What happens to property when a co-owner dies in Mississippi?

Full question:

Mother and Friend own real estate together. Mother dies and son of Mother wants to know if the Children of Mother get all or part of the property or the Friend.

  • Category: Real Property
  • Subcategory: Deeds
  • Date:
  • State: Mississippi

Answer:

In Mississippi, the deed's language determines property ownership after a co-owner's death. If Mother and Friend owned the property as joint tenants, the Friend inherits the entire property. If they were tenants in common, Mother's share goes to her children according to her will, if one exists, or through intestate succession if she died without a will. Without a spouse, her children would inherit her interest in the property, but the Friend would still retain their share. Therefore, the children would only own part of the property. They could sell their share to the Friend, to someone else, or file for partition to force a sale.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

To determine who inherits property, review the deceased's will, if one exists. A will specifies beneficiaries and their shares. If there is no will, the state's intestate succession laws apply, which typically prioritize spouses and children. In Mississippi, if a person dies without a will, their property is divided among their heirs according to state law. Consulting an attorney can help clarify the inheritance process.