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Mississippi · MS

Mississippi Custody Laws: Parenting Time & Relocation

A plain-English reference to Mississippi custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.

Informational only—not legal advice. Laws and guidelines change. Verify the current rule with the official court resource and a licensed Mississippi family-law attorney.

Primary law and terminology

Miss. Code § 93-5-24; Albright factors. In Mississippi, courts generally describe the schedule as a visitation schedule. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.

Joint custody and parenting time

Joint custody is available on joint application; otherwise the Albright factors govern.

Child preference

A child 12 or older may state a preference, which the chancellor weighs.

Relocation and move-away cases

No relocation statute — courts treat a material move as a change of circumstances.

Changing an existing order

A material change adversely affecting the child is required.

Where to file

Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). Mississippi chancery courts handle all custody matters.

Build a workable Mississippi parenting plan

Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.

Mississippi custody questions

What are the custody laws in Mississippi?

Mississippi applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.

Can a parent move with a child in Mississippi?

No relocation statute — courts treat a material move as a change of circumstances.

How do I change a Mississippi custody order?

A material change adversely affecting the child is required.

More Mississippi family-law resources

Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.

Last reviewed ·Reviewed by the CustodyTrac editorial team

How this is calculated

Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.

CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.