Simple Will

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to have an attorney draft a will for you. Anyone can write this document on their own, and as long as it meets all of the legal requirements of the state, courts will recognize one you wrote yourself.

In Mississippi, you can make a living trust to avoid probate for virtually any asset you ownreal estate, bank accounts, vehicles, and so on. You need to create a trust document (it's similar to a will), naming someone to take over as trustee after your death (called a successor trustee).

Probate is the only legal way to transfer the assets of someone who has died. Without probate, titled assets like homes and cars remain in the deceased's name indefinitely. You won't be able to sell them or keep registrations current because you won't have access to the individual's signature and consent.

No. You can make your own will in Mississippi, using Nolo's do-it-yourself will software or online will programs. However, you may want to consult a lawyer in some situations. For example, if you think that your will might be contested or if you want to disinherit your spouse, you should talk with an attorney.

Mississippi probate is usually required if a deceased person died with Mississippi assets in his or her name and those assets do not pass automatically at the person's death.There are some alternatives to probate that may apply in limited circumstances.

Bank accounts. Brokerage or investment accounts. Retirement accounts and pension plans. A life insurance policy.

You don't have to have a lawyer to create a basic will you can prepare one yourself. It must meet your state's legal requirements and should be notarized.But be careful: For anything complex or unusual, like distributing a lot of money or cutting someone out, you'd do best to hire a lawyer.

Find an online template or service. Make a list of your assets. Be specific about who gets what. If you have minor children, choose a guardian. Give instructions for your pet. Choose an executor. Name a 'residuary beneficiary' List your funeral preferences.