Stone County is located in South Mississippi, just north of Harrison County. It is bound on the northeast by Perry County, on the east by George County, on the southeast by Jackson County, on the south by Harrison County, on the west by Pearl River County, and on the northwest by Forrest County. It is part of the Gulfport–Biloxi, Mississippi, Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Stone County was formed from the northern portion of Harrison County on June 5, 1916. The county was named for John M. Stone, and president of Mississippi A & M College and the Governor of Mississippi from 1876 to 1882 and again from 1890 to 1896. It has a land area of 444 square miles, forming a nearly perfect rectangle, except for a 12-square-mile extension on its southwestern corner.
Perkinston is the oldest settlement in George County. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College operates a junior college there today. Perkinston is located in the central part of the county on land homesteaded around 1880 by a Mr. Perkins. The community of McHenry near the county’s southern boarder was settled by Dr. George McHenry in 1883.
Stone County is part of the 8th Chancery Court District, along with Hancock County and Harrison County. The county seat is Bay St. Louis. The chancellors (probate judges) in this judicial district are Hon. Jim Persons, Hon. Margaret Alfonso, Hon. Sandy Steckler, and Hon. Carter Bise. The Chancery Clerk for Stone County is:
Gerald W. Bond
P. O. Drawer 7
Wiggins, MS 39577
Phone: 601-928-5266
Fax: 601-928-6464
Wiggins, the only city in Stone County, serves as the county seat.
Like other Mississippi counties, Stone 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 Stone County. You can click on the links below to contact one of our attorneys: