Child Support in Mississippi
State-specific overview · Family Law
Mississippi uses percentage-of-income model with support ending at age 18 unless child remains in secondary school.
How Mississippi treats Child Support
The obligor parent pays a percentage of gross income (typically 14–22% for one child) based on custody arrangement. If a child remains in high school after turning 18, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever occurs first. Mississippi courts may deviate from guidelines based on extraordinary expenses, special needs, or other relevant factors affecting the child's welfare.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support 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.