Heir Claims in Mississippi: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets for a Deceased Relative

Losing a loved one is hard enough without the added stress of tracking down money or property they left behind. In Mississippi, unclaimed assets belonging to a deceased person are usually handled through the state’s unclaimed property program and, in some cases, through the probate court system.

This guide explains, in plain language, how heir claims in Mississippi typically work, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site and is not a government office, application portal, or legal advisor.

What Are “Unclaimed Assets” in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, unclaimed property usually refers to money or financial assets that a business or institution has been holding, but which have not been touched by the owner for a certain period of time. After that time passes, they are turned over to the state for safekeeping.

For a deceased person, this can include:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs)
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor payments, refunds)
• Insurance proceeds (life insurance benefits, refunds)
• Utility deposits (electric, gas, water)
• Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (after legal procedures)
• Retirement plan distributions that were never claimed
• Vendor credits or store refunds

The state holds this property and allows heirs, executors, or estate representatives to file claims to recover it.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person in Mississippi?

You generally must show a legal relationship to the deceased and, in many cases, some connection to the estate.

Common eligible claimants include:

• Executor or administrator of the estate
  • Someone officially appointed by a Mississippi chancery court.
• Surviving spouse
• Children or stepchildren
• Parents
• Siblings
• Other heirs named in a will or entitled under Mississippi intestacy (no-will) laws
• Trustee or personal representative named in estate documents

The exact requirements often depend on:

• The size of the claim
• Whether there is a will
• Whether probate has been opened
• How closely related you are to the deceased

For small amounts, Mississippi may allow a simplified process for close family members. For larger or more complex estates, heirs often need formal court documentation.

Step 1: Confirm the Person Is Deceased and Gather Basic Information

Before you start any heir claim in Mississippi, you generally need:

• Full legal name of the deceased
• Previous names (maiden names, nicknames, aliases)
• Last known address in Mississippi
• Date of birth and date of death
• Social Security number (even the last 4 digits can help)

Also gather any estate-related paperwork you already have:

• Will (if there is one)
• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if probate is open)
• Trust documents (if the deceased used a trust)
• Death certificate

Having this information ready makes the search and claim process smoother.

Step 2: Search for Unclaimed Property in Mississippi

In Mississippi, unclaimed property searches are typically done through the state’s official unclaimed property division, usually managed by the State Treasurer.

A typical process looks like this:

1. Go to the official Mississippi unclaimed property website (run by the state government).
2. Use the search tool to look up the deceased person by:
   • Last name
   • First name
   • City or ZIP code (optional but helpful)
3. Review any listings that match the deceased’s:
   • Name
   • Address
   • Reported property type (e.g., bank account, insurance)
4. Mark or select the properties you believe belong to your relative.

If you are not sure which site is official, you can:

• Call the Mississippi State Treasurer’s Office
• Contact your local chancery clerk’s office and ask how to reach the state unclaimed property division
• Ask the Mississippi state government’s main information line for the correct website

✅ Tip: Only submit personal information (like Social Security numbers) through a site that clearly shows it is a Mississippi state government site and provides official contact details.

Step 3: Understand the Type of Heir Claim You’re Filing

Mississippi may have different claim categories based on:

• Whether the original owner is deceased
• Whether the claimant is an heir or an estate representative
• Whether there is an estate already opened in court

Common claim types include:

• Owner claim – if the person is alive (not your situation here)
• Heir claim (deceased owner) – for surviving relatives
• Estate representative claim – for executors/administrators with court authority

You may be asked to select the type of claim before you can download or access the correct claim form packet.

