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Lawrence County, MS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Topic | Lawrence County details |
|---|---|
| Court | Lawrence County Chancery Court (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159). |
| Probate filings go to | Lawrence County Chancery Clerk. |
| Courthouse address | Lawrence County Courthouse, East Broad Street, Monticello, MS 39654. Call 601-587-7162 before traveling to confirm the street number and entrance. |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 821, Monticello, MS 39654. |
| Phone | 601-587-7162. |
| Fax | 601-587-0750. |
| Hours | Call the chancery clerk before visiting. A Lawrence County hours table, lunch closure and filing cutoff are not listed on a county office webpage for estate filings. |
| Filing fee | Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, text effective until December 31, 2027, sets the chancery clerk's fee for opening an estate at $85.00 plus $10.00, $40.00 and $5.00 in statutory assessments, a $140.00 floor. County totals can be higher, so confirm the current amount with the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk. |
| Attorney required | Yes for a full estate. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02(A) requires every fiduciary, unless licensed to practice law in Mississippi, to retain an attorney for the entire term of the appointment. The $75,000 small estate affidavit, effective July 1, 2020, under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 is not a court filing and needs no attorney. |
| Local forms | The Mississippi Judiciary provides a chancery clerk cover sheet. No Lawrence County probate form packet, small estate affidavit form or local instruction sheet is listed on a county office webpage for estate filings. |
| E-filing | Attorneys file through MEC after the case is opened. A self-represented person may have read-only PAMEC access but may not file electronically unless that person is a Mississippi attorney. Every estate begins with a paper filing at the chancery clerk's counter. MEC information is at https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php. |
| Case search | MEC and PAMEC are the statewide case systems. Remote PAMEC access requires a registered account, and free electronic viewing is available at the chancery clerk's office during regular business hours. Start at https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php. |
| Remote appearance | Ask the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk. Remote appearance is controlled by the chancellor and district practice, and the annual term order for the 13th Chancery Court District is posted in the chancery clerk's office under Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-3(2). |
| County webpage | Use the phone and mailing address above for Lawrence County estate filing questions. |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a Lawrence County filing path, list the assets, debts, titled property, accounts, beneficiary designations and the original will if one exists. Estate settlement in Mississippi depends on what property actually needs court authority and what can pass outside the court file.
Sunset can help identify accounts across more than 2,300 financial institutions, organize the asset picture and prepare the information a Mississippi attorney will need for Lawrence County estate settlement.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Lawrence County is filed at the Lawrence County Courthouse in Monticello with the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk. The Lawrence County Chancery Court serves estates with venue in Lawrence County, and chancery court is held in each county under Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-3(1).
For a will, Mississippi venue is the chancery court of the county where the testator had a fixed place of residence, or, if there was no fixed place of residence and land is devised, where the land or part of it is located (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-1). For an intestate estate, the venue ladder is different and starts with the county where the decedent had a fixed place of residence, then where the decedent owned land, then where the decedent died (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-63). Lawrence County sits in Mississippi's 13th Chancery Court District, which groups chancellors for Covington, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Simpson and Smith Counties, but the Lawrence County case is filed at this county's own courthouse.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if there is one, asset information, debt information and the names and addresses of interested family members.
- Choose the route. If the whole probate estate is $75,000 or less, effective July 1, 2020, excluding liens and encumbrances, and 30 days have passed, a successor may present a small estate affidavit to the holder of personal property without filing it with the court (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322). If there is a will and Mississippi real property, muniment of title may fit when the requirements of Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35 are met. Otherwise, use a full estate.
- For a full Lawrence County estate, retain an attorney. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02(A) requires every fiduciary, unless licensed to practice law in Mississippi, to retain an attorney for the entire term of the appointment.
- The attorney prepares the petition. A petition to probate a will must attach a copy of the will as an exhibit (UCCR 6.15), and pleadings, accounts, inventories and reports filed by the fiduciary must be personally signed and sworn by the fiduciary (UCCR 6.14).
- File the opening papers on paper with the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk in Monticello, using the chancery clerk cover sheet and the court cost deposit required by UCCR 9.01. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, text effective until December 31, 2027, sets the $85.00 clerk fee plus $10.00, $40.00 and $5.00 in statutory assessments, a $140.00 floor, so confirm the current county total before filing. The original will stays with the clerk under UCCR 9.03.
- The chancery court, or the chancery clerk in vacation, meaning between court terms, subject to court approval, may admit the will to probate in common form and grant letters testamentary or letters of administration (Miss. Code Ann. §§ 91-7-1, 91-7-63, 9-5-141). The clerk's acts are not final until approved by the court (Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-147).
