Mississippi Divorce

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

In order to file for a dissolution of marriage in the State of Mississippi, either spouse must have been a resident of Mississippi for at least six months.

GROUNDS 

Mississippi recognizes irreconcilable differences as the only grounds for a no-fault divorce.

Mississippi’s fault grounds for divorce include, but are not limited to, adultery, impotence, alcoholism or substance abuse and willful desertion for one year.

CHILD CUSTODY

The court will award joint or sole custody in accordance with the best interests of the child. Joint legal custody gives both parents the contribute to the decision-making process concerning the child’s development and well-being. Joint custody, however, is often times not awarded equally 50/50 to both parents.

CHILD SUPPORT

Mississippi’s child support guidelines apply in virtually every case, unless special circumstances are present. Both parents’ gross incomes and certain child related expenses are taken into consideration when calculating the child support obligation. Child support will continue until the child reaches eighteen years of age, and may extend through the child’s secondary education.

MEDIATION

At any time before or after the divorce action has been initiated in the court system, the parties may agree to submit their disputed issues to mediation. The parties can proceed in court on an uncontested basis, if an agreement is reached.

FILING FEES

Court filing fees are required to file a divorce in Mississippi. This cost may vary by county. We will check with the appropriate local courthouse to determine the exact amount.