Divorce Law in Mississippi
How to Find a Mississippi Divorce Attorney
For Mississippi women or men, heading for divorce, Oprah is a good place to turn for inspiration. She knows what it’s like to be from Mississippi; she knows pain; and she knows recovery and joy.
Here’re a few Oprah quotes that we thought might resonate with you:
Turn your wounds into wisdom.
Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different.
Choose love over fear.
If you’re having a hard time and are considering divorce or looking to find a Mississippi divorce attorney, we wrote this article for you.
In this article (which is based upon Mississippi divorce law), we’ll discuss:
- Mississippi specific divorce law requirements;
- What you need to know about divorce; and
- Whether it’s in your best interest to hire a Mississippi divorce lawyer and, if so, how to find one and how to prepare to work with him or her.
Mississippi Divorce Law Specifics
- If you want to file for divorce in Mississippi, either you or your spouse must have been a Mississippi resident for at least the last 6 months.
- Mississippi has both “no-fault” and “fault” divorce.
- Mississippi uses the terms, “complainant” to refer to the spouse who files the initial divorce papers and “defendant” to describe the other spouse.
- In Mississippi, divorce papers are filed in the County Chancery Court.
- In some cases, alimony is available.
- Child support will be based upon the Percentage of Income Formula.
- Mississippi is an “equitable distribution” state, which means marital assets are divided “fairly”.
What You Need to Know About Divorce
Thinking of Oprah’s “Turn your wounds into wisdom” quote, we thought you would benefit from what others who have gone through divorce have learned. And, thus, we share:
- It gets better. You won’t always feel like this.
- Always use “compromise, collaboration, communication, and cooperation” as the foundation for all decision-making, even when you feel incredible pain, sadness, and anger.
- Don’t hire a shark-like attorney. An attorney, who instigates will push you into court. Only hire a divorce attorney who is willing to work collaboratively.
- Don’t attempt to use your children or your lawyer as a sounding board or therapist; instead consult with a therapist.
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with a Mississippi Divorce Lawyer?
If you make a mistake and give up any marital rights during divorce, you will be forever barred from asserting them. What will even just one mistake cost you?
Could be tens of thousands of dollars or more. Your home. Your retirement savings.
Do you think lawyers hire divorce lawyers when they get divorced?
Yes, they do.
How to Find and Select a Mississippi Divorce Attorney
The most popular way to find a lawyer is to ask loved ones for referrals and/or enter “How to Find a Mississippi Divorce Attorney” into Google.
To make sure your attorney is qualified and a good fit for your individual situation, ask questions about working collaboratively with your spouse’s attorney; avoiding court, when possible; anticipated legal fees and costs and how to keep them to a minimum; what to expect from the process; how to communicate; and how long everything will take.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Divorce Attorney
- Consider reconciliation.
- Know that your distress will lessen and you will feel good again.
- Consult with a therapist.
- Make a “wish list” of everything you would like in the divorce.
- Make a list of questions for your attorney.
- Gather family financial information.
I trust that everything happens for a reason,
even if we are not wise enough to see it.
-Oprah, Mississippi Native
