Newton County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Newton County in 2026
NewtonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Newton County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find ownership history, deed transfers, tax assessments, recorded liens, and related land documents. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the document type, recording date, and the agency maintaining the record.
Property records in Newton County may be searched through several official channels, including the Newton County Tax Assessor, the Newton County Chancery Clerk, and the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Each office maintains distinct categories of records, and requesters are encouraged to identify the specific document type before initiating a search.
Official Resources for Searching Newton County Property Records:
| Resource | Record Type | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Newton County Chancery Clerk | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats | In-person, mail |
| Newton County Tax Assessor | Assessments, ownership, exemptions | In-person, phone |
| Mississippi Department of Revenue | State tax liens, ad valorem records | Online, in-person |
| Newton County Circuit Clerk | Judgment liens, court-related filings | In-person |
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches — The most convenient method for recent records; available through state and county portals
- In-person visits — Required for certified copies and older documents not yet digitized
- By mail — Written requests submitted to the appropriate office with applicable fees
- Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors provide comprehensive searches
Online Search Methods:
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Newton County Tax Assessor serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Newton County Tax Assessor's online portal for basic property data at no charge, without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Newton County Tax Assessor's official website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the specific property to view the full property card
- Review ownership details, assessed values, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The Newton County Chancery Clerk maintains the official records index for all instruments affecting real property. Under Mississippi Code § 89-5-1, all conveyances of real property must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Book and page number
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA declarations
How to Search:
- Contact or visit the Newton County Chancery Clerk's office
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index
- Enter the party name or document type
- Review the index results and note the book and page or instrument number
- Request the document image from staff or locate it in the record books
- Note that some older records are available only in physical ledger format
3. Tax Collector Website
The Newton County Tax Collector maintains records of property tax billing, payment history, and delinquency status. Members of the public may search tax records by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number.
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history and outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Newton County participates in the Mississippi statewide GIS infrastructure. The Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS) provides interactive mapping tools that allow users to view property boundaries, aerial photography, flood zones, and zoning layers.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to view linked property information
- Access zoning layers, flood zone designations, and environmental features
- Measure distances and view multiple map layers simultaneously
In-Person Searches:
Property Appraiser Office
Newton County Tax Assessor
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2517
Newton County Tax Assessor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Services available in person:
- Public access computers for property searches
- Staff assistance with parcel identification
- Property cards and assessment records
- Exemption applications (homestead, senior, disability, veteran)
Clerk of Court / Recorder Office
Newton County Chancery Clerk
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Newton County Chancery Clerk
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Services available in person:
- Viewing official recorded instruments
- Requesting certified copies of deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Searching grantor/grantee indexes
- Access to record books and microfilm archives
- Staff assistance with historical document retrieval
Tax Collector Office
Newton County Tax Collector
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2517
Newton County Tax Collector
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Services available in person:
- Tax payment processing
- Copies of current and prior tax bills
- Delinquency status and redemption information
- Tax certificate searches
By Mail Requests:
Property Appraiser
Written requests for property assessment information may be submitted to:
Newton County Tax Assessor
P.O. Box 68, Decatur, MS 39327
Requesters should include the property address or parcel number, a description of the records sought, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copying fees apply as described in the fee schedule below.
Clerk / Recorder
Written requests for recorded documents may be submitted to:
Newton County Chancery Clerk
P.O. Box 68, Decatur, MS 39327
Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with applicable fees.
Through Professionals:
Title Companies
Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests affecting a property, including mortgages, liens, easements, and restrictions. Costs vary by transaction complexity.
Real Estate Attorneys
Licensed Mississippi real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, resolve complex ownership disputes, and advise on chain-of-title deficiencies. Fees vary based on the scope of services required.
