Child Custody Helping Families Regain Their Strength

Child Custody Attorney in Jackson, MS

Trusted Legal Support for Child Custody Issues in Mississippi

Child custody is one critical legal issue to be resolved in a Mississippi divorce. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most contested. As a parent, we want what’s best for our children, and as we go through a divorce, we may find that our beliefs and goals differ from our soon-to-be ex-spouses’.

When custody disputes arise or you need legal guidance regarding a custody and visitation agreement, a child custody attorney in Jackson, Mississippi, can offer invaluable support.

Jackson child custody lawyer Mark Chinn is highly experienced and passionate about protecting children and parents in custody proceedings. At Chinn & Associates, our custody lawyers will work closely with you to clearly define your custody goals. We will then take the necessary steps to achieve these goals, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Through your family law case, we will be available to you to answer your questions and provide moral or legal support.

Make sure your rights as a parent and your child's best interests are protected to the fullest extent. Contact a Jackson child custody attorney at (601) 202-5594 today!

How Is Child Custody Determined in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, child custody is determined by what the court believes would be in the child’s best interests.

These decisions are based on each parent's ability to:

Maintain consistency and continuity in the child’s life, community, and education
Take care of the child’s physical, emotional, developmental, educational, and any special needs
Maintain a loving and nurturing relationship with the child

Although the courts in Mississippi do not officially consider the child’s preferences, they may factor it in when considering the child’s best interests.

Learn more about the child custody laws in Mississippi.

What Is in an Effective Custody & Parenting Plan?

When going through a child custody case in Mississippi, it is important to have a well-thought-out parenting plan in place. A parenting plan outlines the custody and visitation arrangements for the children involved, including schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and communication guidelines.

Key components of a parenting plan may include:

Physical custody schedule
Legal custody arrangements
Holiday and vacation schedules
Communication methods between parents
Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and other important matters

By creating a detailed parenting plan, you can reduce conflicts, establish clear expectations, and provide stability for your children during this challenging time. Our experienced Jackson child custody attorneys at Chinn & Associates, PC can help you create a comprehensive parenting plan that addresses all aspects of your child's well-being. We understand the importance of putting the children first and will work with you to develop a plan that is in their best interests. We can help with collaborative and contested custody and divorce matters based on your current situation, your immediate needs, and your long-term goals.

Can Parents Create Their Own Custody Agreement?

If neither parent can arrange their custody agreement, the court will most likely honor it. However, if they cannot agree, each parent will need to attend a custody hearing. Under Mississippi law, joint custody is an option, and grandparents’ rights are legally recognized.

Mississippi adopted the Uniform Child Custody Act in 1982. This federal law requires each state to honor and enforce child custody rulings made by courts in other states.

What Legal Rights Are Included in a Custody Agreement?

Division of holidays and vacation time.
School schedule.
Decisions that will affect the child's wellbeing such as education and medical care.
How much visitation time will the child spend with each parent.
Transportation between parents' homes.

What Qualifies as Emergency Custody in Mississippi

In Mississippi, emergency custody is a temporary order that gives one parent sole custody of a child when there is an immediate danger to the child's safety.

A judge can grant emergency custody without a hearing, typically lasting up to 14 days.

There are two things to remember regarding emergency custody in Mississippi:

A family law attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork and represent you in court. In some cases, emergency custody may be granted without a hearing. However, if the other parent does not agree to the legal custody arrangement, a hearing will be scheduled.
The judge will then decide whether or not to grant emergency custody. If you are granted emergency custody, it is important to understand that it is only temporary. A permanent custody arrangement will still need to be made through the court system.

If you believe that your child is at risk, you should call our child custody lawyers in Jackson, MS, as soon as possible. If there is immediate danger to yourself or your child, call 911.

Understanding Joint Custody in Mississippi

When parents divorce or separate, the issue of child custody can be one of the most contentious and emotional aspects of the process. In Mississippi, the courts generally favor joint custody arrangements, which allow both parents to share in the responsibility and decision-making for their children.

Joint custody can take many forms, including:

Joint physical custody - the children spend roughly equal time with both parents
Joint legal custody - both parents have a say in major decisions affecting the children, such as education, healthcare, and religion
Combination of joint physical and legal custody

When determining joint custody, the court will consider a variety of factors, including the child's age and needs, each parent's ability to provide for the child's physical and emotional well-being, and the parents' ability to communicate and cooperate effectively.

