Probate in Mississippi | MS Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What procedures ensure estate expenses and creditor claims are addressed before distributing assets to heirs in Mississippi

Detailed Answer Under Mississippi law, a structured probate process ensures estate debts and expenses clear before heirs receive assets. Title 91 of the Mississippi Code governs estate administration. A personal representative—called an executor (if named in a will) or an administrator (if no will exists)—must follow these key steps: Open Probate and Appoint a Personal […]

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How is the fair market value of personal property calculated in a probate case in Mississippi?

Determining Fair Market Value of Personal Property in Mississippi Probate Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Understanding Fair Market Value Fair market value (FMV) equals the price at which personal property would sell between a willing buyer and a willing seller, both possessing reasonable […]

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How do I determine ownership when my deceased parent is the only name listed on the deed in MS?

Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. 1. Review the Deed and Chain of Title Begin by obtaining a certified copy of the deed from the chancery clerk’s office in the county where the property lies. Verify how title was held: Was it tenancy in common […]

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What constitutes due diligence for identifying and notifying unknown heirs in probate administration in Mississippi?

Detailed Answer When someone dies in Mississippi, the personal representative must locate and notify all heirs. Due diligence means making a thorough, documented effort to find unknown or unlocated heirs. Understanding Due Diligence Due diligence requires active research. You must use reasonable methods to identify potential heirs and track their contact information. Statutory Notice Requirements […]

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How Can an Administrator Locate and Verify Potential Heirs in Mississippi With Limited Information?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified probate attorney in Mississippi for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer When an estate administrator in Mississippi has only limited information about potential heirs, the probate court offers tools and procedures to locate and verify heirs. Below […]

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What notice requirements and procedures apply for notifying creditors, including medical debt collectors, in probate in Mississippi?

Disclaimer This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer Under Mississippi probate law, a personal representative (executor or administrator) must notify both known and unknown creditors of a decedent’s estate so creditors can present their claims. The process […]

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How Can a Potential Heir Be Appointed as Administrator in Mississippi When the Decedent Left No Will?

Detailed Answer In Mississippi, when someone dies without a will (intestate), the chancery court appoints an administrator to oversee the estate. The process involves: Identify Heirs: Mississippi Code § 91-7-3 outlines intestate succession and priority heirs. For example, the surviving spouse and children share first in line (Miss. Code § 91-7-3). File a Petition: A […]

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What Documentation Is Needed to Freeze a Decedent’s Bank Accounts in Mississippi?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For assistance specific to your situation, consult a licensed Mississippi attorney. Detailed Answer When someone dies, their bank accounts become part of their estate. To secure or freeze these accounts in Mississippi—especially when co-heirs refuse to cooperate—you or your representative must […]

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How Are Real Property and Personal Assets Identified, Inventoried, and Distributed Under Mississippi Intestacy Law?

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on Mississippi intestacy law. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance tailored to your situation. Detailed Answer 1. Identifying Real Property vs. Personal Assets Under Mississippi law, your estate splits into two main categories: Real Property: Land, buildings, mineral rights, timber, and other fixtures. See […]

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What options exist to secure missing estate documents from uncooperative institutions in Mississippi?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Securing missing estate documents from an uncooperative institution requires clear authority and formal court action. Below are common steps and legal tools under Mississippi law. 1. Obtain Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary File a petition in Chancery Court […]

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