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Child Support

Family Law Attorney Assisting Jackson Residents

In Mississippi, child support may be awarded as part of a divorce, custody, annulment or separate maintenance action. Jackson child support lawyer M. Devin Whitt is familiar with each of these proceedings. The Mississippi child support guidelines provide that a "noncustodial" parent should pay the following percentage of Adjusted Gross Income ("AGI") (gross income minus mandatory deductions) in support of children:

  1. 14% for one child;
  2. 20% for two children;
  3. 22% for three children;
  4. 24% for four children; and,
  5. 26% for five or more children.

The statute provides that the guidelines are presumptively correct for persons with an adjusted gross yearly income between $5,000 and $50,000.

In determining the appropriate amount of child support, the court first identifies a payor's gross income from all sources. As in most other jurisdictions, income from overtime and second jobs will be included in gross income in Mississippi if the work remains consistent and predictable. For example, a one-time bonus or teaching position may not be required to be included in gross income while a regular annual bonus or second teaching position may be included by the court in the definition of gross income.

Once gross income is determined, the payor's gross income is adjusted for taxes, other mandatory deductions and support for other children. The statutory percentages are then applied to the AGI to determine the presumptively correct amount of child support. The court may then deviate above or below this amount based on certain statutory criteria and, in addition, may order payment of expenses not considered covered by the basic child support award including health insurance, uncovered medical expenses, and college expenses.

It is important to remember that typically the obligation to pay child support will continue in Mississippi until each child reaches age 21 or is emancipated. Clearly, paying too much or too little support can cause problems years down the road for both parents and children. In addition, there are certain situations where the guidelines may not apply. For example, the guidelines may not apply in a situation where joint physical custody is awarded, since the guidelines contemplate a situation where there is only one custodial parent who spends the majority of time with the child.

As an experienced Jackson child support attorney, I will be on your side to navigate the complex issues of child support, zealously protect your interests, and offer direct, meaningful legal advice designed to achieve your desired results. I have litigated these support cases throughout Mississippi and have the capability and resolve to guide you through your family crisis should you need assistance. Should you need professional, aggressive representation in child custody, support, modification, contempt or other family law matters, please contact my firm, The Law Offices of M. Devin Whitt, PLLC, at 601-607-5055 for a free consultation with a child support lawyer in the Jackson area.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Devin handled my case with the attention and compassion you need when going through tough times in life. I always felt he had my back and fought for my best interests at all times throughout the ordeal. I would recommend Devin to anyone in need of an attorney. In fact, I already have! Keith C.
★★★★★
From the first time that I met Devin he was very friendly, courteous and passionate of being the Attorney that he would want serving him. He spent countless hours working to ensure that fair treatment was being delivered to me and my family. Very organized, timely, response to all my request. I had a very complicated case that extended longer than anticipated and he stayed on task, very optimistic, very driven for results and was able to deliver what I was seeking out for from the first meeting that I had with him. He never mislead me or promised me the world. He was very objective and realistic in what he felt he could deliver. I appreciate all that he did for me during this time and I will continue to use him for all of my future needs. If you family ever needs honorable, competent, caring representation in a case, then Devin Whitt is the Attorney you will be pleased with. Michael D.
★★★★★
Devin Whitt was very helpful and successful on achieving the desired results for my case! My case was over a year long, and Devin sought additional ways needed to solve my legal issues. He could’ve quit and said, “That’s the way it is”, but he continued to go to bat for me until he hit the HOMERUN. Even after the successful case, Devin called to check on me to ensure that I knew the additional steps needed to completely clear my name. Devin was prompt when returning phone calls. I have recommended Devin once and would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone regardless of their legal issues. If you want to be successful in your case, don’t look any farther. Pick up the phone and call Devin! Immediately!! Parker R.
★★★★★
My experience with Mr. Whitt was positive from the first moment I consulted with him. I can't think Mr. Whitt enough for his help with my custody case. He was attentive, thorough, and helpful throughout a difficult time for me. He always kept me updated with the progress of my case and made me feel as if we were working together as a team. He was always available to me when I had questions pertaining to the matter, and he was always willing to take the extra time to make sure I understood everything in the process. I highly recommend Devin Whitt! Jennifer N.
★★★★★
Attorney Devin Whitt is awesome! He told me that he was going to do his best, and his best exceeded my expectations! For excellent representation, I highly recommend Attorney Whitt! Althea S.
★★★★★
Devin Whitt is absolutely the person you need to call when needing representation in a divorce case! He is the reason today that i have full custody of my 3 boys. Devin fought when nobody else gave me any hope. These days when many attorneys will concede children over to alcoholic and drug addicted mothers Devin said NO! He stood up and fought for me and my boys and we won. Thanks to Devin they are now in a stable home with me and their step mother, doing well in school and bright futures ahead. The alternative would have been living with an alcoholic and drug addicted mother and boyfriend. Thank you Devin for all you have done for me and my boys! Do not hesitate, CALL Devin Whitt today and be represented by the best!. David A.