Overview
Lamar County is located in Mississippi with a population of approximately 64,222. The Lamar County Chancery Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Mississippi probate is governed by Title 91 of the Mississippi Code. The process begins with filing a Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) or a Petition to Probate Will and for Letters Testamentary (if there is a will). The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Mississippi offers a simplified procedure for small estates. If the value of the estate (excluding liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $75,000, successors may file a Small Estate Affidavit to collect assets without full probate administration (effective July 1, 2025).
Mississippi does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be "reasonable" and approved by the court.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Lamar County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Lamar County Chancery Court
Probate matters in Lamar County are handled at the Lamar County Chancery Courthouse.
Address: 403 Main Street, Purvis, MS 39475
Phone: (601) 794-8504 (Chancery Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Chancery Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining all court records. The 10th Chancery Court District serves Lamar, Forrest, Marion, Pearl River, and Perry counties.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square in downtown Purvis. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $75,000 or less (excluding liens), successors may file an affidavit 30 days after death to collect assets.
- Muniment of Title: A simplified process to transfer real property when there is a will but no other need for administration (no debts/claims).
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the Lamar County Chancery Court. Include:
- Original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- List of heirs and their addresses
- Filing fee (approximately $150-$200)
- Oath of Personal Representative
Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) e-filing is available and often required for attorneys.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Lamar County (such as The Lamar Times) for three consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing to validate the will and appoint the personal representative. In many uncontested cases, this can be handled by the attorney without a formal hearing, depending on the judge's requirements. Once approved, the Clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Allow creditors 90 days from the first date of publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 90 days of appointment (unless waived by the will).
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Discharge to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Lamar County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Lamar County utilizes the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system. Attorneys are generally required to e-file.
- Bond requirements: A surety bond is typically required for administrators of intestate estates, and for executors unless waived in the will.
- Local court rules: The 10th Chancery District may have specific local rules regarding scheduling and ex parte matters.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a local newspaper like The Lamar Times or Hattiesburg American for three consecutive weeks.
Consult the Chancery Clerk for specific local forms or procedural quirks.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Lamar County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $150-$200 (fees vary by specific filings and page counts)
- Recording Fees: $27.00 for the first 5 pages (for deeds/instruments)
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $1.00-$2.00 per page plus certification fee
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Service of Process: Fees vary if Sheriff service is required
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, business checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee). Personal checks may not be accepted.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes): 6-9 months (minimum 90-day creditor period required)
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The 90-day creditor claim period is a mandatory statutory minimum wait time before the estate can be closed.
Local Resources
Lamar County Court Resources
- Court Website: lamarcountyms.gov
- Online Records: Lamar County Chancery Records
- Mississippi Judiciary Forms: courts.ms.gov
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Mississippi Bar Association: (601) 948-4471 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Mississippi Center for Legal Services: (800) 498-1804 — Legal Aid
- 10th Chancery District Info: chancery10th.com
Publication
- The Lamar Times: (601) 268-2331 — Local newspaper
- Hattiesburg American: (601) 582-4321 — Regional newspaper