How is child support enforced in Mississippi?

Standard tools include income withholding (wage garnishment from the first dollar), tax refund interception, passport denial on arrears above $2,500, driver's license suspension, professional license suspension, contempt proceedings, liens, and credit reporting.

Mississippi, United States

Mississippi Child Support: A Parent's Guide

Q: How is child support calculated in Mississippi?

Using the Percentage of Adjusted Gross Income model under Miss. Code § 43-19-101: 14% for one child, 20% for two, 22% for three, 24% for four, and 26% for five or more, applied to the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income.

Q: How do I request a modification in Mississippi?

Show a material change in circumstances, such as a 25% or greater income change for either parent, a change in custody arrangements, or a significant change in the child's needs. Either parent may petition the chancery court that issued the original order.

Q: Is there a review available without proving a change?

Yes. Every three years, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) notifies both parents of their right to request a review, and no proof of changed circumstances is required for that review.

Q: What does a modification cost?

Roughly $158 in chancery court, or about $25 through MDHS administrative review, as of March 2026.

How child support works in Mississippi, in plain English: the percentage-of-income guidelines, the 3-year review, and enforcement.

Legal sources reviewed: August 10, 2026

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In short: Mississippi's percentage-of-adjusted-gross-income model applies fixed rates from 14% to 26% based on the number of children. A 25%+ income change supports a modification, with a free-to-inexpensive 3-year MDHS review available regardless of proof, and enforcement includes wage garnishment from the first dollar.

This is an educational overview written for parents, not lawyers. It isn't legal advice. For anything beyond general understanding, talk to a licensed Mississippi family law attorney.

What Mississippi generally provides

Under Miss. Code § 43-19-101, Mississippi uses the Percentage of Adjusted Gross Income model, applying a fixed percentage to the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income based on the number of children: 14% for one child, 20% for two, 22% for three, 24% for four, and 26% for five or more.

Important terminology

Percentage of Adjusted Gross Income model: Mississippi's calculation method, applying set rates to one parent's own adjusted gross income.
MDHS: the Mississippi Department of Human Services, which notifies parents of their 3-year review rights and administers modification review.
Chancery court: Mississippi's court division handling custody and support matters, including modification petitions.

How the calculation works

Fixed percentages of the noncustodial parent's income

Rather than combining both parents' incomes, Mississippi applies a set percentage directly to the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income: 14% for one child, rising through 20%, 22%, 24%, up to 26% for five or more children, similar in structure to Texas's approach but with Mississippi's own specific rate schedule.

Requesting or defending a modification

A modification requires a material change in circumstances, such as a 25% or greater income change for either parent, a change in custody arrangements, or a significant change in the child's needs. Every three years, MDHS notifies both parents of their right to request a review, and no proof of changed circumstances is required for that review. Either parent may also petition the chancery court that issued the original order directly. Filing costs approximately $158 in chancery court, or about $25 through MDHS administrative review, as of March 2026, a notably cheaper path through the administrative channel. See the child support calculator and guideline finder for jurisdiction-specific calculation sources and guidance.

How enforcement works

Mississippi's standard enforcement tools include income withholding (wage garnishment starting from the first dollar, not waiting for a delinquency), tax refund interception, passport denial once arrears exceed $2,500, driver's license suspension, professional license suspension, contempt proceedings, property liens, and credit reporting. Parents needing help establishing, enforcing, or modifying an order can contact the Division of Child Support Enforcement at 877-882-4916 or apply through the MDHS portal.

Common questions

Does the calculation weigh both parents' incomes, or just one? Just the noncustodial parent's adjusted gross income, Mississippi's percentage model doesn't combine both parents' incomes the way an income-shares state does.

Is the free 3-year review actually free? It's inexpensive, roughly $25 through MDHS administrative review, versus about $158 filing directly in chancery court, worth using the MDHS path if your case qualifies and cost is a factor.

What if my co-parent isn't paying? Contact the Mississippi Division of Child Support Enforcement at 877-882-4916, or apply through the MDHS online portal.

Practical considerations

Because Mississippi's model calculates support from the noncustodial parent's income alone, rather than combining both parents' incomes, don't assume an income-shares style calculator from another state will produce an accurate Mississippi estimate, use the state's own percentage schedule or MDHS resources instead. For the custody and Albright-factors framework that intersects with this calculation, see the Mississippi custody guide.

Official Mississippi resources

Miss. Code § 43-19-101 (Child Support Guidelines)

FAQ

Questions, answered

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Family law varies by individual circumstances and may change over time. Consult a qualified attorney or appropriate official resource for advice about your situation.