- Address oath and bond if required. Mississippi law requires the executor's oath and a bond approved by the court or clerk unless the court handles the matter differently under applicable law (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-41).
- After letters are granted, the executor or administrator makes reasonably diligent efforts to identify creditors, mails notice to known creditors, files the diligent-search affidavit, and then publishes notice to creditors for three consecutive weeks (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-145).
- Creditors probate and register claims with the clerk. Claims not registered within 90 days after the first publication are barred (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-151).
- Administer the estate, pay allowed debts and taxes, account as required, distribute property under court authority and seek a final decree of distribution and discharge.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Lawrence County
The Mississippi Judiciary provides a chancery clerk cover sheet, and the Uniform Chancery Court Rules set filing content such as the will exhibit, sworn fiduciary signatures and handling of original wills. Mississippi practice relies on attorney-drafted petitions rather than a single statewide packet.
For Lawrence County, no county probate form packet, small estate affidavit form or local instruction sheet is listed on a county office webpage for estate filings. Call the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk at 601-587-7162 before filing to confirm the current cover sheet, payee name, copies and mailing requirements.
Local nuance
Lawrence County-specific considerations
| Local point | What to do |
|---|---|
| Courthouse street number | Use Lawrence County Courthouse, East Broad Street, Monticello, MS 39654, and call 601-587-7162 before traveling to confirm the exact street number and public entrance. |
| Phone and mail are the reliable contact paths | The Lawrence County Chancery Clerk can be reached by phone at 601-587-7162, by fax at 601-587-0750 and by mail at P.O. Box 821, Monticello, MS 39654. |
| No local estate packet listed | Plan for an attorney-drafted petition, the chancery clerk cover sheet and a paper filing at the counter. |
Recent updates
| Change | What it means for Lawrence County |
|---|---|
| MEC completion | Mississippi announced statewide electronic filing completion on June 30, 2025, and all chancery courts had been implemented in MEC as of June 19, 2023. Estate cases still begin with a paper filing at the chancery clerk's counter, and MEC information is at https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php. |
| Small estate and muniment changes | The small estate affidavit amount became $75,000, effective July 1, 2020, under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322, and the muniment of title procedure was rewritten effective July 1, 2020, under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35. |
| Separate legal aid hotlines | As of January 1, 2026, Mississippi Center for Legal Services uses 1-800-519-2915 and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services uses 1-800-898-8731. Lawrence County is listed with the Mississippi Center for Legal Services McComb office through mslegalservices.org. |
| Uniform Chancery Court Rules | The Uniform Chancery Court Rules were revised and amended effective April 18, 2024, including the fiduciary attorney rule in UCCR 6.02. |
Page last reviewed: August 2026.
Scenarios
| Situation | Local path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | Start by identifying how the home is titled and whether any asset needs court authority in Lawrence County. If the home passes outside the estate and the remaining probate personal property fits the $75,000 amount, effective July 1, 2020, the small estate affidavit under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 may settle the personal property with no court filing and no attorney. If a will devises Mississippi real property and all known debts are paid, muniment of title under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35 may be the route, and the house itself does not count against the § 91-7-322 sum. | Sunset helps locate accounts, organize title information and prepare the estate settlement summary for the Mississippi attorney or for the institution holding personal property. |
| Out-of-state adult child with a small estate | If 30 days have passed and the whole probate estate is $75,000 or less, effective July 1, 2020, excluding liens and encumbrances, the successor presents the affidavit to the bank, employer or other holder under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322. If letters are needed, the child should retain a Mississippi attorney under UCCR 6.02 and ask the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk about any remote appearance process. | Sunset helps identify assets, separate accounts that may not need court action and connect the family with a vetted Mississippi probate attorney if Lawrence County letters are needed. |
| Parent settling a predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The small estate affidavit under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 cannot transfer the house. If there is a will and the requirements are met, muniment of title under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35 may help. Otherwise, a full Lawrence County administration is needed, with an attorney required by UCCR 6.02. The chancellor fixes fiduciary compensation and attorney fees, and fees may not be based on the value of real property (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-299, UCCR 6.12(B)). | Sunset builds the asset list, prepares the probate packet information and connects the parent with a vetted local probate attorney for the required Lawrence County filing. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence County Chancery Clerk | Use the clerk for filing logistics, current fees, cover sheet questions, hours and how the 13th Chancery Court District handles scheduling. The clerk cannot provide legal advice. | Phone 601-587-7162, fax 601-587-0750, mail P.O. Box 821, Monticello, MS 39654. |