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
By Address
- Use the complete street address, including directionals (N, S, E, W)
- Try variations with and without unit or apartment numbers
- Check for historical address changes if the property is older
By Owner Name
- Search last name first, then full name
- Try variations including middle initials and maiden names
- Search both individual names and business entity names for commercial properties
By Legal Description
- Use the exact legal description from the deed
- Include subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section/township/range where applicable
For Historical Records
- Records predating digitization are available in physical ledger books at the Chancery Clerk's office
- Staff can assist with microfilm retrieval for older instruments
- Advance notice is recommended for records more than 50 years old
Common Search Challenges:
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing delays
- Name spelling variations may cause records to appear under alternate indexes
- Properties with address changes may require a parcel number search for accurate results
- Some pre-digital records are available only in physical format at the courthouse
What You Cannot Find Online:
- Unrecorded private agreements
- Pending sales prior to closing and recording
- Documents filed under seal by court order
- Some records predating county digitization efforts
What Is Newton County Property Records
Property records in Newton County are official legal documents related to real property — land and any structures affixed to it — maintained by county government offices pursuant to Mississippi recording statutes. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax administration. Under Mississippi Code § 89-5-3, recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer records and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements and restrictive covenants
- HOA declarations and lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records
- Property tax assessments and tax bills
- Payment history and exemption records
- Millage rates and special assessments
- Tax delinquency and tax deed records
Legal Descriptions
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation notices
- Zoning designations and land use classifications
Who Maintains Property Records:
Newton County Chancery Clerk
The Chancery Clerk records and indexes all instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The office maintains the permanent official records index and provides public access to recorded documents.
Newton County Tax Assessor
The Tax Assessor maintains property valuation records, assessment rolls, ownership information, and exemption applications. The office updates property characteristics and assessed values annually.
Newton County Tax Collector
The Tax Collector maintains tax billing records, payment histories, delinquency records, and tax certificate information.
Newton County Building and Planning Department
The Building and Planning Department maintains permit records, inspection reports, zoning designations, and code enforcement files.
Legal Framework:
Mississippi property recording law is governed primarily by Mississippi Code § 89-5-1 et seq., which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property and the legal effect of recordation. The Mississippi Secretary of State's office provides additional guidance on land records and UCC filings that may affect property interests.
Are Property Records Public Information in Newton County?
Property records in Newton County are public information. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., all records maintained by public bodies are presumed open to inspection and copying by any person, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Property records maintained by the Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, and Tax Collector are subject to this presumption of openness.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- The Mississippi Public Records Act establishes the right of public access to government records
- Mississippi recording statutes require that recorded instruments be available for public inspection
- The common law tradition of public land records predates statehood
- Constructive notice principles require that recorded documents be accessible to all
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency
The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how property is assessed for taxation, and what encumbrances affect title. Public access prevents fraudulent transfers and supports accountability in property taxation.
Commercial Purposes
Real estate transactions depend on the ability of buyers, lenders, and title companies to search public records and verify ownership, encumbrances, and title history. The title insurance industry, mortgage lending, and property appraisal professions all rely on open access to property records.
Legal Protections
Recording statutes protect subsequent purchasers and lenders by requiring that instruments affecting title be recorded to provide constructive notice. This system functions only when records are publicly accessible.
Public Interest
Property records support community planning, historical research, genealogical research, journalistic investigation, and tax assessment transparency.
What Property Information Is Public:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and property addresses
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information within property records is subject to protection:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from documents recorded after applicable federal and state privacy requirements took effect
- Bank account numbers are redacted from recorded instruments
- Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under Mississippi law
- Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information not fully subject to public disclosure; the Tax Assessor's office can advise on applicable policies
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of property records in Newton County. There is no residency requirement, ownership requirement, or stated purpose requirement. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists.
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Permitted commercial uses of public property records include real estate marketing, property valuation services, title searches, investment analysis, and market research. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such aggregation is lawful, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern the use of information obtained from public records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Newton County?
The Newton County Chancery Clerk charges standard fees for copies of recorded instruments pursuant to Mississippi law. Members of the public may inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $1.00 per page + $1.00 certification fee |
| Uncertified copy of recorded instrument | $1.00 per page |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $12.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $2.00 |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies; contact office |
| Online record viewing | Free (where available) |
- Inspection of records — No fee is charged for in-person inspection of public records during regular business hours
- Copies — Standard copy fees apply per page as listed above
- Certified copies — An additional certification fee is charged per document
- Electronic format — Where electronic copies are available through the county portal, access is provided at no charge for basic viewing; download fees may apply
- Search fees — Extensive staff-assisted searches may be subject to a reasonable fee; the office will advise requesters in advance
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Newton County Chancery Clerk)
- Money order
- Credit and debit cards (availability subject to office policy; confirm with the office prior to visit)
Fee Waivers: Mississippi law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Indigent requesters and certain governmental entities may request fee consideration; the office retains discretion in such matters.
