Mississippi Family Law — Handled With Care, Not Volume
We approach family law differently than most firms. We don't take every case that comes through the door, and we don't rush anyone into decisions they're not ready to make. If you're navigating a divorce, a custody dispute, or a question about your children's future, we'll take a careful look at your situation before anything else.
What We Handle in Family Law
Family law matters are among the most personal cases a firm can take on. We handle a defined range of matters — and we're honest about which situations are the right fit for our firm.
- Divorce — including contested and uncontested matters in Mississippi
- Child custody — legal and physical custody arrangements, modifications, and disputes
- Child support — establishment, enforcement, and modification under Mississippi law
- Termination of parental rights — including voluntary relinquishment and contested termination proceedings
We review family law inquiries carefully through our intake process before accepting representation. That's not a barrier — it's how we make sure we can genuinely help the people we take on.
How Does Child Support Work in Mississippi?
Child support in Mississippi is calculated using a percentage-of-income model based on the non-custodial parent's adjusted gross income. The percentage varies depending on the number of children involved. Courts can also consider additional expenses — medical costs, childcare, and other needs — when setting a final support amount.
If your current order no longer reflects your circumstances, modification is possible when there's been a material change in either parent's income or the child's needs. An attorney can help you understand whether your situation meets that threshold before you file anything.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Child Custody in Mississippi?
Mississippi law doesn't require you to have an attorney for a custody matter — but the decisions made in those proceedings can affect your children for years. Courts look at a range of factors when determining what arrangement serves the child's best interests, and the way a case is presented matters.
If you're unsure whether your situation warrants legal representation, that's exactly the kind of question we're glad to talk through. You don't have to have all the answers before you reach out.
Mississippi Youth Court Videos
Videos are for educational purposes only.
Giving Parents Voice
Introduction to the Department of Human Services
Delinquency Cases Process
Never "Off the Road"
Abuse & Neglect Cases Process
Courtroom Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Mississippi
How long does a divorce take in Mississippi?
An uncontested divorce — where both parties agree on all terms — can be finalized in as little as 60 days under Mississippi law. Contested divorces, where the parties disagree on property, custody, or support, take considerably longer and often require court hearings. The timeline depends heavily on how much the parties can agree on before filing.
Can a custody order be changed after it's finalized?
Yes. Mississippi courts can modify a custody order when one parent demonstrates a material change in circumstances that affects the child's welfare. What qualifies as a material change depends on the specific facts — remarriage, relocation, changes in the child's needs, or a parent's significant change in income can all be relevant depending on the situation.
What does termination of parental rights mean in Mississippi?
Termination of parental rights is a legal proceeding that permanently ends the legal relationship between a parent and child. It can occur voluntarily — as in an adoption — or through a contested court process when grounds such as abandonment, abuse, or neglect are established. It is one of the most consequential actions in family law, and it's not reversible.
Does Stuard Thornton handle all family law matters?
No — and we're upfront about that. We handle divorce, child custody, child support, and parental rights matters on a selective basis. We review each inquiry through our intake process to make sure we're the right fit for your situation before we commit to representation.
A Selective Practice, by Design
We take family law matters on a limited basis. That's intentional. These cases involve real families, real children, and decisions that don't get undone easily. We'd rather give fewer clients our full attention than spread thin across a high volume of cases we can't serve well.
When you complete an intake, we review the details of your situation before scheduling a consultation. If we're a good fit, we'll tell you. If we're not, we'll tell you that too — and we'll try to point you in a useful direction.