An estate attorney in Hernando, Mississippi is a lawyer who specializes in the legal process of administering an estate. This includes everything from reviewing and preparing wills to overseeing trust distributions and managing all other financial obligations associated with an individual’s death. Estate attorneys are responsible for ensuring that a decedent’s wishes are followed as closely as possible when it comes to distributing assets and debts while also protecting the rights of heirs or beneficiaries.
They often help families avoid probate court by setting up trusts, drafting powers of attorney documents, creating living wills and more. Estate attorneys can also assist executors with filing tax returns on behalf of the deceased or handling any disputes that may arise between family members over property distribution.
If you are looking for an estate attorney in Hernando, MS, then look no further than The Law Offices of Michael A. Schafer. Our firm has been providing legal services to the local community since 1995 and our attorneys have experience dealing with a wide range of estate matters, from complex probate cases to wills and trusts. We understand the importance of getting your affairs in order quickly so that you can move on with your life and make sure that your wishes are carried out upon death or incapacity.
Whatever your needs may be, our team is here to provide you with sound advice and effective representation to ensure that all relevant issues are addressed timely and professionally.
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How Much Does a Real Estate Attorney Cost in Mississippi?
The cost of hiring a real estate attorney in Mississippi can vary greatly depending on the type of services you require. Generally, most attorneys will charge an hourly rate for their services ranging from $150 to $300 per hour. Additionally, some may charge a flat fee or retainer depending on the scope and complexity of your case.
Other fees that may be associated with using a real estate attorney include filing fees, title search costs, and other miscellaneous expenses such as document preparation and notary services. It is important to discuss all potential costs upfront with your lawyer before signing any contracts so there are no surprises down the line.
How Long Do You Have to Contest a Will in Mississippi?
Contesting a will in Mississippi is a serious process that should not be taken lightly. The first step towards contesting a will is to file the petition within three months of the decedent’s death, or else you may waive your right to contest it. Additionally, the petitioner must provide proof that they are an interested party i.e., someone who would have been entitled to receive something from the decedent’s estate had there been no will in place when they passed away.
Once this has been established, then all parties involved can discuss their objections and evidence during mediation or litigation as necessary. If both sides agree on an outcome outside of court, then they can file a consent order with their local county court clerk proving that their agreement was reached without judicial intervention; otherwise, if matters cannot be resolved amicably through negotiation and/or mediation proceedings, then litigating in probate court may become necessary in order to resolve any conflicts involving the validity of the will itself or its terms and conditions.
What is Mississippi Law Regarding Wills?
Under Mississippi law, a will is a legal document that expresses the wishes of an individual with respect to how their assets should be distributed following their death. In order for a will to be valid in Mississippi, it must meet certain requirements. The person making the will (known as the testator) must have testamentary capacity; meaning they are at least 18 years old and mentally competent when signing the document.
The testator must also sign and date the will in front of two witnesses who can attest to its validity. Additionally, if there are any beneficiaries mentioned in the will or if any changes were made after initial signing, those beneficiaries or changes must be attested to by all parties involved. Finally, if additional pages are added after initial signature then each page needs to include either original signatures from all parties or notarized copies of these signatures affixed on each page.
If these formalities are met then Mississippi law recognizes such wills as legally binding documents upon death of the testator.
How Many Attorneys are in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, there are over 5,500 attorneys licensed to practice law. This number includes all lawyers who have been admitted to the Mississippi Bar and granted a license to practice law in the state. There is also an additional 1,200 members of the bar that are registered as inactive or retired but still allowed to practice law in their respective counties within the state.
The majority of these attorneys are located in cities throughout Mississippi such as Jackson, Hattiesburg and Gulfport; however there is representation from every county within the state including rural areas. With this high volume of lawyers practicing across many different specialties it provides Mississippians with access to a wide variety of legal services when they need them most.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that having an experienced estate attorney in Hernando MS can be highly beneficial for any individual or family dealing with the complexities of estate planning. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable advice and assistance throughout the entire process to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Furthermore, they are well-versed in local laws and regulations pertaining to wills, trusts, probate matters and more so they can guide their clients through the legal system with confidence.
With an estate lawyer on your side, you will have peace of mind knowing your affairs are handled properly.
