Jackson Child Support Attorneys
Child Support in Mississippi
When parents wish to end a marriage, they must resolve specific issues related to their children. They must not only determine child custody but child support as well. These two issues are often intertwined, as the parent who does not have primary or sole custody of the child will likely be required to pay support to the custodial parent. Even when parents have joint custody, child support may be awarded. The goal is to create a situation where the child will have the food, shelter, medical care, and education they need.
As always, the best interests of the child are of paramount importance in family law matters, but court-awarded child support is calculated based off a set formula. Whether you may be entitled to receive or required to pay child support, it is important to have a lawyer on your side to protect your interests. As a family law attorney, Mark Chinn can work to make sure that your financial situation and child’s needs are properly presented in relation to child support. This can make all the difference in your future financial stability and your child’s well-being.
If you would like to learn more about child support in Mississippi, feel free to call our offices at (601) 202-5594, or continue reading for helpful information.
Calculating Child Support in MS
In Mississippi, the following guidelines are in place regarding child support (the specific amount of support awarded may vary depending on the circumstances of the case):
- Child support is calculated based on adjusted gross income, in the following percentages:
- 14% for 1 child;
- 20% for 2 children;
- 22% for 3 children;
- 24% for 4 children; and
- 26% for 5 or more children.
- Adjusted gross income is calculated by taking all eligible income and subtracting taxes, other child support, and Social Security contributions.
One of the advantages of Mississippi’s child support guidelines is that support is paid until the child turns 21. In many states, support is only paid until a child turns 18. A child support agreement can also take college into account, as well as room and board while the child is at school.
How is Child Support Enforced in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) is responsible for enforcing child support orders in Mississippi. When an individual misses child support payments (know as "child support delinquency"), the DCSE can take the following measures against the delinquent payor:
- Withholding income from the delinquent payor's paycheck. When a court issues a child support order, the parents must provide certain information, including their employer and income source, to the court. The DCSE can use that information to garnish wages from a delinquent parent's paycheck.
- Intercepting tax returns from IRS or State tax refunds. Importantly, the DCSE can also seize stimulus checks issued by the government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Garnishing unemployment benefits. If the delinquent parent utilizes unemployment benefits, the DCSE can garnish that income source for child support. It's also important to note that a court can request a delinquent payor to find employment to repay any missed child support.
- Credit reporting. The DCSE can also report the delinquent parent to various credit bureaus, hurting their credit score.
- Passport revocation. The delinquent parent may have their passport revoked.
- License suspension. The DCSE can suspend licenses the delinquent payor possesses, such as their driver's license, professional license, or any other state-issued license they have.
- Issuing a court order. In situations where the delinquent payor attempts to avoid the DCSE's efforts to recoup child support payments or refuses to comply with DCSE officials, the delinquent payor can be taken to court for non-compliance. Under certain circumstances, the delinquent parent can be incarcerated.
If you fall behind on child support payments, you should contact the Mississippi DCSE as soon as you can. The DCSE may be able to help you establish a repayment program that can help you catch up on missed support and fulfill your child support obligations more easily.
At Chinn & Associates, PC, our attorneys have the experience necessary to help child support payors and recipients address situations where one party falls behind on their child support obligations.
Careful planning and experienced legal representation are crucial when it comes to child support awards, modification, and enforcement. Attorney Mark Chinn and the rest of our staff here at Chinn & Associates are here to help you with this and all other divorce and family law matters.
For help understanding the complexities of child support in Mississippi, contact our Jackson child support lawyers today at (601) 202-5594. We’re here 24/7 to take your call.
Our Testimonials
See How We've Helped Families Regain Their Strength
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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
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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
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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
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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 everythingJoel D.
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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.
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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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I highly recommend Mark. He brings decades of experience and highly credible counsel. He was a steady voice of reason during an emotional time for my family. He stays close to his clients and is quick to respond. I always knew he was "on it." He partnered with my family to the very end of what turned out to be a longer than expected process. The outcome was worth the wait. I can't recommend him highly enough.Anonymous
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Linda
I truly cannot find all the words to express how blessed and grateful I feel for you, Janeah and Wendy. I don't usually involve religion with business matters, but I do believe God blessed me with your firm's expertise, guidance, patience and understanding.
My family and I will always feel the most gratitude and respect for you all. I turned 60 years old on Monday, the 18th. You have blessed this next decade of my life and I am forever grateful for the impact your services have provided for me and my sons.