Free Access:
- Online viewing of available digitized records through the county portal is provided at no charge
- In-person inspection of physical records at the courthouse is free
- Basic property information through the Tax Assessor's online system is available at no charge
What's Included in a Newton County Property Record?
A complete Newton County property record encompasses information maintained by multiple county offices. The following categories represent the full scope of information available across the Tax Assessor, Chancery Clerk, and Tax Collector records.
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title with prior owner names and transfer dates
- Historical deed references and ownership timeline
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range, metes and bounds)
- Parcel ID number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, and other additional features
- Heating and cooling systems
- Water source and sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and market value estimate
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Tax payment history and delinquency history
Exemptions Applied:
- Homestead exemption
- Senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower exemptions
- Agricultural and conservation exemptions
- Exemption application dates
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transfer
- Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, amounts, and recording dates
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district assignments (school, fire, water, CDD)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Property exterior photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial imagery where available
Building Permit Information (where integrated):
- Building permits issued with dates, descriptions, and permit values
- Contractor information and certificate of occupancy
- Inspection records
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond recorded documents
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted)
- Private agreements not recorded with the Chancery Clerk
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Newton County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Newton County are maintained permanently. The Chancery Clerk is required by Mississippi law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property as part of the permanent public record. These records are never destroyed, as they form the legal foundation for chain of title and property rights.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Mississippi records retention requirements for county clerks are established under state law and administered through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records that must be preserved indefinitely. The recording statutes under Mississippi Code § 89-5-1 et seq. reinforce this requirement by establishing that recorded instruments constitute the permanent public record of property interests.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records
All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records date back to Newton County's formation in 1836, with some instruments reflecting original land grants and territorial-period transfers.
Mortgage Records
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records
All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently as part of the official records index.
Plats and Surveys
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.
Other Recorded Documents
Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical Records:
- Pre-20th century records: Handwritten ledger books
- Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in bound record books
- Mid-20th century onward: Microfilm archives
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
Modern Format:
- Electronic document management with scanned images of original instruments
- Digital signatures for newly recorded instruments
- Off-site backup systems and cloud-based redundancy for digital records
- Climate-controlled storage for physical books and microfilm
Access to Historical Records:
Online Access:
- Recent records (approximately the last 20–40 years) are available through the county's digital portal
- The extent of online availability varies based on the county's digitization progress
- Some older records have been scanned and made available online through ongoing preservation projects
In-Person Access:
- All records, regardless of age, are available for inspection at the Chancery Clerk's office
- Older records may be in bound ledger books, microfilm, or digital access terminals
- Staff can retrieve records from storage; advance notice is recommended for records more than 50 years old
Property Appraiser Records:
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Newton County Tax Assessor. Exemption applications are retained for a minimum of five to seven years, consistent with state retention schedules. Recent assessment history is available online; historical assessments are accessible at the Tax Assessor's office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years. Tax certificates are maintained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.
Chain of Title:
The chain of title for any Newton County property can be traced from the present owner back to the original land grant. Title searches conducted for real estate transactions review a minimum of 30 to 60 years of ownership history. Mississippi's recording system ensures an unbroken historical record for every parcel.
Accessing Records by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Last 20 years | Fully online in most cases | Digital portal, free viewing |
| 20–50 years ago | May be online; microfilm available | Portal or in-person |
| 50–100 years ago | Physical books or microfilm | In-person, staff retrieval |
| 100+ years ago | Archive storage, advance notice helpful | In-person, staff assistance |
Contact for Historical Records:
Newton County Chancery Clerk
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Newton County Chancery Clerk
Newton County Tax Assessor
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2517
Newton County Tax Assessor
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
200 North Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-6850
Mississippi Department of Archives and History
How To Find Liens on Property in Newton County?
Liens on property in Newton County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Newton County Chancery Clerk. Members of the public may search for liens using the grantor/grantee index maintained at the Chancery Clerk's office.
