In a significant development for residents of Mississippi, new laws impacting trusts and estates were introduced on February 21, 2026. The changes, aimed at modernizing and streamlining the state's legal framework surrounding these matters, have already begun to generate discussion and speculation among legal professionals and individuals involved in estate planning.One key aspect of the updated legislation is a provision that allows for the creation of directed trusts in Mississippi. Directed trusts enable grantors to appoint an investment advisor or trust protector to make certain decisions regarding the management and administration of the trust, while leaving other responsibilities to the trustee. This new option provides greater flexibility for individuals seeking to establish trusts that align with their specific preferences and objectives.Another noteworthy update pertains to the state's laws governing estate taxes. Mississippi has increased the exemption threshold for estate taxes, raising it to $5 million per individual. This change aims to lessen the financial burden on heirs and beneficiaries of estates valued below this threshold, while still ensuring that larger estates are subject to appropriate taxation.Additionally, the revised laws address issues related to digital assets and estate planning. With the prevalence of online accounts and assets in the modern era, individuals can now include provisions in their estate plans to account for the management and distribution of digital assets after their passing. This ensures that personal information, social media accounts, cryptocurrency holdings, and other digital properties are handled in accordance with their wishes.Legal experts anticipate that these changes will have a significant impact on the way trusts and estates are structured and managed in Mississippi. By offering more options and clarity in the legal landscape, individuals will have greater control over their assets and legacies, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective estate planning processes.As residents and professionals familiarize themselves with the new laws, it is expected that there will be a surge in trust and estate planning activities across the state. Whether it involves creating directed trusts, updating existing estate plans, or incorporating provisions for digital assets, Mississippians are poised to benefit from these progressive legal reforms in the realm of trusts and estates.