Q: How to identify and address a lien on inherited property in Mississippi?

A: Initially you need to hire a MS attorney to search the attorney. The lawyer can examine the lien, and decide how to get it released, or convey subject to it. The SOL to enforce it may have run so that a quiet title action might be available.

A: Finding a lien on inherited property can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just trying to keep things in the family. The first step is to contact the county chancery clerk’s office in the Mississippi county where the property is located. They can give you a copy of the lien document, which will tell you who placed it, when, and for how much. This will help you understand whether it’s a mortgage, tax lien, contractor’s lien, or something else entirely.

Once you know the type of lien, you can decide how to resolve it. If it’s an unpaid mortgage or home equity loan, you may need to contact the lender to settle the balance or negotiate a payoff. If it’s a judgment or tax lien, you can usually pay the amount directly to the court or tax authority, and request a lien release after payment. Make sure you get a satisfaction or release document in writing, and have it recorded with the clerk to clear the title.

Before selling the property to your sister, it’s important that the lien is fully resolved or formally assumed as part of the sale, depending on your agreement. You’ve done the right thing by getting the property into your name—now it’s just about clearing the last hurdle. You’re close to the finish line, and with the right steps, you’ll be able to transfer it cleanly.