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Custody, Visitation & Child Support Attorney in Gulfport, Mississippi

Legal Advice for You & Your Children

When parents lose sight of a child’s best interests or honestly disagree about what is best for their children, it may be necessary for the court to step in.

Holleman Law Firm, PLLC offers sound advice and courtroom skill for contested issues in child custody, visitation and child support. We represent divorcing or never-married parents in initial custody determinations, as well as clients who are revisiting court orders because of a change in circumstances.

If you’re facing a custody, visitation, or child support dispute, you don’t have to go through it alone. With decades of family law experience, I can help you protect your children’s best interests and fight for a fair outcome. Call my Gulfport office today at (228) 678-7279 to schedule a free consultation and get the guidance you need.

How Can a Gulfport Child Custody Lawyer Help Protect My Rights?

Child custody disputes are among the most difficult challenges a parent can face. Whether you are going through a divorce, are an unmarried parent, or need to enforce or modify an existing order, an experienced Gulfport child custody attorney can make a significant difference. At Holleman Law Firm, PLLC, I work with parents to protect their rights, secure fair arrangements, and ensure that children’s best interests remain the focus. With more than 25 years of family law experience, I know how Mississippi courts approach custody, visitation, and child support, and I can guide you through every step.

What Factors Do Mississippi Courts Consider in Child Custody Cases?

Mississippi courts decide custody based on the “best interests of the child,” as outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 93-5-24. Judges evaluate multiple factors, including:

      • The child’s age, health, and gender
      • The wishes of each parent
      • The emotional ties between parent and child
      • The stability of each parent’s home environment
      • Each parent’s employment and parenting responsibilities
      • The child’s adjustment to school and community
      • Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or neglect

As your child custody lawyer in Gulfport, I analyze how these factors apply to your situation and build a case tailored to your child’s needs and your parental rights.

What Types of Custody Arrangements Are Available in Mississippi?

Mississippi law recognizes several types of custody:

      • Legal Custody – the right to make important decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and religion. Legal custody may be joint or sole.
      • Physical Custody – where the child lives on a day-to-day basis. Physical custody may also be joint or sole.
      • Visitation Rights – the right of the noncustodial parent to spend time with the child. Mississippi law generally encourages visitation unless it would put the child at risk.

Importantly, Mississippi courts no longer presume that mothers automatically receive custody of young children. Both parents stand on equal footing, and the outcome depends on what is best for the child.

How Does Child Support Work in Mississippi?

Child support in Mississippi is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 93-11-65. Support amounts are based on a percentage of the noncustodial parent’s adjusted gross income, generally:

      • 14% for one child
      • 20% for two children
      • 22% for three children
      • 24% for four children
      • 26% for five or more children

Courts may adjust these percentages depending on unique circumstances, such as medical expenses, educational needs, or extraordinary visitation arrangements. As a Gulfport child support lawyer, I help parents pursue fair support orders, defend against unfair demands, and seek modifications when financial or family situations change.

Can Child Custody and Support Orders Be Modified?

Yes. Custody and support orders are not set in stone. Under Mississippi law, a parent may request modification if there has been a material change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. Examples include:

      • A parent relocating for work
      • Significant changes in income
      • Remarriage or a new family dynamic
      • A child’s evolving needs or preferences

I have represented parents across Southern Mississippi in modification hearings, relocation cases, and enforcement proceedings when the other parent refuses to comply with court orders.

Do Grandparents and Relatives Have Custody or Visitation Rights?

In certain circumstances, Mississippi law allows grandparents and other relatives to seek visitation or custody if it serves the child’s best interests. For example, if one parent is deceased, incarcerated, or unfit, grandparents may have standing to petition the court. Each case is unique, and I can advise families on whether such claims may succeed.

What If a Parent Refuses to Pay Child Support or Violates Visitation Rights?

Mississippi courts have the power to enforce custody and support orders through contempt proceedings. A parent who fails to pay child support may face wage garnishment, license suspension, or even jail time. Likewise, a parent who interferes with court-ordered visitation may be sanctioned by the court. If you are facing noncompliance issues, I can file the necessary motions to protect your rights and your child’s welfare.

Why Choose Holleman Law Firm for Custody and Child Support Cases?

I understand that custody and support cases are about more than legal arguments—they are about your children’s future and your family’s stability. Clients turn to me because I bring:

      • Decades of family law trial experience in Gulfport and across Southern Mississippi
      • A personalized approach, ensuring every client has direct access to me and my staff
      • A proven record of representing parents in contested custody trials, support hearings, and modification cases
      • A commitment to resolving disputes whenever possible, but the readiness to litigate when necessary

Speak With a Gulfport Child Custody Attorney Today!

Custody and support issues can affect every aspect of your child’s life and your relationship with them. You deserve an advocate who understands Mississippi law and will fight for your rights while keeping your child’s well-being at the center.

Call Holleman Law Firm, PLLC today at (228) 678-7279 for a free consultation. I represent parents in Gulfport, Biloxi, Pascagoula, and across Southern Mississippi, including Stone, Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson Counties.