Child support is a legal obligation that a parent has to provide for their child's financial needs. In Mississippi, just like in many other states, the court can order a parent to pay child support in a divorce or custody case. The purpose of this blog post is to help Mississippi residents understand how the court determines child support payments, when child support payments end, and how an attorney can help with family law matters.

1. How does the court determine child support payments?

The court considers several factors when deciding a child support payment amount. Mississippi guidelines typically take into account the income of both parents, the number of children, the child's expenses, and any special needs of the child, such as medical expenses or daycare costs. If one parent has primary care of the child, the other parent may have to pay child support. Moreover, in Mississippi, there is a statutory formula that determines the amount of support. However, deviations from the formula are possible for certain reasons like high income.

2. When do you stop paying for child support?

Child support payments usually continue until the child reaches the age of 21. But there are some exceptions: in Mississippi, if the child gets married, joins the military, or is declared emancipated, support payments may end before the age of 21. Parents can also agree to terminate child support early in a written agreement or the court can choose to terminate child support payments for other reasons like the death of either the child or the parent paying child support or if the child is adopted.

3. How Can an Attorney Help with Child Support Issues?

An experienced Mississippi family law attorney can help parents navigate issues such as child support payments, enforcement, modification, and difficult custody disputes. They can also help in cases where the parent obligated to pay child support loses their job, loses an income source, or experiences any other life change that results in a significant change in financial ability to comply with child support obligations

4. We Can Assist with Family Law Matters.

If you need help resolving child support payments or any other family law issue, the team at J. Madison Brooks III, Attorney at Law, is here to help. With over 35 years of experience representing families in Mississippi, we have the expertise needed to help you navigate the often confusing and overwhelming process of divorce, custody disputes, and other family law matters.

Understanding child support and the laws around it is essential for any parent facing a divorce or custody case in Mississippi. Whether you are the parent paying child support or the parent receiving it, it’s important to understand how the court determines child support payments and when those payments end. An experienced attorney can help you with all aspects of child support, custody, and family law issues. Call J. Madison Brooks III, Attorney at Law, today to schedule a consultation and let us help you navigate this challenging time.