Welcome to Jerry Taylor Law
If you’re searching for an experienced Mississippi estate planning attorney, you’ve found the right resource. Jerry Taylor has spent over 30 years helping families and business owners across Mississippi protect their assets, plan for the future, and ensure their wishes are honored. With offices serving the entire state—from the Gulf Coast to Jackson to the northern counties—Jerry brings seasoned legal expertise to complex estate matters with personalized attention.
Licensed to practice in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, Jerry understands the unique legal landscape of all three states. This tri-state expertise is especially valuable for Gulf Coast residents who may own property across state lines or maintain connections in multiple jurisdictions.
Why Choose Jerry Taylor for Mississippi Estate Planning?
30+ Years of Mississippi Estate Law Experience
Since 1985, Jerry Taylor has guided thousands of Mississippi clients through the estate planning process. From straightforward wills to complex trust structures, Jerry has handled nearly every estate scenario imaginable. His deep experience means you benefit from proven strategies, cautious risk management, and a clear-eyed approach to protecting your family’s legacy.
Licensed in Mississippi, Alabama & Florida
Many Mississippi families—especially those on the Gulf Coast—own property in neighboring states or have beneficiaries living across the tri-state region. Jerry’s multi-state licensure allows him to coordinate seamless estate plans that work across state lines without the need for multiple attorneys. This integrated approach saves time, reduces fees, and eliminates conflicts in your overall plan.
Fully Remote Service Across Mississippi
Whether you live in Biloxi, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian, Tupelo, or anywhere in between, Jerry serves you with the same level of personal attention. Video conferences, secure document exchange, and telephone consultations make it easy to work with an experienced estate planning attorney without the hassle of travel. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and convenience of remote legal counsel.
Focus on Asset Protection & Complex Planning
Beyond basic estate planning, Jerry’s practice encompasses asset protection strategies, elder law planning, and complex personal injury settlements. If your situation involves business succession, significant assets, special needs beneficiaries, or asset protection concerns, you’ll benefit from Jerry’s depth of experience in sophisticated planning techniques.
Mississippi Estate Planning: What You Need to Know
Mississippi Probate & Will Requirements
Mississippi’s probate system is governed by the Mississippi Code. A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses, and the witnesses must sign in the testator’s presence. Many people assume a simple will is enough, but without proper coordination with beneficiary designations, titled assets, and tax planning, a will alone often leaves money on the table.
Jerry helps you go beyond a basic will to create an integrated estate plan that uses trusts, beneficiary designations, and asset titling strategies to minimize probate, reduce taxes, and ensure smooth administration.
Mississippi Uniform Trust Code (MS Code §§ 91-8-101 et seq.)
Mississippi adopted the Uniform Trust Code, which sets forth the rules governing the creation, administration, and termination of trusts. The trust code provides flexibility in trust design but also imposes fiduciary duties on trustees. Jerry uses Mississippi’s trust law to tailor trusts that meet your specific goals—whether that’s protecting assets from creditors, managing an inheritance for a beneficiary with special needs, or ensuring privacy outside probate.
A properly drafted trust, administered under Mississippi law, can be one of the most powerful tools in your estate plan. Trusts offer probate avoidance, privacy, management of assets if you become incapacitated, and significant tax benefits when structured correctly.
Mississippi Transfer-on-Death Deeds (Real Property Transfer-on-Death Act)
In 2020, Mississippi enacted the Real Property Transfer-on-Death Act (S.B. 2851), which allows real property to pass outside probate through a Transfer-on-Death (TOD) deed. This relatively new tool can be an efficient way to pass your home or other real estate directly to your chosen beneficiary without the cost and delay of probate.
However, TOD deeds are not appropriate in every situation—particularly if you have concerns about creditor protection, tax planning, or potential family disputes. Jerry will help you determine whether a TOD deed fits your plan or whether a trust or other strategy is more suitable.
Mississippi Estate Tax & Income Tax Considerations
While the federal estate tax is no longer a concern for most Mississippi families (the 2026 federal exemption is substantial), Mississippi recognizes estate tax implications in certain planning scenarios. Additionally, Mississippi imposes an income tax on trust income, with a flat 4.0% rate on income exceeding $10,000 in a tax year (as of 2026).
This trust income tax is an important planning consideration. By using income-producing trusts strategically, or by distributing income to beneficiaries who may be in lower tax brackets, you can reduce the overall tax burden. Jerry incorporates these tax considerations into every estate plan to ensure you’re not paying more to Mississippi than necessary.
Mississippi Estate Tax Apportionment Act (§§ 91-25-1 through 91-25-27)
The Mississippi Estate Tax Apportionment Act addresses how estate taxes are allocated among beneficiaries. The statute sets a default rule but allows flexibility through proper drafting. This is especially important if you have multiple heirs and want to ensure taxes are paid fairly, or if certain assets are tax-advantaged and you want to preserve that benefit for specific beneficiaries.
