Resources
Helpful Information
General information to help you prepare for a consultation and understand common terms you may hear in chancery court. This page is not legal advice; every situation is different.
Preparing for Your Consultation
A consultation is scheduled for up to 30 minutes. Bringing the right papers helps make the most of that time. Depending on your matter, it may help to bring:
- Any court papers you have received or filed, including existing orders
- The full names of everyone involved in the matter
- A short written timeline of important dates and events
- For family matters: current custody, visitation, or support orders
- For estate matters: a copy of the death certificate and any will, if available
- A list of the questions you would like to ask
Common Questions
Why do you ask for the names of other people involved?
Before meeting with a prospective client, the office completes a preliminary conflict check to make sure Castle Law does not already represent, or has not previously represented, someone on the other side of the matter. The names you provide are used for that purpose.
Does contacting the office mean Castle Law represents me?
No. Representation begins only after Castle Law accepts the matter, a written engagement agreement is signed, and any required retainer or fee is paid.
What if I have a hearing or deadline coming up soon?
Please call the office directly at 601-475-4545. Do not use the website form for urgent or time-sensitive matters.
What if my matter isn't listed on the Practice Areas page?
Representation is not necessarily limited to the matters listed. Contact the office to discuss the issue. If a matter falls outside the firm's practice areas, Castle Law will help identify an appropriate next step or resource when possible.
Common Terms
- Chancery Court
- In Mississippi, the court that hears matters such as divorce, child custody and support, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and name changes.
- Executor and Administrator
- The person responsible for handling a deceased person's estate. An executor is named in a will; an administrator is appointed by the court when there is no will or no executor is able to serve.
- Guardianship
- A court proceeding that appoints someone to make personal decisions for a minor or an adult who cannot make those decisions on their own.
- Conservatorship
- A court proceeding that appoints someone to manage the financial affairs of a person who is unable to manage them.
- Guardian ad Litem
- A person the court appoints to investigate and advocate for the best interests of a child or other vulnerable person in a case.
- Modification
- A request asking the court to change an existing order, such as custody or support, usually because circumstances have changed.
- Contempt
- A request asking the court to enforce an existing order when someone has not followed it.
- Power of Attorney
- A document that gives someone you trust the authority to act on your behalf in financial or other matters.
- Advance Directive
- A document stating your health-care wishes and naming someone to make medical decisions if you cannot.
Helpful Links
These outside websites are provided for convenience. Castle Law, PLLC is not responsible for their content.
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Request a Consultation
Have a question about your own situation? Contact Castle Law, PLLC to request a consultation.