Love and Romance > Divorce Child Custody in Mississippi Familiarize Yourself with Mississippi Child Custody Laws Share Pin Email Dylan Ellis/Photodisc/Getty Images Love and Romance Divorce Relationships Sexuality Teens LGBTQ Friendship by Debrina Washington updated February 18, 2017 A Mississippi court uses several criteria to determine child custody. Primarily, Mississippi determines custody based on the best interests of the child. Additionally, a Mississippi court does not discriminate against a parent, based on a parent's gender. Parents who wish to file for child custody in Mississippi should first become familiar with the custody statutes in this state.Parenting Plans and Child Custody in MississippiA Mississippi court may require parents seeking custody of a child to submit a parenting plan to the court. Child Custody Arrangements in MississippiA Mississippi court may award the following types of custody:Joint physical and legal custody to both parentsJoint physical custody to both parents and legal custody to one parent Joint legal custody to both parents and physical custody to one parentPhysical and legal custody to one parentJoint Custody in MississippiA Mississippi court assumes that joint custody is in the best interests of the child. If the court awards joint custody, both parents must jointly make decisions concerning the child's health, education and medical needs. Mississippi may modify a joint custody award, if a party presents evidence of a material change of circumstances.Domestic Violence and Child Custody in MississippiA Mississippi court presumes that a person who has been convicted of family violence should not have custody of a child. However, a court will consider the following factors: Whether the alleged abuser has completed a batterer's treatment programWhether the alleged abuser has completed an appropriate parenting classWhether the alleged abuser has completed an alcohol or drug treatment program, if appropriateWhether the alleged abuser has completed any further acts of violence If the court grants visitation to a parent who has a history of family violence, the court may consider doing one of the following:Ordering supervised visitation Ordering the exchange of a child in a protected settingForbidding overnight visitation For more information about child custody in Mississippi, speak with a qualified attorney in Mississippi or refer to the Mississippi Code. Show Full Article