Step 4: Collect Required Documents for a Mississippi Heir Claim

Documentation is usually the most time-consuming part. Here are documents commonly requested for heir claims in Mississippi:

Identity and Relationship

• Your photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Your Social Security number (or last 4 digits)
• The deceased’s death certificate (certified copy is often required)
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate (to show parent-child relationship)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouse claims)
  • Other records (e.g., adoption papers, court orders) if relevant

Estate Authority (if applicable)

If there is an estate opened in chancery court:

• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (issued by a Mississippi chancery court)
• Court orders naming you as executor or administrator
• Summary of the estate (if requested), like an inventory or order closing the estate

If no probate is opened (or if it is a small estate), Mississippi may accept:

• An affidavit of heirship
• A small-estate affidavit (depending on value and current rules)
• A notarized family tree or list of heirs, sometimes on a state-supplied form

Property-Specific Documents

Depending on the asset, you may also need:

• Old account statements or passbooks
• Insurance policy documents
• Stock or bond certificates
• Proof of the deceased’s last known address (utility bills, tax records)
• Safe deposit box information, if available

If you do not have these documents, the state may still process your claim using the information reported by the business that turned over the property. But having supporting documents can speed things up.

Quick Reference: Common Documents for Mississippi Heir Claims

Step 5: Complete and Submit the Mississippi Heir Claim Form

Once you find property belonging to your deceased relative, you usually need to:

1. Download or request the correct heir claim form from the Mississippi unclaimed property division.
2. Fill out the form completely, including:
   • Your contact information
   • Information about the deceased
   • Claim type (heir, estate representative, etc.)
   • List of property claim numbers or reference numbers
3. Attach copies of required documents. Some items (like death certificates or court letters) may need to be certified.
4. Sign the form. Mississippi often requires:
   • A notarized signature for heir claims, especially when multiple heirs are involved or when no probate has been opened.
5. Submit the claim:
   • By mail, to the address listed on the official form, and/or
   • Electronically, if the state offers upload or online submission for supporting documents.

You cannot file or submit claims through HowToGetAssistance.org. All claims must go through the official Mississippi unclaimed property office or any online system they provide.

Step 6: What Happens After You File an Heir Claim?

After the Mississippi unclaimed property division receives your claim:

1. Initial review
   Staff check that:

   • Forms are completed
   • Required documents are included
   • Signatures and notarizations are present

2. Verification process
   The office typically:

   • Confirms the deceased’s identity
   • Verifies your relationship or estate authority
   • Matches your claim to the business records that originally reported the property

3. Follow-up requests
   If something is missing or unclear, you may receive a letter, email, or call requesting:

   • Additional documents
   • Clarification on your relationship
   • More details about the estate or other heirs

4. Approval or denial

   • Approved claims usually result in a check mailed to you or to the estate.
   • Denied claims generally come with a reason, such as missing documents or insufficient proof.

Processing times can vary, but many people experience several weeks to a few months, depending on claim complexity and office workload.

Common Reasons Mississippi Heir Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid delays:

• Incomplete forms
  • Skipped sections or missing signatures.
• Lack of proof of relationship
  • No birth or marriage certificates; unclear family tree.
• No estate documentation when required
  • Large claims sometimes need probate documents.
• Conflicting heir claims
  • Multiple family members filing separately without clear agreement.
• Name mismatches
  • Differences in spelling, married vs. maiden names, or nicknames without explanation.
• Unclear or missing identification
  • Expired IDs or documents that don’t clearly match the deceased or claimant.

If your claim is denied, you can usually contact the Mississippi unclaimed property office for clarification. Some situations might require you to:

• Provide additional documents
• Correct and resubmit the claim
• Seek legal advice or open probate so the court can officially determine heirs

How Probate in Mississippi Connects to Unclaimed Property

Many heir claims are straightforward and handled entirely by the state unclaimed property office. But in some cases, the issue of “who is entitled to the money” needs to be resolved by a Mississippi chancery court.

You may need to consider probate when:

• The estate is large or includes other property (house, land, vehicles)
• Multiple heirs disagree on distribution
• There is no will, and the family situation is complicated
• The state requests Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration

What Probate Usually Involves

In Mississippi, probate typically:

1. Starts with filing a petition in chancery court in the county where the deceased lived.
2. Leads to the appointment of an executor (if there is a will) or administrator (if there is no will).
3. Requires notification to heirs and, sometimes, creditors.
4. Ends with a final order distributing the estate.

