Mississippi — Probate: What Happens to Mortgage Payments and Utilities
Frequently Asked Question — What You Need to Know Short answer During probate in Mississippi, mortgage obligations and utility accounts do not disappear. The property remains subject to any mortgage lien, and utility companies can disconnect service for nonpayment. The personal representative (executor or administrator) must manage the property, protect estate assets, and pay necessary […]
Read article →Which Assets to List on a Mississippi Small Estate Affidavit
Understanding What to List on a Mississippi Small Estate Affidavit Short answer: Only list assets that are owned solely by the decedent and that the Mississippi small-estate affidavit statute allows the affidavit to collect. Do not list property that passes automatically to someone else by title or beneficiary designation (for example, joint accounts with rights […]
Read article →Mississippi: Locating a Missing Parent as Next-of-Kin in Probate
Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. Consult a licensed Mississippi attorney for guidance about a specific probate matter. Detailed Answer If you are a next-of-kin involved in a probate case and a parent cannot be located, Mississippi probate courts expect you to make reasonable, documented efforts to find that parent before […]
Read article →Mississippi — When to Include Right‑of‑Survivorship Assets on a Probate Inventory
Detailed Answer Short answer: Under Mississippi practice, assets that pass automatically to your mother by right of survivorship generally pass outside probate and do not belong on the estate inventory filed for the decedent’s probate estate. You should, however, document those nonprobate transfers and be ready to show proof if the court, creditors, or heirs […]
Read article →Mississippi: How to Confirm a Bank Account Is Under the $20,000 Small‑Estate Limit
Can I use Mississippi’s small‑estate process if a bank account is under $20,000? Detailed answer — how to confirm whether a bank account falls under the $20,000 small‑estate threshold Short answer: You confirm whether an account is under the $20,000 threshold by identifying every asset that counts toward the small‑estate total, gathering current account balances […]
Read article →How to Use a Small Estate Affidavit in Mississippi to Claim a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account
How to Use a Small Estate Affidavit in Mississippi to Claim a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account Short answer: Mississippi law provides simplified ways to collect small probate assets without full formal probate, but the process, qualifying limits, and whether a bank will release funds depends on state rules, the bank’s own policies, and the estate’s […]
Read article →Mississippi — Do you automatically become guardian of the estate when appointed guardian of the person?
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Mississippi guardianship practice. It is not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, consult a licensed Mississippi attorney. Detailed answer — how Mississippi treats guardianship of the person versus guardianship of the estate Short answer: No. In Mississippi, authority over a person (personal care, medical decisions, living […]
Read article →Mississippi: Federal Estate Tax and Estate Income Return Requirements
Understanding Federal Filing Requirements for an Estate in Mississippi Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Detailed answer — when an estate must file a federal return even if no distributions were made Executors and personal representatives in […]
Read article →How to Transfer Brokerage Account Assets into an Estate Checking Account — Mississippi
How to move brokerage assets into an estate checking account in Mississippi Short answer: Identify how the brokerage account is titled and whether a beneficiary or transfer-on-death (TOD/POD) designation exists. If the decedent left a TOD/POD beneficiary or the account was jointly owned with rights of survivorship, the broker may transfer the assets outside formal […]
Read article →Selling a Co-Owned Property in Mississippi to Cover Funeral and Property Taxes — FAQ
Detailed Answer This page explains, in plain language, how to sell a co-owned property in Mississippi to generate funds for funeral costs and property taxes. It describes the common paths people take, legal steps you should expect, and when you likely need a lawyer. This information is educational only and is not legal advice. 1) […]
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