Mississippi Homestead Exemption & Asset Protection
Mississippi law provides a homestead exemption of up to 160 acres or $75,000 in value (adjusted annually), which protects your primary residence from certain creditor claims. Understanding this exemption—and how it fits into your broader asset protection strategy—is essential if you’re concerned about creditor exposure from business activities, professional liability, or other risks.
Jerry’s asset protection practice goes well beyond homestead law. If you’re a business owner, medical professional, or high-net-worth individual, Jerry can help you structure your assets to minimize exposure to lawsuits and creditor claims.
Mississippi is Not a Community Property State
Mississippi, unlike some western states, is not a community property state. Your property is classified as either separate property (owned by one spouse) or marital property (subject to equitable distribution in a divorce). This distinction affects estate planning—especially if you’ve been married before, have significant assets, or want to ensure a particular spouse receives certain property.
Proper titling and clear designation in your will or trust helps avoid confusion and ensures your intentions are honored.
Estate Planning for Mississippi Gulf Coast Residents
Right Across the State Line from Fairhope
Based in Fairhope, Alabama—just minutes from the Mississippi Gulf Coast—Jerry understands the unique character of the Gulf Coast community. Many residents have deep ties to Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, and Bay St. Louis, and many own property or conduct business across the Alabama-Mississippi border.
Jerry’s proximity to the Gulf Coast, combined with his Mississippi licensure and tri-state experience, makes him an ideal choice for coastal residents. Whether you’re a Gulf Shores beachfront homeowner with Mississippi property, a Biloxi casino executive, or a retiree in Ocean Springs, Jerry is familiar with the region’s specific legal and personal dynamics.
Wealth Management for Casino & Hospitality Industry Professionals
The Mississippi Gulf Coast’s casino and gaming industry generates significant wealth. If you work in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, or a business serving the coastal economy, your compensation and asset structure may be complex. Jerry has experience helping casino employees, gaming executives, and hospitality industry professionals plan for their unique financial situations—including performance bonuses, deferred compensation, and multi-jurisdictional income sources.
Military & Keesler Air Force Base Considerations
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi is one of the region’s largest employers and a hub of military activity. Jerry understands military estate planning issues, including military survivor benefits, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coordination with private estate plans, and tax considerations for military retirees. If you serve or have served at Keesler, or if you’re a military family member, Jerry can ensure your estate plan properly addresses military benefits.
Naval & Stennis Space Center Communities
The Gulf Coast is also home to the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport and the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County. If you work in defense, aerospace, or government contracting, Jerry understands the security clearance implications of certain estate planning structures and can help you navigate any federal requirements or restrictions.
Mississippi Estate Planning Services
Comprehensive Estate Planning
A complete estate plan typically includes a will, trust, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and a clear beneficiary designation strategy. Jerry builds a custom plan based on your specific circumstances, assets, family situation, and goals. No two plans are identical—because no two families are identical.
Asset Protection & Business Planning
If you own a business, have significant assets, or face professional liability exposure, asset protection should be a core component of your plan. Jerry helps business owners structure their entities, protect personal assets from business creditors, and plan for business succession. Strategies may include entity selection (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp), liability insurance coordination, and trust-based asset protection.
Elder Law & Medicaid Planning
As you approach retirement or face long-term care needs, proper Medicaid and elder law planning can be the difference between preserving your estate and depleting it. Jerry helps families plan for nursing home costs, coordinate Medicaid eligibility, and structure assets to qualify for benefits while protecting an inheritance for your spouse and children.
Personal Injury & Structured Settlements
If you’ve received a significant personal injury settlement or award, proper structure and tax planning are essential. Jerry helps injured clients and their families manage settlement funds, establish trusts for minor children, and minimize tax exposure. Special needs trusts for disabled beneficiaries are a particular focus.
Mississippi Estate Planning by County & Region
Gulf Coast Region
Serving Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, and Bay St. Louis. The Gulf Coast is Mississippi’s economic engine, with tourism, gaming, hospitality, maritime, and federal facilities driving the economy. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or executive, Jerry’s Gulf Coast proximity and experience make him a natural choice.
Central Mississippi (Jackson, Madison, Rankin, Hinds)
Jackson is Mississippi’s capital and largest city, home to banking, healthcare, government, and professional services. Jerry serves central Mississippi clients with the same attention to detail as his Gulf Coast base. Regular video and phone consultations make working with Jerry seamless from Jackson or surrounding counties.
Southeast Mississippi (Hattiesburg, Laurel, Jones County)
Hattiesburg is home to the University of Southern Mississippi. Jerry serves academic professionals, healthcare providers, and business owners throughout southeast Mississippi.
North Mississippi (Tupelo, Meridian, Lee County, Lauderdale County)
Tupelo and Meridian represent Mississippi’s northern markets. Jerry provides estate planning services to families and business owners throughout north Mississippi, with the flexibility of video and telephone consultations.
