Mississippi Child Support Calculator & Guide (2025)

Overview of Mississippi Child Support

Mississippi uses a straightforward Percentage of Income model under Miss. Code §43-19-101. The non-custodial parent pays a set percentage of their adjusted gross income based on the number of children. This makes Mississippi one of the simpler states for child support calculations.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services - Division of Child Support administers the guidelines. Unlike most states that use the Income Shares Model, Mississippi applies a fixed percentage to the non-custodial parent's income.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Mississippi

The Mississippi child support formula works as follows:

1. Determine adjusted gross income: Start with gross income from all sources and subtract federal and state income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and mandatory deductions
2. Apply the percentage based on the number of children before the court
3. Add medical support (health insurance costs are typically ordered separately)
4. Consider deviations if the court finds the guideline amount is unjust or inappropriate

Mississippi Child Support Percentages

Key Factors in Mississippi Calculations

Adjusted Gross Income Definition

Mississippi defines "adjusted gross income" as gross income from all sources minus:

• Federal income taxes
• State income taxes (up to 5%)
• Social Security taxes
• Medicare taxes
• Other mandatory deductions

No Income Cap

Unlike many states, Mississippi does not have a statutory income cap. The percentage is applied to the non-custodial parent's entire adjusted gross income. However, the court retains discretion to deviate from the guidelines with written findings.

Court Deviations

The court may deviate from the guideline percentages with written findings explaining why the guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate. Factors that may justify a deviation include the child's special needs, extraordinary medical expenses, educational costs, and the financial resources of both parents.

Health Insurance

Health insurance for the child may be ordered separately from the base support obligation. The cost of health insurance is typically in addition to the percentage-based support amount.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

Minimum: Mississippi does not set a fixed statutory minimum, but the court will ensure the support amount is appropriate given the financial circumstances.

No income cap: Unlike many states, Mississippi does not impose a cap on the income subject to child support percentages. The full adjusted gross income is used in the calculation.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification

Mississippi allows modification of child support orders when:

• There has been a material change in circumstances
• A significant change in either parent's income
• Changes in custody or visitation arrangements
• Changes in the child's needs (medical, educational, etc.)
• The child reaches the age of majority or graduates from high school

Enforcement

The Mississippi Department of Human Services - Division of Child Support enforces child support through:

• Income withholding from paychecks
• Tax refund interception (federal and state)
• Driver's license suspension
• Professional license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Liens on property and financial accounts
• Passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500

Get your Mississippi estimate: Use our free child support calculator or the Mississippi child support calculator to see what you might owe or receive under Mississippi guidelines.