Mississippi § 65-1-309 - Procedure for filing an answer to complaint.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 65-1-309 — Procedure for filing an answer to complaint., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 65-1-309. Procedure for filing an answer to complaint.
Any person whose property has been taken by the Transportation Department by the filing of a complaint and a declaration of taking may, within the time hereinafter set forth, file an answer to the complaint praying only for a determination of just compensation. No answer shall be filed to the declaration of taking and notice of deposit. The answer, in addition, shall contain the following: Such admissions or denials of the allegations of the complaint as are appropriate; The names and addresses of the persons filing the answer, together with a statement as to their interest in the property taken; and Such affirmative defenses or matters as are pertinent to the action. A copy of the answer shall be served on the Transportation Department, or such other process agents as may be designated by the department, in Jackson, Mississippi, provided that failure to serve the answer shall not deprive the answer of its validity. The affirmative allegation of the answer shall be deemed denied; however, the Transportation Department may file a reply within thirty (30) days from receipt of a copy of the answer. The Transportation Department, within ninety (90) days from the receipt of the answer, shall file in the cause a plat of the land taken and such additional area as may be necessary to properly determine the damages, and a copy thereof shall be mailed to the parties or their attorney; however, the department shall not be required to file a map or plat in less than six (6) months from the date of the filing of the complaint.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 65-1-309
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 65-1-309 cover?
Section 65-1-309 ("Procedure for filing an answer to complaint.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 65-1-309?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 65-1-309" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 65-1-309 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.