SOME POSITIVE FACTS ABOUT MISSISSIPPI CHILD SUPPORT

I believe Mississippi is in the lead in the area of child support compared to most other jurisdictions. Most jurisdictions end child support at 18 and do not make provisions for college. In Mississippi, however, child support continues until 21, and support can include college if the parents can afford it. Child support can end prior to 21 if a child becomes emancipated such as by marrying or joining the military.

When drafting agreements, consideration should be given to allowing for a reduction in support if a child attends college away from home and the support payer is also paying for room and board in college. Consideration should also be given to specifying that college expenses will be paid past 21, because it usually takes until at least age 22 to finish.