How difficult would it be to evict a squatter from a house?

[Brandon P.]

There is a property for sale that I like, I think it can make a good rental. The owner warned me it may be squatter occupied, and I went to look at it myself, it bad clothes hanging and 2 locked doors that I assume someone was living in. The owner seems unwilling to evict the squatter, but is willing to lower the price. If I purchased the property how long, and difficult would it likely be for me to evict the squatter? Property is in Mississippi

[Susan Maneck]

Eviction in Mississippi is not that difficult. It is even possible to do a self-eviction if you can do so without causing a disturbance, but I wouldn't try it. What you do is you file for a 30 day eviction with the chancery court. You usually it takes about two or three weeks to get a hearing. Once you get an order in your favor you pay a fee for the constable to enforce it as soon as the 30 days are up. That usually takes another couple of weeks. 

You can do all this without a lawyer, but mind you, expect your house to be trashed.