Probate Law

Helping heirs sort through legal issues after their loved one passes away
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Probate Law Attorney In Ocean Springs, Mississippi

What Is Probate Law?

Probate is the legal process through which the terms of a will are enforced and carried out after a person's death. This process is essential for validating the will and ensuring that the deceased's wishes are honored. However, in certain situations, probate may not be necessary if the property in question is structured to pass directly to the heirs outside of the probate process. Such scenarios often involve assets that are jointly owned, property that has been placed in a trust or a life estate arrangement, and financial accounts or properties that have a designated beneficiary named.


In contrast, for other types of property, particularly those that do not fit into these categories, probate is likely a necessary step. In the state of Mississippi, initiating this process requires the filing of a petition in the Chancery Court, which formally begins the legal proceedings to address the distribution of the decedent's estate.

Call Sheehan & Ramsey at 228-400-7075 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.

How Can a Person Avoid Probate Court?

There are several legal tools available that can effectively help circumvent the probate process, provided that your loved one has established a comprehensive plan prior to their passing. Many individuals opt to develop a robust estate plan that incorporates a living trust, which, when set up under the right conditions, can greatly assist their heirs in sidestepping the often time-consuming and complex probate process. If your loved one took the necessary steps to create such a plan, the knowledgeable law team at Sheehan & Ramsey in Mississippi is ready to assist you in resolving any outstanding matters related to the estate. We understand that navigating these situations can be challenging, so we encourage you to get in touch with our office to find out more about how we can help you during this time.

What If My Loved One Died Without a Will?

When a loved one passes away without a will or other legal provisions in place for distributing their assets, the court intervenes by applying state law to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. Often, the nearest relative, or next of kin, steps in to become the representative of the estate. Navigating through intestate succession (the legal term for the process of managing the affairs of someone who died without a will) is a more intricate route than conventional probate.


Thus, it is beneficial for the representative to engage the services of a law firm familiar with probate. If you find yourself in a situation where a loved one died without a will, Sheehan & Ramsey in Mississippi can guide you through the probate process with the utmost empathy and understanding. Our firm offers a compassionate and understanding hand in these trying times. Get in touch to learn more about how the diligent team at Sheehan & Ramsey can assist you and your family, arrange an appointment with one of our probate lawyers today!

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Have Questions?

Call Sheehan & Ramsey at 228-400-7075 today to speak to an attorney.

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