Ocean Springs Family Law Attorney

Ocean Springs Family Law Lawyer

Facing litigation in family courts can be overwhelming. Family law has multiple facets that often overlap with other forms of law, and understanding how to address such issues can be overwhelming. At Taylor & Cox Law Firm, an experienced Ocean Springs family law attorney can assist you across a wide range of family law issues and advocate on your behalf.

About Us

With over 30 years of combined experience, the team at Taylor & Cox Law Firm has provided legal counsel across a wide range of family law cases. Our firm understands that each case is unique, and we can prioritize the needs of our clients through stalwart advocacy.

What Is Family Law?

Family law is a complex series of laws related to family issues and relationships. These cases can be quite complex and multifaceted. While family law includes a wide swath of legal issues, some of the most common family law matters revolve around aspects of divorce, particularly asset division, alimony, and custody of children.

Asset Division

Over 27% of Ocean Springs’ population is divorced. Asset division is a critical step in this process. In Mississippi, divorce follows what is known as “equitable distribution.” This means each spouse is entitled to a share of the property accrued during the life of their marriage. This does not mean an even split, however. Courts can determine the amounts that each spouse is entitled to based on their respective contributions during the life of the marriage.

Courts will evaluate marital assets and then make a ruling regarding the nature of the division between the divorcing couple. It is critical to have informed counsel during this time to protect your interests and make sure you receive what you are entitled to.

Alimony

A unique aspect of alimony in Mississippi is that it is done as part of the asset division process. The state gives judges a unique degree of latitude when awarding alimony. Alimony is addressed after all assets in a marriage have been valued and marital properties divided between the separating spouses. If it is determined that there is a deficit in the division, alimony may be applied.

Typically, the more property a spouse has received, the less alimony they will be awarded. In this way, marital property and assets can be balanced against the amount of alimony that may be paid. During this process, having skilled counsel can be crucial for making sure an equitable situation is reached between both parties.

Custody

There are several kinds of custodial arrangements in Mississippi. Two important categories are legal and physical custody.

• Legal custody refers to the decision-making powers, responsibilities, and authority that one or both parents have concerning decisions for their child’s welfare. This could include decisions on where they go to school and what doctors they see, among others.
• Physical custody refers to the time a child physically resides with a certain parent. It may depend on the situation, and legal custody does not preclude physical custody. It is not uncommon for both parents to share duties, or one parent may have sole legal custody while splitting physical custody.

Why Choose Us?

Taylor & Cox Law Firm has helped the people of Mississippi across a variety of family law matters, including issues of divorce, spousal support, child support and child custody, among others. We understand that each case is unique, so we provide our clients with a results-driven approach that prioritizes their needs.

With empathy, we can communicate the optimal course of action during proceedings at the Jackson County Chancery Court. Our team can assert your rights to your children and the assets that belong to you.

FAQs

How Much Is a Family Lawyer in MS?

The cost of a family lawyer in Mississippi varies greatly. Attorneys are entitled to set their own rates, and each case is different. Factors that affect the overall amount an attorney may charge include:

• The complexity of a case
• How long litigation lasts
• The number of individuals and assets involved

Someone seeking to hire a family law attorney should go over fees and payment plans with a prospective law firm before hiring them.

What Constitutes an Unfit Parent in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, someone is considered an unfit parent if they fail to meet the basic criteria for taking care of their child. A child must have a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. If a parent cannot provide these, or they have a history of issues that may affect their ability to take care of their child, they may be considered unfit. Histories of abuse, substance misuse, or mental health issues may all be grounds to prevent a parent from having custody of their child.

What Is the Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in Mississippi?

In Mississippi divorces, a wife enjoys the same entitlements as a husband. The state follows what is known as “equitable distribution.” This means courts consider the assets accrued by spouses over the life of their marriage. Then, they endeavor to distribute them equitably based on the contributions of each spouse during the period they were obtained. This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split.

What Are Fathers’ Rights in Mississippi?

Fathers retain the same rights as mothers in Mississippi during family court proceedings. They are entitled to seek physical or legal custody, whether joint or shared. One study found that around one-fifth of sole custodial parents were fathers. Fathers can increase their chances for custody by demonstrating to courts how they have a safe, nurturing, and stable home for their child. Having a parenting plan and community testimonials can also help fathers in custody cases.

Hire a Family Law Attorney

Mississippi has 2.9 divorces per 1,000 people, among the highest in the country. Whether you are facing asset division, alimony, child custody, or any other legal issues, it is critical to have skilled representation. At Taylor & Cox Law Firm, an Ocean Springs family lawyer can provide sound counsel while navigating the complexities of family court. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.