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Tate County, MS Probate Information
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Tate County Chancery Court (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159) |
| Probate filings go to | Tate County Chancery Clerk, 662-562-5661. Use extension 3 for filing-fee and payment questions. |
| Courthouse address | Tate County Courthouse, 201 S. Ward Street, 1st floor, Senatobia, MS 38668 |
| Mailing address | Tate County Chancery Court, 201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38668 |
| Fax | The chancery clerk does not publish a fax number online. |
| The chancery clerk does not publish an office email address online. | |
| Hours | The chancery clerk does not publish counter hours online. Call 662-562-5661 before visiting, especially near a deadline. |
| Chancery court district | Mississippi's 3rd Chancery Court District, with DeSoto, Grenada, Montgomery, Panola, Tate and Yalobusha counties. Tate County filings stay in Senatobia. |
| Filing fee | Tate County's schedule effective January 1, 2020 lists $158.00 for an estate, testate or intestate, and $148.00 for a muniment of title only. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025, sets a $140.00 floor from the $85.00 estate filing line plus $10.00, $40.00 and $5.00 statutory assessments, so confirm the current total with the clerk. |
| Attorney required | Yes for a full estate. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02 requires every fiduciary, unless licensed to practice law in Mississippi, to retain an attorney for the entire term of 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 | Tate County publishes a dated chancery fee schedule, but no local probate petition form and no local small estate affidavit form. Mississippi provides a chancery clerk cover sheet and the Uniform Chancery Court Rules. |
| E-filing | Attorneys file through Mississippi Electronic Courts, MEC, at courts.ms.gov/mec. A self-represented party may have read-only PAMEC access but may not file electronically, and every estate opens with a paper filing at the chancery clerk's counter. |
| Case search | MEC and PAMEC are available through courts.ms.gov/mec. Remote access requires a registered PAMEC account and fees may apply. Free viewing is available at the chancery clerk's office during regular business hours. |
| Remote appearance | Ask the Tate County Chancery Clerk. Phone or video access depends on the chancellor and the 3rd Chancery Court District's practice (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159). |
| Website | https://tatecountyms.gov/chancery-clerk/ |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you choose a Tate County estate settlement path, list the assets, debts, beneficiaries, and whether there is an original will. The route can change if the only assets are bank accounts, if the family needs letters testamentary or letters of administration, or if the home must be sold.
Sunset's 2,300-institution asset discovery helps families find accounts before they decide whether Tate County needs a full estate, a muniment of title, or a small estate affidavit. Good asset information makes estate settlement faster and helps the attorney prepare the correct petition.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Probate for Tate County is filed with the Tate County Chancery Clerk at the Tate County Courthouse, 201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38668. Mississippi circuit courts do not hear probate; a will is proved and letters are granted in the chancery court (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159; Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-1; Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-63).
For a will, Mississippi uses the county where the testator had a fixed place of residence, with a separate land-based rule if there was no fixed place of residence (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-1). For an intestate estate, letters of administration are granted in the county where the intestate had a fixed place of residence, with different fallback rules if there was no fixed place of residence (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-63). Chancery court is held in every county (Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-3(1)).
Tate County is in Mississippi's 3rd Chancery Court District with DeSoto, Grenada, Montgomery, Panola and Yalobusha counties. That district assignment affects how chancellors are assigned, but it does not move a Tate County filing out of Senatobia.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the death certificate, the original will if there is one, a list of assets and debts, and the names and addresses of heirs and will beneficiaries.
- Choose the route. If 30 days have passed and the entire probate estate is $75,000 or less, excluding liens and encumbrances, the small estate affidavit under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 may be presented to the bank, employer or other holder of personal property without a Tate County filing and without an attorney. If there is a will devising Mississippi real property, all known debts are paid, and the non-real, non-exempt probate estate is within the Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 amount effective July 1, 2020, the attorney may use muniment of title under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35. Otherwise, use full administration.
- Retain an attorney if a full Tate County estate or muniment of title petition will be filed. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02 requires every fiduciary, unless licensed to practice law in Mississippi, to retain an attorney for the entire appointment.
