After a death in Mississippi

Which court handles probate

The chancery court of the county where the person had a fixed home. If there was no fixed home and the will leaves land, the county where the land is.

"Wills shall be proved in and letters testamentary thereon granted by the chancery court of the county"

Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).

What to do with the original will

The law we confirmed lets the chancery court force someone who has a will to produce it. We did not confirm a separate deadline to hand a will in on their own.

"on being informed that any person has the last will and testament of a testator or testatrix, may compel such person to produce it"

Miss. Code § 91-7-5; § 81-5-64(8). Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).

Opening a safe deposit box

If no estate is open, the named personal representative, or else a successor who qualifies without administration, can get access after 180 days with proof of death, ID, and an affidavit. Before 180 days, they can enter only to remove a will or burial instructions, and any will must go right away to the chancery clerk.

"shall be given access to a safe-deposit box before expiration of the required one-hundred-eighty-day period only to remove any will or burial instructions"

Miss. Code § 81-5-64. Read the source (an unofficial copy of the law).

Mississippi Office of the State Treasury

"There are no fees to file your claim; so, if you find cash that’s yours, claim it."

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Instructions for heirs and estates

Source, checked 2026-10-15.

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First copy $17.00, more copies in the same order $6.00 each. Applicants need a legitimate and tangible interest. Listed relatives, the informant, guardians, authorized legal representatives, a court-order applicant or the funeral home on record may qualify, with required proof.

Order from the state. Online vendors add fees.