Estate Planning for DeSoto County, Mississippi Property Owners

For most DeSoto County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.

Record a TOD deedWhere to recordLocal attorneys

For a DeSoto County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Chancery Court. The two tools that keep a DeSoto County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the Chancery Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.

Without a recorded beneficiary designation or a trust, DeSoto County property passes through the Chancery Court — even simple Mississippi probates run 6+ months and start with $143 in filing fees. Mississippi also lets owners name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on vehicle titles, which keeps cars out of the same process.

Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in DeSoto County

A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives DeSoto County property automatically at the owner's death, without probate. It is recorded with the Chancery Clerk during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked at any time.

Before recording, a Mississippi transfer-on-death deed is signed with notary acknowledgmentMiss. Code Ann. 91-27-1 to 91-27-37Verified Aug 24, 2026View source. The deed takes effect only if it is recorded before the owner's deathMiss. Code Ann. 91-27-1 to 91-27-37Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Create a MississippiTOD deed →DeSoto Countysigning requirements →

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for DeSoto County are recorded with the Chancery Clerk, led by Chancery Court Clerk Misty Heffner, at 311 W South Street, Suite C, Hernando, MS 38632. Phone: 662-469-8397. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 949, Hernando, MS 38632.

The Chancery Clerk charges $25 for the first 5 pages plus $1 for each page beyond 5. Recording a 2-page transfer-on-death deed in DeSoto County comes to $25. A transfer-on-death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

DeSoto County accepts electronic recording through CSC, eRecording Partners Network (ePN), Simplifile.

Recording Office Record

Chancery Clerk

DeSoto County · Chancery Court Clerk · Misty Heffner

Address

311 W South Street, Suite CHernando, MS 38632Mailing: P.O. Box 949, Hernando, MS 38632

Fax

662-469-8308

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

E-recording

Available via CSC, eRecording Partners Network (ePN), SimplifileE-recording info →
Visit recorder website →

Recording fees

Base fee (first 5 pages)$25
Each page beyond 5$1
Transfer tax on a TOD deedExempt

Miss. Code Ann. 25-7-9(1)(b)

Open in Google Maps

Verified September 7, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving DeSoto County

FirmSouthaven, MS

Heidi S. Milam Attorney at Law PLLC

Serves 1 county

Southaven practice serving DeSoto County families on Tchulahoma Road. Guides executors through the DeSoto County Chancery Court probate process — identifying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to heirs — and prepares wills, living wills, advance health care directives, and durable powers of attorney. Heidi Milam has practiced for over 20 years and offers a free consultation.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
7160 Tchulahoma Road, Suite A5Southaven, MS 38671
Free consultation

FirmSouthaven, MS

Law Office of Eric L. Sappenfield, PLLC

Serves 3 counties

Handles probate and estate planning matters, offering assistance with wills, estates, and probate. Represents clients in all facets of the probate process. Also handles real estate transactions, commercial and residential closings, title insurance, and foreclosures. Serves multiple counties in Mississippi and Tennessee including DeSoto, Marshall, and Tunica. Operates on an appointment-only basis.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
6858 Swinnea Road, 5 Rutland PlaceSouthaven, MS 38671

Solo PracticeSouthaven, MS

Law Office of Giles W. King

Serves 3 counties

Solo practitioner on Getwell Road in Southaven serving DeSoto, Tate, and Tunica counties. Handles estate planning, wills, and probate alongside bankruptcy, family law, and business law. Licensed in both Mississippi and Tennessee, which matters for families whose estate spans the Memphis line. Free initial consultations.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
5699 Getwell Road, Building F, Suite 1Southaven, MS 38672
Free consultation

FirmSouthaven, MS

Stroud, Flechas & Dalton

Serves 2 counties

Serves DeSoto County and surrounding areas with probate, estate planning, personal injury, civil rights, criminal law, family law, real estate, and appellate services. Over 25 years in practice with offices in Southaven and Water Valley.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate Administration

Office
5779 Getwell Road, Building C1Southaven, MS 38672
Free consultation

FirmBatesville, MS

Law Office of Lori M. Solinger, PLLC

Serves 3 counties

Helps clients with estate administration by assisting with document preparation and navigating the probate process. Aids in designating medical and legal decision makers, planning property distribution, and determining guardianship arrangements. Serves clients throughout Northern Mississippi, including Oxford and Hernando.

PracticesEstate PlanningGuardianshipProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
204 Broadway Street, Suite 3Batesville, MS 38606
Free consultation

FirmTupelo, MS

Lancaster Law Firm

Serves the whole state

Tupelo firm on North Green Street serving clients throughout Mississippi and Tennessee. Handles probate and estate administration, estate planning, elder law and Medicaid planning, asset protection, and charitable planning. Founder Cory R. Lancaster is a tax attorney, which shapes the practice toward estates with tax exposure or business interests to unwind.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawAsset ProtectionMedicaid Planningand 2 more

Office
363 N. Green StreetTupelo, MS 38804
See all 9 firms serving DeSoto County→

Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.

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