Melton’s estate is being probated in Texas, even though he claimed to be a resident of Mississippi, lived in Mississippi, and died in Mississippi. Had the estate been probated in Mississippi, his children would have stood to inherit a third of his estate, but according to Chris Joyner’s article, Melton’s wife stands to inherit more by probating the Will in Texas. In some situations, a mess like this would lead to a contested estate. In this case it has not. Yet.

A Last Will & Testament could have clarified the jurisdiction issue by a declaration of residency. It could also have settled any questions regarding the distribution of Melton’s assets among his heirs.

How would Melton want his estate dispersed? In all likelihood, no one will ever know, because he died without a Will.