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Mississippi Family Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Small Claims for Mississippi on
Q: If someone presses charges against me in Mississippi. Are they instructed not to contact me while litigation is occuring

My sister has filed false charges against me but has continued to contact me

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Juvenile Law for Mississippi on
Q: I am wanting to move to my mother's house. My father has full custody. Can I move to her house without telling him?

My mother has known I want to move to her house for weeks. There has been no attempt at mediation. Can I move to her house without telling my father I am going?

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Mississippi on
Q: Can I sue my child's dad for child support?

My daughter's dad hasn't paid child support and he's not on any court order to pay any. I just want to know my options

Ashley R. McKnight
Ashley R. McKnight
answered on Mar 22, 2023

Paternity would need to be established before filing against him for child support. Once the Court determines he is the biological father, child support may be awarded based on a certain percentage of the father's adjusted gross income. The percentage will depend on how many children are involved.

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: I have a question about disinterment of still born infant casket and then placed in new location.

The baby's casket is located in Hinds County, City of Terry, MS cemetery. I have been granted permission from my ex-husband to move casket to a vault in Denham Springs, LA where I have a lot of family buried there as long as I pay for all cost involved. I have received several totally... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Real Estate Law for Mississippi on
Q: My mother passed in 2018 my father is still living on said land that was in both their names. What are my rights

She had no Will.

Anthony M. Avery
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Anthony M. Avery
answered on Jan 16, 2023

Hire a MS attorney to search the title and determine ownership.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Landlord - Tenant for Mississippi on
Q: Can I stop my uncle from moving into my grandmother's vacant property if I have power of attorney?

My grandmother has gone to live with one of my uncles in another state, leaving her property here vacant. Another one of my uncles decided he wanted to move into the property and is starting to do so. I have had power of attorney for my grandmother for over a year now and want to know if there is... Read more »

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Dec 8, 2022

Depending on what the POA allows you to do, you may be able to file an action against him to prevent the move or an eviction if he has already moved in.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Mississippi on
Q: If you are legally prescribed suboxone by a doctor can a judge refuse custody an visitation due to taking it

I took a drug test and that was the only thing in my system and I go to a doctor who legally prescribes the suboxone to me

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Dec 5, 2022

If the Judge finds that you are not taking the medication as prescribed, he/she can deny custody or restrict visitation. If you are monitored by a physician, take the medication as prescribed, have had no relapses in your original addiction, and have not had any adverse incidents, you will probably... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: What if a child has been in cps custody for 6 months and the mother passed drug tests except for one, what happens?

Will cps stop the reunification plan and child will be adopted? Will they give mother another chance to prove that she can stay clean?

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Oct 28, 2022

Normally, it takes more than one failed drug screen. However, the mother must follow and complete her service plan, remain sober, and meet all of the requirements.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Family Law and Child Custody for Mississippi on
Q: We are wanting to get guardianship of a 15 year old girl. Her parents will sign the paper. How do we go about this?
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Oct 26, 2022

A lawyer will draft a petition for the guardianship, which will need to be signed by you and your husband. Additionally, the child’s parents will either sign the Petition or a waiver. An Agreed Judgnent allowing the guardianship will be signed and then presented to the Judge for his/her... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Mississippi on
Q: My son is now 18. But his dad owes 11,000 in arrearage through DHS, who has not been enforcing. What are my options

His original payment was based on unemployment income years ago. He makes significantly more money the last few years and DHS said o

It was supposed to increase three years ago when I asked for a review and they sent him letters but never followed through. He has three storage buildings... Read more »

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Oct 21, 2022

A couple of things is going on here.

1. If your son is 18, what is he doing as far as school, employment, living arrangements, etc. he may or may not be emancipated.

2. If he is not emancipated, you should hire a private attorney and file for an increase in support. DHS usually...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: Can a father in Mississippi take his 16 year old daughter to live out of state if she wants to live with him

Th child is living with her grandmother and on her hud housing she wants to go with dad mom doesn’t want her to go since it will ruin the benefits they get for her

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Oct 11, 2022

It depends who has physical custody of the daughter by court order. If Dad does, then, yes, he can take her. If Mom or Grandmother do, then no. If there is no court order, then the question is open; however, this will necessitate filing an action in court to settle the issue.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Education Law for Mississippi on
Q: Can my child be enrolled under a former last name if the order was made to change and it has been changed for +1 year?

