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Mississippi Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Mississippi's official guidelines
About Mississippi's Guidelines
Percentage of Income Model based on adjusted gross income
Note: Flat percentage rates: 14% (1 child) to 26% (5+ children)
Key Information
- •Model: Percentage of Income
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Mississippi uses the Percentage of Income model — only the non-custodial parent's income is used. Enter both incomes and we'll determine the calculation based on your custody time.
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Mississippi family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Mississippi Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Mississippi judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official Mississippi court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Mississippi Child Support Guidelines
Mississippi uses the Mississippi Child Support Guidelines (Miss. Code § 43-19-101) to determine child support obligations. Under the Percentage of Income model, a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's adjusted gross income is applied based on the number of children. This approach focuses primarily on the paying parent's ability to contribute.
Mississippi has several distinctive features in its child support system. Mississippi uses the simplest formula: flat percentages of the non-custodial parent's adjusted gross income. Mississippi has the lowest percentage rates in the country — just 14% for one child. The state has been considering switching to income shares but has not yet done so.
Mississippi bases calculations on adjusted gross income — gross income minus specific allowable deductions defined by state guidelines. This approach balances between gross and net income methods. The self-support reserve in Mississippi is $1,050/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Mississippi Calculates Child Support
Mississippi follows a 5-step process under the Mississippi Child Support Guidelines (Miss. Code § 43-19-101):
- 1
Determine the non-custodial parent's gross income from all sources
- 2
Calculate adjusted gross income by subtracting taxes, Social Security, and retirement contributions
- 3
Apply the flat percentage based on number of children: 14% (1), 20% (2), 22% (3), 24% (4), 26% (5+)
- 4
The result is the presumptive child support amount
- 5
Court may deviate for extraordinary circumstances, special needs, or shared custody
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Mississippi
Self-Support Reserve
$1,050/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
adjusted gross
Support Percentages by Number of Children
14%
1 child
20%
2 children
22%
3 children
24%
4 children
26%
5 children
Custody Time Adjustments in Mississippi
Mississippi recognizes "Joint Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under Mississippi's Percentage of Income approach, shared custody adjustments offset each parent's calculated obligation against the other's. Each parent's support is computed independently, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference to the other parent.
Below 128 overnights, Mississippi generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Child Support
Why is Mississippi child support so low?
Does Mississippi consider both parents' income?
Can Mississippi courts deviate from the percentages?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Mississippi
While child support is determined by Mississippi's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Mississippi, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Mississippi allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Mississippi
Calculation Model
Percentage of Income
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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