Probate & Estate Administration

Probate & Estate Administration in Jackson

Guiding Hinds County Executors & Families Since 1991

When a loved one passes, the person named executor in their will (or appointed by the court as administrator) inherits a set of legal obligations that are unfamiliar, time-sensitive, and easy to get wrong. Probate and estate administration is the court-supervised process of settling the deceased’s affairs: validating a will, identifying and valuing assets, notifying creditors, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs or beneficiaries. Under Mississippi court rules, every estate going through this process must be represented by a Mississippi attorney.

The Law Offices of Wes Stover has been guiding Jackson-area families through these proceedings since 1991. Attorney Wes Stover brings over 35 years of legal experience to estate matters, and our firm already handles wills and powers of attorney, so we know the documents and intentions that drive the probate process. Free consultations are available in person or virtually, so families can understand their obligations before making any commitment.

If you’ve been named executor or appointed administrator of a Jackson-area estate, call us at (601) 401-8996 to schedule a free consultation and get clear guidance on what comes next.

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Why Choose The Law Offices of Wes Stover?

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Probate & Estate Administration Services We Provide

We assist both executors handling testate estates (where a valid will exists) and administrators handling intestate estates (where the deceased died without a will and state law governs who inherits). Our representation covers the full administration process, from the initial filing through final distribution.

Our practice includes:

Will probate and estate opening: Filing the petition with Chancery Court, validating the will, and obtaining letters testamentary or letters of administration
Intestate succession matters: Administering estates where no will exists, with distribution governed by Mississippi law
Executor and administrator guidance: Explaining fiduciary duties, posting any required bond, taking the oath, and receiving letters testamentary or letters of administration
Estate inventory and valuation: Compiling and filing the sworn inventory of the decedent’s assets, typically required within 90 days of letters being issued
Creditor notification: Notifying known creditors directly and publishing notice to unknown creditors to start the 90-day claim period under Mississippi law
Debt, claim, and tax resolution: Evaluating and addressing valid claims and required tax filings before distributing assets; Attorney Stover’s background in IRS levy defense positions the firm to assist when estate tax complications arise
Estate closing: Preparing the petition to close, coordinating Waiver and Joinder agreements among heirs when appropriate, and distributing assets as directed
Will contests and disputed estates: Representing clients when a will’s validity or a beneficiary’s rights are challenged
Real property in estates: Handling sales and transfers that require court approval

Why Jackson Families Choose The Law Offices of Wes Stover for Probate

Probate is technically demanding even under ordinary circumstances. Navigating it while grieving is harder. We approach every matter with individualized attention. These aren’t handled as high-volume filings. Wes Stover has practiced law since 1991, and that depth of experience matters when procedural errors can expose an executor or administrator to personal liability.

We also know that managing an estate sometimes means managing financial stress at the same time. Our firm offers flexible payment plans to make legal representation accessible, along with free consultations so families can review their situation and understand the process before any financial commitment. Virtual consultations are available for clients who prefer to meet remotely, reducing one more logistical burden at a difficult time.

How the Mississippi Probate Process Works

Mississippi probate is governed by Title 91, Chapter 7 of the Mississippi Code and is handled in the Chancery Court of the county where the decedent lived. For Jackson residents, that means the Hinds County Chancery Court. The process unfolds in three broad phases.

Opening the Estate

The attorney files a petition with the Chancery Court. If a will exists, the court validates it and issues letters testamentary to the named executor. If no will exists, or no executor is named, the court appoints an administrator and issues letters of administration. The personal representative then takes an oath, formally beginning their fiduciary duty to the estate and its beneficiaries.

Administering the Estate

The personal representative must file a sworn inventory of the decedent’s assets, generally within 90 days of letters being issued. Known creditors must be notified directly. Notice to unknown creditors is published in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks under Mississippi law, which starts a 90-day claim period. Valid claims, debts, and required tax filings must be addressed before any assets are distributed to heirs.

Not all assets go through probate. Life insurance with a named beneficiary, retirement accounts with named beneficiaries, payable-on-death bank accounts, jointly owned property with right of survivorship, and assets held in a properly funded living trust typically pass outside the probate process entirely.

Closing the Estate

The attorney prepares a petition to close and presents it at a hearing. When heirs agree on distribution, a Waiver and Joinder can simplify the process. Once the court enters an order approving distribution, the personal representative distributes assets and is relieved of their duties.

Timeline Expectations

A straightforward estate typically takes a minimum of 4 to 6 months, due largely to the mandatory creditor notification period. Most estates typically take 6 to 12 months from opening to closing, and complications can push that timeline further.

Factors that often add time include will contests, disputes with creditors, real estate requiring court-approved sale, assets held in multiple counties or states, and unresolved tax issues. Every step involves formal pleadings, sworn documents, and procedural requirements. It’s also worth noting that Mississippi has no statute of limitations for probating a will. A will can technically be admitted to probate regardless of how much time has passed, though waiting tends to add complication rather than simplify it.

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Schedule a Free Probate Consultation in Jackson

If you’ve been named executor or appointed administrator of an estate in the Jackson area, we’re ready to walk you through your obligations and the steps ahead. Free consultations are available in person or virtually, and flexible payment plans are offered for families managing both a loss and financial pressure at the same time.

Call (601) 401-8996 to schedule your free consultation with The Law Offices of Wes Stover today.

"Thank you for being understanding."
Throughout the years, The Law Offices of Wes Stover have been really helpful. Thank you for being understanding and ensuring that my case was never overlooked. Please be safe, and may you all prosper in the years to come.

- Grover H.
"Outstanding and professional service."
Outstanding and professional people to work with. This is my second time filing due to hardship. They were very understanding and did not charge a high price. They got the job done, so thank you, everyone at The Law Offices of Wes Stover.

- Natasha W.

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