Advance Directive

Mississippi’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and contains an individual’s living and last will. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Only the deceased’s immediate family members, legal guardians and representatives, the funeral home, and those holding a court order can obtain a death certificate in Mississippi. The following information is required for application:

• Deceased’s name, sex, age at death, and race
• Names of deceased’s parents
• Deceased’s social security number
• Place and date of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, and address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased
• Purpose for request
• State file number
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate and one certified copy cost $15 with an additional copy coming at $5.

The application can be handed in person or mailed to:

Mississippi State Department of Health

Vital Records

P.O. Box 1700

Jackson, MS 39215-1700.

Digital Estate Planning Laws

HB 489 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on July 1, 2017.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Currently, Mississippi has no legislation regarding assisted death. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Mississippi’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Physician Order for Scope of Treatment (POST)

Mississippi’s POST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Mississippi’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 91: Trusts and Estates.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Mississippi has no estate tax with an exemption of estate exceeding $1,000,000 value. More information can be found here.