Caseload split following Judge Barnes passing

Last updated: October 2, 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — An Administrative Order has been issued regarding the caseload assignment and management following the passing of the Honorable Judge Vicki R. Barnes of the Ninth Chancery Court District.

The Ninth Chancery Court district includes Humphreys, Issaquena, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren and Washington Counties.

According to the court filing, the document was issued in order to ensure the continuous, prompt, and orderly administration of justice, to minimize delays of litigants, and to establish clear procedures for the handling of pending cases, execution of orders, and new filings during this period of transition until a successor judge is appointed or elected.

Until the time a successor is appointed or elected the assumption of supervisory authority will fall to the Senior Judge Bennie L. Richard.

Any proposed order, judgment or decree of a ruling made by Judge Barnes, prior to her passing, but remains unsigned, will be presented to Judge Richard or Judge Debra Giles for signatures.

Regarding routine, ex-parte and agreed orders Judge Richard and Judge Giles will at their discretion be able to sign orders.

All emergency filings will need to go through Judge Richard’s office. This includes temporary restraining orders, commitment proceedings, or urgent domestic matters requiring immediate judicial attention. In the event Judge Richard is unavailable, emergency matters may be presented to Judge Giles.

All pre-scheduled contested hearings and trials originally on Judge Barnes’ docket that were set from Sept. 28 through Dec. 31, 2026 are continued unless otherwise ordered.

All pending hearings in uncontested matters such as minor’s settlements, determination of heirs/wrongful death beneficiaries, and uncontested estate matters will be heard as currently scheduled subject to the availability of Judge Richard or Judge Giles or will be rescheduled as soon as practically possible.