| Mississippi Center for Legal Services, McComb office | Lawrence County is listed with the McComb office. Legal aid through mslegalservices.org can screen for eligibility, but it may not take estate matters or represent an executor. | Intake hotline 1-800-519-2915. Directory at https://www.mslegalservices.org/find-legal-help/directory/area. |
| mslegalservices.org | Statewide public legal-information site maintained by Mississippi's two civil legal aid providers, with a topic library, online forms section and directory by service area. | https://www.mslegalservices.org/. |
| Mississippi Judiciary chancery resources | Use the chancery court page for statewide chancery court information and the chancery clerk cover sheet link. It is not a Lawrence County form packet. | https://courts.ms.gov/trialcourts/chancerycourt/chancerycourt.php. |
| Uniform Chancery Court Rules | These rules describe fiduciary filings, attorney requirements, sworn pleadings and handling of original wills. | Ask the attorney or the chancery clerk where to access the current rules. |
| MEC and PAMEC | Remote PAMEC access requires a registered account, and free electronic viewing is available at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Attorneys use MEC for filings after the opening paper filing. | https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php. |
When to hire an attorney
In a full Mississippi estate, this is a rule, not just a recommendation. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02(A) requires every fiduciary, unless licensed to practice law in Mississippi, to retain an attorney or firm for representation, advice and assistance during the entire term of the appointment, and the chancellor fixes the attorney's fee. The $75,000 small estate affidavit, effective July 1, 2020, under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 is different because it is not a court filing and needs no attorney. A family that cannot afford counsel should check eligibility through Mississippi Center for Legal Services at 1-800-519-2915 and mslegalservices.org, though legal aid may not take estate matters. Sunset connects families with a vetted local probate attorney, which in Mississippi is the step the rules require for a full estate.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions to help families find accounts, balances and clues that shape the Lawrence County estate settlement plan.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset organizes the family information, asset list, debt list and document checklist so the Mississippi attorney can prepare the chancery court petition and related filings more efficiently.
Find a local probate attorney. Because UCCR 6.02 requires a Mississippi fiduciary to retain an attorney for a full estate, Sunset can connect the family with a vetted attorney who handles Lawrence County chancery matters.
Sunset is free for families. Sunset's estate settlement tools, asset discovery and attorney connection are free for families, so you can understand the path before committing to a filing strategy.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate for Lawrence County?
File Lawrence County estate papers with the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk in Monticello. Mississippi places matters testamentary and of administration in chancery court (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159), and Lawrence County sits in the 13th Chancery Court District.
What address should I use for the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk?
Mail estate filings or correspondence to P.O. Box 821, Monticello, MS 39654. For an in-person visit, use the Lawrence County Courthouse on East Broad Street in Monticello and call 601-587-7162 before traveling to confirm the street number, entrance and hours.
Can I file a Lawrence County estate electronically?
The opening filing is made on paper at the chancery clerk's counter. Attorneys file later documents through MEC, and a self-represented person may have read-only PAMEC access but may not file electronically unless that person is a Mississippi attorney. MEC information is at https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php.
How do I look up a Lawrence County estate case?
Use MEC and PAMEC through https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mec.php. Remote access requires a registered PAMEC account, and free electronic viewing is available at the chancery clerk's office during regular business hours.
Does Lawrence County publish its own probate forms?
No Lawrence County probate form packet, small estate affidavit form or local instruction sheet is listed on a county office webpage for estate filings. Use the chancery clerk cover sheet and have the required Mississippi attorney prepare the petition for a full estate.
What is the Lawrence County filing fee?
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, text effective until December 31, 2027, sets a $85.00 clerk fee plus $10.00, $40.00 and $5.00 in statutory assessments, a $140.00 floor. County totals can be higher, so call the Lawrence County Chancery Clerk at 601-587-7162 for the current amount before filing.
Will I have to attend a Lawrence County hearing in person?
Do not assume either way. Remote appearance depends on the chancellor and 13th Chancery Court District practice, and the annual term order is posted in the chancery clerk's office under Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-3(2). Ask the clerk and your attorney before travel.
Can a small estate avoid a Lawrence County filing?
Yes, if the requirements fit. After 30 days, a successor may present a small estate affidavit directly to the holder of personal property when the whole probate estate is $75,000 or less, effective July 1, 2020, excluding liens and encumbrances (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322). That affidavit is not filed with the chancery clerk.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.