Estate Planning for Jefferson County, Mississippi Property Owners

For most Jefferson 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.

For a Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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, Jefferson 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 Jefferson County

A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives Jefferson 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.

Where to Record Property Documents

Deeds and other real property documents for Jefferson County are recorded with the Chancery Clerk, led by Chancery Clerk Serena King, at 1483 Main St., Fayette, MS 39069. Phone: 601-786-3021. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 145, Fayette, MS 39069.

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 Jefferson County comes to $25. A transfer-on-death deed is exempt from transfer tax.

Recording Office Record

Chancery Clerk

Jefferson County · Chancery Clerk · Serena King

Address

1483 Main St.Fayette, MS 39069Mailing: P.O. Box 145, Fayette, MS 39069

Fax

601-786-6009

Hours

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

Verified September 7, 2026 · Source

Estate Planning Attorneys Serving Jefferson County

FirmNatchez, MS

Gwin, Punches & Kelley, LLP

Serves 3 counties

Natchez firm on Market Street serving Adams, Wilkinson, and Jefferson counties. Lists probate and wills, trusts and estate planning among its services; Robert R. Punches carries the probate and tax side of the practice. The firm also handles oil and gas, timber and agricultural matters, real estate closings, and civil litigation. Free initial consultations.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationTax LawWills Trusts

Office
319 Market StreetNatchez, MS 39120
Free consultation

Solo PracticeNatchez, MS

Philip E. Carby, P.C.

Serves 6 counties

Natchez law office handling estate planning, probate, will contests, and personal injury litigation. Principal Philip E. Carby has practiced Mississippi law since 1976 and has been based on State Street in downtown Natchez for over five decades.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
513 State StreetNatchez, MS 39120

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

FirmColumbus, MS

Mitchell, McNutt & Sams, P.A.

Since 1904 · Serves the whole state

Founded in 1904, one of Mississippi's largest firms, serving the Golden Triangle and north Mississippi from offices in Columbus, Tupelo, and Oxford. Ten attorneys carry the estate planning, probate, and elder law practice: wills and testamentary trusts, life insurance and special needs trusts, durable powers of attorney, guardianships, Medicaid planning, and estate tax returns.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawTax Planningand 4 more

Office
215 North 5th StreetColumbus, MS 39701

FirmClinton, MS

Morton Law Firm, PLLC

Since 1997 · Serves the whole state

Clinton firm serving the Jackson metro and, from a second Hattiesburg office, the Pine Belt. Focused on elder law and estate planning: protecting assets from nursing home costs, taxes, creditors, and Medicaid recovery, and qualifying wartime veterans for special pension benefits. Runs a fixed-fee estate planning process completed within two weeks.

PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningAsset Protectionand 3 more

Office
402 E. Main StreetClinton, MS 39056

FirmFlowood, MS

The Stubbs Law Firm, PLLC

Serves the whole state

Flowood-based firm serving the Jackson metro and central Mississippi chancery courts on estate planning and administration, with satellite offices in Mendenhall and Magee. Drafts wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, and handles probate and estate administration plus estate tax planning. Attorney Kannan Stubbs leads the practice.

PracticesEstate PlanningTax PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
1675 U.S. 80Flowood, MS 39232
Free consultation

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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