Process

Divorce Timeline in Mississippi

How long does divorce take in Mississippi? Step-by-step timeline from filing to finalization. Mississippi follows equitable distribution.

Property Type

Equitable

Filing Fee

$150–$200

Median Cost

$7,000–$28,000

Annual Divorces

11,000+

Understanding Divorce Timeline in Mississippi

To file for divorce in Mississippi, you must meet Mississippi’s residency requirement of 6 months. The filing fee is $150–$200. There is a mandatory waiting period of 60 days before the divorce can be finalized.

Mississippi allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. Fault grounds include: Adultery, Desertion, Habitual drunkenness, Cruel treatment, Insanity, Bigamy. Filing on fault grounds may affect property division or alimony awards.

An uncontested divorce in Mississippi typically costs $7,000 and takes 2–4 months. Contested cases average $28,000 and can take 12–18 months or longer. The governing statute is Miss. Code §93-5-1.

Common Questions

How long do you have to live in Mississippi to file for divorce?
Mississippi requires 6 months of residency before you can file for divorce. Miss. Code §93-5-1 governs the filing requirements.
Is Mississippi a community property or equitable distribution state?
Mississippi follows equitable distribution rules, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly but not necessarily equally.
How much does a divorce cost in Mississippi?
Filing fees in Mississippi range from $150–$200. The median total cost is approximately $7,000 for uncontested divorces and $28,000 for contested cases.
How long does a divorce take in Mississippi?
Mississippi has a mandatory waiting period of 60 days. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2–4 months, while contested cases can take 12–18 months or longer.
How is child support calculated in Mississippi?
Mississippi uses a Percentage of Income model, calculating support as a percentage of the non-custodial parent's income. The formula considers both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.

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Related Resources

This page provides general information about divorce timeline in Mississippi and is not legal advice. Verify current statutes with Miss. Code §93-5-1 or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney. Last reviewed March 2026.