I, Dad, have joint legal custody, whereas 'Mom' has paramount physical, custody, and care. In the order, I was granted permission to change one of our daughters' names (Child S) as the other already had my last name (Child F). Child S is enrolled in school as SR instead of SH. She... Read more »

David Luther Woodward
David Luther Woodward
answered on Oct 3, 2022

You certainly recognize the problem, and the fact that a lawyer could help. You can order a birth certificate at the clerk's office in the county where she was born if it is in Florida. In other situations, contact the Bureau of Vital Statistics for the state of birth.

Once you have...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Mississippi on
Q: My ex is trying to stop me from seeing our 5 year old daughter an has her around her new boyfriend,what do I need to do

I've been paying child support since she was born an I'm on the birth certificate,an she is making my daughter think that I don't won't to come see her but she won't let me,she took off with her an left her home an had her around her new boyfriend the next day,an I... Read more »

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Aug 21, 2022

You need to hire an attorney and file a paternity action, asking for your rights as a father, including visitation rights. Do not go through DHS because they cannot handle the visitation issue.

1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody and Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: How do I adopt a child I’ve had custody of for 2 years?

I have had custody for 2 years. My sister is a drug user who was in a dangerous position and we got my Neice. My husband and I want to adopt her but do not know where to start? Do we need an attorney? She’s in agreement (at the moment). She’s had no physical contact with her in months. She goes... Read more »

Pamela J. Fero Esq.
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Pamela J. Fero Esq.
answered on Aug 5, 2022

Here's what you need to do:

1. Fill out the petition and send it to the Circuit County Court in the county where you live.

2. Obtain the mother's permission. If the parent is emotionally or financially unfit, or if the parent has abandoned the child, Florida law may allow...
Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: Me and my boyfriend have had his granddaughter since the day she was born, no support

His daughter was pregnant her boyfriend was in jail it wasn't his he said he will not raise it so she asked us to raise it as ours when the baby was born she gave us a signed nerdrise document stating we had sole custody of her and was responsible for her well being because he's not had... Read more »

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Jul 29, 2022

Without a court order, she would be able to take the child if law enforcement will help her take the child from you. That is a big if because most will not get involved in these matters. You should immediately file an action in the chancery court of the county where you live, alleging that she... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: Would automatic sole custody given to unmarried mother be considered the same as order/decree giving 1 parent custody?

I’m asking information about TYPE 1 in MS code 93-63-3. (grandparents visitation) I am aware there is a TYPE 2.

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Jul 23, 2022

No. There is no true automatic custody. For the father to have court ordered visitation, someone has to have court ordered custody. I would advise you to contact an attorney. As I stated before your questions are more than can be adequately answered in this forum.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Mississippi on
Q: What’s the process of changing a minors (4yrs) whole name?
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Jul 23, 2022

You will have to file a petition in chancery court in The county where the child lives. The petition will have to provide the court with the present name of the child, the proposed new name, and the reason for the change. The petition will need to be signed by the parents of the child or notice the... Read more »

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Mississippi on
Q: What will be done about these 4 errors on a complaint for grandparents visitation?

1- STEP-grandfather is named as a plaintiff 2- Under section 93-63-3, grandparents can only seek visitation if a court enters a decree or order awarding custody to (1) parent of the child or terminating the parental rights of (1) of the parents of the child or whenever (1) of the parent dies. - I... Read more »

Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
Melissa L Gardner-Ardoin
answered on Jul 22, 2022

The issue of grandparents’ rights is much more complicated than can be fully discussed here.

1. The step-grandparent can be a named party. Second, you have quoted only a portion of the statute.

2. Visitation rights can also be awarded if the grandparent can show that a...
Read more »

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Mississippi on
Q: What's the appropriate term to us for give up rights other than abandonment
V Julia Luyster
V Julia Luyster
answered on Jul 22, 2022

I do not practice law in Mississippi and this is not legal advise. However, another word for "giving up your rights" is to relinquish your parental rights, to terminate your rights. I hope that whatever situation you are facing that you are well.

Julia

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Family Law, Native American Law and Animal / Dog Law for Mississippi on
Q: I’m a victim due in court as the witness in a case of dog I don’t want to press charges. I wrote a statement.

What should I say in court? Should we both get a lawyer? Will this go on our record?

Arthur Calderon
PREMIUM
Arthur Calderon
answered on Jul 19, 2022

It really depends. There is nothing necessarily requiring you to have a lawyer as a victim; however, if there is the possibility of a civil suit for damages against the dog's owner, you may want to seriously consider having a lawyer present so that they can also communicate with the prosecutor... Read more »

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