- The attorney prepares the petition. A petition to probate a will must attach a copy of the will as an exhibit, and pleadings, accounts, inventories and reports filed by a fiduciary must be personally signed and sworn as required by the Uniform Chancery Court Rules.
- File on paper with the Tate County Chancery Clerk at 201 S. Ward Street, 1st floor, Senatobia. Include the chancery clerk cover sheet and the court cost deposit. Tate County's schedule effective January 1, 2020 lists $158.00 for an estate, testate or intestate, and $148.00 for a muniment of title only; Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025, sets the $140.00 statutory floor. The original will stays with the clerk.
- The chancery court, or the chancery clerk in vacation, meaning between terms of court, may admit the will in common form and grant letters testamentary or letters of administration, subject to court approval. The clerk's acts are not final until approved by the court (Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-141; Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-147; Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159).
- Address bond if the court or clerk requires it, then use the letters to collect assets, secure property, and manage estate accounts.
- Make reasonably diligent efforts to identify creditors, mail notice to known creditors, file the diligent-search affidavit, and then publish notice to creditors for three consecutive weeks as required by 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 under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-151.
- Pay allowed claims, handle any required tax filings, prepare accounting and distribution papers, and seek a final decree and discharge from the Tate County Chancery Court.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Tate County
Mississippi does not use a fill-in estate packet for county filings. The Mississippi Judiciary provides a chancery clerk cover sheet, and the Uniform Chancery Court Rules set content requirements, including sworn fiduciary filings and a will exhibit when a will is offered.
Tate County's Forms and Documents page lists its chancery court civil case filing fee schedule, effective January 1, 2020. Tate County does not publish a local probate petition form, estate checklist, or small estate affidavit form for families to complete.
For a full Tate County estate, the petition is prepared by the attorney required by Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02. For a $75,000 small estate affidavit effective July 1, 2020 under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322, the affidavit is presented to the holder of personal property rather than filed with the chancery clerk.
Fees
Tate County publishes its own chancery court civil case filing fee schedule, effective January 1, 2020. The schedule lists these probate-related totals:
| Case type | County schedule total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Estate, testate or intestate | $158.00, effective January 1, 2020 | Includes an $85.00 base fee, $57.50 in statutorily mandated fees, a $10.00 court reporter fee and a $5.50 optional board-approved fee, all on the January 1, 2020 county schedule. |
| Estate, muniment of title only | $148.00, effective January 1, 2020 | Includes an $85.00 base fee, $57.50 in statutorily mandated fees and a $5.50 optional board-approved fee, all on the January 1, 2020 county schedule. |
| Accounting, heirship, guardianship or conservatorship | $158.00, effective January 1, 2020 | Listed separately on Tate County's January 1, 2020 chancery schedule. |
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025, names an estate of deceased at an $85.00 chancery clerk filing line, plus $10.00 to the Comprehensive Electronic Court Systems Fund, $40.00 to the Judicial System Operation Fund and $5.00 to the Civil Legal Assistance Fund, a $140.00 floor. Tate County's $158.00 estate total, effective January 1, 2020, is $18.00 above that floor. The county schedule itemizes the extra lines, but the page should not treat $158.00 as a Mississippi-wide amount.
Tate County accepts cash, check, money order and credit card payments. A 2.35 percent convenience fee applies to credit card payments and is charged by the processing company. For copies, the county lists $0.25 per page when the public makes copies at office terminals, $0.50 per page when staff makes copies, and $1.00 for certification, matching Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025. Mail copy requests with the correct payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to Tate County Chancery Court, 201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38668.
Publication charges for notice to creditors are newspaper charges, not the court's filing fee. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9(4), current as of January 1, 2025, allows the clerk to demand actual service or publication costs at filing when the filing party asks the clerk to pay them.
