Alimony in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Family Law
Mississippi courts award alimony based on statutory factors with no fixed formula, emphasizing the need and ability to pay.
How Mississippi treats Alimony
Mississippi law requires courts to consider the earning capacity, age, health, and standard of living of both spouses, along with the length of the marriage and contributions to the marital estate. There is no mandatory formula; the court has broad discretion to award temporary or permanent alimony based on the specific facts. Alimony is not presumed and must be justified by evidence of need and the other spouse's ability to pay. The court may modify or terminate alimony upon a substantial and material change in circumstances.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.