Types of Liens Recorded with the Chancery Clerk:
- Federal and state tax liens
- Judgment liens from court proceedings
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
- Lis pendens (notice of pending litigation affecting title)
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Visit or contact the Newton County Chancery Clerk at 92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327, or call (601) 635-2367 during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM)
- Request access to the grantor/grantee index — liens are indexed under the property owner's name as grantor or grantee depending on the instrument type
- Search by owner name — enter the current and prior owner names to identify all recorded instruments, including liens
- Search by parcel number — where the index permits parcel-based searches, this method identifies all instruments associated with a specific parcel
- Review the results — note the book and page or instrument number for each lien identified
- Request copies — obtain copies of lien documents at the standard per-page fee
Federal Tax Liens: Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Chancery Clerk pursuant to federal law. Members of the public may also search the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for federal tax lien information.
State Tax Liens: Mississippi state tax liens are filed by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and recorded with the Chancery Clerk. The Department of Revenue maintains information on outstanding state tax obligations.
Judgment Liens: Judgment liens arise from court judgments and are recorded with the Chancery Clerk. The Newton County Circuit Clerk maintains court records from which judgment information may be obtained.
Newton County Circuit Clerk
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2209
Newton County Circuit Clerk
Mechanic's Liens: Contractors, subcontractors, and materialmen may file mechanic's liens against property under Mississippi Code § 85-7-131 et seq. These instruments are recorded with the Chancery Clerk and searchable through the standard grantor/grantee index.
Professional Lien Searches: Title companies and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. These searches cover all recorded instruments in the Chancery Clerk's index and are the standard method used in real estate transactions to identify all encumbrances affecting title.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Newton County?
The property owner rule in Newton County refers to the body of Mississippi law and local practice governing the rights, responsibilities, and legal standing of property owners with respect to their real property. Under Mississippi law, property ownership is established by a recorded deed and carries with it a defined set of rights and obligations.
Establishment of Ownership: Legal ownership of real property in Newton County is established by a deed recorded with the Newton County Chancery Clerk. Under Mississippi recording law, an unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers. Recording is therefore essential to protect ownership rights against third-party claims.
Rights of Property Owners: Mississippi property owners hold the right to use, enjoy, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. The Newton County Planning and Zoning Department administers land use regulations that govern permissible uses of property within the county.
Property Tax Obligations: All owners of real property in Newton County are subject to ad valorem property taxation administered by the Newton County Tax Assessor and Tax Collector. Property is assessed annually, and tax bills are issued based on the assessed value as determined by the Tax Assessor. Owners who believe their assessment is incorrect may appeal to the Newton County Board of Supervisors sitting as the Board of Equalization.
Newton County Board of Supervisors
92 W Broad St, Decatur, MS 39327
Phone: (601) 635-2367
Newton County Board of Supervisors
Homestead Exemption: Owner-occupants of residential property in Newton County may qualify for the Mississippi homestead exemption, which reduces the assessed value subject to taxation. Applications are filed with the Newton County Tax Assessor. Under Mississippi law, the homestead exemption provides a reduction of up to $300 on the property tax bill for qualifying owner-occupied residences, with additional exemptions available for seniors and disabled veterans.
Adverse Possession: Mississippi law recognizes adverse possession as a means by which a person may acquire title to property through open, notorious, hostile, exclusive, and continuous possession for a period of ten years, pursuant to Mississippi Code § 15-1-13. Claims of adverse possession must be established through a court proceeding, and any resulting judgment must be recorded with the Chancery Clerk to affect the chain of title.
Eminent Domain: The government retains the power of eminent domain to acquire private property for public use upon payment of just compensation, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article 3, Section 17 of the Mississippi Constitution. Property owners subject to condemnation proceedings have the right to contest the taking and the amount of compensation offered.
Riparian and Mineral Rights: Property owners in Newton County may hold riparian rights (rights associated with water boundaries) and mineral rights (rights to subsurface resources) as part of their ownership interest, unless these rights have been severed and separately conveyed. Severance of mineral rights is documented by recorded instruments in the Chancery Clerk's index.
Boundary Disputes: Boundary disputes between adjoining property owners are resolved through reference to recorded plats, surveys, and legal descriptions. The Newton County Chancery Court has jurisdiction over actions to quiet title and resolve boundary disputes. Members of the public may access court records through the Newton County Circuit and Chancery Clerk's offices.