Local nuance
Tate County-specific considerations
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| One filing counter | Tate County is not one of Mississippi's counties with two judicial districts. Probate papers go to the Tate County Chancery Clerk at the courthouse in Senatobia. |
| County website | Use the Tate County government site at https://tatecountyms.gov/chancery-clerk/ for the chancery clerk. The probate contact is the chancery clerk, not the circuit clerk. |
| Hours and remote hearings | The chancery clerk does not publish counter hours or remote hearing instructions online. Call 662-562-5661 before visiting or before assuming how a hearing will be handled. |
Recent updates
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2020 | Tate County's chancery court civil case filing fee schedule took effect, listing $158.00 for an estate and $148.00 for a muniment of title only. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025, sets the $140.00 statutory floor. |
| July 1, 2020 | The small estate affidavit amount became $75,000 and muniment of title was revised under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 and Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35. |
| June 19, 2023 | All Mississippi chancery courts, including Tate County, were live on Mississippi Electronic Courts, MEC, at courts.ms.gov/mec. The statewide trial-court rollout finished June 30, 2025. |
| April 18, 2024 | The Uniform Chancery Court Rules were revised and amended, including the fiduciary attorney rule in Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02. |
| January 1, 2026 | North Mississippi Rural Legal Services and Mississippi Center for Legal Services began using separate intake hotlines. Tate County's mapped provider is North Mississippi Rural Legal Services at 1-800-898-8731, Mississippi Center for Legal Services uses 1-800-519-2915, and legal help information is available through mslegalservices.org. |
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely Tate County path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with a co-owned home | Start with the deed. If the home passes outside the estate and the remaining probate estate is personal property of $75,000 or less, effective July 1, 2020, excluding liens and encumbrances, the small estate affidavit under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 may settle the remaining accounts without a Senatobia filing. If a will devises the home and all known debts are paid, muniment of title under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35 may be the court route, with Tate County listing $148.00 effective January 1, 2020 under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9. | Sunset helps identify accounts, organize deed and will information, and prepare the attorney-ready packet for estate settlement. |
| 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, in personal property excluding liens and encumbrances, the successor presents the Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 affidavit to the holder rather than filing it in Tate County. If letters are needed, the child must retain an attorney under Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02, and the estate petition is filed on paper in Senatobia. | Sunset finds institutions, separates assets that need letters from assets that do not, and can connect the family with Mississippi counsel. |
| Parent settling a predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | The Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 small estate affidavit cannot transfer the house. If there is a will and debts are paid, the attorney may consider muniment of title under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-5-35, listed by Tate County at $148.00 effective January 1, 2020 under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9. Otherwise, full administration is likely, with Tate County listing $158.00 effective January 1, 2020. The chancellor fixes the fiduciary's compensation and attorney's fee (Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-299; UCCR 6.12(B); Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159). | Sunset helps build the asset list, generate the probate packet, and find a vetted local probate attorney for the required court filing. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tate County Chancery Clerk | Receives estate filings, maintains chancery records, and provides in-office access to case records. The clerk is not a legal adviser. | Tate County Courthouse, 201 S. Ward Street, 1st floor, Senatobia, MS 38668. 662-562-5661. |
| Mississippi Judiciary chancery court page | Provides Mississippi chancery court information and the statewide chancery clerk cover sheet. | https://courts.ms.gov/trialcourts/chancerycourt/chancerycourt.php |
| Uniform Chancery Court Rules | Rules governing fiduciary matters, including the attorney requirement in Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02 and filing requirements for estates. | https://courts.ms.gov/research/rules/msrulesofcourt/ |
| MEC and PAMEC | MEC is used by attorneys for electronic filing. PAMEC offers read-only public access, and free viewing is available at the chancery clerk's office during regular business hours. | https://courts.ms.gov/mec. MEC Helpdesk: 601-576-4650, [email protected]. |
| mslegalservices.org | Legal information and a directory-by-service-area lookup for civil legal help. Eligibility and case acceptance are limited, and estate administration may not be covered. | https://www.mslegalservices.org/find-legal-help/directory/area |
| North Mississippi Rural Legal Services | Tate County's mapped civil legal help provider. Check eligibility first, especially if paying for required probate counsel is a problem. | 1-800-898-8731. Call center hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 to 3:30. |
| NMRLS heirs' property program | May be relevant when inherited land has unclear title. It should not be treated as a promise of probate representation. | https://nmrls.com/heirs-property-program/ |
When to hire an attorney
In Tate County, a full estate is not a do-it-alone court filing for most families. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02(A) requires every fiduciary, unless licensed to practice law in Mississippi, to retain an attorney or law firm for representation, advice and assistance during the entire appointment, and the chancellor fixes the fee (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159). The practical exception is the $75,000 small estate affidavit effective July 1, 2020 under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322, because it is presented to the holder of personal property and is not a court filing. A Tate County family that cannot afford counsel should check eligibility with North Mississippi Rural Legal Services at 1-800-898-8731 and use mslegalservices.org, understanding that estate administration may not be accepted. Sunset connects families to a vetted local probate attorney, which Mississippi rules require for a full estate.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches across more than 2,300 financial institutions and helps you organize what the Tate County attorney needs before filing.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the family's information into an attorney-ready estate settlement packet, including asset details, contact lists, and the documents needed to discuss the correct Mississippi path.
