Free Legal Resources
Mississippi Legal Resources
Your complete guide to free and low-cost legal help in Mississippi.
Free Legal Aid Organizations
Mississippi Center for Legal Services (MCLS)
Counties: Central MS (Hinds, Rankin, Madison)
Phone: 601-948-4111
North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (NMRLS)
Counties: 39 North MS counties
Phone: 1-800-498-1803
South Mississippi Legal Services (SMLS)
Counties: 23 South MS counties
Phone: 228-864-5674
Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP)
Counties: Statewide
Phone: 601-960-9577
Mississippi Center for Justice
Counties: Statewide
Phone: 601-352-8652
Chancery Court by County
| County | Court | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Hinds (Jackson) | Chancery Court | 601-968-6500 |
| Harrison (Gulfport) | Chancery Court | 228-865-4000 |
| DeSoto (Southaven) | Chancery Court | 662-429-1320 |
| Rankin (Brandon) | Chancery Court | 601-825-1468 |
| Lee (Tupelo) | Chancery Court | 662-841-9200 |
| Forrest (Hattiesburg) | Chancery Court | 601-545-6120 |
| Lafayette (Oxford) | Chancery Court | 662-234-3311 |
Self-Help: courts.ms.gov
Pro Se Filing Costs
| Filing Type | Cost | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce (Uncontested) | $100-150 filing fee | Chancery Court |
| Name Change | $100-150 filing fee | Chancery Court |
| Expungement | $150 filing fee | Circuit Court |
| Eviction Answer | $0 (tenant) | Justice Court |
| Small Claims | $25-50 filing fee | Justice Court |
| LLC Formation | $50 state fee | MS Secretary of State |
FAQ
Can I get a court-appointed attorney for civil cases?
Generally, no. In Mississippi, court-appointed attorneys are primarily for criminal cases. For civil matters, you must hire an attorney or represent yourself.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the Chancery Court clerk about filing in forma pauperis. If you qualify based on income, the court may waive your filing fees.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Mississippi?
Mississippi has no waiting period for uncontested divorce. Reality: 2-3 months is typical for uncontested cases.
What court handles divorces in Mississippi?
Chancery Court handles all divorce and family matters in Mississippi. Each of the 82 counties has a Chancery Court.
This resource guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.