For most Leake 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 Leake 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 Leake 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, Leake 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.
A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives Leake 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.
Deeds and other real property documents for Leake County are recorded with the Chancery Clerk, led by Chancery Clerk Dot Merchant, at 101 Court Square, Carthage, MS 39051. Phone: 601-267-7371. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 72, Carthage, MS 39051.
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 Leake County comes to $25. A transfer-on-death deed is exempt from transfer tax.
Recording Office Record
Leake County · Chancery Clerk · Dot Merchant
Address
Phone
Fax
Hours
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 5 pages) | $25 |
| Each page beyond 5 | $1 |
| Transfer tax on a TOD deed | Exempt |
Miss. Code Ann. 25-7-9(1)(b)
Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
FirmMeridian, MS
A general practice law firm in Meridian with a focus on domestic law. The firm assists clients with all aspects of estate planning, including will and trust creation, probate matters, and will contests. Serves clients throughout East Central Mississippi.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
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Ridgeland firm on South Pear Orchard Road serving Madison, Hinds, Rankin, and the surrounding central Mississippi counties. Drafts wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives, and sets up bypass, charitable remainder, special needs, and life insurance trusts. Pamela L. Hancock has practiced for over 30 years.
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FirmCanton, MS
Established Canton law firm serving central Mississippi since 1970. Helps clients create wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Located in Canton, the county seat of Madison County. Also serves clients in Yazoo County, Holmes County, Leake County, and the greater Jackson metro area.
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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.
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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.
Data sourced from Mississippi statutes and official state code. How we research.
Estate planning articles for Mississippi.
Forms and tools for property owners in Leake County.
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate.
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf.
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs.
Answer questions about your estate size, real estate ownership, marital status, and family situation to see how a revocable trust compares to a will alone. Includes estimated probate costs for your state.
Answer questions about your property type, ownership structure, and estate plan to see if a TOD deed is the right approach. Includes state-specific availability, signing requirements, and recording fees.
Compare trusts vs wills for your specific situation. See probate costs, trust administration expenses, and whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures based on your state and estate value.
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Estate planning articles for Mississippi.