Find a local probate attorney. Because Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02 requires a fiduciary to retain an attorney for a full Mississippi estate, Sunset can connect you with a vetted probate attorney for Tate County.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset's estate settlement tools without paying Sunset. Attorney fees and court costs are separate and are handled with the lawyer and the Tate County Chancery Clerk.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Tate County?
File Tate County estate papers with the Tate County Chancery Clerk at the Tate County Courthouse, 201 S. Ward Street, 1st floor, Senatobia, MS 38668. The chancery court has jurisdiction over matters testamentary and of administration (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159).
Do I use the chancery clerk or the circuit clerk in Tate County?
Use the Tate County Chancery Clerk for wills, estates, letters testamentary, letters of administration and muniment of title. Mississippi circuit courts do not hear probate; a will is proved and letters are granted in the chancery court (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159; Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-1; Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-63; Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-141; Miss. Code Ann. § 9-5-147).
How much does it cost to open an estate in Tate County?
Tate County's chancery schedule effective January 1, 2020 lists $158.00 for an estate, testate or intestate, and $148.00 for a muniment of title only. Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025, sets the $140.00 statutory floor, so call 662-562-5661, extension 3, to confirm the current amount before filing.
What are the Tate County Chancery Clerk's hours?
The chancery clerk does not publish counter hours online. Call 662-562-5661 before going to the courthouse, especially if you are near a filing deadline.
Do I need a lawyer for a Tate County estate?
Yes for a full estate unless the fiduciary is licensed to practice law in Mississippi. Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02 requires every fiduciary to retain an attorney for the entire appointment. The $75,000 small estate affidavit effective July 1, 2020 under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 is different because it is presented to the holder of personal property and is not filed with the court.
Can I e-file a Tate County probate case?
Attorneys file through Mississippi Electronic Courts, MEC, at courts.ms.gov/mec. A self-represented party may have read-only PAMEC access but may not file electronically, and every estate starts with a paper filing at the Tate County Chancery Clerk's counter.
How do I look up a Tate County estate case?
Use MEC and PAMEC through courts.ms.gov/mec for remote read-only access with a registered account and applicable fees. Free viewing is available at the Tate County Chancery Clerk's office during regular business hours.
Does Tate County publish local probate forms?
Tate County publishes its chancery court civil case filing fee schedule, effective January 1, 2020, but it does not publish a local probate petition form, estate checklist or small estate affidavit form. The attorney required by Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.02 prepares the petition for a full estate.
Will I have to travel to Senatobia for probate?
If the $75,000 small estate affidavit effective July 1, 2020 under Miss. Code Ann. § 91-7-322 fits, it is presented to the holder of personal property and is not filed in Senatobia. If letters or a muniment of title are needed, the attorney files in Tate County, and any hearing format depends on the chancellor and 3rd Chancery Court District practice (Miss. Const. art. 6, § 159).
What should I send with a mailed copy request to the Tate County Chancery Clerk?
Send the correct payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to Tate County Chancery Court, 201 S. Ward Street, Senatobia, MS 38668. Copy charges are $0.25 per page when the public makes copies at office terminals, $0.50 per page when staff makes copies, and $1.00 for certification, under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-9, current as of January 1, 2025.
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.