Mississippi

Mississippi Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Mississippi. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Mississippi Center for Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in southern Mississippi covering housing, family, and consumer matters.

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North Mississippi Rural Legal Services

Offers free legal assistance to low-income residents in northern Mississippi in civil legal matters.

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Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project

Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys for pro bono legal representation.

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Mississippi Center for Legal Services

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in southern Mississippi on housing, family, and benefits.

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North Mississippi Rural Legal Services

Serves low-income residents in northern Mississippi with free legal help in housing, employment, and family law.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Mississippi is the court of last resort with nine justices. The Court of Appeals handles intermediate appeals with 10 judges. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across 22 judicial circuits. Chancery Courts handle equity matters, family law, and property disputes. Justice Courts handle minor civil and criminal cases.

Key State Laws & Protections

Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under Miss. Code 89-8-1, covering landlord and tenant obligations, security deposits, and eviction procedures.

Mississippi Employment Discrimination

Limited state-level protections; Mississippi does not have a comprehensive state employment discrimination statute, so federal laws (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) provide primary protections.

Mississippi Consumer Protection Act

Prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices under Miss. Code 75-24-1 with enforcement through the Attorney General.

Mississippi Homestead Exemption

Protects homestead property up to $75,000 in value and 160 acres from forced sale by creditors.

Mississippi Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Governs rental relationships under Mississippi Code 89-8, covering security deposits and landlord maintenance obligations.

Mississippi Consumer Protection Act

Prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices with enforcement by the Attorney General.

Bar Association

The Mississippi Bar
Visit Official Website →

Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call the Mississippi Center for Legal Services at 1-800-498-1804 for free legal help.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Mississippi DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-800-898-3234

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Mississippi Medical Marijuana (2025)

Continued implementation of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act with updated patient and dispensary regulations.

Mississippi Teacher Pay Increase (2025)

Legislative pay increases for teachers and education workers, with associated employment law protections.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 3 years (oral) / 6 years (written)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 2 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $40-$55 (claims up to $3,500 in Justice Court)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $150-$250

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $150-$200

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Mississippi Center for Legal Services

Free civil legal services for low-income residents in southern Mississippi in housing, family, and benefits matters.

Visit Website →

North Mississippi Rural Legal Services

Free legal help for low-income residents in 39 northern Mississippi counties.

Visit Website →

Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project

Pro bono attorney referrals for qualifying low-income Mississippi residents.

Visit Website →

State Bar Resources

Mississippi Bar

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (601) 948-4471

Pro Bono: Mississippi Access to Justice Commission coordinates pro bono programs.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Mississippi

Mississippi has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Mississippi, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Mississippi-specific details.
Mississippi allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Mississippi sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Mississippi minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Mississippi sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Mississippi.