Inheriting property or money can be a bittersweet experience, often marked by the emotional loss of a loved one and the practical responsibility of managing new assets. One of the most common concerns people have when they receive an inheritance is whether they will owe taxes on it. The answer depends on several factors, including the nature and size of the inheritance and how the assets are transferred.

The practice of law has a long and fascinating history that reaches back thousands of years. Law itself is as old as organized society, and the people who interpreted and enforced it have always played a central role in shaping civilization. From the earliest recorded codes to modern legal systems, the role of the legal professional has evolved with culture, politics, and philosophy. Understanding this history helps put today’s legal profession in perspective and reminds us that the work lawyers do has always mattered deeply to society.

The first recognizable legal systems developed in ancient Mesopotamia. Around 1750 BCE, King Hammurabi of Babylon issued one of the earliest written codes of law. The Code of Hammurabi covered everything from trade and property to marriage and theft. While not lawyers in the modern sense, scribes and priests often acted as legal authorities who interpreted and applied these early laws. These individuals held a position of respect and were central to resolving disputes in their communities.

The earliest known wills appeared in ancient Egypt. Egyptians used written instructions to direct how their possessions should be distributed after death. These early documents were often designed to prevent disputes and to ensure that loved ones or religious institutions received what the deceased intended. Ancient Greece and Rome built on this idea, with the Romans developing a highly structured and legally recognized form of the will. Roman citizens were allowed to name heirs, appoint guardians, and make specific gifts of property. They could even use a will to release enslaved individuals. Many of the core principles of modern wills, including the requirement that the person be mentally competent and that the will be properly witnessed, can be traced back to Roman law.

Trusts are often associated with estate planning and wealth management today, but the concept has a long and fascinating history that spans nearly a thousand years. Originating in medieval England, trusts were developed as a practical solution during a time of military campaigns and rigid property laws. During the Crusades, English knights who left their lands behind needed someone they trusted to manage their property while they were away. They would entrust their estates to a friend or relative, asking that person to manage the land and support the knight's family during his absence. The idea was that while the trustee held legal title to the land, the benefit of that land still belonged to the knight and his family.

When families go through separation or divorce, one of the most difficult and emotional issues to navigate is custody and visitation. Parents naturally want to be as involved in their children’s lives as possible, and often, the decisions made in the courtroom can have a lasting impact on both parents and children. Understanding Mississippi’s approach to custody and visitation can help you make informed decisions and ensure the best interests of your children are prioritized.

Many people put off writing a will. It is easy to understand why. Life gets busy, and creating a will can seem like something only older people or wealthy families need to worry about. But in reality, every adult in Mississippi can benefit from having a valid will in place. Without one, the law decides who inherits your property, who cares for your children, and how your affairs are handled. These decisions are not always aligned with your personal wishes or the best interests of your loved ones.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and during a time of grief, handling legal matters can feel overwhelming. If the person who passed away owned property or had financial accounts in their name, their estate likely has to go through probate. In Mississippi, probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death. It ensures that debts are paid, assets are properly distributed, and everything is handled according to the law or the deceased person’s wishes.