The executor or administrator then has clear legal authority to:

• File claims for unclaimed property
• Receive funds on behalf of the estate
• Distribute funds according to the will or state law

If you think you might need probate, you can speak with a Mississippi attorney or ask your local chancery clerk’s office about basic procedures and forms.

How Claims Are Handled When There Are Multiple Heirs

When there is more than one heir:

• The state may require:
  • A single representative (such as an executor) to file on behalf of the estate, or
  • All heirs to sign an heirship form or a release.
• Funds might be:
  • Paid to the estate, and then distributed through probate, or
  • Divided among heirs according to an agreed distribution or court order.

Mississippi’s unclaimed property office usually follows:

• The will, if valid and supported by probate documents, or
• Mississippi intestacy law, if there is no will and the court has not issued a different determination

If heirs disagree, the unclaimed property office may pause or deny the claim until the issue is resolved in chancery court.

Deadlines and Time Limits for Heir Claims in Mississippi

Many states, including Mississippi, typically do not let the state permanently keep unclaimed property just because time has passed. Instead, the state holds it until the rightful owner or heirs come forward.

However, keep in mind:

• Certain underlying assets (like stock) might have changed in value, merged, or been liquidated.
• Specific deadlines may apply to:
  • Court actions (probate, appeals)
  • Responding to information requests
• Processing rules and deadlines can change over time.

To avoid problems, it is usually best to file a claim as soon as you discover the unclaimed property and ask the Mississippi unclaimed property office about any time-related issues.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Mississippi Channel (And Avoid Scams)

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers sometimes try to charge high fees or steal personal information.

Use these safeguards:

• Check the web address and branding
  • Official Mississippi sites will clearly identify themselves as a state government site.
• Look for clear state contact information
  • A physical mailing address in Mississippi
  • A listed phone number that can be verified through other state sources
• Be cautious of fees
  • The state unclaimed property office itself typically does not charge you to search for or claim property.
  • Third-party “finders” or “locators” may offer help for a fee; this is often legal but unnecessary for many people.
• Protect sensitive information
  • Only enter your Social Security number or upload documents through verified state channels.
  • If in doubt, call the unclaimed property office directly and confirm the correct process.

If someone demands upfront payment, gift cards, or bank access to find or release unclaimed funds, treat it as suspicious and verify with the official state office before proceeding.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove You Are an Heir?

Sometimes a person believes they are an heir but cannot meet Mississippi’s documentation requirements, or the state determines they are not legally entitled to the funds.

In those situations, you may:

• Ask the unclaimed property office if there are alternative documents you can provide.
• Contact the chancery clerk or a Mississippi attorney to explore:
  • Affidavits of heirship
  • Court determinations of heirship
  • Opening probate to have a judge decide who the heirs are
• Talk with other family members or the estate’s representative to see if they can file on behalf of the estate instead.

If you truly do not qualify as an heir under Mississippi law, the funds will typically go to the rightful heirs instead. The unclaimed property office’s main goal is to return the money to the correct legal recipients, not necessarily the person who discovers it.

Getting Additional Help with Heir Claims in Mississippi

If you need more detailed guidance, you can:

• Contact the Mississippi State Treasurer’s unclaimed property division (using the phone number or address listed on the official state website or on printed state forms).
• Call your local chancery clerk’s office for information about probate procedures and forms.
• Reach out to 211 (where available) to ask for referrals to:
  • Legal aid programs
  • Senior services
  • Community organizations that help with basic legal or financial paperwork
• Consult a Mississippi probate or estate attorney if:
  • The estate is complex
  • There are disputes among heirs
  • Large sums of money or significant property are involved

By understanding how heir claims in Mississippi typically work—who can file, what documents you need, and how to use the official state channels—you can take the next steps toward recovering any unclaimed assets that rightfully belong to your deceased relative’s estate.