07/01/2026
We've been getting a lot of questions about the new 50-50 child custody law that just went in effect in Mississippi today. However, it's not a scary as many think it is!
Is 50/50 custody now the law? The answer is yes—and no.
Yes: There is a new law that creates a presumption in favor of 50/50 custody.
No: In practice, this isn't as dramatic a change as many people think. In many counties, judges have long preferred shared custody because they believe it's often in a child's best interests to have meaningful relationships with both parents.
That said, 50/50 custody is not automatic. Every family is different, and there are situations where an equal parenting schedule simply isn't in the child's best interests. When those circumstances exist, the court will carefully consider the facts and may order a different custody arrangement.
The key takeaway? While the new law reinforces a preference for shared parenting, custody decisions are still based on what serves the best interests of the child. Every case is unique, and the specific facts matter.