Why Mississippi Families Choose Jerry Taylor Law
- 30+ Years of Proven Experience: Thousands of satisfied families across Mississippi trust Jerry with their most important planning needs.
- Tri-State Licensure: Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida licenses mean coordinated planning across state lines without referrals or conflicts.
- Asset Protection Expertise: Beyond wills and trusts, Jerry specializes in strategies to protect your wealth from creditors and lawsuits.
- Fully Remote Service: Convenient video, phone, and email communication—no need to travel or take time off work.
- Gulf Coast Proximity & Understanding: Based minutes from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jerry understands the region’s unique character and economy.
- Personalized Planning: No cookie-cutter templates. Every plan is customized to your specific situation, goals, and family dynamics.
- Tax & Income Planning: Strategic use of trusts, beneficiary designations, and asset titling to minimize Mississippi income tax and federal tax exposure.
- Complex Situation Specialists: Business succession, special needs planning, blended families, significant assets—Jerry has handled it all.
How to Get Started with Your Mississippi Estate Plan
The first step is a consultation. During this initial meeting, Jerry will listen to your situation, ask detailed questions about your family and assets, and begin to understand your goals and concerns. No two plans are identical, and no plan should be built on assumptions.
To schedule your consultation, contact Jerry Taylor Law:
- Phone: 251-517-7507
- Email: jerry@jerrytaylorlaw.com
- Website: jerrytaylorlaw.com
Many consultations can be conducted by phone or video, making it easy to discuss your situation from home or your office. If you prefer an in-person meeting, Jerry can arrange that as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Estate Planning
Do I really need an estate plan, or is a simple will enough?
A will is a crucial document, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Without proper trust planning, beneficiary designations, and asset titling, your estate may spend months or years in probate, your family may face unnecessary taxes, and your wishes may not be honored the way you intended. A comprehensive estate plan—including a will, trust, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—gives you far greater control, privacy, and tax efficiency. Jerry can help you determine what level of planning is appropriate for your situation.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a legal document that directs how your assets should be distributed after your death. However, a will must go through probate—a court process that can be slow, expensive, and public. A trust, by contrast, allows assets to pass outside probate directly to your beneficiaries. Trusts also allow you to manage assets if you become incapacitated, provide privacy (trusts are not public records like wills), and offer significant tax advantages. Most comprehensive estates plans include both a will (as a safety net) and a trust (as the primary vehicle for asset distribution).
Can I use a Transfer-on-Death deed for my home instead of a trust?
Mississippi’s Transfer-on-Death Deed law (enacted in 2020) allows real property to pass outside probate to a named beneficiary. TOD deeds can be a simple, cost-effective tool for straightforward situations. However, they don’t provide the same level of asset protection, management flexibility, or tax planning as a trust. If you’re concerned about creditor protection, want to manage the property if you become incapacitated, or have a blended family, a trust is usually the better choice. Jerry will help you weigh the pros and cons for your specific situation.
How much does an estate plan cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of your plan. A straightforward will and basic power of attorney might cost significantly less than a comprehensive plan with trusts, asset protection strategies, and coordinated beneficiary designations. However, the cost of a good estate plan is always far less than the cost of probate, unnecessary taxes, or a disputed estate that ends up in court. Jerry provides transparent pricing and will discuss costs upfront so you understand what you’re paying for.
What happens to my estate plan if I move out of Mississippi?
Estate plans should be reviewed whenever you move to a new state, as each state has different laws and requirements. However, most well-drafted Mississippi trusts and wills will remain valid even if you relocate. If you move to Alabama or Florida, Jerry’s tri-state licensure means he can update your plan or coordinate with local counsel to ensure compliance with your new state’s laws. Don’t assume your plan is still valid—schedule a review with Jerry if you relocate.
Do I need to worry about Mississippi estate taxes?
Mississippi does not impose a state-level estate tax. However, Mississippi does impose a 4.0% flat income tax on trust income over $10,000 in a given year. This makes strategic income distribution planning important. Additionally, if you own property or have beneficiaries in other states, federal estate tax considerations may apply depending on the size of your estate. Jerry incorporates both state and federal tax planning into every estate plan.
Start Your Mississippi Estate Plan Today
Your legacy matters. Your family matters. The decisions you make today about your estate will impact your loved ones for generations to come. Don’t leave those decisions to chance, court proceedings, or incomplete planning.
Jerry Taylor has spent over 30 years helping Mississippi families protect their assets, honor their wishes, and secure their legacy. Whether you’re just starting to think about estate planning or you have a complex situation that needs expert attention, Jerry is ready to help.
Call today for your consultation: 251-517-7507
Or visit jerrytaylorlaw.com to learn more about estate planning, asset protection, elder law, and personal injury planning.