Child Custody Attorney in Jackson, MS

Reliable Legal Representation for Child Custody Matters in Mississippi

Child custody is one critical legal issue to be resolved in a Mississippi divorce. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most contested. As a parent, we want what’s best for our children, and as we go through a divorce, we may find that our beliefs and goals differ from our soon-to-be ex-spouses’. 

When custody disputes arise or you need legal guidance regarding a custody and visitation agreement, a child custody attorney in Jackson, Mississippi, can offer invaluable support.

Jackson child custody lawyer Mark Chinn is highly experienced and passionate about protecting children and parents in custody proceedings. At Chinn & Associates, our custody lawyers will work closely with you to clearly define your custody goals. We will then take the necessary steps to achieve these goals, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Through your family law case, we will be available to you to answer your questions and provide moral or legal support.

Make sure your rights as a parent and your child's best interests are protected to the fullest extent. Contact a Jackson child custody attorney at (601) 202-5594 today!

How Is Child Custody Determined in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, child custody is determined by what the court believes would be in the child’s best interests. 

These decisions are based on each parent's ability to:

• Maintain consistency and continuity in the child’s life, community, and education
• Take care of the child’s physical, emotional, developmental, educational, and any special needs
• Maintain a loving and nurturing relationship with the child

Although the courts in Mississippi do not officially consider the child’s preferences, they may factor it in when considering the child’s best interests.

Learn more about the child custody laws in Mississippi.

Creating a Custody & Parenting Plan

When going through a child custody case in Mississippi, it is important to have a well-thought-out parenting plan in place. A parenting plan outlines the custody and visitation arrangements for the children involved, including schedules, decision-making responsibilities, and communication guidelines.

Key components of a parenting plan may include:

• Physical custody schedule
• Legal custody arrangements
• Holiday and vacation schedules
• Communication methods between parents
• Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and other important matters

By creating a detailed parenting plan, you can reduce conflicts, establish clear expectations, and provide stability for your children during this challenging time. Our experienced Jackson child custody attorneys at Chinn & Associates, PC can help you create a comprehensive parenting plan that addresses all aspects of your child's well-being. We understand the importance of putting the children first and will work with you to develop a plan that is in their best interests. We can help with collaborative and contested custody and divorce matters based on your current situation, your immediate needs, and your long-term goals.

Can Parents Create Their Own Custody Agreement?

If neither parent can arrange their custody agreement, the court will most likely honor it. However, if they cannot agree, each parent will need to attend a custody hearing. Under Mississippi law, joint custody is an option, and grandparents’ rights are legally recognized. 

Mississippi adopted the Uniform Child Custody Act in 1982. This federal law requires each state to honor and enforce child custody rulings made by courts in other states.

What Legal Rights Are Included in a Custody Agreement?

• Division of holidays and vacation time.
• School schedule.
• Decisions that will affect the child's wellbeing such as education and medical care.
• How much visitation time will the child spend with each parent.
• Transportation between parents' homes.

What Qualifies as Emergency Custody in Mississippi

In Mississippi, emergency custody is a temporary order that gives one parent sole custody of a child when there is an immediate danger to the child's safety.

A judge can grant emergency custody without a hearing, typically lasting up to 14 days.

There are two things to remember regarding emergency custody in Mississippi:

• A family law attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork and represent you in court. In some cases, emergency custody may be granted without a hearing. However, if the other parent does not agree to the legal custody arrangement, a hearing will be scheduled.
• The judge will then decide whether or not to grant emergency custody. If you are granted emergency custody, it is important to understand that it is only temporary. A permanent custody arrangement will still need to be made through the court system.

If you believe that your child is at risk, you should call our child custody lawyers in Jackson, MS, as soon as possible. If there is immediate danger to yourself or your child, call 911.

Jackson Custody Lawyers with Over 40 Years of Experience 

Serving families in Jackson and throughout the surrounding communities in Mississippi, we at Chinn & Associates are dedicated to conceiving and delivering the highest quality legal counsel in all custody and visitation-related matters. This may include:

• Drafting a workable custody agreement in divorce negotiations or mediation.
• Disputing custody in divorce litigation.
• Addressing the issue of grandparents’ rights in regard to custody and visitation.
• Co-parenting after a divorce.
• Determining how custody may influence child support.
• Representing clients’ interests in physical custody hearings.
• Custody modifications and enforcement, when necessary.
• Child custody legal issue related to domestic abuse.

Meticulous preparation and a strong focus on client service are two of the factors that allow our legal team to meet with success in child custody and visitation matters. With a unique talent for family law and 40 years of legal experience, our custody and visitation lawyer in Jackson, Mark Chinn, is here to help you.

Contact Chinn & Associates, PC today at (601) 202-5594 to discuss your case and how our experienced divorce and child custody lawyers in Jackson, MS can assist you.