Estate Planning for Wayne County, Mississippi Property Owners

For most Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne 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, Wayne 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 Wayne County

A transfer-on-death deed names a beneficiary who receives Wayne 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 Wayne County are recorded with the Chancery Clerk, led by Chancery Clerk William Jeremy Carr, at 609 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro, MS 39367. Phone: 601-735-2873. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

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

Recording Office Record

Chancery Clerk

Wayne County · Chancery Clerk · William Jeremy Carr

Address

609 Azalea DriveWaynesboro, MS 39367

Fax

601-735-6224

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 Wayne County

FirmLaurel, MS

Gilchrist Yoder Yoder Leggett & Thames, PLLC

Since 1902 · Serves 4 counties

One of the oldest firms in Jones County with roots to 1893 (Stone Deavours), relocated to Laurel in 1902. Provides wills and estates services alongside corporate law, litigation, real estate closings, employment law, and contract negotiations. Notable regional clients include Howard Industries, Sanderson Farms, Mississippi Power Company, and Laurel School District.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts

Office
525 Central AvenueLaurel, MS 39441

FirmMeridian, MS

Jacob & Kieronski, LLP

Since 1959 · Serves 13 counties

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

Office
1010 19th Avenue, Suite 10Meridian, MS 39302
Free consultation

FirmFlowood, MS

Barnes, Bailey, Janoush & Dick, P.A.

Since 1996 · Serves 4 counties

Flowood firm serving the Jackson metro and the Gulf Coast from a second Biloxi office. Estate and trust planning, probate and trust administration, and estate and trust litigation are the core practice, built around wills, trusts, family limited partnerships, and business succession plans for owners transferring closely held assets.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionProbate Administration

Office
5 River Bend Place, Suite AFlowood, MS 39232

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
See all 7 firms serving Wayne 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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