settlement, and can I serve? Short answer: In Mississippi, a guardian ad litem (GAL) protects a minor’s legal interests during litigation and when a personal-injury claim is being settled. The court appoints a GAL or accepts a proposed representative to make sure any settlement […]
Read article →Mississippi: How to Get Court Approval for a Minor’s Personal Injury Settlement
How a Mississippi court approves a minor’s personal injury settlement Quick overview: When a child (a minor) in Mississippi has a personal injury claim, the court normally must review and approve any settlement to protect the child’s legal and financial interests. The process uses a petition to the court, appointment of a guardian ad litem […]
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