photo_scalesDivorce in Mississippi is a legal process that will dissolve a marriage. During this process, spouses will need to determine how to divide marital property and assets, whether alimony is appropriate, and what child custody and support arrangements would be best. In addition to the legal complexities involved in divorce, there may also be heightened emotions and adversarial feelings between spouses. If you are considering divorce in Mississippi, speak with knowledgeable Jackson divorce lawyer Janice Jackson.

Grounds for Divorce in Mississippi

A divorce may be granted under fault grounds when one party proves to be entitled to a divorce due to habitual, cruel and inhuman treatment; adultery; desertion and a few other specific situations. The accused party may deny such grounds exist or may file a counter complaint to allege the same grounds.

A divorce may also be granted on the ground of irreconcilable differences, or a no-fault divorce, in a case where both parties agree that a divorce is needed but are not accusing the other party of a “fault” ground, even if one exists. In many cases, the parties may agree to the divorce as well as other issues such as custody, support and division of assets and debts.

Mississippi Child Support and Custody Guidelines

Both parents must provide financial support of their children to the best of their abilities following a divorce. Mississippi courts use each parents’ income to determine the amount of child support necessary. A judge may can order one parent to provide health insurance or pay for expenses related to the child’s special medical or educational needs.

The state of Mississippi may award either parent sole physical or legal custody of any minor children, but the presumption is that joint custody is deemed best. The court encourages parents to agree on a child custody plan, which a judge can approve. If parents cannot agree, the court will decide custody based on the best interests of the children.

Alimony Awards in Mississippi

Either spouse can ask the court to award alimony. The court will determine a just alimony award once it considers several factors, such as income, employment, employability and education. The court will also need to consider a spouses ability to pay alimony.

Mississippi Property Division

Mississippi is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court will divide jointly titled property between the spouses in a fair and equitable way, including but not limited to the marital home, vehicles, personal property, business interests, retirement accounts and pensions acquired during the marriage and debts of the parties. The parties are required to produce a comprehensive financial statement to declare income, assets and debts unless they both agree to waive the statement and the Chancellor approves the waiver. Each parties’ contribution to assets and debts is considered. Certain guidelines are applied as a percentage of income to determine child support based on the number of children of the marriage.

Flowood, MS Divorce Attorney

To ensure your rights and interests are being protected during your divorce, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Flowood, MS divorce attorney Janice Jackson has almost 20 years experience practicing family law in Mississippi. Contact Jackson Law Firm, PLLC at 601-982-9797 to speak with Attorney Jackson today.