At Chinn & Associates, our experienced child custody attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of joint custody and ensure that your rights and your child's best interests are protected throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Jackson Custody Lawyers with Over 40 Years of Experience

Serving families in Jackson and throughout the surrounding communities in Mississippi, we at Chinn & Associates are dedicated to conceiving and delivering the highest quality legal counsel in all custody and visitation-related matters. This may include:

Drafting a workable custody agreement in divorce negotiations or mediation.
Disputing custody in divorce litigation.
Addressing the issue of grandparents’ rights in regard to custody and visitation.
Co-parenting after a divorce.
Determining how custody may influence child support.
Representing clients’ interests in physical custody hearings.
Custody modifications and enforcement, when necessary.
Child custody legal issue related to domestic abuse.

Meticulous preparation and a strong focus on client service are two of the factors that allow our legal team to meet with success in child custody and visitation matters. With a unique talent for family law and 40 years of legal experience, our custody and visitation lawyer in Jackson, Mark Chinn, is here to help you.

Contact Chinn & Associates, PC today at (601) 202-5594 to discuss your case and how our experienced divorce and child custody lawyers in Jackson, MS can assist you.

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Founding Attorney Mark Chinn

Founder of Chinn & Associates, Mark A. Chinn is a seasoned Jackson, Mississippi family law attorney who has dedicated his career to helping clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives. He is dedicated to using his talent and experience to empower his clients to lead the lives they want to lead.

Our Testimonials

See How We've Helped Families Regain Their Strength

“Your insights and expertise have long been an inspiration”
Your insights and expertise have long been an inspiration, not just in Mississippi family law but on the national stage as well. Your leadership in value billing has truly shaped the way family law attorneys approach their practice, and I deeply respect the impact you've had on our profession. Beyond your professional accomplishments, I’ve always admired the incredible successes of your family. Watching your daughters thrive in their own careers and families over the years has been a joy. It must have been an especially proud moment to present a CLE alongside Carly — what a remarkable testament to your influence both as a lawyer and as a father.

Phillip T.
“Their expertise and knowledge made all the difference”
Mark and his team did a great job handling my tough situation. Their expertise and knowledge made all the difference and I am so thankful for each member of this law firm.

Mark
“Excellent Attorney and Legal Services”
Mr. Chinn and staff are very professional and knowledgeable. I was informed throughout the entire divorce process and I'm very pleased. My lawyer showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the entire process. This helped me tremendously to get through this difficult situation. I highly recommend this law firm.

Shandler
“Thank you, Counsel, for being great at your job”
Trial day 2 today. Looking forward to work (which I rarely say in chancery court) but working with three of the best who make a beautiful, awesome, clean record. My reporter friends all get it. Makes work a pleasure. Thank you, Counsel, for being great at your job and making mine great. (Mark Chinn, Esq.)

Unsolicited Post by a Court Reporter
“Excellent Family Law Attorney!”
I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service provided by Mark. From our initial consultation, it was clear that he had a deep understanding of family law and a genuine concern for my well-being. Mark was always available to answer my questions, provided clear and concise advice, and worked to ensure the best possible outcome for my case. His strategic approach and attention to detail were truly impressive, and his support helped me stay calm and focused during a very challenging time. I highly recommend Mark Chinn to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate divorce attorney.

Anonymous
“Janeah you are unstoppable!!!!”
Thank you guys and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. The strategy and pressure worked. And the amount of work from you guys was above and beyond. Janeah you are unstoppable!!!! I’m more than happy with the agreement also. The constant contact with you guys and timely responses back to my questions really helped when things would get nasty. Helped me to stay smart and strategic instead of panic. But thanks again for everything

Joel D.
“Chinn & Associates will be my first choice”
When I found myself needing a divorce lawyer, my first and only call was to Chinn & Associates. From the onset, Mark told me not to worry, he had my back. It is pretty much impossible for me to not worry, but Mark was correct, he had my back. He and his staff were always prepared and kept me informed of what I needed to know. Janeah was an angel with a big sword, especially during the mediation process, working passionately to get me the best possible result. Mark and Janeah guided me through one of the most difficult and uncomfortable periods of my life, and I will be forever grateful for their hard work and support. While I hope I never need their services again, if I do find myself in this situation again Chinn & Associates will be my first choice for representation.

Abbey M.
“I definitely recommend Chinn & Associates”
Great customer service and very kind. They also worked quickly to take care of my issue. I definitely recommend Chinn & Associates.

Anonymous

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