Forrest County is located in south central Mississippi approximately 100 miles south of the State Capital, Jackson. Adjacent counties include Jones County (northeast), Perry County (east), Stone County (south), Pearl River County (southwest), Lamar County (west), and Covington County (northwest). The county seat (and by far the largest city) is Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Forrest County, which is named after Confederate General Nathan Forrest, was formed in 1908 when the Mississippi legislature separated it from the western portion of Perry County. This was spurred by the growth of industry and population accompanying the lumber boom in what is known as the Piney Woods of South Mississippi. By 1910, Hattiesburg was the hub of four railroads, earning it the title “the Hub City.” The J.J. Newman Lumber Company and more than 30 other lumber wholesalers maintained purchasing offices in Hattiesburg. Today, students have replaced lumber as the primary export of Forrest County. Two universities are based in Forrest County: University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. There are also two colleges: Antonelli College and Pearl River Community College.
Forrest County is part of the 10 th Chancery Court District, along with Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River County, and Perry County. Chancellors in the Tenth Judicial District are Chancery Court Judges Sebe Dale, Jr., Johnny L. Williams, and James H.C. Thomas, Jr. The Forrest County Chancery Court is located in the Paul B. Johnson Chancery Building in downtown Hattiesburg. The Chancery Clerk is:
Jimmy C. Havard
P. O. Box 951
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: 601-545-6014
Fax: 601-545-6017
The cities located in Forrest County are Hattiesburg and Petal. Other towns and communities include Brooklyn, Carnes, Fruitland Park, Oak Grove, McLaurin, and Palmer.
Like other Mississippi counties, Forrest County follows Mississippi Uniform Chancery Court Rule 6.1, which requires every fiduciary (such as an executor or administrator) to be represented by a Mississippi attorney unless such fiduciary is an attorney. Because the administration of Mississippi estates can be complex, involves fiduciary duties, and presents the potential for mismanagement and/or abuse, this rule serves the public benefit by ensuring that those acting on behalf of a Mississippi estate are represented by a Mississippi probate attorney who understands the probate procedures and rules. In order to effectively and efficiently guide you through a Mississippi probate proceeding, the estate attorney must have a good understanding of Mississippi probate and federal tax laws. If you need help with a probate matter, contact a Mississippi attorney that is experienced in probate and estate administration to ensure that the most effective administration of the estate.
Falconberg PLLC serves clients throughout Forrest County. You can click on the links below to contact one of our attorneys: